Tulane Vs Oklahoma Week 3 Preview

Patrick Harkness • September 10, 2024

Tulane Green Wave Vs Oklahoma Sooners Preview

Tulane to Face 15th-Ranked Oklahoma in Norman
By Patrick Harkness


Spread: -13.5

Total: 50.5


Tulane travels to Norman this week to take on the 15th-ranked Sooners after a controversial 34-27 loss to Kansas State. Meanwhile, the Sooners barely escaped with a 16-12 win over former Tulane head coach Willie Fritz and the Houston Cougars. Let’s dive into how this Tulane team might pull off a victory against an Oklahoma squad still trying to find its identity. Can Mensah handle his first big road test, and will Tulane's defense rise to the challenge?

Offense

Quarterback – Mensah’s First Road Challenge

Darian Mensah has looked impressive in his first two collegiate starts, throwing for 547 yards with a 70.7% completion rate, 4 touchdowns, and 1 interception. You really can't ask for much more from a redshirt freshman Quarterback. Mensah and the Tulane offense will be up against a new defensive coordinator tandem at Oklahoma, with Jay Valai and former Clemson aide Zac Alley. Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables, a defensive mastermind, will likely throw multiple formations and stunts at the young QB and Tulane's offensive line, aiming to confuse them.

Mensah needs to keep an eye on Oklahoma’s free safety Billy Bowman, who had six interceptions last year, including three pick-sixes. Though Oklahoma's defense has struggled over the past few seasons, they appear to be improving. However, they're still working out the kinks, and Tulane might be able to capitalize.  Look for this passing attack to challenge Oklahoma's experienced but inconsistent corner back room.


Ty Thompson was irrelevant in the last matchup. Still think Tulane may have some fun packages up their sleeves especially against this Oklahoma Defense. I'm still hoping for Ty to get more involved especially in the redzone with RPOs and Play action rollouts and just let the kid use his athleticism.


Running Back – Makhi Hughes Must Cook

Makhi Hughes is coming off a fantastic performance, rushing for over 120 yards and a touchdown. He’ll be a key factor in this matchup. Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman, a 6'4" senior and likely NFL draft pick, had 15 tackles against Houston and will look to shut down Tulane's run game. If Tulane struggles on the ground, Shadie Clayton could step in to assist in the passing attack, especially after his impressive work in kickoff returns. Arnold Barnes will need to bounce back from his early fumble last week if he wants to see more action.


Receiving Game – The Fantastic Four

Tulane’s “Fantastic Four” receiving core—Mario Williams, Dontae Fleming, Yulkeith Brown, and Alex Bauman—could play a pivotal role. Oklahoma’s corners, led by Woodi Washington and Gentry Williams, along with impact transfer Dez Malone from San Diego State, have talent but can be inconsistent at times. Mario Williams is coming off another 100-yard game but still hasn’t found the end zone. Fleming rebounded nicely last week with 92 yards receiving, and if Oklahoma's defense focuses too much on Williams and Fleming, Brown might be poised for a big game with his speed and playmaking ability. Bauman, meanwhile, has become a reliable target for Mensah, notching two touchdowns last week and three on the season. We can expect this Tulane offense to spread it out and challenge the Oklahoma secondary and capitalize in the redzone with Bauman.


Offensive Line – Clean It Up

Penalties, penalties, penalties. They’re drive-killers. Tulane’s experienced offensive line must clean up the false starts and holding calls if they want to stand a chance on the road. Oklahoma’s defensive front features some heavy hitters in defensive end Ethan Downs (Second Team All-Big 12), Tennessee transfer Da’Jon Terry, and 5-star recruit David Stone. These players will look to disrupt Tulane's offense with multiple formations, stunts and disguised linebacker blitzes, but if the O-line can maintain discipline and read the defense, they have the talent to get the job done.


X-Factor: Offensive Line


Offensive Review – Efficiency is Key

Tulane's offense can move the ball effectively and quickly if they avoid penalties. A well-balanced attack early in the game, finding their vulnerabilities and exploiting them will be key, run game or passing game.


Defense


Defensive Line – Time to Shine

Tulane’s defensive line hasn’t lived up to expectations YET. Initially considered a team strength, both the pass rush and run stopping have been subpar. However, this week's matchup presents a golden opportunity. Oklahoma does not return a single starting player on the offensive line and Oklahoma’s offense is in transition with a new offensive coordinator, offensive line coach, and quarterback. The Sophomore QB Jackson Arnold is more of a pocket passer, but he has mobility when needed, rushing for 62 yards on 22 carries. If Tulane’s front can pressure Arnold, they might force him into costly mistakes. On the season Arnold is still trying to get his feet underneath him with 315 yards passing (63.2% comp rate) but has a respectable 6 passing touchdowns. This Boomer Sooner offense seems to have a running back by committee and is a bit unsettled, with Gavin Sawchuk (RB1), Taylor Tatum (former top running back recruit), and Javonte Barnes all likely to see carries. Stopping them will be crucial.


