The Oklahoma Sooners look to start their SEC slate undefeated, but that involves taking care of business against the Tulane Green Wave. 

Tulane is coming off of a nailbiter near upset off of the Kansas State Wildcats and is looking to play spoiler again this weekend against Oklahoma. 

How do the Sooners avoid getting caught napping ahead of next week's matchup against the Tennessee Volunteers? 

---

Run the ball, man

I noted in my article discussing the question marks surrounding Oklahoma's offense that the Sooners' run game has been far too inconsistent, varying from running into walls repeatedly to just not running the ball at all. 

This would be a good tune-up game to get Oklahoma's ground game going. The Green Wave sit 92nd in yards per rush allowed and are 104th in rushing defense success rate. Kansas State dropped 215 yards on the ground and averaged 6.5 yards per rush last week on Tulane. 

Sooners head coach Brent Venables emphasized needing running back Gavin Sawchuk to stay involved to help boost the offense, and this is the game for him. 

Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables opens up on a player the team will desperately need soon

The Sooners need the run game badly.

Get Sawchuk and the rest of the running back room involved often in this one to help give the offense a spark. 

---

Stay sound in the secondary

When Tulane moved the ball on Kansas State, it was through frequent coverage busts in the secondary, something Kansas State closed in the second half to secure the win. 

Last week, a coverage bust by led to Houston's only touchdown (and the only touchdown the Sooners have allowed this season). Now, it was right on the heels of a controversial DPI penalty that negated an interception and the coaches took full responsibility for it. 

If Oklahoma wants to stay in control defensively, they have to stay sound and not fall for Tulane's play-action. 

---

Stay ahead of the sticks on offense

A significant part of Oklahoma's struggles on offense has been an inability to convert third downs and stay on the field. A lot of that is due to poor showings on early downs, leaving them with an average third-down distance that's almost a full nine yards. 

Quit leaving all the pressure on Jackson Arnold in these obvious passing situations to convert the down single-handedly. Mix up the quick game, avoid the obvious first and long repeated runs, take shots on these early downs to open up the defense. 

Tulane's defense might not be the best in the country, but they are a respectable 35th in defensive Havoc rate %. Their defensive line, led by players like Kameron Hamilton and Adin Huntington, can create pressure on clear passing downs.