The No. 19 Oklahoma Sooners (2-0) face the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (1-1) in an in-state matchup on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. (CT) at Chapman Stadium in Tulsa, OK. The Sooners will face a familiar face in Tulsa Head Coach Kevin Wilson, who served as an assistant coach at Oklahoma from 2002-2010.
Points of Emphasis for Oklahoma
Keep the momentum going on defense:
This might be the first time in a while that Sooner fans have heard this, but the defense might actually be the strength of this team. OU has only allowed 11 points after two games, even after facing a strong SMU offense in week two.
Oklahoma needs another big game out of the linebackers, namely Danny Stutsman, who recorded 17 total tackles against SMU. It is unclear who the Tulsa starting quarterback will be after the injury of Braylon Braxton in the season opener, but the Sooner defense has to keep the momentum rolling.
Control the game on the ground:
Oklahoma has plenty of weapons in the backfield that can take control of this game. Running back Tawee Walker might have been OU’s best player on the offensive side of the ball against SMU with 117 yards on 21 carries. If the Sooners can get the rushing game going and take firm control early, we just might see the entire running back room get a lot of reps in this game.
Points of Emphasis for Tulsa
No costly mistakes/turnovers:
Let’s be honest, the Sooners have far more talent on both sides of the ball than Tulsa does. With that being said, TU is going to have to play a mistake-free game. The Golden Hurricane can’t have a costly defensive penalty when they are about to get off the field, and the offense can’t have a costly turnover during a promising drive. I expect Kevin Wilson, a great offensive-minded coach, to also have a great offensive game plan.
Win the time of possession:
If Tulsa’s offense can slow the game down, draw out long possessions, and keep the ball away from the Sooner offense that can score in a hurry, TU could make this an interesting game. Tulsa has a solid running game that averages 4.8 yards per carry that is capable of winning the time of possession to keep the game within reach.
Prediction: 42-10 Oklahoma