Tulsa plans to concentrate on winning close games
TULSA — After losing its last six games that were determined by a touchdown or less, the University of Tulsa might be due for a narrow victory.
“I think we’re growing in that aspect,” coach Philip Montgomery said. “Look at (the Central Arkansas opener, a 38-27 victory). We made some plays late in that game to win that one. We’ve got to do a better job earlier in the game.”
On Saturday night, the Hurricane will be a slight underdog when hosting Arkansas State, the preseason favorite to win the Sun Belt.
Under fifth-year coach Blake Anderson, 30 of the Red Wolves’ 32 victories have come by a double-digit margin.
In a potentially close matchup, red-zone inefficiency and missed field goals again could be costly.
To secure a win, TU will need to play like the team that battled back in the second half of last week’s 28-21 loss at Texas rather than the team that struggled offensively throughout the first half.
“Once we break the ice on the scoreboard, we’re a very hard team to beat,” quarterback Luke Skipper said.
“We’ve just got to get better and do it in the first half.”
FOUR DOWNS 1. Top storyline Maintaining momentum
Outscoring Texas 21-7 in the second half of last week’s loss renewed optimism about this team’s potential. To capitalize on confidence gained in Austin, Tulsa needs to get into a rhythm earlier in the game, particularly on offense.
2. Key matchup
QB Justice Hansen vs. the TU secondary
The Oklahoma transfer is among the top Group
of Five quarterbacks, having thrown for 400 yards in five games and 300 yards in 10 games. Helped by a three-safety formation, the Hurricane defensive backs are teaming up to prevent fewer explosive plays.
3. Player to watch WR Keylon Stokes
The younger brother of former TU standout Keevan Lucas is making a name for himself as a versatile weapon. He totaled 126 all-purpose
yards against Texas, having been used as a rusher, receiver and returner.
4. Who wins and why From Tulsa World staff writer Guerin Emig: Before last week’s games Arkansas State would have been a prohibitive favorite here. Red Wolves quarterback Justice Hansen was dazzling in Week 1 while Tulsa left its fans doubting during a comefrom-behind win over Central Arkansas. But now look. Hansen and the Wolves were rocked at Alabama last Saturday while TU proved its mettle in a near miss at Texas. Hurricane scores late and moves to 2-1.