Tulsa World: TU focus shifts to Rice

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TU focus shifts to Rice

TU's Charles Opeseyitan runs against Sam Houston State on Saturday. Opeseyitan and the Hurricane return to Conference USA play this week against Rice. STEPHEN PINGRY / Tulsa World

By ERIC BAILEY World Sports Writer
Published: 9/28/2009 2:21 AM
Last Modified: 9/28/2009 5:41 AM

So how much did Tulsa need Saturday night's dominating 56-3 victory over Sam Houston State?

"This game was very important," said free safety Kenny D. Sims. "It helped us get our confidence back after losing (45-0 at Oklahoma one week earlier). We needed to come out and have a strong win."

The triumph was expected against the overmatched Division I-AA opponent. Now all eyes turn to Conference USA play and next Saturday's game at Rice.

Two years ago, the storyline centered around Todd Graham's return to the school where he coached one season before accepting the TU job.

In 2009, it's just an afterthought.

Tulsa still has plenty of motivation for each C-USA contest this season. After all the talk of 14-0 last season, this year's main goal is winning its first league championship since 2005.

The Golden Hurricane (3-1 overall, 1-0 in C-USA) has already passed one test, capturing a season-opening road win at Tulane. A testy schedule includes trips to Rice and UTEP before its first home league game on Halloween against SMU.

On paper, TU should have an advantage against Rice.

Rice (0-4, 0-1) is winless this season after posting 10 victories in 2008. The Owls are struggling to find playmakers to replace triplets Chase Clement, Jarett Dillard and James Casey.

Rice is averaging 18.8 points per game, ranked 104th nationally. Its defense is last in the country, allowing 44 points a game.

Tulsa was rattled by Oklahoma's offense, but shined in the three victories. TU has allowed just 19 total points against its defense in triumphs over Tulane, New Mexico and Sam Houston State. (New Mexico's only touchdown came on a fumble return).

The TU offense hasn't faced the same offensive problems as Rice, even with its third different quarterback under Graham.

G.J. Kinne has thrown nine touchdown passes this season and leads the Hurricane in rushing. He ranks 10th nationally in pass efficiency.

Despite all these statistics and tendencies, Graham knows it will come down to one factor on Saturday.

"To start conference play, it's going to be a grind," Graham said. "We're fixing to go down to Rice, and it will be a difficult game.

"Every single week from here, it's going to get harder and harder."

Eric Bailey 581-8391
eric.bailey@tulsaworld.com By ERIC BAILEY World Sports Writer

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