Oklahoma
Oklahoma-Tulane Preview: Three Keys to the Game
NORMAN — Oklahoma obviously has a little work to do before SEC play comes to town next week.
First up, though, is beating Tulane.
The Green Wave (1-1) has talent and depth. They nearly beat Kansas State last week in New Orleans. The same program nearly won in Norman three years ago. They were 12-2 in 2022, and 11-3 last year.
But most of Oklahoma’s problems comes Saturday will stem from Oklahoma, not Tulane.
The No. 15-ranked Sooners are a 13 1/2-point favorite, but that spread seems sketchy after last week’s 16-12 near-debacle with Houston, in which OU was favored by 27 1/2.
Brent Venables’ squad spent the week trying to get key players healthy — namely wide receiver Nic Anderson, center Branson Hickman and right tackle Jake Taylor. If those three are able to make their return to the field when the game kicks off at 2:30 p.m., life will become a little easier for offensive coordinator Seth Littrell and quarterback Jackson Arnold.
Aside from the obvious — getting people healthy and staying healthy for next week’s SEC opener against Tennessee — here are three keys to the game:
In two games against FCS Southeastern Louisiana and Big 12 contender Kansas State, Tulane ranks in the top 60 in the nation in total offense (32nd), rushing offense (43rd), passing offense (34th), passing efficiency (8th), scoring offense (33rd), total defense (59th), passing defense (35th), scoring defense (56th) and time of possession (46th).
They’re also 27th nationally in third-down conversion percentage, meaning they know how to stay on the field, and they’re 35th in third down conversion defense, meaning they know how to get off the field.
For an Oklahoma offense that ranks 131st nationally in third down offense and 107th in time of possession, this could be huge.
OU may be favored by two touchdowns, but against a complete team like Tulane, the Sooners would be wise to play like they’re two-TD underdogs.
The Green Wave isn’t coming into Norman scared or intimidated or even impressed, and they’re going to try to turn this thing into an all-day fist fight.
Tulane is a decidedly triple-threat offense: Quarterback Darian Mensah ranks 26th in the nation at 273.5 passing yards per game and running back Makhi Hughes is 30th nationally at 93.5 rushing yards per game.
But the Green Wave’s best player is a former Sooner: wide receiver Mario Williams ranks ninth in the nation with 126 receiving yards per game.
Williams is a former Rivals 5-star prospect from Plant City, FL, who committed to OU over Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, USC and others.
Of course, he only played one season for the Sooners — he caught 35 passes for 380 yards and four touchdowns as a true freshman — before following Lincoln Riley to USC. He didn’t fully enjoy his two seasons in Troy, even though he caught 40-631-5 in 2022 and 29-305-2 in 2023.
Williams isn’t some scrappy Group of 5 wideout who wins with guile and guts. He’s an elite athlete, a blue blood talent with game-breaking skills.
So far this season, Williams is averaging 25 yards per catch. Last week against K-State, he had six catches for 128 yards while Mensah passed for 342 yards and two TDs and Hughes ran for 128 yards and a touchdown.
Tulane is a lot better than Houston. If Oklahoma is going to avoid a tense fourth quarter, the Sooner defense is going to have to have its best game of the season so far, generating pressure (and maybe takeaways) from Mensah, and corralling Hughes while not letting Williams run wild.
Brent Venables proudly says Oklahoma leads the nation in field position (this website says OU ranks third, just behind Tennessee) with a net 20.6.
That could end up being the winning metric against Tulane.
The Green Wave is good at converting third downs, and they’re good at possessing the football. For OU to win Saturday, they might have to dominate field position again and make Tulane’s dangerous offense go cross country.
Using the same metrics as above, Tulane ranks 31st in net starting field position.
Much of OU’s success comes from takeaways against Temple (especially one that started at the 6-yard line and a punt that was fumbled and returned for a touchdown), but punter Luke Elzinga and kickoff man Zach Schmit have been strong components as well.
Elzinga is averaging 43.9 yards per punt, but he’s flipped the field with three 50-yarders and has dropped six of his 12 punts inside the opponents’ 20-yard line.
Schmit, meanwhile, has placed nine of his 13 kickoffs into the end zone, and opponents are taking over at the 23 on average after Schmit’s kickoffs.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is competing once again in the American Association of State Troopers’ Best Looking Cruiser Contest, this time showcasing the agency’s history alongside its modern fleet.
The entry features OHP’s restored 1937 Ford patrol car paired with a current Chevrolet Tahoe, highlighting nearly nine decades of the agency’s patrol vehicle tradition.
OHP highlights historic patrol car
According to OHP, the contest entry celebrates the agency’s original 1937 Ford patrol car and its connection to the modern Chevrolet Tahoe used by troopers today.
The agency says the iconic black-and-white “dovetail” paint scheme debuted on the 1937 Ford, with the white paint wrapping over the rear wheel wells. OHP says that design became the foundation for the look that continues to represent the agency today.
