2009 Tulsa Golden Hurricane College Football Predictions

2009 Tulsa Golden Hurricane Predictions
2008 Record: (11-3, 7-1)
Coach: Todd Graham, 3rd year (21-7 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Herb Hand (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Keith Patterson (4th year) and Ron West (1st year)
Returning Starters: 14 (6 offense, 7 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

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Offense: Tulsa returns six starters on an explosive offense that averaged 47.2ppg (2nd in the nation) and 569.9 yards per game (1st in the nation). They set a school record with 7,978 yards, but the bad news is that they’ll have to find a new quarterback to replace David Johnson. Junior QB Jacob Bower (6-3, 242) will be trying to fill his shoes, though he attempted just 15 passes last year. He’ll compete with G.J. Kinne and Shavodrick Beaver. At running back, junior Charles Clay (6-3, 230) returns as a top-notch receiver, who has 1,488 receiving yards and 449 rushing yards. The no-huddle spread attack is designed for a balanced offense. Receivers Damaris Johnson, Trae Johnson and Slick Shelley are all-top notch. Damaris Johnson led the club with 53 receptions for 743 yards and 10 TDs, while Trae Johnson set the school record for freshman with 1,088 receiving yards and 13 scores. The offensive line returns two starters and will have to replace the right side.

Defense: The defense brings back seven starters from a defense that allowed 27.9ppg (75th in the nation) and 379.1 yards per game (74th). The big problem for last year’s defense was the turnovers. The didn’t create any, recording just nine interceptions. They were 84th nationally in turnover ration at -5 and 97th in passing defense (249.6ypg). They return just one starter on the defensive line in the 3-3-5 scheme. Senior NG Wilson Garrison (6-4, 283) received honorable mention all-conference recognition. The defense gets most of its pass rush from the secondary. Senior S James Lockett (5-11, 203) was a second-team all-conference selection after leading the team with 16.5 tackles and also added 8.5 sacks. At linebacker, they return all three including senior Mike Bryan (6-3, 226), who led the team with 119 tackles. In the secondary, they return two of five including Lockett and CB Kenny Sims, who also received honorable mention All-C-USA selection.

Outlook: Tulsa faces Sam Houston State and Boise State at home with Oklahoma and New Mexico on the road in their non-conference schedule. That’s not easy, though they do face elite conference teams Houston, East Carolina and Memphis at home with Southern Miss on the road. This is a quality team that will rely on a consistent quarterback and an improved defense to put them over the top. The quarterback is the main thing that separates them from Houston.

This CUSA prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com