SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — While Oklahoma’s players have been practicing and enjoying their time in Arizona, defensive end Auston English hasn’t been one of them.

He’s been battling the flu since the team arrived Wednesday. All he’s been able to do is lay in his hotel bed and watch some game film.

“I caught the bug coming out here. It’s not the greatest thing, but I’m getting better now,” he said Sunday when he spoke to reporters for the first time in Arizona.

Questions about English’s status for games have become routine over the Sooners’ last four games. The sophomore led the Big 12 Conference in sacks with 91⁄2, but suffered a hairline fracture in his right leg Nov. 3. He missed the Baylor, Texas Tech and Oklahoma State games before returning to the lineup in the Big 12 Championship game against Missouri.

A healthy English will be critical Wednesday night against West Virginia. The Mountaineers have only allowed 13 sacks this season and their option game is particularly stressful on defensive ends.

English said Sunday morning he hoped to be able to practice that day. The workout was closed to the media.

“I’m looking forward to getting out here and getting a good jump start,” English said.

Sooner defensive coordinator Brent Venables said seeing him at the morning press conference was a good sign.

“He doesn’t have any excuses now,” he joked. “He made it to the press conference, right?”

Lofton could

get used to this

OU middle linebacker Curtis Lofton is making his third bowl trip and second to the Fiesta Bowl. Sunday, he said getting spoiled on these trips is something he never gets tired of.

“We got a 20-inch flat screen TV, a $300 Best Buy gift certificate,” he said. “It’s always great to come out here to Arizona and get out of Oklahoma because it was pretty cold out there. There’s tons of things to do out here. There’s not too many times you see mountains and stuff. It’s great out here. I don’t have a problem with being back next year.”

The team that wins the Big 12 championship gets an automatic invite to the Fiesta Bowl. Of course, the Sooners wouldn’t mind missing out on the Fiesta Bowl’s hospitality next season.