Oklahoma Sooners hold off Tulane Green Wave in Week 3 college football
UPDATE: The Oklahoma Sooners held off the Tulane Green Wave for a 34-19 win Saturday in Week 3 of the college football season.
NORMAN — Oklahoma football gets its final non-conference tuneup before SEC play begins when the 13th-ranked Sooners take on Tulane at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in a game that will be televised on ESPN.
The Sooners (2-0) will be looking for an offseason bounce-back after posting just 249 yards of total offense, their second-worst offensive production in the last decade. OU is hoping to get back both center Branson Hickman and wide receiver Nic Anderson for the contest.
Tulane’s offense figures to give the Sooners’ defense a bigger challenge than they’ve faced against Temple and Houston. The Green Wave (1-1) have averaged 481.5 yards of offense through two games.
FIVE TAKEAWAYS:OU football escapes Tulane upset bid as Sooners’ defense steps up late
Watch Oklahoma vs. Tulane live with Fubo (free trial)
Oklahoma vs Tulane score updates
| 𝅆 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F | |
| Tulane | 0 | 6 | 7 | 6 | — | 19 |
| Oklahoma | 7 | 14 | 3 | 10 | — | 34 |
More:OU football injury update vs Tulane: Da’Jon Terry exits Sooners’ win against Green Wave
Up next is a Saturday night date with Tennessee in the Sooners’ first SEC game.
It’ll be a 6:30 p.m. game in Norman on ABC.
—Jeff Patterson, Staff writer
More:Jackson Arnold stats: OU football quarterback shows mobility in win vs. Tulane
1:40 left in 4Q: OU 34, Tulane 19 | R Mason Thomas forces, recovers fumble
Give R Mason Thomas a game ball.
After his strip sack of Darian Mensah, this one is all but over.
—Jeff Patterson, Staff writer
2:55 left in 4Q: OU 34, Tulane 19 | Tyler Keltner nails another field goal
The Green Wave holds the Sooners to a field goal, a 39-yarder from Tyler Keltner.
Now, Tulane just needs two touchdowns, a 2-point conversion and an onside kick.
—Jeff Patterson, Staff writer
4:34 left in 4Q: OU 31, Tulane 19 | Sooners take over on down after monster series from R Mason Thomas
This one appears to be over.
R Mason Thomas had two sacks on the possession, the latest coming on fourth-and-13 as OU takes over on the Tulane 27-yard line.
—Jeff Patterson, Staff writer
6:05 left in 4Q: OU 31, Tulane 19 | Jackson Arnold scrambles for 24-yard TD
You can’t question Jackson Arnold’s mobility.
After taking over in plus territory, the Sooners were stalling on offense yet again, facing a third-and-11 at the Tulane 24-yard line.
No worry for Arnold, who dazzled on a 24-yard TD run to give OU a 31-19 lead with 6:05 to go.
—Jeff Patterson, Staff writer
8:18 left in 4Q: OU 24, Tulane 19 | Billy Bowman intercepts tipped pass
Kani Walker tips a fourth-down pass from Darian Mensah and Billy Bowman capitalizes with the interception.
OU takes over at the Tulane 43.
—Jeff Patterson, Staff writer
10:25 left in 4Q: OU 24, Tulane 19 | Penalty backs up Green Wave on punt return
Another three-and-out for the Sooners, this time aided by a false start and dropped pass on third down.
Coach Jon Sumrall and the Green Wave are just hanging around in this one like Matt Damon in “Rounders.”
—Jeff Patterson, Staff writer
12:00 left in 4Q: OU 24, Tulane 19 | Nothing cooking for Darian Mensah, Green Wave
The Sooners’ defense returned the favor to the Green Wave on a three-and-out drive, bring the heat on Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah.
—Jeff Patterson, Staff writer
13:07 left in 4Q: OU 24, Tulane 19 | Sooners struggling to protect Jackson Arnold
It’s upset alert time in Norman.
The Sooners go three-and-out, losing nine yards in the process with another Tulane sack of Jackson Arnold.
