The Tulane University Green Wave suffered a 34-19 loss against No. 15 University of Oklahoma this past Saturday at Norman Stadium, bringing their season record to 1-2. After a heartbreaker at home vs. Kansas State University, which was ranked No. 17 in the nation at the time, this felt like more-or-less a must-win for Tulane. 

The first half was dreadful for the Wave, as Oklahoma rushed out to an easy 21-6 lead with much having to do with starting quarterback Jackson Arnold’s performance. Not only was he using his arm, he showed his dual-threat ability with a first-quarter rushing touchdown. Read-option plays fooled Tulane early on, allowing Oklahoma to open up the playbook for Arnold. He then threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to running back Taylor Tatum with 10 minutes to go in the second quarter, who later in the half punched a 1-yard touchdown run. 

Tulane willed their way back into the game, starting with a late first-half touchdown drive led by redshirt freshman quarterback Darian Mensah. He was able to facilitate chunk plays throughout the drive, leading to a touchdown pass by University of Oregon transfer Ty Thompson to tight end Reggie Brown in the back of the end zone. The Wave seemed to experiment with Thompson as an option quarterback to try to keep defenses on their toes. However, kicking struggles plagued the Wave as they missed the extra point and went into the half down 21-6.  

The third quarter and early fourth quarter was all Tulane. Mensah was able to get into a groove offensively, finding star running back Makhi Hughes on a fourth-and-goal situation for a touchdown. The defense finally caught up to the Sooners, as the Wave recorded multiple sacks in the second half, forcing field goals when they needed to. Linebacker Tyler Grubbs recorded one of the sacks, who made a game-altering play to begin the fourth quarter. 

From their own 22, Jackson Arnold dropped back with little protection as the Wave blitzed. Although they missed the sack, Grubbs jumped a route, picked off Arnold and ran it back for a touchdown, making it a one-score game. Head coach Jon Sumrall decided to go for 2, but Mensah and the Wave didn’t convert.  

After more elite defensive play, Tulane found themselves with a third and 1 from their own 35-yard line about halfway through the fourth quarter. Mensah faked the handoff and threw an interception, costing the Wave a crucial opportunity to take the lead. Oklahoma then drove down the field, with Arnold capping off the drive with a 24-yard touchdown run, ending any chances of a comeback.  

Tulane will travel to Lafayette this Saturday to play the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns, looking to get back on track.