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2009 Tulsa NCAA Football Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd on June 24, 2009

tulsa 62409 Tulsa has tallied 21 victories the past two seasons, including a school record 11 in 2008. The Golden Hurricanes have done it behind the most prolific offense in the country the past two seasons, but how will they fare in 2009 with several major contributors no longer around. Get my take in this 2009 NCAA football betting preview. Our readers get a special $500 match bonus at BetUS!

Offense – Tulsa has been an offensive machine the past two seasons with its no-huddle spread offense. It ranked number one in the country in total yards per game, with 569.9, and number two in points per game, with 47.2, in 2008. Head coach Todd Graham and offensive coordinator Herb Hand must prove that they are just as adept at calling the plays as former offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn was. Malzahn will be coaching at Auburn this season and it will be up to Graham and Hand to keep the offense in juggernaut mode. I expect to see somewhat of a drop off with a new QB under center, but nothing drastic. Jacob Brewer, G.J. Kinne, and Shavodrick Beaver are competing for the starting spot. Bower has seen limited time on the field and is probably the most familiar with the offense. Kinne is a Texas transfer and Beaver is a highly regarded freshman.

The Hurricanes will also have to replace running back Tarrion Adams, the school’s all-time leading rusher. Charles Clay, Jamad Williams, Charles Opeseyitan, Willie Carter, and Alex Singleton are the remaining backs. Williams is the team’s top returning rusher, racking up 523 yards on 86 carries a season ago.

Tulsa’s talented wide receiving corps should help make life easier for whoever steps under center. Three wideouts return who caught at least eight touchdown strikes last season with freshman All-American Damaris Johnson leading the way. Johnson caught 53 balls for 743 yards and 10 scores in 2008.

The offensive line returns just two starters and coach Graham knows that this unit is as critical as any for his team to continue to put gaudy numbers up on the scoreboard.

Defense – The best offense in the country was able to make up for a subpar defense in 2008. But there were a couple games, especially one when they gave up 70 to Houston, where this unit was really exposed. Getting better on this side of the ball is paramount for the Hurricanes to have a shot at a Conference USA title this season.

Senior noseguard Wilson Garrison returns to lead Tulsa’s three-man front. The coaching staff expects Odrick Ray and Un’Tavious Scott to fill the other two spots. The linebacker unit is Tulsa’s strength. Senior Mike Bryan returns after leading the team with 119 tackles last season. Tanner Antle and George Clinkscale are expected to team with him in the starting lineup.

The secondary needs to make major strides this season. Tulsa ranked 97th in the country against the pass in 2008, allowing 249.6 yards per game. Let’s break it down for you another way. Tulsa’s defensive backs allowed 32 touchdown strikes while only coming up with nine interceptions. Senior James Lockett is the star of this unit. He is not afraid to lay the wood, leading the team with 8.5 sacks last season.

Prediction: 2nd Conference USA West – Tulsa will still be an opponent few teams want to face with its high-powered offense, but breaking in a new QB and new offensive lineman figure to set the offense back some. The defense should show some improvement, but likely not enough to help Tulsa nab a third straight 10-win season. Bet Conference USA football at Bookmaker and get a 20% cash sign up bonus!

Beat the football lines this season with the help of Jimmy Boyd’s expert football picks.

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