Boise State Broncos vs Tulsa Golden Hurricane Preview

The Tulsa Golden Hurricane sure did schedule ambitiously this season. It had to know a slate with Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Boise State in the first four weeks would be tough. All three teams currently reside in the top six of the coaches poll, and fourth-ranked Boise State is on tap this Saturday to complete Tulsa’s trifecta.

Although early in the season, Boise State appears to be a complete team yet again. Kellen Moore could hardly be any better for the Broncos, as the senior quarterback has the offense working as good as ever despite its offseason losses. Leading the Boise offense to 500 yards per game, Moore’s last performance was outstanding, going 32-of-42 for 455 yards and five touchdown passes in a 40-15 win at Toledo. While the Boise offense under new offensive coordinator Brent Pease is still a pass-first offense, Doug Martin and D.J. Harper average a combined 137 rushing yards per game, which will make Tulsa’s defense have to stay honest. The Broncos really do make you pick your poison, as Martin posted three 150-plus-yard rushing performances last year. Martin has also emerged as a viable pass-catching offense for Moore, the team leader with 147 receiving yards as well. Tyler Shoemaker has also stepped up for Boise State, leading the team with four touchdown receptions. So far, Bronco fans hardly have to think about the talent of departed receivers.

Tulsa ’s offense is good too, even with the absence of suspended star Demaris Johnson. The problem for the Golden Hurricane is that in last week’s twilight loss to Oklahoma State, senior quarterback G.J. Kinne suffered a knee injury that is reported to have him out for at least two weeks. In his absence, freshman Kalen Henderson was not great. Henderson went just 6-of-20 for 104 yards, throwing three interceptions. The run game racked up 365 yards, partially a product of the high number of possessions. Boise State’s rushing defense is above average, so it seems unlikely the Golden Hurricane will be able to ride the run game to a victory. Henderson will need to produce without committing turnovers for Tulsa to keep up.

Unfortunately for Tulsa, it doesn’t seem they have what it takes to keep up. Against similarly-elite teams Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, Tulsa surrendered an average of 53 points per game on 603 yards of offense. Those two opponents were very similar to Boise State, teams with veteran, elite passers. Landry Jones and Brandon Weeden combined to complete 72 percent of their passes against Tulsa for 786 passing yards. Unfortunately for the Golden Hurricane, they have to face yet another elite quarterback in Moore. Boise State feels they are really good yet again, and if anyone is to stop them, it doesn’t look like this will be the week.

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By: Brett Hein
DFN Sports Staff Writer