No. 2 Oklahoma’s was supposed to travel to face Tulane on Saturday in a game scheduled to be played in New Orleans in an early Week 1 showdown that would have been one of the biggest home games for the Green Wave in years. However, after Hurricane Ida battered Louisiana last weekend, the two programs agreed to move the game to Norman, Oklahoma. But while the location of the game between the Sooners and the Green Wave might be different, the intrigue remains the same.
Oklahoma’s preseason ranking in the AP Top 25 is its highest since 2011 when it opened as the No. 1 team in the nation. Quarterback Spencer Rattler is a popular pick for the Heisman Trophy, and wide receiver Marvin Mims presents a devastating explosive threat outside. However, improvement on the defensive side of the ball is why the Sooners have hidden upside.
Tulane is well-coached, though. Veteran coach Willie Fritz has won everywhere — from national championships at Blinn Junior College in the 1990s to three consecutive bowls at Tulane for the first time in program history. With promising young quarterback Michael Pratt under center, the future is bright for the Green Wave.
Oklahoma won its lone matchup against Tulane 56-14 in 2017. That was Fritz’s second season in New Orleans and Lincoln Riley’s first as coach at Oklahoma. Both programs have developed tremendously since then.
Oklahoma vs. Tulane: Need to know
National title hopes: Oklahoma has perhaps its clearest shot at a national championship in 15 years, and the Heisman favorite plays in Norman once again. Rattler completed 67.5% of passes for 3,031 yards, 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions last season. He should be even better with a full offseason to work on his game. The Sooners also return 76% of their production from a team that finished 2020 as hot as any program in college football. Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch elevated the once-awful defense to a top-30 unit.
Tulane is young: The biggest mismatch of the day comes up front. Oklahoma has one of the top returning offensive lines in college football. On the other side, Tulane could start four underclassmen in the front six, including a pair of freshmen on the defensive line. While the Sooners have some depth issues at running back, almost anyone can bowl over the Green Wave defense. Couple that with two potential underclassmen starters in the secondary for Rattler to attack, and there could be some serious issues.
Playing contain: Fritz’s offensive system works similarly to the triple option, just out of the shotgun. It’s critical that Oklahoma’s front seven stays consistent with their assignments, especially against the run. Tulane’s rushing offense led the American at 217.1 yards per rush and 5.1 yards per attempt last season. More impressively, the Green Wave gained at least 10 yards on 17.6% of its rushing attempts, good enough for No. 11 nationally. Oklahoma ranked as a top-10 run defense last season, but the Sooners haven’t played a rushing offense this diverse in a while.
How to watch Oklahoma vs. Tulane live
Date: Saturday, Sept. 4 | Time: 12 p.m. ET
Location: Gaylord Memorial Stadium — Norman, Oklahoma
TV: ABC | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
Oklahoma vs. Tulane prediction, picks
Featured Game | Oklahoma Sooners vs. Tulane Green Wave
Bookmakers put together a solid line for this game. Fritz’s teams are characterized by controlling the pace of play, but Oklahoma is going to be too much, especially now that the game is in front of the Norman faithful. This is one of the most anticipated seasons in recent memory for the Sooners. Saturday represents a showcase opportunity in front of the nation. I see no reason they will pass it up. Prediction: Oklahoma (-27.5)
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