Last week's performance against Houston raised questions for the Sooners heading into today’s matchup with Tulane. Those questions all surrounded Oklahoma’s offense. Due to the poor offensive performance against Houston, some were worried about how they would perform, given that Tulane had taken Kansas State down to the wire just one week before today’s game.
Sure, Oklahoma struggled on offense a week ago, but you have to put that in the past; you can’t keep looking in the rear-view mirror. The offense did just that, going right down the field, notably going 3-for-3 on third downs, and found the end zone on their first drive.
It was Jackson Arnold who found the end zone on that first drive with a 1-yard rushing touchdown. He was 6-of-7 for 46 yards through the air on that drive. The Sooners got both Gavin Sawchuk and Jovantae Barnes involved early, but in the first half, a certain running back scored both a rushing and a receiving touchdown.
You guessed it: that running back was the one everyone had clamored for—Taylor Tatum. His first touchdown was a 9-yard receiving touchdown, which gave Oklahoma a 14-0 lead in the second quarter. On the next drive, Arnold had a 47-yard run that put the Sooners in great position. Then Tatum had an 8-yard run and scored on a 1-yard run a play later, extending the Sooners’ lead to 21-0.
Oklahoma’s defense was solid until the final drive when Tulane was finally able to find the end zone with a 7-yard passing touchdown. Their kicker then lined up for the extra point but missed, making the score 21-6. Danny Stutsman, who had 15 tackles against Houston, had 10 in the first half against Tulane. Stutsman was everywhere in the first half.
To start the second half, Oklahoma drove down the field, but the drive ultimately fizzled out, forcing the Sooners to settle for a field goal. Then, the Green Wave continued the success they found late in the first half, marching straight down the field and finding themselves at the 5-yard line. Dez Malone and the Oklahoma defense forced a 4th-and-8, but Darin Mensah connected with Makhi Hughes for a 9-yard touchdown, cutting the lead to 24-13.
Oklahoma’s offense came back onto the field but struggled to gain any traction, ultimately being forced to punt after Arnold was sacked for a loss of seven yards. You could feel the momentum starting to shift. Tulane’s upcoming drive was monumental for the Sooners’ defense—they desperately needed a stop.
A stop was needed, and Oklahoma’s defense delivered. With 14:48 remaining in the game, the Sooners’ offense needed to put together a drive to extend the lead. Instead, on the very first play, the worst-case scenario unfolded—Arnold threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown. Tulane's two-point attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 24-19.
It felt as if Oklahoma’s offense had found at least a little success in the first half, but the second half was a total 180. There was virtually no offensive production for Oklahoma in the second half, and after the pick-six, they really needed to find something. Unfortunately, the Sooners couldn’t get anything going and were forced to punt, giving Tulane a chance to take the lead early in the fourth quarter.
The defense stepped up and got a stop, giving the ball back to Oklahoma’s offense, who went three-and-out, handing Tulane yet another opportunity to take the lead. You know what they say—big-time players make big-time plays in big-time moments. Billy Bowman did just that, coming up with a crucial interception.
The Sooners were in a similar spot last week against Houston when Robert Spears-Jennings snagged an interception, but they couldn’t capitalize. Could they change that this week? Yes, they did. Arnold rushed for a massive 24-yard touchdown, extending Oklahoma’s lead to 31-19.
Then, R Mason Thomas had an impressive three-play sequence with a sack, a pass breakup, and another sack. That final sack forced a turnover on downs, giving the ball back to Oklahoma. The Sooners ultimately settled for a field goal, making it 34-19 with 2:55 left to play. But Thomas wasn’t done—he forced a fumble on the next defensive possession, ultimately sealing the win for the Sooners.
Arnold ended the game going 18-of-29 for 169 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also rushed for 97 yards and two touchdowns. Barnes finished with 14 rushes for 53 yards. Tatum had nine rushes for 27 yards and a touchdown, along with a receiving touchdown. Deion Burks had 12 targets, seven receptions, and 80 yards. Stutsman ended with 12 tackles, Spears-Jennings had seven, and Thomas recorded three sacks, a pass breakup, a QB hurry, and a forced fumble.
Oklahoma moves to 3-0 after the 34-19 win over Tulane, now they turn their focus to SEC play, as Tennessee will come to town next weekend.
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