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American Athletic Conference: Post-spring 2017 power rankings

By Zach Bigalke

Dec 29, 2016; Birmingham, AL, USA; South Florida Bulls quarterback Quinton Flowers (9) scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2016 Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; Birmingham, AL, USA; South Florida Bulls quarterback Quinton Flowers (9) scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2016 Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 19, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas defensive back Tony Annese (18) tries to tackle Tulsa Golden Hurricane running back James Flanders (20) during the second half at Marlins Park. The Golden Hurricane won 55-10. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas defensive back Tony Annese (18) tries to tackle Tulsa Golden Hurricane running back James Flanders (20) during the second half at Marlins Park. The Golden Hurricane won 55-10. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Like several other teams in the American, Tulsa enters 2017 with a lot of promise but a few question marks at quarterback. Unlike some of those other teams, the Golden Hurricane actually seemed to get an answer.

Redshirt freshman Luke Skipper looks like the best bet to replace departed Dane Evans. Skipper completed 16 of his 24 attempts for 173 yards and two scores, far outpacing sophomores Chad President and Will Hefley in the air.

Four running backs also racked up at least 60 rushing yards in the spring game. The Golden Hurricane should have no problems maintaining their offensive prowess. Senior defensive end Jesse Brubaker led a strong defensive outing as well, piling up three of the team’s seven sacks in the game. Cooper Edmiston forced a fumble, and Robert Revels III had the game’s only interception off an errant Hefley pass.

While Evans has departed Tulsa, there is plenty of reason for optimism. The Golden Hurricane are in a position to contend for the American crown in Phillip Montgomery’s third season at the helm. With a dynamic offense and a promising defense, Tulsa will be one of the 2017 favorites to challenge for a New Year’s Six invitation.

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