Tulsa World: TU wants more than a moral victory at OU

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TU wants more than a moral victory at OU

Tulsa quarterback G.J. Kinne. Patrick Semansky/AP Photo

By ERIC BAILEY World Sports Writer
Published: 9/19/2009 2:28 AM
Last Modified: 9/19/2009 8:06 AM

NORMAN — Moral victories aren't allowed at Tulsa.

When the Golden Hurricane plays No. 12 Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon, it expects to walk off the field celebrating a victory.

"We're not going to just compete with anyone, but we're going to win," Tulsa quarterback G.J. Kinne said.

Some national media members have overlooked the Hurricane, even calling this a "gimme" game for the Sooners. It would be understandable if TU enters with a "chip-on-your-shoulder" attitude.

"We're focused and not listening to the media," Kinne said. "We're doing what we're supposed to do and getting ready to go."

TU coach Todd Graham has injected confidence into the program since taking over in 2007. He's won 23 of 30 games, the best start for a Hurricane coach since World War II. One thing missing is a win against a school from a BCS league.

"We've done some good things," Graham said. "But what we haven't done in the years that I've been the head coach is taking the next step. The next step is winning against a BCS conference school."

Graham said his football team is much improved from the 2007 version that lost 62-21 to the visiting Sooners.

"I like this football team because I think we have a defense," Graham said. "If I was trying to go out and try to outscore Oklahoma in a shootout, you'd have a hard time winning because of the defense that they have."

Tulsa's defense has only allowed one touchdown and 16 points combined in road victories against Tulane and New Mexico. It won't be easy against the Sooners, who will be missing Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford and All-American Jermaine Gresham. But OU still has talent on offense.

The Hurricane must be fundamentally sound, linebacker Mike Bryan said.

"I promise you if you make a mistake or have a missed assignment, it will be magnified when you're playing the Sooners," Bryan said. "They have the best athletes and the best players ... everybody has to do their job and no one can try to do their own thing."

TU will face a defensive front that Graham called the best in college football.

Kinne said, "They have a great defense. We're going to go out there and we're not going to play scared. We're going to go out there, play hard and take what they give us."

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

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