Linebackers

Tyler Grubbs, second on the team with nine tackles, will need another strong showing. Sam Howard and Dickson Agu are rotating based on game down/type situations. The Sooners' offense is well-balanced, 61 pass attempts and 65 rush attempts, meaning Tulane’s linebackers will be tested, especially by Oklahoma’s tight ends, Bauer Sharp and Jake Roberts, who have combined for 12 catches. Chris Rodgers might also see more snaps, given Oklahoma’s tendency to pass more than Kansas State.


Secondary – Injuries Loom Large

Micah Robinson and Jonathan Edwards both went down with injuries last week. While Edwards is expected to return, Robinson’s status is unclear. Rayshawn Pleasant, who started last game, seems to be gaining confidence and locking down the cornerback one position. This Tulane coaching staff still seems to be trying to figure things out on the back end with Jack Tch and Kevin Adams getting a lot of playing time last game. Look for Jalen Geiger and Bailey Despaine to get the starts at the safety positions. Oklahoma has four receivers who could all be threats. Nic Anderson (that'll be weird to hear), Deion Burkes (transfer from Purdue), and Brennan Thompson all averaged over 20 yards a catch last season. Deion Burkes is "THE GUY" in the offense and leads the team in receptions (15). Burkes is a speedster and has already caught 3 touchdowns which also leads the team. Jalil Farooq is another wideout to keep an eye on, an injury had him out last game. He has big play ability with one catch for 47 yards in week 1. Tulane’s secondary will need to step up, especially if Robinson is out. It'll be their first true test.


X-Factor: Pass Rush/Secondary


Defensive Review – Get After the QB

Getting pressure on QB Jackson Arnold will be critical. If Tulane’s defense can disrupt Oklahoma’s rhythm, especially in the passing game, they have a chance to control the game. Improved tackling will also be key after last week's struggles.


Special Teams


Kicker/Punter

Jacob Barnes has been perfect this season, going 3-for-3 on field goals with a long of 41, and has made all 10 extra points.


 Will Karrol had a solid game last week, flipping field position effectively, and Tulane will need more of the same against Oklahoma.


Stay Tuned for Tulane vs Oklahoma Review later


For more Tulane Football news, check out Wave Watch on YouTube at The Kneaux!


Roll Wave!!


This is Patrick Harkness and you can follow me on X @RollDatWave, Facebook, Instagram, and @BeInTheKneaux everywhere.




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Why Peyton "Pop" Houston Could Play a Major Role in LSU's Pursuit of Easton RoyalWhy Peyton "Pop" Houston Could Play a Major Role in LSU's Pursuit of Easton Royal

By Auston Taylor • July 8, 2026
 LSU has made it clear that five-star wide receiver Easton Royal remains one of its top priorities in the 2027 recruiting class. Although Royal is currently committed to Texas, LSU has continued to recruit him aggressively. Based on recent recruiting events and public reporting, one factor that could strengthen the Tigers' position is the presence of quarterback commit Peyton "Pop" Houston. While no outcome is guaranteed in recruiting, Houston's relationship with Royal has become one of the more intriguing storylines surrounding LSU's 2027 class. According to recruiting coverage from The Opening and reports from And The Valley Shook, Houston and Royal showcased noticeable chemistry while competing together on the national stage. Houston also drew attention by winning the event's longest throw competition with a reported 67-yard throw, further reinforcing why many evaluators consider him one of the premier quarterback prospects in the 2027 class. In my view, Houston has the potential to become much more than another highly rated offensive commitment. Elite quarterbacks often become magnets for other top recruits, and early signs suggest Houston could have that kind of influence on LSU's 2027 recruiting class. Why Houston Matters in Royal's Recruitment Quarterback and wide receiver relationships have become one of the most influential factors in modern recruiting. Elite receivers aren't simply choosing a school—they're choosing an offense, a coaching staff, and perhaps most importantly, the quarterback who will help maximize their abilities. If Royal ultimately views Houston as LSU's quarterback of the future, it gives the Tigers another compelling selling point. Rather than asking Royal to imagine what the offense could become, LSU can point to chemistry that has already been displayed during national recruiting events. That doesn't guarantee a commitment flip, but it does provide LSU with something tangible that few recruiting pitches can offer: an established connection between two elite prospects. LSU's History Shows Why This Matters LSU's greatest offensive seasons have consistently featured elite quarterbacks throwing to elite receivers. During the Tigers' historic 2019 National Championship season, Joe Burrow captured the Heisman Trophy while throwing to arguably the greatest receiving corps in college football history—Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Terrace Marshall Jr. That offense rewrote NCAA record books and remains the standard for modern college football offenses. A few years later, history repeated itself. Jayden Daniels won the 2023 Heisman Trophy while benefiting from one of the nation's most explosive receiving duos in Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. Daniels' remarkable development was certainly his own, but LSU's elite receiving talent allowed the offense to reach another level. The lesson is clear: great quarterbacks elevate receivers, but elite receivers also help quarterbacks reach championship-level production. That history gives LSU a compelling message for recruits considering Baton Rouge. Peyton "Pop" Houston's Development Houston's rise as one of Louisiana's premier quarterback prospects is backed by more than recruiting rankings. Evaluators consistently praise his arm strength, touch, ability to extend plays outside the pocket, and willingness to attack defenses vertically. His continued development at Evangel Christian Academy has made him one of the foundation pieces of LSU's 2027 recruiting class. The Bigger Picture If LSU eventually pairs Peyton Houston with Easton Royal, it would represent much more than another recruiting victory. It would signal that LSU landed a quarterback capable of attracting elite talent around him while adding a receiver willing to build alongside that vision. Programs that consistently compete for championships often see recruiting momentum build this way. Elite quarterbacks attract receivers. Elite receivers attract additional offensive talent. Once that cycle begins, recruiting classes can quickly become special. None of this guarantees that Easton Royal will flip his commitment. Texas remains in a strong position, and recruiting decisions can change for countless reasons. However, Houston's emergence gives LSU something every elite program hopes to have: a quarterback capable of becoming the centerpiece of an entire recruiting class. LSU has already witnessed what happens when championship-caliber quarterbacks are paired with elite receivers. Joe Burrow won the Heisman Trophy. Jayden Daniels won the Heisman Trophy. If Peyton "Pop" Houston eventually helps bring Easton Royal to Baton Rouge, it could become one of the defining recruiting stories of LSU's 2027 class—and perhaps the first step toward building another explosive Tiger offense.