The Sooners have just 303 yards of total offense.
—Jeff Patterson, Staff writer
14:20 left in 4Q: OU 24, Tulane 19 | Tyler Grubbs’ pick-6 puts Sooners on upset alert
OU’s offensive line is banged up and it’s showing.
Facing first-and-15 at OU’s 22-yard line, Jackson Arnold threw an interception under pressure and Tyler Grubbs raced 22 yards to the end zone to make it 24-19.
The Green Wave didn’t convert the 2-point attempt.
—Jeff Patterson, Staff writer
End 3Q: OU 24, Tulane 13 | Green Wave creeping closer
OU’s defense finished the third quarter strong and Tulane will start the fourth with third-and-12 from their own 36.
OU is outgaining the Green Wave 307-236. Tulane has just 93 yards rushing.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
1:55 left in 3Q: OU 24, Tulane 13 | Sooners’ offense stalls
After pulling with 11, Tulane came up with a big stop, forcing an OU punt.
The Sooners picked up a quick first down on the drive before Taylor Tatum was stopped on two short runs and Jackson Arnold was sacked on third down to force a punt.
The Sooners are 7 of 11 on third down.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
4:45 left in 3Q: OU 24, Tulane 13 | Green Wave climbing back into game vs. Sooners
Tulane isn’t going away quietly.
The Green Wave put together yet another long drive, finished by an 8-yard touchdown pass from Daian Mensah to Makhi Hughes to pull within 11 with 4:45 to go in the third.
Tulane’s 75-yard drive ate up 4:35.
After the Green Wave’s first four drives lasted an average of 1:52, the Green Wave’s last three drives have lasted an average of 4:14.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
9:20 left in 3Q: OU 24, Tulane 6 | Tyler Keltner FG extends Sooners’ lead
OU’s first drive of the second half ate up a lot of clock, but the Sooners had to settle for a 29-yard field goal by Tyler Keltner after the drive stalled out.
The Sooners’ drive took 13 plays and 5:40 before Keltner’s field goal.
Jackson Arnold once again showed off his legs on the drive, with a 17-yard run on third-and-10 to keep the drive alive.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
HALF: OU 21, Tulane 6
Jackson Arnold took a knee after the kickoff to send the game into halftime with the Sooners up by 15.
Arnold is 12 of 18 for 107 yards and a touchdown and seven carries for 75 yards in the first half as OU has outgained the Green Wave 235-163.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
0:19 left in 2Q: OU 21, Tulane 6 | Ty Thompson connects with Reggie Brown for Green Wave TD
Tulane backup quarterback Ty Thompson found Reggie Brown in the back of the end zone for a 7-yard touchdown pass with 19 seconds remaining before halftime.
The Green Wave missed the extra point, with the kick going under the crossbar.
The drive ate up 3:20 of the clock, putting Tulane ahead in time of possession after the Sooners had a big edge early.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
3:39 left in 2Q: OU 21, Tulane 0 | Jackson Arnold’s wheels on display
Jackson Arnold broke off a 47-yard run to put the Sooners deep into Tulane territory and then the Sooners finished off a scoring drive on a 1-yard touchdown run by Taylor Tatum.
Arnold has seven carries for 75 yards and a touchdown so far.
Arnold started the drive with a long run on a read play, breaking down the east sideline to get to the Tulane 20.
The Sooners continue to excel on third downs, going 6 of 8.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
5:15 left in 2Q: OU 14, Tulane 0 | Green Wave offense finds life, but FG try way off
Tulane finally showed some offensive life after punting on each of their first four drives.
Green Wave quarterback Darian Mensah connected with a 19-yard completion to Dontae Fleming on third-and-4 for just the second first down of the game for Tulane, then the Green Wave converted on another third down later in the drive.
The Green Wave couldn’t convert on third-and-10 from the 27, then went for it on fourth down initially before a false start penalty led to a 50-yard field goal try by Jacob Barnes.
