Pokes’ Game Day Preview: Tulsa

The skinny on Tulsa

The Golden Hurricane (1-1, 1-0 C-USA) is coming off a 10-win season a year ago and now has Oklahoma coaching legend Bill Blankenship manning the sideline. G.J. Kinne is a legitimate quarterback, but TU will be without its best playmaker in wide receiver/returner Damaris Johnson, who is suspended indefinitely after being charged with felony embezzlement last month.

Figure to know: 449

The average number of yards the TU defense has given up through two games, which ranks 104th in the nation. By contrast, the Cowboys rank second in the nation in total offense (630 yards per game). And this is a defense the Cowboys simply shredded last season, as Brandon Weeden passed for 409 yards and six touchdowns (three to Justin Blackmon) in a half and a series.

Player to watch: Joseph Randle

Even with Weeden’s record-breaking performance last week and Blackmon’s continued brilliance, Randle has been the most exciting player for the Cowboys so far this season (250 rush yards, 108 receiving yards, four touchdowns). And with the way Dominique Whaley ran all over the Golden Hurricane two weeks ago, expect another huge game from Randle.  

Matchup to watch: TU passing game vs. OSU secondary

Once again, this is the strength vs. strength matchup. In order for TU to stay in the game, Kinne must be on point. And other than two busted coverages late in the game against Arizona, OSU’s secondary has been stout through two games.

 Don’t be surprised if…G.J. Kinne racks up a bunch of passing yards

 Much like Arizona’s Nick Foles, Kinne is going to throw a lot, especially if the Golden Hurricane gets behind. And if the Cowboys get a big lead, like they did last week and like they did against TU a year ago, expect them to again back off a bit on short hitch routes and the like.