Oklahoma-Tulsa preview and predictions
There's been no trash talk, no river excursions planned, no talk about this conference or that conference, crowds and crowd noise.
Too bad Oklahoma can't play Tennessee every week.
Hey, who's fired up for Tulsa?
1. You're not. And here are 24 other predictions as the Sooners play their last non-conference game of 2015.
Sorry, every game can't be as exciting as last week's thriller in Knoxville, Tenn. It's one you'll remember. It's one you'll talk about and it will go down as a monumental victory because of the way it happened.
Saturday against Tulsa won't be near as satisfying because there's not much for the Sooners to gain.
Other than about 600 yards.
2. The Sooners will get more than 575 yards. 3. The rushing game, which is exactly as potent (3.2 yards per carry) as your favorite low-point beer - looks good, but should do more damage – will be extremely effective. 4. No way Oklahoma averages less than 5.8 yards per against Tulsa and its rushing defense which is giving up 260 yards per game. 5. More importantly, Saturday will be all about Samaje. Perine has been quiet so far this season. He's caught a touchdown pass, his block freed up Baker Mayfield for a touchdown vs. Tennessee, but he hasn't run the ball like everyone expects. Until Saturday. 6. Perine goes for 100-plus. 7. In the first half. 8. And scores twice. 9. In the first quarter.
With Tulsa's defense unable to stop Florida Atlantic and New Mexico (65 points combined), Mayfield won't have to be involved in any theatrics like what he did last week against the Vols. In fact, 10. Mayfield won't play in the fourth quarter. But that doesn't mean the Sooners won't throw it around. How could they not? Tulsa has given up more than 214 yards per game through the air so far. 11. Mayfield will pass for more than 250 yards. 12. And suddenly you're thinking he's the next Sooner Heisman winner.
Settle down, Tulsa's defense made FAU's offense look good, too.
13. And you'll feel good, too. OU's offense will get its yards and points and even some style points. 14. Durron Neal will have at least five catches. 15. And at least seven others will catch passes. 15. Joe Mixon has a touchdown. 16. Sterling Shepard has one. 17. So does Mark Andrews.
18. And Dane Wilson has three. You thinking OU posts a shutout? Not gonna happen. Wilson, Tulsa's quarterback seems to be thriving under new coach Phil Montgomery's offense. The former Baylor offensive coordinator has Tulsa 2-0 and has you 19. talking about the Bears, the November matchup in Waco, Texas, and whether the Sooners will play the kind of defense they did last year against the Bears. Oh, Baylor scored 48 in that game.
20. Tulsa has success on offense against Oklahoma. Not exactly the same kind of undoing Baylor put on the Sooners last year, but some points, for sure. 21. The Hurricane score a first-quarter touchdown. 22. And two by halftime. 23. And get 180 passing yards by the break.
When it's all over in Norman 24. OU players and coaches are happy. Not happy enough for Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops to call it one of his favorite wins, but sure, smiles all around. Every win can't be like a party in the Smoky Mountains.
25. Take the Hurricane and the four-plus touchdowns they'll be getting. Sooners don't cover the 30 points.
Oklahoma 51, Tulsa 24
Last week: 13-12
Overall: 27-23
Follow Andrew Gilman on Twitter: @andrewgilmanOK