College Football Preview: Tulsa

Tulsa Golden Hurricanes

2015 Results: 6-7 (3-5, 4th in West)

Lost to Virginia Tech in Independence Bowl

Returning Starters: 6 OFF, 6 DEF, 2SP

2016 Schedule

September

3rd SAN JOSE STATE

10th at Ohio State

17th NORTH CAROLINA A&T

24th at Fresno State

October

7th SMU

15th at Houston

22nd TULANE

29th at Memphis

November

5th EAST CAROLINA

12th at Navy

19th at Central Florida

25th CINCINNATI

Tulsa was a tale of two teams last year. A dynamic offense with an equally disappointing defense. Tulsa lost two amazing receivers in Keyarris Garrett and Conner Floyd. The two combined for 141 receptions, 2,046 yards, and 11 TDs. In their second year under head coach Philip Montgomery, Tulsa offense should be clicking while the defense will need to step up.

The offense was Top 20 in all major categories. Averaging 37.2 points per game and 507.4 yards will win you a lot of games. Returning is senior quarterback Dane Evans. Evans will need Justin Hubbs and Keevan Lucas to step up and try to replace Garrett and Floyd. D'Angelo Brewer will be the first string running back. As a sophomore, he ran for 837 yards in a very pass heavy offense. The line will hold up. They have some experience while returning three of the five.

The defense was the complete opposite of the offense. They ranked in the bottom 10 of all defensive categories. The Golden Hurricanes return two triple digit tacklers in Matt Linscott (107) and Trent Martin (104, 14 tfl). The line will need to improve. They only have one returning starter up front. This defense cannot afford to play like they did last year. Improvement is needed immediately,

Player to Watch: Dane Evans

Evans will be the senior leader of the offense. Last year, he threw for 4,332 yards, 25 TDs, and only 8 interceptions. He lost his top two targets, but their replacements should fall in easily. Don't be surprised if Evans goes for 5,000 yards. He is a darkhorse pick for AAC offensive player of the year.

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/10 at Ohio State

There shouldn't be a snowball chance in Hell that they win this. In the first few weekends of football though, a lot can happen. Last year, Tulsa fell short of beating Oklahoma in Norman (losing by 14 points). I think Tulsa will catch the Buckeyes napping and keep it closer than most people expect.

What to Expect

Offense will be Tulsa's calling card. The defense will need to get more stops if they hope to reward the offense. Tulsa should take care of business and go to a bowl for the second straight year.

Prediction

6-6 (3-5, AAC)

-Dug

@chansm1th