Tulsa vs Bowling Green

Tulsa vs Bowling Green

After falling just short of a Conference USA title, Tulsa hopes to end the career of quarterback Paul Smith on a better note – with a GMAC Bowl victory over Bowling Green. The Falcons struggled last season, but rebounded to an 8-4 record and a berth in this game. The GMAC Bowl has seen its share of solid match-ups and offensive fireworks in previous games and this one should have no trouble providing the crowd with an entertaining evening.

The Breakdown: If you like offense, this is definitely the game for you. When the Golden Hurricane have the ball, the attack is led by quarterback Paul Smith. Smith has thrown for 300 or more yards in every game this season and has a cast of talented weapons. