Tulsa Football: Will Golden Hurricane return to bowl for first time since 2016?

How will Tulsa football fare in 2020?

These predictions are made in assumption that there won’t be any injuries and the AAC has not decided on whether they will play a conference only schedule like the Big Ten and Pac-12.

• Game 1: vs. Toledo (W) — The Golden Hurricane need to win this game at home if they want to have any bowl game hopes.
• Game 2: at Oklahoma State (L) — Tulsa won’t have the defense to stop what should be one of the nation’s best offenses.
• Game 3: vs. Northwestern State (W) — The Golden Hurricane will get a win over FCS Northwestern State.
• Game 4: at Arkansas State (W) — These two teams are evenly matched, but the experience on offense will help the Golden Hurricane to victory.
• Game 5: at UCF (L) — UCF is expected to challenge for another AAC title and New Year’s Six bowl and will be too much for Tulsa on the road. Tulsa did pull the upset last year and UCF won’t take them lightly.
• Game 6: vs. Cincinnati (L) — The Bearcats have the makings of an excellent team in 2020 and have the defense to stop Tulsa’s offense.
• Game 7: at South Florida (W) — I’m not high on the Bulls this year despite some talent on offense and a new head coach. Tulsa gets a key road victory.
• Game 8: vs. East Carolina (L) — Another toss-up game, but the Pirates have an excellent offense and quarterback and can outscore Tulsa.
• Game 9: at Navy (L) — Navy is losing a lot of starters and key players, but they are one of the most consistent programs in the country and will be fine.
• Game 10: vs. SMU (L) — Another in conference shootout that I think favors the experienced Mustangs.
• Game 11: vs. Tulane (W) — The final home game for the Golden Hurricane will result in a victory over an always tough Tulane team.
• Game 12: at Houston (W) — Houston is looking to be better after a disappointing 2019, but I think Tulsa will be fighting for a spot in a bowl game.

Final Record: 6-6, 3-5 AAC

For Tulsa to make a bowl game, they are going to have to start 3-1 and then win the toss-up games along the way, which there are several. They will have to face some of the league’s best teams in UCF, Cincinnati and SMU and that will make things tough.

Having an experienced offense in this league counts for something and that will help Tulsa get to six wins.