How voting works
The Best Looking Cruiser Contest is decided by public vote here.
OHP says each device is allowed one vote, and every vote is important as the agency competes against perennial favorites for a chance to earn a spot in the 2027 American Association of State Troopers calendar.
Looking to improve on last year
Oklahoma finished eighth in the nation in last year’s Best Looking Cruiser Contest.
The agency is hoping this year’s entry featuring both its historic 1937 Ford and modern Chevrolet Tahoe will help improve its finish and secure a place in the 2027 calendar.
“As Route 66 celebrates its 100th birthday, we wanted to honor the most iconic highway in America and the Oklahoma Troopers who have patrolled it for generations,” OHP said. “Since 1937, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers have traveled its pavement, assisted stranded motorists, investigated crashes, enforced traffic laws, and answered calls for service along the Mother Road. Route 66 isn’t just a historic highway to us—it’s part of our history.”
In this week’s Your Vote Counts, Oklahoma’s Own Scott Mitchell leads Jason Dunnington and Sen. Paul Rosino in a discussion about new Oklahoma laws, including those addressing data centers. Other topics include inflation and the ongoing impact of the war in Iran.
Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate Independence Day in Oklahoma this year? From massive fireworks displays over Grand Lake to food truck festivals and live music across the OKC metro, communities are pulling out all the stops to celebrate the Declaration of Independence. Grab your lawn chairs, round up the family, and get ready for an unforgettable week of summer fun. Here is your ultimate guide to the best Fourth of July events happening right in your backyard!
Key takeaways
- The bigger picture: Oklahoma communities are going all out for Independence Day in 2026, with celebrations spanning from Norman’s four-day Fourth Fest to major fireworks displays in Edmond, Tulsa, and on Grand Lake — giving families across the state plenty of options close to home.
- More details: Highlights include Liberty Fest in Edmond, one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area, the Duck Creek Fireworks on Grand Lake featuring a War Bird flyover tribute synchronized to patriotic music, and Tribute to Liberty in Midwest City, which combines live music, a laser show, and fireworks in honor of the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary.
- Why this matters: This year’s celebrations carry extra weight as part of America’s semiquincentennial, with several events — including Tribute to Liberty and the Duck Creek Fireworks — built around honoring both the nation’s founding and the service members who’ve defended it.
- Date: 9:45 p.m. July 1-4
- Location: Reaves Park; 2501 S Jenkins Ave., Norman
This year’s Fourth Fest is bigger than ever before, spanning four days. The city has added additional programming across multiple parks. Before the fireworks, enjoy a wide range of attractions including bouncy houses, local vendors, food trucks, pony rides, and a petting zoo. The fireworks show begins at 9:45 p.m. on July 4.
- Date: 8:30 p.m. July 3
- Location: Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., Oklahoma City
OKCPHIL’s Red, White, and Boom concert is a high-energy celebration that brings the community together for an unforgettable summer evening of music. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic performs a vibrant program of American classics, fan favorites, and patriotic anthems.
- Date: 6-10 p.m. July 3
- Location: Boomer Lake Park; 2310 E Lakeview Road, Stillwater
This Independence Day celebration will include area vendors, food trucks, hometown hospitality, and a fireworks show. Free parking will be available at Stillwater High School’s Pioneer Stadium.
- Date: July 3-4
- Location: Yukon City Park & Chisholm Trail Park, 2200 S Holly Ave., Yukon
Bring the whole family to Freedom Fest in Yukon! Experience a lineup of live outdoor concerts, peruse the food trucks on site, and enjoy the activities for kids.
- Date: 2-10 p.m. July 4
- Location: Buck Thomas Park, 1903 NE 12th St., Moore
Enjoy one of the largest fireworks shows in the state with food trucks, vendors, and activities throughout the day. Admission is free. Fireworks will begin around 9:45 p.m.
- Date: 7-10 p.m. July 4
- Location: Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, 8700 E Reno Ave., Midwest City
Bring your chairs and join Midwest City in its celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy food trucks, games, The Wise Guys performing live on stage, a huge fireworks display, and a laser show.
- Date: 9:30 p.m. July 4
- Location: University of Central Oklahoma; 100 N University Drive, Edmond
Liberty Fest’s grand finale is one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area. Bring your entire family to witness the spectacular show. Parking is available in lots on campus.
- Date: July 4
- Location: Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, 32888 S 4507 Road, No. 8123, Afton
Duck Creek Fireworks is the longest-running tradition on Grand Lake. Keep an eye out for the highly anticipated War Bird flyover, a tribute to the men and women serving overseas. The fireworks, beginning at sunset, will be synchronized to patriotic music.
- Date: July 4
- Location: River West Festival Park, 2100 S Jackson Ave., Tulsa
Celebrate America’s independence at Tulsa’s annual FreedomFest celebration. This celebration includes all-ages entertainment and a variety of activities and tasty concessions. FreedomFest features one of the largest free fireworks displays in Oklahoma.
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