OU-Tulane quick-hit takeaways: Defense stands tall in crucial moments
The questions all week were about the OU offense. After an incredible struggle in Week 2, what would quarterback Jackson Arnold and company do this time around?
OK, it wasn’t all perfect. The second half was a reminder that there is still a ways to go, especially the pick-six. But just enough, a win is a win for another week.
The Sooners did just that with a 34-19 victory against visiting Tulane to move to 3-0.
Bowman, Thomas wake up the crowd
It was just eerie more than anything. After OU was up 21-0, all the sudden it’s 24-19 with Tulane having the ball. A chance to drive for a go-ahead score midway through the fourth quarter.
Instead? It’s the defense again. Tulane got a little cute on a simple third-and-one. Ball was batted by Kani Walker, then Kobie McKinzie before Billy Bowman picked it off.
The whole team needed a boost at that moment. Bowman provided that. OU was able to capitalize with Arnold rushing for his second touchdown of the afternoon.
Any thoughts of an upset were officially gone. R Mason Thomas slammed the door emphatically on the next two possessions, including creating a takeaway of his own on a strip-sack. Thomas caused the fumble and recovered it.
Running game has found something?
A three-man attack, and it worked well. Arnold made more plays with his legs this week, including two touchdowns. Then think you’ve found the starting running back in Jovantae Barnes.
Give Barnes a breather, and let Taylor Tatum work. That was a solid recipe against the Green Wave. Tatum scored two touchdowns in the first half. One receiving and one rushing.
And if you want to watch and explosive back, take a look at how Barnes attacks a hole. Now it’s going to be about finding that consistency.
OU winning in spite of itself
It has to be said. The in-game decisions are leaving a lot left to be desired. OU lost a 50-yard field goal in the first half because of a delay of game penalty.
There were numerous head-scratching decisions by the coaching staff. Communication issues, wasting timeouts, game management questions. A disastrous pick-six in the second half.
It wasn’t good. Head coach Brent Venables said OU deserved to lose last week. You figured it was going to be cleaned up. But it really wasn’t. That can’t and won’t work in the SEC, period.
Up next
This is the one a lot of people have circled. Josh Heupel coming back to Norman. Tennessee among the top-10 teams in the country. Strong assumption College GameDay will come to OU. It’s the Sooners and the Vols at 6:30 p.m. next Saturday on ABC.
