2014
Tulsa
College Football
Betting Preview
Schedule – Odds
After three straight seasons near the top of the Conference-USA standings, Tulsa fell apart in 2013 and finished with only three wins. A bad offense and poor defense will do that to a team. There is some talent, but this team is still pretty young and should struggle even more in the AAC.
Sophomore quarterback Dane Evans was labeled the starter after spring practices, but that is by no means final. He completed a measly 43.1 percent of his passes for Four TDs and 10 INTs last season. Obviously, there will need to be improvement for him to keep his job. The Golden Hurricane also lose their top running backs, but shouldn’t give up much in that area with James Flanders and transfer Taverreon Dickerson set to take over.
Tulsa returns some experience in the passing Game with Keevan LUcas, Keyarris Garrett and a couple tight ends back. Still, the experience is minimal. The offensive line returns three starters, which should hold things together somewhat so they can at least run the ball against weaker teams. Getting consistent quarterback play will be the key if they want to stay competitive in Conference play.
The defense took a step back last year as well and now they are also losing C-USA Defender of the Year, linebacker Shawn Jackson. That probably doesn’t bode well, but they do have seven returning starters so it may not be all that bad. Tulsa’s secondary is their best unit with safety being a strong spot. Michael Mudoh led C-USA in tackles last year and he’s joined by former freshman All-American Demarco Nelson, who missed last season due to academic issues.
Filling Jackson’s spot will be tough, especially with two freshman set to start at linebacker. The line also has some playmakers in tackle Derrick LUetjen, but this is a team that struggled to contain C-USA opponents last year.
The first Game happens to be an important one for both teams as Tulsa and Tulane will need that early season win against a fellow bottom-level team. The loser of that Game could easily finish last in the AAC. OUtside of Oklahoma, Tulsa does have some winnable non-Conference Games, but Florida Atlantic and Colorado State on the road will not be easy.
The Golden Hurricane finish the season with Games against SMU, UCF, Houston and East Carolina and it’s hard to see them winning any of those unless the team suddenly becomes good. Their best chances for Conference wins outside of Tulane will come against Temple, South Florida and Memphis, and they happen to be back-to-back-to-back.
It’s going to fall on quarterback play and the defense to turn things around for Tulsa. The defense has potential, but that might not matter if their quarterback is throwing more interceptions than touchdowns. Four wins is safe bet for this squad.
5 dimes sportsbook has odds/lines posted for the first few weeks of Games for several AAC teams. Check em out.
2014 Tulsa Football Schedule
Aug. 30 vs. Tulane
Sept. 6 vs. Oklahoma
Sept. 13 at Florida Atlantic
Sept. 27 vs. Texas State
Oct. 4 at Colorado State
Oct. 11 at Temple
Oct. 18 vs. South Florida
Oct. 31 at Memphis
Nov. 8 vs. SMU
Nov. 14 at UCF
Nov. 22 at Houston
Nov. 28 vs. East Carolina