Hurricane prepares for SMU after big win

The University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team got their first conference win of the season last week, in a 48-7 blowout of Memphis at the Liberty Bowl. The offense continued rolling, as they put up over 400 yards for the fifth time in as many games this season and scored over 40 points for the third time. The Hurricane saw six different players score touchdowns as G.J. Kinne scored on an eight-yard run after Marco Nelson's third interception of the season to put the Hurricane up 7-0 and they never looked back.

Kinne completed 18-of-31 pass attempts for 214 yards and two TD passes and one rushing touchdown. Charles Clay and Jameel Owens both caught touchdown passes while Ja'Terian Douglas, Alex Singleton and Shavodrick Beaver all scored on the ground. The Hurricane outgained the Tigers 447 yards to 207 yards as they improved their record to 3-2 on the season and 1-1 in conference play.

TU continues C-USA play this week when they travel to Dallas to take on SMU at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on Saturday night. The game marks the third straight conference road game for the Hurricane, who will finally open the home portion of their conference schedule on October 16 against Tulane. SMU enters Saturday's contest at 3-2 overall and 2-0 in C-USA. They are currently tied with Houston atop the C-USA West Division standings.

Tulsa and SMU have had close battles in recent years, with Tulsa's last trip to Dallas going down to the wire before the Hurricane prevailed as the winner. SMU, behind then second-year head coach June Jones, returned the favor in 2009 when they defeated the Hurricane 27-13 at H.A. Chapman Stadium. 

Tulsa Head Coach Todd Graham knows his team has it's work cut out for it. "In my five years in this league, I've never been to Dallas and it's been easy," said Graham. "It's always been a challenge. I have a lot of respect for Coach Jones and his staff, the job they've done has been phenomenal," he said. "I think this game is going to have a big impact on the West Division," he added.

Saturday's game, set for a 7:05 p.m. kickoff, will be televised live in Tulsa by Cox Communications on channel 3 and HD channel 703. Tulsa is listed as a seven point favorite in the match up.

CONFERENCE USA STANDINGS 

EAST DIVISION

1. East Carolina 2-0 (2-2), 2. Southern Miss 1-0 (4-1), 3. UCF 1-0 (3-2), 4. Marshall 0-1 (1-4), 5. UAB 0-2 (1-4), 6. Memphis 0-3 (1-4).

WEST DIVISION

1. Houston 2-0 (3-1), 2. SMU 2-0 (3-2), 3. UTEP 1-1 (4-1), 4. Tulsa 1-1 (3-2), 5. Tulane 0-1 (2-2), 6. Rice 0-1 (1-4).