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Victory boosts TU entering offseason
Graham wants team to learn from mistakes of the 2009 season.

Sophomore G.J. Kinne (left) had his share of ups and downs, but the Tulsa quarterback returns next season, along with several weapons on offense. STEPHEN PINGRY / Tulsa World file

 
By MIKE BROWN World Sports Writer
Published: 11/29/2009  2:27 AM
Last Modified: 11/29/2009  8:29 AM

Todd Graham said Friday's 33-30 win over Memphis allowed his University of Tulsa football team to enter the offseason in the best way possible.

"We finish on a good note and we were very close this year," Graham said. "We've got a lot of things we can learn from this year, lots of mistakes we made from lack of experience, and from the top down, everybody's gotta get better. I've gotta get better, our staff's gotta get better and definitely the guys have gotta get better."

Graham said he hoped his underclassmen would take to heart a speech by senior George Clinkscale during Thursday's team meal, urging them to commit to being better players in the offseason.

"(Clinkscale) had a tremendous quote. He said 'I don't get one rep back and I know I could have done better,' " Graham said. "That's what all the seniors talked about: 'Don't take winning for granted. The difference between winning and losing is so small and we never dreamed we'd be where we're at.' "

Tulsa lost two games in the closing seconds and three more that it trailed by a touchdown or less in the fourth quarter, all part of a six-game losing streak after a 4-1 start.

Eight starters return from an offense that averaged 29 points per game in 2009, but the Hurricane must replace heavily from a defense that allowed opponents to average nearly 500 yards per game in the losing streak.

Tulsa loses eight of its top 14 tacklers, including linebackers Clinkscale and Mike Bryan, who started most of their final three seasons, and strong safety James Lockett, who had 27 tackles over the last two years.

"We graduate a lot of players on defense, but that's part of recruiting and developing and getting guys to step up, and we've definitely gotta get better," he said.

Perhaps as a sign of good things to come, sophomore linebacker Curnelius Arnick had a season-high 10 tackles against Memphis while defensive backs DeAundre Brown, a sophomore, and Dexter McCoil, a freshman, played two of their better games.

TU returns 100 percent of its rushing and passing yardage from 2009. Starting quarterback G.J. Kinne returns with most of the receiving corps. Sophomore receiver Damaris Johnson, who led the nation in all-purpose (combined rushing, receiving and return) yards.

"There's so much young talent, guys who learned as they went," senior offensive guard Curt Puckett. "I started next to (freshman center) Trent Dupy all year and you could see him mature each game. There's great leadership with (running back) Charles Clay, (receivers) A.J. Whitmore and Trae Johnson. I think they're gonna be fine."


Mike Brown 581-8390
mike.brown@tulsaworld.com
By MIKE BROWN World Sports Writer

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timber land, (11/29/2009 4:42:28 PM)
Coach Graham this is for you. I'm a Season Ticket holder but I'm troubled by what I saw this season. The 1st sign of trouble came when you announced you were going to take an active role with the Offense & QB's. You stated the O-line was inexperienced yet Herb would be calling O-plays. You said Clay would be a running back but Clay operates better in space like his freshman year.

Next,...you know the rumors regarding individuals not being your favorites,...but I'll tell you this Receivers don't like Bullets thrown behind them over-the-middle & they privately know who they want. Some of your Coaches are as far out-of-position as Clay and even local coaches, X-players & Sports individuals have PUBLICLY (not privately) admitted being puzzled about what is going on at 11th & Harvard.

Last,..I honestly believe you have been good for Tulsa but after what we've all just seen you might have to fight (harder than normal) to hold the kids you just recruited & even your fan-base could drop. Lets put this chapter behind us (including all of the Clown Suits the kids just wore) and move on to a better year!
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Seppo, Sydney, Australia (11/29/2009 6:55:40 PM)
"...and we were very close this year," Graham said." Close to what? A losing season???

Seriously, close games do not count, it might be good for pep talks, but the bottom line is you have to win.

Go EARN that massive salary you are getting professors are doing it tough while you rake in the bucks, so I would suggest that "close" is not going to cut it. The players need your direction like you are about to lose your salary...then they may win.
 

 
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