The Oklahoma Sooners aim to keep their undefeated streak alive as they prepare for their SEC debut, but first, they must handle a tricky matchup against the Tulane Green Wave. Tulane is coming off a narrow 34-27 loss to Kansas State and will be looking to spoil Oklahoma’s momentum. For the Sooners, avoiding a potential trap game ahead of their Week 4 showdown with Tennessee is crucial. Here are the key factors Oklahoma must focus on to secure a victory.
1. Prioritize the Run Game
Oklahoma’s rushing attack has been inconsistent so far this season, fluctuating between ineffective runs and abandoning the ground game altogether. The Tulane defense provides a perfect opportunity for the Sooners to correct this issue. The Green Wave rank 92nd in yards allowed per rush and 104th in rushing defense success rate, as Kansas State exploited last week by rushing for 215 yards and averaging 6.5 yards per carry.
Head coach Brent Venables has emphasized the importance of getting running back Gavin Sawchuk more involved, and this game is tailor-made for him to take control. Sawchuk’s ability to provide balance to the offense is essential, and Oklahoma should rely heavily on him and the rest of their running backs to keep Tulane’s defense on their heels. A strong ground game will not only give the Sooners’ offense a much-needed spark but also help control the tempo of the game.
2. Shore Up the Secondary
Tulane found success against Kansas State through the air, primarily by exploiting breakdowns in the secondary. Kansas State was able to clean up their coverage lapses in the second half, but the lesson remains for Oklahoma: they must remain disciplined in coverage and avoid falling for Tulane’s play-action passes.
The Sooners’ secondary had a similar lapse last week, allowing Houston’s only touchdown of the game on a coverage bust. While it came after a questionable pass interference call that negated an interception, the coaches acknowledged the need for better communication and focus. Against Tulane, the secondary must remain sound and avoid giving up easy plays, especially on early-down play-action attempts.
3. Stay Ahead of the Chains on Offense
One of Oklahoma’s key issues on offense has been the inability to consistently convert third downs, primarily due to struggles on early downs. The Sooners often find themselves facing third-and-long situations, with an average third-down distance of nearly nine yards. This places too much pressure on quarterback Jackson Arnold to convert in obvious passing situations.
To remedy this, Oklahoma needs to focus on better play-calling and execution on early downs. Rather than relying on predictable runs on first and long, the Sooners should mix in quick passes and take calculated shots downfield to keep the defense off balance. Tulane’s defense, while not elite, is ranked 35th in defensive havoc rate and has a formidable defensive front led by Kameron Hamilton and Adin Huntington. Staying out of obvious passing downs will reduce the pressure on Arnold and allow the Sooners’ offense to stay on the field longer.
By focusing on these three key areas—establishing the run with Gavin Sawchuk, maintaining discipline in the secondary, and staying ahead of the sticks on offense—Oklahoma can take control of the game and avoid a potential upset. With Tulane’s ability to keep games close, executing these strategies will be crucial as the Sooners aim to remain undefeated heading into their highly anticipated SEC debut.
