The Oklahoma Sooners will play the Tulsa Golden Hurricane in a non-conference game on Saturday afternoon at Chapman Stadium in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Oklahoma comes into this game with a 2-0 record and they are ranked in the top-20, while Tulsa is coming off of a 33-point loss to Washington.
Oklahoma Preview
The Oklahoma Sooners are 2-0 this year after they defeated SMU by a score of 28-11 in their last game. Oklahoma struggled offensively, a week after scoring 73 points, but they were able to score the final 14 points in the game for the win. Oklahoma was actually out gained by a total of 367-365, but they did force two turnovers. The Sooners defeated Arkansas State by a score of 73-0 in their first game. The Oklahoma offense is averaging 50.5 points per game with 299 passing yards per game and 204.5 rushing yards per game, while going 64.3% on third down conversions this season. Dillon Gabriel has thrown for 484 yards and six touchdowns, while also rushing for 35 yards and one touchdown for Oklahoma. Tawee Walker has rushed for 161 yards and two scores, while Andrel Anthony has caught 10 passes for 142 yards and one touchdown for the Sooners this year. The Oklahoma defense is giving up 5.5 points against per game this season.
Tulsa Preview
The Tulsa Golden Hurricane are 1-1 this season after they lost to Washington by a score of 43-10 last week. Tulsa really struggled in this game and they were trailing by a score of 22-3 at the half. The Golden Hurricane finally found the end zone in the fourth quarter, but it was too little too late. Tulsa allowed 454 passing yards, which is not a good sign coming into this matchup. The Tulsa offense is averaging 26 points per game with 203.5 passing yards per game and 214 rushing yards per game, while going 46.2% on third down attempts. Cardell Williams has thrown for 298 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception for the Golden Hurricane this year. Jordan Ford has rushed for 177 yards and one score, while Marquis Shoulders has caught eight passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns this season. The Tulsa defense is allowing 25 points against per game this year.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane Team Facts
- Tulsa has lost each of its last 12 September games as an underdog.
- Tulsa has covered the spread in 13 of its last 14 games as an underdog against AP-ranked teams.
- Tulsa has won the first half in six of its last seven games against non-conference opponents at Chapman Stadium.
- Each of Tulsa's last five games against AP-ranked teams at Chapman Stadium have gone UNDER the total points line.
Oklahoma Sooners Team Facts
- Oklahoma has won 11 of its last 12 games against non-conference opponents.
- Oklahoma has covered the spread in six of its last seven games against non-conference opponents.
- Oklahoma has won the first quarter in each of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
- Oklahoma has won the first half in 15 of its last 16 games against non-conference opponents.
- Six of Oklahoma's last eight September games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Tulsa ranked 26th among FBS teams for H1 points per game last season (17.8).
- Tulsa ranked T40th among FBS teams for Q4 win percentage last season (.500).
- Oklahoma ranked 16th among FBS teams for H1 points per game last season (19.5).
- Oklahoma ranked T16th among FBS teams for H1 win percentage last season (.692).
Pick
Tulsa has the benefit of playing at home for this game, but we just watched their defense get ripped apart by Washington. Oklahoma did struggle offensively against SMU, but I think they are going to get back on track here. The Oklahoma defense did a good job of bending, but not breaking, as they only allowed the 11 points in their win. I do think Oklahoma will get the offense going in this game, but I am going to take the under in this matchup. Tulsa struggled to move the ball on Washington and I expect the same here. Take the under in this one.
AUTHOR: David Racey
