Oklahoma Sooners captains for week three vs. Tulane

The Oklahoma Sooners have spent the week getting ready to take on the Tulane Green Wave in week three of the 2024 college football season.

After a 48-point victory over Temple in week one, the Sooners struggled in a four-point win over Houston in week two. As OU inches closer to SEC play, Brent Venables’ team needs to show marked improvement on Saturday, especially on offense.

The team has announced the five game captains for this week’s matchup with the Green Wave. Representing the offense are running back Gavin Sawchuk and offensive lineman Jacob Sexton. Representing the defense, OU has defensive lineman R Mason Thomas, linebacker Kobie McKinzie and defensive back Robert Spears Jennings.

Sawchuk has served as Oklahoma’s starting running back since the final third of last season. After a breakout last five games of 2023, he’s struggled so far in 2024, but there’s still time for him to find his rhythm.

Sexton is one of OU’s only healthy starting offensive linemen, as has been solid no matter where the coaching staff has him lined up. Capable of playing guard or tackle, he’s grown into one of the better players up front on an offensive unit that needs him to continue to lead this week.

Thomas has become a starter at defensive end this season, finally getting to show off his skills as a push rusher after dealing with injuries to begin his Sooners’ career. He’s been a reliable bookend up front on the OU defense early this season.

McKinzie is part of Oklahoma’s rotation at inside linebacker and is growing better and better with the more reps he gets on the defense. The Sooners are deep in the middle of their defense, but McKinzie’s presence has a hard hitter and run stopper have been felt, as OU has been good against the run so far in 2024.

Spears-Jennings is one of OU’s three excellent players at the safety position, also serving as the run stopper and enforcer of the group. He’s had an excellent start to 2024 with a forced fumble and an interception and is Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded safety in college football heading into week three.

The Green Wave will be ready to play against the Sooners, led by new head coach Jon Sumrall, formerly of Troy. Tulane is gunning for the Group of Five’s automatic bid into the new expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, and can make a major statement with a road win over No. 15 Oklahoma.

The Sooners will have to be on their toes and ready to take the win, as opposed to letting it come to them. These five players are the group that the coaching staff has decided are best suited to lead the way as captains this week.

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