The kick was no good, keeping Tulane scoreless.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
10:02 left in 2Q: OU 14, Tulane 0 | Taylor Tatum hits end zone to extend Sooners’ lead
OU freshman Taylor Tatum caught a 9-yard touchdown pass from Jackson Arnold with 10:02 remaining in the first half to put the Sooners up two touchdowns.
The Sooners used less than two minutes to drive 60 yards for the touchdown.
Arnold is 12 of 17 for 107 yards and a touchdown.
Tulane safety Bailey Despanie was ejected for targeting on the drive.
Despanie was initially called for a late hit on Jackson Arnold’s 7-yard run, but after review, Despanie was instead called for targeting.
After the penalty, Tatum picked up three yards on a run before catching a swing pass from Arnold to extend the Sooners’ lead.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
ACROSS THE STATE:Oklahoma State football trounces Tulsa in final game before Big 12 play | 5 takeaways
12:00 left in 2Q: OU 7, Tulane 0 | Darian Mensah, Green Wave go three-and-out
Tulane punted on its fourth consecutive drive to begin the game.
The Sooners held the Green Wave to a three-and-out, showcasing some of their defensive depth.
Freshman Eli Bowen made his collegiate debut at cornerback on the drive.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
13:52 left in 2Q: OU 7, Tulane 0 | Sooners’ offense stalls after 10-play drive
After two earlier third-down conversions on the drive, OU couldn’t come up with another, as Jovantae Barnes couldn’t handle Jackson Arnold’s swing pass on third-and-6.
The Sooners lined up for a 50-yard field goal initially but after a delay-of-game penalty, OU instead brought Luke Elzinga on to punt.
Elzinga dropped the punt near the goal line, once again pinning the Green Wave deep.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
2:17 left in 1Q: OU 7, Tulane 0 | Sooners’ defense shutting down Green Wave so far
OU’s defense gave up one long pass play, but then buckled down to force another Tulane punt.
The Green Wave have rushed for just eight yards so far.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
4:53 left in 1Q: OU 7, Tulane 0 | Sooners go three-and-out
After a long first drive, OU couldn’t get much going offensively on their second.
The Sooners went three-and-out, with Luke Elzinga delivering a 43-yard punt to pin the Green Wave at their own 10.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
6:12 left in 1Q: OU 7, Tulane 0 | Sooners’ defense holds Green Wave
Review hurt the Sooners on their first offensive drive, then helped them on their next defensive drive.
Officials originally ruled Tulane had converted on a third-and-13, but after review, the Green Wave were ruled short.
Tulane couldn’t force the Sooners to jump on fourth down, taking a delay-of-game penalty and then punting.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
7:36 left in 1Q: OU 7, Tulane 0 | Jackson Arnold, Sooners strike first
Everything might not be cured with OU’s offense, but the early returns are good.
The Sooners were 3-for-3 on third-down conversions, driving 69 yards in 14 plays to take a 7-0 lead on the Green Wave about midway through the first quarter.
The drive lasted nearly six minutes.
Jackson Arnold finished off the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, shortly after completing a 9-yard pass to Deion Burks to set up the score.
Arnold was 6 of 7 on the drive, his only incompletion coming after Burks’ apparent 16-yard touchdown catch was reversed after it was ruled that Burks hadn’t reestablished himself inbounds after being forced out of bounds by a Tulane defender.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
Pregame update: Nic Anderson dressed out, Kendel Dolby out for Sooners
OU wide receiver Nic Anderson is dressed out for the first time this season, signaling he could return for Saturday’s game.
Anderson, who had 10 touchdown catches a year ago, suffered an injury during preseason camp but Sooners coach Brent Venables said he returned to practice earlier in the week.
Center Branson Hickman, who started the opener before suffering an injury early, is dressed out but looks unlikely to play.
Joshua Bates was snapping to starting quarterback Jackson Arnold early in warmups, making it likely he would make his second consecutive start at center.
The Sooners will be without starting cheetah Kendel Dolby and cornerback Gentry Williams. Linebacker Dasan McCullough is also among the Sooners in street clothes ahead of the game.
