2012-13 Football Previews – (C-USA) – Tulsa
Tulsa has largely flown under the radar over the last few years, but this is a very successful football program. The Golden Hurricane have won at least 8 games in all but one year since 2005. Bill Blankenship kept the tradition going in his first year with the program in 2011.
Conference USA 2012-2013 College Football Previews: Tulsa
Head Coach: Bill Blankenship
2011 Record: 8-5
Tulsa Gambling Odds from JustBet to win BCS Championship: (Part of Field) +1,800
Tulsa Gambling Odds from BetOnline to win Conference USA: +475
Tulsa Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2012 Schedule –>
Losing G.J. Kinne will hurt a lot, but there is still quite a bit of talent on this roster heading into 2012.
Tulsa was disappointed with the 24-21 loss to BYU in the Armed Forces Bowl last year. This program expects to win in bowl games, and they expect to be in contention for a Conference USA title in the final year of the current conference setup. Conference USA’s West Division is wide open this year, and Tulsa hopes to take advantage of that opening.
Team Strengths:
Running back is a major position of strength for Tulsa. Three guys for Tulsa would be the clear cut starter at most schools in this conference. Ja’Terian Douglas, Trey Watts, and Alex Singleton are all capable of carrying the load. In addition, H Back Wille Carter was the team’s leading receiver out of the backfield. To say that this group is loaded with talent is an understatement.
There is lots of experience to go around in the secondary. Both safeties are veteran leaders who should give this team a nice base to build off at the back of the defense. Dexter McCoil led the team with six interceptions a year ago. McCoil is the most talented player on this defense, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he has a huge senior season.
Cody Green will be the starting quarterback for Tulsa this year. Green had some decent experience at Nebraska, and he should help the team have a good play maker in the backfield at all times.
Kalen Henderson is a very good backup as well. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Team Weaknesses:
The linebackers will badly miss Cornelius Arnick, who led the team in tackles with 159 last season. Shawn Jackson will be counted on to lead this group, but the depth at this position leaves plenty to be desired. The Golden Hurricane will almost certainly experience a drop in production here this season.
Three offensive linemen and a starting tight end are all gone from a year ago.
Tulsa has a great backfield, but they might not be able to open up the big holes in the middle of the defense this year because of inexperience on the front line.
2012-2013 Tulsa Football Prediction: 7-6
If Tulsa wants to have a good record in 2012, they better get off to a good start. The final few weeks of the season are brutally tough. In November, the team must travel to Arkansas, Houston, and SMU. They also host UCF in a key C-USA game. It’s hard to see the team winning any more than one of those games.
They really need a fast start out of the gate.
Tulsa is a solid team this year, but the tough schedule makes it difficult to see them competing for the C-USA title. Look for a winning record, but don’t expect huge things.
2012 Tulsa Schedule
9/1/12 12:00 PM ET @IOWST
9/8/12 TBD TULNE
9/15/12 TBD NICST
9/22/12 TBD FRSST
9/29/12 TBD @UAB
10/6/12 TBD @MARSH
10/13/12 TBD UTEP
10/20/12 TBD RICE
11/3/12 TBD @ARK
11/10/12 TBD @HOU
11/17/12 TBD CENFL
11/24/12 TBD @SMU
