WHAT WE LEARNED
Tulane is still learning what it can and cannot be in the first year under coach Jon Sumrall. The Green Wave clearly came out jittery against Oklahoma at Memorial Stadium, making a boatload of mistakes on both sides of the ball that led to a 21-0 deficit late in the first half. But the Wave found its footing, getting to within five points in the fourth quarter and having the ball twice with a chance to go ahead. With so many new players, Tulane clearly is not a finished product, but it will not face a team as talented as Oklahoma the rest of the way.
TRENDING NOW
Pass pressure. It was nonexistent for the first two-and-a-half games, but the Wave was all over Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold in the second half, with Patrick Jenkins and Tyler Grubbs registering the first sacks by starters this season. Heavy pressure also led to Grubbs’ pick-six that made the score 24-19 early in the fourth quarter. That type of pass rush can be a season-changer as Tulane gets into American Athletic Conference play. It is what Sumrall envisioned entering the season and can take some of the pressure off of a rebuilt secondary that has four newcomers in the starting lineup.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Gripe about the third-and-1 pass that turned into a tip-drill interception and the clinching TD all you want, but it is easy to second guess. Tulane was expecting Oklahoma to sell out to stop Makhi Hughes on the ground and it did not work out. Stuff happens. Offensive coordinator Joe Craddock’s commitment to balance will pay off the rest of the way. He refused to give up on the run despite the early struggles, preventing Oklahoma from teeing off with its pass rush. Sumrall started 1-2 in each of the past two years at Troy before winning Sun Belt championships. He is looking for the same result with the Wave.