Tulsa Golden Hurricane 2008 Outlook
Monday, August 4th, 2008
Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Head Coach: Todd Graham (2nd season at UT, 17-10 overall record, 10-4 in 1 year at Tulsa)
Stadium: H.A. Chapman Stadium (35,542)
2007 Record (10-4, 6-2 C-USA West)
Postseason: Beat Bowling Green 63-7 in the GMAC Bowl
Key Returnees on Offense: FB Charles Clay, RB Jamad Williams
Key Returnees on Defense: DE Moton Hopkins, LB George Clinkscale, CB Kenny D. Simms, S Charles Davis
The Skinny: Several years ago, Tulsa football was hardly a blip on the scene until current Louisville coach Steve Kragathorpe came into town and resurrected a once-program that would claim their first Conference USA title in 2006 and follow that with a share of the C-USA West Division title under new coach Todd Graham. The only constant in those two years was the fact that the Golden Hurricane had record-setting quarterback Paul Smith anchoring the Hurricane’s potent offense attack.
As with other things in our lives, good things like having a quarterback who puts up Madden-like numbers on a regular basis shall come to an end and in Tulsa’s case, the Paul Smith era has made way for senior David Johnson, who only attempted 8 passes in 2007 for 56 yards. With Johnson’s experience and offensive coordinator Gus Malzham’s system, expect Johnson to have a productive year leading the Tulsa offense.
On defense, the Golden Hurricane welcome back DE Moton Hopkins and Kenny Sims, guys who will bring leadership to a relatively young defense. That being said, Tulsa football again should be on the rise again as it continues its return to glory.
Doc’s Prediction: With a favorable schedule working in Tulsa’s favor, including trips to Arkansas and Houston in what will be a showdown for the C-USA West crown, there’s no doubt that Tulsa will again rule the roost in Conference USA and play here in Memphis for the second time in three years.
Projected Record: 12-2 (7-1 C-USA West)
2008 Tulsa Golden Hurricane
August 30th-@ UAB
September 6th-@ North Texas
September 20th-New Mexico
September 27th-Central Arkansas
October 4th-Rice
October 11th-@ Southern Methodist
October 18th-UTEP
October 26th-Central Florida
November 1st-@ Arkansas
November 15th-@ Houston
November 22nd-Tulane
November 29th-@ Marshall
