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Grit, talent make TU dangerous

Tulsa's Damaris Johnson is tackled by New Mexico's Frankie Baca during the second half of the 44-10 NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009 in Albuquerque, N.M. at University Stadium. (Craig Fritz / AP Photo)
 
By DAVE SITTLER World Sports Writer
Published: 9/15/2009  2:23 AM
Last Modified: 9/15/2009  11:23 AM
Go to Dave Sittler's Blog


TO UNDERSTAND Todd Graham's influence on Tulsa football, all you need to know is that the Golden Hurricane won't be packing any slingshots for this week's trip to play Oklahoma.

Thanks to the talent and toughness TU's third-year coach has brought to the program, the David vs. Goliath comparison no longer fits when the team with the smallest enrollment in Division I-A takes on one of the college game's giants.

"Our guys have a different mind-set about how they go about doing things this year," Graham said at his Monday press conference.

Instead of relying on a wing and a prayer and a lucky shot with a rock, the new weapons of choice at TU are work ethic, ability, experience and attitude. Especially attitude, where the Hurricane doesn't flinch at the name on the jersey or the player wearing it.

"We're not intimidated by anybody" said 6-foot-3, 226-pound senior Mike Bryan, who has intimidated a few quarterbacks from his middle linebacker position.

All the aforementioned reasons are why Graham, who is battling chronic pain in his neck, has a team with a legitimate shot to be a big pain in OU's backside during Saturday's 2:30 p.m. contest at Memorial Stadium.

Graham, Bryan and the rest of TU's team certainly respect OU's tradition and this season's No. 12 Sooners (1-1). Graham gushed about the defense, comparing it to the defense that helped Miami (Fla.) win the 2002 national championship.

But respect and fear are two whole different animals. And TU's coach and its stud linebacker both figure the Hurricane (2-0) has reached the point where it can demand respect from even BCS teams.

That wasn't the case in this series' recent past. Graham was in his first season as TU's head coach and Bryan saw plenty of action when OU came to T-Town in 2007 and hung a 62-21 thumping on the Hurricane. And Graham was TU's defensive coordinator in a 31-15 loss at OU in 2005.

TU gave the Sooners everything they wanted in the 2005 game, and also played them tough for most of the first half of the 2007 contest at Skelly Stadium. But neither of those TU teams compare with the 2009 Hurricane.

While the stadium underwent a major overhaul and changed its name to Chapman since the Sooners' visit two-plus seasons ago, Graham was doing some renovating of his own.

In addition to adjusting the team's attitude, he also has dramatically upgraded the talent level.

"After two games, I know for a fact that this is the best (TU) team I've been on," Bryan said.

It's not like Bryan has played with a bunch of losers. TU was 8-5 his freshman season in coach Steve Kragthorpe's final year. Graham has turned it up a notch, going 10-4 in 2007 and 11-3 last season.

TU is also road tested, after dominating wins at Tulane and New Mexico. Graham, an impressive 23-7 overall at TU, believes he's just getting warmed up because his blueprint for the program is right on schedule.

"I'm really excited about our football team," he said. "We've got the most balanced team we've had here in the last six or seven years."

The delicate balance was missing the past two seasons. While TU's offense was lighting up the scoreboard with pinball numbers, the defense often struggled to keep its balance.

Graham insisted Monday he expected the defense's slow start.

When he installed a wide-open, no-huddle offensive attack, he knew it would take a couple seasons for the defense to catch up physically and mentally.

While TU led the nation in total offense in his first two seasons, Graham's defense ranked 108th in 2007 and 75th last season. That gap has closed significantly through two games in 2009 — the defense ranks 34th and the offense 29th.

"We're in the best condition we've been in," Graham said of the defensive improvement. "Our personnel is the best it's been, and we have a staff that's been in place."

OU is obviously a drastic change from what TU has faced thus far with Tulane (0-2) and New Mexico (0-2). But fifth-year senior offensive guard Curt Puckett concurs with Bryan about the direction Graham is taking the Hurricane.

"Offensively, the only times we've been stopped so far is when we've stopped ourselves," Puckett said. "And from practicing against these guys every day, I can guarantee you this is the best defense we've had here in my five years."

Still, Graham knows his grand TU plan has a way to go. One thing missing from his Hurricane resume is a win over a BCS school.

TU might need a few more bodies before a Graham team can slay a monster like OU. But instead of a slingshot, he'll take a team to OU that has a shot because Graham has laid a rock-solid foundation.