—Ryan Aber, Staff writer
More:DirecTV, Disney update: How new contract affects Oklahoma, Oklahoma State Week 3 games
Oklahoma vs Tulane time today
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 14
- Time: 2:30 p.m. CT
- Location: Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman
More:OU football vs Tulane score prediction for Sooners-Green Wave in Week 3
What channel is Oklahoma vs Tulane game on today?
- TV channel: ESPN
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial)
- Radio: KRXO-FM 107.7
Oklahoma vs Tulane will broadcast on ESPN in Week 3 of the 2024 college football season. Dave Pasch (play-by-play) and Dusty Dvoracek (analyst) will call the game from the booth at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, with Taylor McGregor reporting from the sidelines. Disney’s content, which includes ESPN, has been pulled from DirecTV amid a contract dispute. But streaming options for the game include ESPN+ and Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
More:Will OU football offense get better under Seth Littrell? ‘No question’ he’ll fix Sooners
Oklahoma vs Tulane history
- Series record: Oklahoma leads 2-0
- Oklahoma’s last win: Sept. 4, 2021 (40-35)
- Tuane’s last win: None
More:Mussatto: Don’t call it a trap game. OU football is not good enough to overlook Tulane.
Oklahoma vs Tulane predictions
Ryan Aber, OU beat writer: OU 24, Tulane 14
GREEN LIGHT
In his return after missing the first two games, wide receiver Nic Anderson comes up with a critical touchdown catch late as Sooners show offensive life. Tulane pushes OU but the Sooners pull it out late thanks to Anderson’s heroics and another strong defensive performance.
Colton Sulley, OU beat writer: OU 27, Tulane 17
NO WIPEOUT
Tulane starts hot and even leads for most of the first half behind a strong performance by former Sooner Mario Williams before OU’s offense figures it out and gets rolling. The Sooners’ defense has another strong day, with Danny Stutsman leading the pack.
More:OU football vs Tulane score prediction for Sooners-Green Wave in Week 3
Oklahoma vs Tulane betting odds
Game lines and odds from BetMGM as of Saturday:
- Spread: Oklahoma by 13
- Over/under: 48.5
- Moneyline: Tulane +400, Oklahoma -550
Oklahoma vs Tulane injury updates
OU wide receiver Nic Anderson returned to practice this week after missing the first two games of the season. Center Branson Hickman, who suffered an ankle injury in the season opener, has been nearing a return as well.
Oklahoma vs Tulane weather update
According to the National Weather Service, temperature at kickoff is expected to be 89 degrees with 10 mph winds from the east-southeast.
More:Why OU football RB Gavin Sawchuk, Sooners have been ‘inconsistent’ in run game
Oklahoma football 2024 schedule
- Aug. 30: OU 51, Temple 3
- Sept. 7: OU 16, Houston 12
- Sept. 14: vs. Tulane, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN)
- Sept. 21: vs. Tennessee, 6:30 p.m.
- Sept. 28: at Auburn, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
- Oct. 12: vs. Texas (in Dallas), 2:30 p.m. (ABC or ESPN)
- Oct. 19: vs. South Carolina, 11 a.m.-noon
- Oct. 26: at Ole Miss, 11 a.m.-noon
- Nov. 2: vs. Maine, 1:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
- Nov. 9: at Missouri, 2:30-3:30 or 5-7 p.m.
- Nov. 23: vs. Alabama, 2:30-3:30 or 5-7 p.m.
- Nov. 30: at LSU, 2:30-3:30 or 5-7 p.m.
Buy Oklahoma football tickets this season with Stubhub
Tulane football 2024 schedule
- Aug. 31: Tulane 52, Southeastern Louisiana 0
- Sept. 7: Kansas State 34, Tulane 27
- Sept. 14: at Oklahoma
- Sept. 21: at Louisiana
- Sept. 28: vs. South Florida
- Oct. 5: at UAB
- Oct. 19: vs. Rice
- Oct. 26: at North Texas
- Oct. 31: at Charlotte
- Nov. 9: vs. Temple
- Nov. 16: at Navy
- Nov. 28: vs. Memphis
Oklahoma football news
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