TU football notebook: Kicking situation

BY BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
11/07/12 at 4:08 AM

With freshman Daniel Schwarz having misfired on three of his last four field goal attempts while also failing to convert on two extra-point tries at Arkansas, University of Tulsa coach Bill Blankenship is using the Tuesday and Wednesday practice sessions to determine who kicks for the Golden Hurricane in Saturday's Conference contest at Houston.

Golden Hurricane sophomore punter Cole Way, who was 11-of-12 on field goals as a Union High School senior, is being auditioned while Schwarz works to escape his slump.

"He's got plenty of talent," Blankenship said of Schwarz. "If you were a golfer, you might say he's got the yips. He's just got to get back in rhythm. We've got lots of people wanting to help him.

"We're going to be very involved in having Cole Way kick as much this week as Daniel kicks. If Daniel responds well, he'll still be our kicker. If he's still got that look on his face, and he can't get past it, then we'll go with Cole. But we haven't fired (Schwarz) yet."

For the season, Schwarz is 8-of-13 on field goals and has missed on four extra-point kicks.

Sims update: The Houston Chronicle reports that Houston junior running back Charles Sims, the Conference USA rushing leader at 106.1 yards per game, is doubtful for Saturday's meeting with Tulsa because of an ankle injury.

Sims also has 35 receptions for 347 yards. He has scored 14 touchdowns (11 rushing and three on receptions).

"Maybe the best skilled athlete in our conference," Blankenship says of Sims. "He is a fabulous player. Charles is probably, without a doubt in my mind, the key part of (Houston's) offense."

Green's shoulder: Because of a right-shoulder injury, quarterback Cody Green was sidelined during TU's Oct. 20 victory over Rice. He returned to the starting lineup at Arkansas, finishing 22-of-37 passing for 222 yards.

When asked about the condition of Green's shoulder, Blankenship said, "We did not take any steps backward. I thought Cody played really well. He gave us a chance to win. I thought he was very much in rhythm (during a 15-of-18 first half)."

Harper at Houston: Houston's starting left offensive tackle is sophomore Rowdy Harper, a former Broken Arrow High School player. As a freshman last season, he started in 14 games at right tackle.

"Rowdy continues to play very well for them," Blankenship said. "He has our attention."

Competing against the Hurricane is "extremely special for me because I'm from Tulsa," Harper said. "My dad (Pat Harper) played for Tulsa, and I know a lot of guys who play for them, so there is a lot of familiarity there. It's going to be a special game because it is the last homecoming game at Robertson Stadium and we're wearing commemorative uniforms, as well."

2012 TU SCHEDULE

Sept. 1: at Iowa State L, 38-23
Sept. 8: vs. Tulane W, 45-10
Sept. 15: vs. Nicholls St. W, 66-16
Sept. 22: vs. Fresno St. W, 27-26
Sept. 29: at UAB W, 49-42
Oct. 6: at Marshall W, 45-38
Oct. 11: vs. UTEP W, 33-11
Oct. 20: vs. Rice W, 28-24
Nov. 3: at Arkansas L, 19-15
Nov. 10: at Houston (CBSSN) 4 p.m.
Nov. 17: vs. UCF (FSOK) 11 a.m.
Nov. 24: at SMU (FSOK) TBD