Tulsa to face off against UConn
Tulsa will look to snap a seven-game losing streak when it hosts UConn on Saturday.
Despite not winning a game in the past two months, the University of Tulsa football team continues to approach each week in the same way.
"We're 1-7 right now, but you should never give up," safety Manny Bunch said. "There's a lot of character that you build in years like this . ... We're going to come to practice every day and want to work."
While seeking to end a painful seven-game slide, the Hurricane faces perhaps its most winnable opportunity Saturday. Against UConn, an American Athletic Conference team with the same record and similar offensive struggles, TU is favored by more than two touchdowns.
Last week against Tulane, Tulsa was a slight favorite but stumbled 24-17 in lackluster fashion to fall to last place in the league's West Division, having given up a fourth-quarter lead for the third time in four games.
"When you're dealing with younger players, it's learning how to finish some of those games," coach Philip Montgomery said. "I think we're at a better state than we have been, but we've still got some growing to do. I'm just tired of growing. Let's go win."
FOUR DOWNS
1. Top storyline
Looking in the mirrorTulsa and UConn have identical records and both have dropped 12 games in a row to FBS opponents. In a battle of the least successful teams in the American Athletic Conference, the Hurricane is a double-digit favorite on homecoming. The Huskies have never played in Oklahoma before and have struggled on the road in recent seasons.
2. Key matchup
UConn QB David Pindell vs. TU’s secondaryThe teams have almost identical offensive statistics, averaging about 200 rushing yards and 175 passing yards while scoring 21 points per game. Defensively, the Hurricane is significantly better, ranking 10th nationally against the pass. Pindell also can hurt teams with his legs, having rushed for at least 100 yards in four
games this season.
3. Player to watch
QB Seth BoomerIn his last game, Boomer made several really good throws. Although they weren’t always caught by the Hurricane receivers, Boomer appeared to have more confidence and be more at ease. He should be able to have more success Saturday while going up against a UConn defense that statistically is the worst in the country. The Huskies are giving up crazy numbers: 625.5 yards and 47.8 points per game.
4. Who wins and why
From Guerin Emig: As bad as Tulsa’s football situation is, UConn’s is worse. The Huskies are 1-7, like the Hurricane, but they haven’t been competitive in several of their defeats. Tulsa, at least, is hanging in games. Tulsa, at least, is stiffening defensively and stopping the occasional drive. Assuming TU presses the fight again Saturday night, good things should finally happen as a result, one of them being a 10-point victory.