The Oklahoma Sooners beat the Tulane Green Wave 34-19 at The Palace on the Prairie on Saturday, although the game felt a bit closer than the score indicated. But the good news is that the offense looked better than it did last week against the Houston Cougars. Jackson Arnold threw for less than 200 yards again and also threw a pick-six that let Tulane back into the game, but he was excellent as a rusher. The defense was stout again, allowing just 12 points and 279 yards of total offense, helping the team to a 3-0 start. Let’s take a closer look at what Oklahoma showed us against the Green Wave
Oklahoma Beats Tulane, Remains Undefeated
The Offense Still Feels Stunted
Similar to last week, the Sooner offense was inefficient for stretches against Tulane. Arnold engineered a 69-yard touchdown drive on OU’s first possession of the game. He and Gavin Sawchuk led the team down the field and Arnold put Oklahoma up 7-0 with a one-yard touchdown run. But following that drive, they had two quick drives that ended in punts. Oklahoma eventually took a 21-0 lead with 3:39 left in the first half but then didn’t score again until halfway through the third quarter.
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what the offense’s problem is, but it’s safe to say that this patchwork offensive line is part of it. One of Oklahoma’s biggest offseason additions, center Branson Hickman, has yet to play, although Brent Venables has said he’s nearing a return. But the collection of younger players and transfers that have played on the line thus far has been substandard, failing to consistently open up running lanes and not giving Arnold enough time to throw. If the coaches can’t find a way to improve the o-line, it’s really going to be exposed once SEC play starts next week.
Another aspect of the offense that’s been interesting to see is how the receivers have played so far. Transfer Deion Burks has been the team’s best receiving threat by far; he had 80 yards and a touchdown against the Green Wave and has 169 yards and three scores on the season. Bauer Sharp was second on the team in catches in this game but only had 28 receiving yards in total. Supposedly, Nic Anderson and Andrel Anthony will be returning soon, which will bring back some much-needed explosiveness to the offense.
A Changing of the Guard in the RB Room?
Entering this season, everyone presumed that Gavin Sawchuk would pick up right where he left off and be OU’s lead back. However, it has instead been junior Jovantae Barnes who has taken the starring role; through three games, Barnes has 31 rushes for 126 yards (4.1 yards/rush) while Sawchuk has 16 carries for just 35 yards (2.2 yards/rush). Highly touted freshman Taylor Tatum has actually been the most efficient runner by far: he has 15 carries for 102 yards (6.8 yards/rush) and two touchdowns, along with one touchdown catch.
Now, maybe Oklahoma hasn’t played Sawchuk (or their best receivers) as a means of hiding things from SEC teams that they’ll play later this season. However, if Sawchuk doesn’t receive the majority of the carries next week against Tennessee, it’s probably safe to assume that Barnes is the definite lead back.
College Football Gameday Heading to Norman
Next Saturday in Norman, No. 15 Oklahoma will take the field for its first SEC game against the No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers with the College Football Gameday crew in attendance. It’s going to be a huge game for the Sooners, not just as a program, but for this team in particular. The 2024 Oklahoma Sooners have been inconsistent and subpar, something Oklahoma fans aren’t used to. While OU won’t be expected to win, they will certainly be expected to stand up to Tennessee and now be out-muscled by a fellow SEC team. If Arnold and the offense can hit some easy throws early and get the running backs going early, then they’ll have a fighting chance against the very talented Volunteers.
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