Tight End Room Outlook: Revamped and Ready To Roll

By Kaden Arkeder • July 4, 2026
The tight end room has some fresh blood and they look poised to be more impactful heading into next season. With the new arrivals of Noah Fant and third round draft pick Oscar Delp the offense will have the ability to play more in multiple tight end sets to create mismatches for the defense. Multiple tight end sets should allow the Saints to improve the run game and conversely the play action game. Playing in tight end heavy sets was something they were unable to do more of last year due to injuries and lack of talent at the tight end position. Mainstay and the only returning starting caliber player is Juwan Johnson. Johnson had a good year last year as one of the few reliable targets in the passing game aside from Chris Olave. Johnson is looking to build on a solid year where he had 77 receptions for 889 receiving yards with 3 touchdowns. He was a security blanket when Rattler was starting and had quite a few big plays when Shough took over as the starting quarterback. With Shough coming into the season as the presumed starter I expect their connection to be even better next season. Someone hoping to have a better connection with a new QB is Noah Fant. Fant was a first round pick back in 2019 with the Broncos but has never quite lived up to his draft status. Fant will be playing on his third team in three years as he seeks to be a quality rotational piece in the offense and find stability for his career here in New Orleans. Fant should be utilized more in the passing game than in the running game but should be able to hold his own when called upon to do his part on run downs. Fant has been on a statistical decline since his time with Denver as his best receiving season came in at 68/670/4 back in 2021. Although his stats have been declining Fant still has plenty to offer with his athleticism and should produce more given a better opportunity. After Fant in the depth chart should be Oscar Delp who could be the x-factor of the tight end room after being selected in the third round of the draft this year. Delp brings a versatile option to the offense as he can lineup in various spots and handle the rigors of blocking in the run game. Delp’s calling card in college was his elite athleticism which jumps off the screen when you watch his tape. He has the ability to turn a five yard catch into an explosive play with how quickly he can get to top speed. Delp is an adequate, willing blocker where like most new tight ends in the league has room to improve in the blocking area of his game. With his versatility and athleticism I believe Delp will play a pivotal role in the offense this upcoming season. With Delp presumed to round out the depth chart at tight end the remaining tight ends will be competing for spots on the practice squad or spots on another team. This group includes Cody Hardy, Treyton Welch, Moliki Matavao, and Zaire Mitchell-Paden. We’ve seen Welch and Matavao from last season fill in admirably after some injuries but are best served as bench options at this point in time in their development. This group of roster hopefuls should hopefully provide some good competition from one another as we progress through training camp and preseason here shortly. Overall this group has a lot more promise heading into this season as it did last year. By getting younger and more athletic the tight ends will play a more prominent role in Kellen Moore’s offense. Whether it’s Juwan building on last season or Fant having a bounce back year or Delp proving to be revelation, the team is going to have plenty of options to choose from to attack the defense. Exactly what this team needed after not having enough last season.
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