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Oklahoma (3-0) defeated Tulane (1-2) 34-19 on Saturday in Norman.

After struggling against Houston, OU had a promising first half, and was able to overcome late game struggles. 

Here are three takeaways from the Sooners’ win:

Taylor Tatum shines

After getting just one carry last week against Houston, true freshman running back Taylor Tatum impressed on Saturday against Tulane.

Leading the team in rushing yards during OU’s game against Temple, Tatum took advantage of his opportunity against the Green Wave and capitalized with two touchdowns – one rushing and one receiving.

Sophomore quarterback Jackson Arnold found Tatum out of the backfield for a 9-yard touchdown in the second quarter that gave OU a 14-0 lead. Tatum then added a 1-yard touchdown on the ground to extend OU’s lead to 21-0 with 3:39 left in the first half.

On the day, Tatum finished with 27 rushing yards on nine attempts and nine receiving yards.

Offense more efficient on third down

Coming into Saturday’s game against Tulane, OU was ranked 132 out of 134 on third down conversion percentage in all of college football.

On OU’s first drive of the game, the Sooners went 3-for-3 on third down conversions, which led to a touchdown and gave OU an early lead.

Oklahoma went 8-for-16 on third downs against Tulane, which is more third down conversions they’ve had in the first two weeks combined.

This allowed more freedom for the offense to expand the playbook, which lead to long scoring drives. Oklahoma’s opening drive in the first and third quarter went for 5:46 and 5:40, respectively.

Inconsistency in the second half

At halftime, the Sooners held a 21-6 lead and were receiving the ball to start the second half.

However, the offense failed to get in a rhythm like it did in the first half, and it led to Tulane dominating time of possession and keeping the Green Wave in the game.

OU managed only 13 points in the second half, with the offense making the same mistakes that it did against Houston. Tulane and OU both scored 13 points in the second half.

Next, the Sooners face Tennessee (3-0) at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, in Norman.

A recap from the Sooner's 34-19 win against Tulane on Sept. 14.

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