By DAVE SITTLER World Sports Writer

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COMMENTS 
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18 comments have been made for this team so far. Tell us what you think below!
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Report Comment
canesablowin', (9/15/2009 6:25:26 AM)
Well said. TU has a shot, OU has a shot. The game has to be played, but a TU win would not be considered an upset in my opinion. The Golden Hurricane are just that much improved.
Report Comment
KYCane, Crestwood (9/15/2009 8:08:26 AM)
The media will spin it as an upset should TU win. GO TU!
Report Comment
Big Momma Cane, (9/15/2009 8:18:45 AM)
Tulsa fans: Let's make our presence known at the game. Let's be up and yelling before any of our players motion for us to do so!!!

GOLDEN...!!
Report Comment
SoonerDJ, Lisbon, Portugal (9/15/2009 8:48:42 AM)
I would consider it an upset since, like it was stated in the article, that TU has not beaten a BCS conference opponent during Grahams tenure. Also, OU is ranked and TU is not. I do hope this is TU's only loss and hope TU exacts some revenge for OU on BSU.
Report Comment
Lance-a-lot, Tulsa (9/15/2009 9:26:29 AM)
If Tu loses any game, I would rather it be to OU. I can handle that, as I like both schools. And I agree with SoonerDJ, that TU owes Boise a thumping for both teams.
Report Comment
tulsandn, out in the woods (9/15/2009 9:27:46 AM)
It will be a huge upset when Tulsa wins....

Those guys on Gameday said last Saturday that OU can win without a QB against Idaho St. & TULSA but they need Sam against MIAMI....

TU 20 OU 13
Report Comment
Golden Hurricane, Tulsa (9/15/2009 9:35:40 AM)
I am a TU fan and I think we've more than a just a chance to win, we have a legit shot, but make no mistake about it, if TU wins, it is absolutely an upset! Keep it real for goodness sakes!
Report Comment
GoldenDriller1, Out of State (9/15/2009 9:48:55 AM)
The team needs to execute their O & D, limit turnovers and penalties and they will have (as the case in every game) be in position for a win.
Report Comment
hawkdaddy, (9/15/2009 10:02:59 AM)
Comes down to the trenches. I am hopeful for a a TU win but I just want them to play to their capabilities and see how it plays out. I for one hate Boise as well and TU owes them more than OU. Good luck to both teams.
Report Comment
cubs, (9/15/2009 1:00:09 PM)
BOOMER all the way! TU has improved, but lets not get carried away. I think it will be a good game, but OU is just bigger and faster at all positions.....
Report Comment
Arbythree, Tulsa (9/15/2009 2:53:40 PM)
If TU wins I will be UPSET! I was there the last time they did it. 99 yard touchdown play then an onside kick. UGH!

BOOMER SOONER!!
Report Comment
Rocketman, Tulsa (9/15/2009 3:38:06 PM)
Don't kid yourselves. It would be an upset of about the same magnitude of Central Michigan upsetting Michigan State.
Report Comment
oddy, Santa Fe/Tulsa (9/15/2009 4:35:56 PM)
TU has better coaching. However, the talent levels are disproportionate. TU is known to rise to the level of their competition. OU is known for playing down to the level of theirs. The question is, which OU team will show Saturday?
Report Comment
oddy, Santa Fe/Tulsa (9/15/2009 4:38:49 PM)
PS, I just hope there are no major injuries on either team that will affect the rest of the season.
Report Comment
IraqVet0608, Broken Arrow (9/15/2009 5:27:16 PM)
It will be a close hard-fought game. that I think TU will probably lead until late when the lack of strength in their depth chart will start to show, If Tu can come out hard and strong on both sides of the ball, they might just be able to put OU in a hole deep enough that they will have problems climbing out. that said, it will be a good game!
Report Comment
tulsaGuy, (9/15/2009 5:41:41 PM)
Sorry, TU will not win.
Report Comment
Popeye, T-Town (9/15/2009 7:57:53 PM)
oddy: I agree. I hope neither team suffers any injuries. If TU has the depth to rotate lineman and keep them fresh, they might just have a chance...

GO HURRICANE ! ! ! !
Report Comment
Hurricane Mimi, Fort Worth (9/17/2009 7:37:57 PM)
it will not be an upset....it will be a victory - great prep by Tulsa - Big Momma, I'm with you - let's get that Cane spirit swirling all over that stadium - our players should NEVER have to remind us of our jobs...to support the Golden Hurricane - they will show up ready to play and we need to show up ready to make some noise!
 

 
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