Game Time: Saturday, Sept 1st, 3:30 PM EST
TV: None
Betting Line: TUL -1.5
Betting Odds from Bovada
Tulsa
Cody Green could be the next big QB for Tulsa. The Golden Hurricane have won 44 games over the past five years, and went 8-5 last year with a 7-1 record in Conference USA. They lost 21-24 to BYU in the Armed Forces Bowl.
Green is a junior transfer from Nebraska, and he appeared in 17 games with the Cornhuskers. He stands 6’4″ 247, so his size makes him an intimidating player for some of the best sackers. He won the starting job over redshirt sophomore Kalen Henderson.
The rushing game will be crucial for the Golden Hurricane. Je’Terian Douglas ran for 883 yards and Trey Watts ran for 881. Willie Carter is a halfback who has big play potential and led the team in receiving yards last yea with 868 yards and also caught 7 TDs.
At WR, they return Bryan Burnham and Jordan James, who combined for 85 catches and 1241 yards.
The OL is good but lost three starters to graduation. Trent Dupy, center, is a four year starter and tackle Brian DeShane and guard Stetson Burnett will bring some experience to help with the new starters.
Tulsa’s pass defense must improve, as they ranked 11th in Conference USA, giving up 286.3 passing yards per game, despite still managing to hold opponents to 27.3 points per game, good for 5th in C-USA. They los their top tackler in Curnelius Arnick, but Shawn Jackson is solid at weak side LB. They changed to a 4-3 scheme in 2011.
Iowa State
Iowa State is predicted by ESPN Insider Will Harris to “upset” (I use that word lightly here since the spread is only 1.5 points) Tulsa. College football oddsmakers have set the line close, but Steele Jantz winning the QB battle should make the Cyclones a tougher team. Jantz will be adapting to a new look offense with offensive coordinator Courtney Messingham bringing a new scheme to the Cylcones’ attack.
The OL protecting Jantz has no all-conference type players, but it should still be a pretty decent unit.
At RB, Iowa State has the quick James White, banger and bruiser Jefff Woody, and the youngsters DeVondrick Nealy and Rob Standard. James White will be the primary ball carrier, as he ran for 743 yards last year with eight TDs, leading the Cyclones attack on the ground.
At WR, senior Josh Lenz will be heavily relied upon and Aaron Horne was the Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year in 2011. They have some fast WRs so if Jantz can stay clean in the pocket, they could improve even more upon last year’s passing offense, which ranked 7th in the Big 12 with 212.3 yards per game.
The offense in all has a lot of potential, and the D has been pretty solid over the last few years. Iowa State is predicted by Athlon magazine, though, to go a dismal 4-8 with a 2-7 Big 12 record. It’s a regression from last year’s 6-7 season, and will result in not making a bowl game if it happens. Last year they lost 13-27 to Rutgers at the Pinstripe Bowl.
Tulsa Betting Trends:
Golden Hurricane are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 road games, and 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall. They are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 non-conf games and 0-5 ATS in their last 5 vs the Big 12. The UNDER is 6-1 in their last 7 road games and 19-7 UNDER in their last 26 games on grass. The UNDER is 10-4 in their last 14 non-conf games.
Iowa State Betting Trends:
Cyclones are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall and 21-10 ATS in their last 31 September games. UNDER is 4-0 in Cyclones last 4 home games and 7-1 in the last 8 September games.
Want to crush the bookies? Make sure to check out our paid pick plans for the 2012 season. Our handicapping team has an excellent track record of lining people’s pockets, so get in on the gravy train!
