1. Keep being stingy on the ground
One of last year’s statistical blemishes was how bad Oklahoma was at stopping the run.
Improvement in the defensive line talent and depth and a better understanding of the scheme have helped Oklahoma become a much better run defense.
The linebackers on this team have also gotten better at diagnosing plays. Danny Stutsman and Kip Lewis showed up on film with some masterful plays.
Oklahoma ranks 27th nationally in rushing yards allowed per game at 82.5. They will be a force if they can stay in that top 40 range all season long.
Uncertainty at QB for Tulsa also means they will likely opt for a run-oriented approach. Tulsa ranks No. 28 in the nation with 214 rushing yards per game at 4.8 yards per carry.
The Sooners run defense will face a good challenge this week.
2. You got any more of that competitive depth?
Oklahoma has the talent to win this game without a lot of stress.
No particular player should play 60 or more snaps like Stutsman did last week. The depth of this defense is good enough that Oklahoma should be able to compete hard and give their starters opportunities to stay fresh.
The Sooners have more talent on this roster, especially up front. Last week, against SMU, Oklahoma played nine defensive linemen.
Oklahoma should also allow this to serve as an opportunity to get younger guys game experience, putting in the fire to see how they react. In rotating players and utilizing their depth, they will wear Tulsa down.
This game should more closely resemble how they deployed their roster against Arkansas State, when 42 players received snaps in the 73-0 win.