Sooners seek redemption after tie at Houston, Green Wave close in on K-State

The No. 15 ranked Oklahoma Sooners are preparing to shift gears with an intriguing nonconference matchup against Tulane this Saturday. This game is expected to be an exciting encounter as both teams look to improve their performances following narrow results in their recent outings.

The Sooners narrowly avoided an upset in their previous game against Houston, clinching a 16-12 victory with a late safety. This was a surprising result given that Houston had lost by a wide margin of 20 points against UNLV just a week prior. This close call raises questions about Oklahoma's current form and ability to bounce back.

Quarterback Jackson Arnold showcased his skills in the game against Houston, throwing for 174 yards and two touchdowns. However, the team's overall performance was far from impressive, and they will need to address their inconsistencies before facing Tulane.

Tulane's Near Upset

Tulane, on the other hand, came tantalizingly close to toppling No. 17 Kansas State before ultimately succumbing to a 34-27 defeat. The Green Wave led 27-20 in the fourth quarter but a fumble from quarterback Darian Mensah was returned for a game-deciding K-State touchdown. Despite the setback, Tulane outgained Kansas State by nearly 100 yards, showcasing their offensive prowess and resilience throughout the match.

Interestingly, this matchup represents a historical intersection between the SEC's past and future, as Tulane was an original member of the conference before voluntarily departing in 1965. This adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming game, fueling the rivalry between the two programs.

Despite having only faced each other twice in the past, Oklahoma has emerged victorious in both encounters. The most recent clash in 2021 saw Tulane's Michael Pratt putting up a commendable fight against Oklahoma's Spencer Rattler, nearly pulling off a monumental upset. However, Oklahoma managed to escape with a narrow 40-35 victory, highlighting the competitive nature of their previous duels.