Oklahoma and Tulane will face off this afternoon in the Sooners’ final non-conference matchup before SEC play begins. This game is the final installment of a three-game series announced in 2015, with Oklahoma winning the previous two encounters.
Following a dominant 51-3 victory over Temple, to start the season, the Sooners narrowly defeated Houston 16-12. While their defense excelled, limiting Houston to 318 yards, the offense struggled to gain momentum, totaling only 249 yards. Meanwhile, Tulane opened their season with a resounding 52-0 victory over Southeastern Louisiana. However, they faced a tougher challenge against Kansas State, losing 34-27 despite holding a 491-396 yardage advantage. Costly turnovers proved to be the difference in the game.
OU is counting on those turnovers again today. Oklahoma’s dominance against unranked non-conference opponents stretches back two decades. Their current streak of 47 consecutive wins dates back to 2005. To maintain this streak, the Sooners will need to continue their strong defensive play, which has resulted in eight takeaways this season, tied for most in the country. In addition to their turnover-creating ability, the Sooners have also demonstrated a strong run defense. Dating back to last season, the Sooners have held their last three opponents to under 70 rushing yards. They will need to maintain this dominance against Tulane’s running game.
Sooner defensive lineman Gracen Halton has been a force to be reckoned with through the first two games of the season, leading the team with 3.5 tackles for loss, one off the SEC lead among defensive linemen. He has used the first two game to showcase his development from a player with no career sacks entering the season. Halton’s impact extends beyond sacks, as his ability to disrupt opposing offenses in multiple ways has been instrumental in the success of the Oklahoma defensive line. His SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week award for his performance against Houston, which included a career-high 2.0 TFLs, is a testament to his rising star status and his crucial contributions to the team’s success.
Preseason All-America linebacker Danny Stutsman is the heart and soul of the Oklahoma defense. His leadership and playmaking ability have been on full display this season, as he ranks second in the SEC with 10.5 tackles per game and leads the conference (and is third nationally) with 7.5 solo tackles per outing. Stutsman’s instincts, athleticism, and tackling prowess make him a nightmare for opposing offenses, and his presence on the field gives the Oklahoma defense a major boost.
The Tulane offense will be the toughest test yet for the Oklahoma defense. After surrendering just three points to Temple and 12 to Houston, the Sooners have allowed only four scores on their opponents’ 26 possessions, three of them field goals. The only opponent touchdown was by Houston on the opening drive of the second half in the second game. The defense has forced 12 punts and recorded seven takeaways and a safety. To continue their success against Tulane’s potent offense, the Sooners will need to maintain their discipline, limit big plays, and create turnovers.
Given the struggles of the Oklahoma offense, it’s imperative that the Sooner defense maintain its status as the strength of the team. A dominant defensive performance against Tulane’s high-powered offense could give the offense a chance to find its rhythm and provide a boost of confidence. If the defense falters, however, things could quickly turn ugly for OU.
Halton and Stutsman will need to be at their best to contain the high-powered Tulane offense. The Green Wave’s quarterback, Darian Mensah, is a skilled passer with a 70% completion rate on the season. Running back Makhi Hughes is a physical force who can break tackles and churn out yards. He’s averaging 5.3 yards per carry through the first two games. Halton and Stutsman must lead the charge of disrupting the Tulane offense at the point of attack, pressuring Mensah, and limiting Hughes’ effectiveness.
Call your shot. What are you expecting to see from Oklahoma’s defense today?
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