Preview – Oklahoma at Tulsa

While by no means a rivalry on the scope of Bedlam or the Red River Shootout, there are still quite a few people where I grew up in north-eastern Oklahoma that get really fired up about this game. Historically, the Golden Hurricane have had a lot of trouble with the Boys from the South(-west). History Me and my crew, we stay true, old skool or new Many were called, but the chosen were few Oklahoma and Tulsa have played 22 times and the Sooners own a two-thirds advantage in wins. The two schools met for the first time in 1914 (OU won 26-7). Of the last nine meetings, the Sooners have won eight. Tulsa's new head coach has never played against OU and Stoops has passed all three of his tests. The last time these teams met, Oklahoma scored 37 points and shut Tulsa out. Offense vs. Tulsa We rep the South, so what you talking about? I'm not running off my mouth, I know this without a doubt In their two wins, Tulsa has given up an average of 301.5 passing yards (including 537 to Brigham Young). When you consider that Oklahoma is ranked 12th nationally in passing yards and has the 3rd best quarterback by passer rating in the nation, you are looking at a major advantage for the Sooners. Tulsa is also giving up more than 180 yards per game on the ground, which stacks up poorly against Oklahoma's number 13 rushing offense (240+ ypg). Unfortunately for Tulsa, the numbers alone don't tell the whole story. Remember that Tulsa played a very long game on Saturday (almost four hours). Combined with the short week, you're looking at a defense that will not be at its most fresh. OU on the other hand, rested their starters for most of the second half against Utah State. Bradford and Kelly will likely both have career days again. Expect to see right around 12 catches for Kelly with probably 3 touchdowns. Iglesias will have fewer touches, but not many, and he also will probably get some chances to run the ball on reverses and long laterals. Bradford may break his own school record for yards in a half and if he plays until the final shotgun blasts (doubtful), he'll definitely re-write the books for yards in a single game. Expect Patrick to get the nod as starter, but Murray will get a lot of shots as well. Right now, of course, starting running back is just a name-only thing. Madu will get his share, as will Brown. We definitely won't go another game without a rushing touchdown. Defense vs. Tulsa Boom! Here comes the Boom! Ready or not, here comes the boys from the South! This is where the game gets scary. Tulsa's pass offense is over 70 yards per game better than ours and is ranked 6th in the nation. You're talking a very serious air attack. No surprise since Tulsa is only two years removed from playing in the pass-happy WAC. Of course, Oklahoma's secondary is well-ranked too: 14th nationally in passing defense and 9th in opposing passer's efficiency. This will be the first real test of the skill of our defensive backs, but I'm sure they'll be up to the challenge. A lot of that confidence comes from Tulsa's under-powered rushing attack. Possibly another hold-over from their years playing teams like Hawaii and Fresno State. Tulsa averages a respectable 160 yards per game on the turf, but they did most of that damage against UL-Monroe's cellar-dwelling D (110th against the run, 105th against the pass, and 112th overall). On the other side of the ball, you have a defense that is giving up less than 45 yards per game. OU has a dominant and deep defensive line that is backed-up by a solid linebacker core. If we make Tulsa one-dimensional by either shutting down their run or getting on top early (both very, very likely) the Sooners will be able to lock down Tulsa's receivers with cornerbacks while keeping a safety or two over the top to pull down any errant passes. I figure we'll pull in at least three picks, one will go back for a touchdown and Tulsa's passing juggernaut will be slowed down (but not stopped). Special Teams vs. Tulsa I know you know. I see you smiling at me. Well, it's alright! It's alright! Three names, then I'm done: Iglesias, Hartley, Groza Final score: Oklahoma 51, Tulsa 14 Lyrics: P.O.D. - Boom!