After barely escaping with a 16-12 win over the Houston Cougars, the Oklahoma Sooners now focus on the 1-1 Tulane Green Wave in Week 3 of the college football season. Last week, Tulane lost a close contest to the Kansas State Wildcats 34-27. They’ll look to avenge that loss against the Sooners.
Oklahoma Sooners vs. Tulane Green Wave Matchup History
The Oklahoma Sooners are undefeated against Tulane in college football, with a 2-0 all-time record against the Green Wave. The last time these two teams met was in the 2021 season. In that game, the Sooners edged out Tulane winning a 40-35 contest.
Tulane Overview
2023 stats
- Offense: 26.4 points per game (71st nationally)
- Defense: 20.5 points per game (24th nationally)
Key Returners
- RB Makhi Hughes (258 carries, 1,378 yards, seven TDs)
- TE Alex Bauman (35 receptions, 286 yards, five TDs)
- LB Jesus Machado (98 tackles, 3.0 TFLs, one INT)
- LB Tyler Grubbs (85 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, three sacks)
- DL Patrick Jenkins (35 tackles, 11.5 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, one forced fumble)
Key Additions
- WR Sidney Mbanasor (Utah)
- OL Derrick Graham (Texas A&M)
- WR Khai Prean (LSU)
- QB Ty Thompson (Oregon)
- WR Mario Williams (USC)
- WR Shazz Preston (Alabama)
At first glance, Tulane appears to be a non-conference game that can be glossed over. Yet considering how the Green Wave has played the last two seasons, that’d be foolish.
Tulane is coming off back-to-back impressive seasons, finishing with a 12-2 record and a Cotton Bowl victory over USC in 2022 before following that up with a 11-3 record last year. Considering they finished with seven wins or fewer every season from 2003-2021, the last two years have marked major steps forward for the program.
Yet, almost predictably, that success has led to less-than-favorable outcomes. Head coach Willie Fritz left for Houston during the offseason, and the Green Wave hired Jon Sumrall as a replacement. They’ve also lost starting quarterback Michael Pratt to the NFL, and most of their offensive production.
However, they do return several notable players. They also added 23 players from the roster — including eight from Power 4 schools. The Green Wave should be in the mix for the American Conference title in 2024 – and perhaps more.
This will also be the final non-conference football game before the Oklahoma Sooners kick off SEC play against Tennessee. That’ll put more pressure on Oklahoma to win this game and open the season with an undefeated record.
Fans will likely remember the last time Tulane came into Norman when they nearly rallied late in the game before the Sooners came away with a narrow 40-33 win.
Tulane vs. Oklahoma: Key Players for the Game
Tulane Green Wave
Darian Mensah
Darian Mensah was explosive in the near win against Kansas State. He completed 65 percent of his passes for 342 yards with two touchdowns. However, he also had some freshman mistakes that led to the loss, including an ill-timed fumble that led to a touchdown.
Mensah did showcase he has a high ceiling and a lively arm. If he can improve his decision making Tulane has a pretty good chance to make this uncomfortable for the Sooners.
Oklahoma Sooners
Jackson Arnold
Jackson Arnold has showcased his talent already, but it hasn’t been such an explosive start for the OU offense with him at quarterback. The team struggled to gain traction with the ball against Houston, winning only 16-12. In Week 1, they benefitted from forcing six turnovers against Temple to build up a blowout score. Arnold has passed for only 315 yards and ran for less than three yards per carry in the first two games.
While the calls for backup quarterback Michael Hawkins to get a look are certainly premature, that doesn’t change the fact that Arnold does need to play better. And, he could use a big game on Saturday against the Green Wave.
This game, one week before a huge showdown with Tennessee, is a big opportunity for Arnold to quiet the noise around him and make a statement that he is who everyone expected him to be with a strong showing.
CB Woodi Washington
Former OU wide receiver Mario Williams is off to a tremendous start for Tulane this season, with 252 yards in the team’s first two games. Who better to try and slow him down than potentially his former teammate Woodi Washington?
After sitting out the opener against Temple, Washington made his 2024 debut last week and was superb. Washington accumulated six tackles, had good coverage, and made an acrobatic interception that was called back on a ticky-tacky pass interference call.
With Gentry Williams’ status up in the air, Washington’s role becomes that much more important. Dez Malone and Kani Walker will also likely play a key role in slowing down Williams, as well.
Great article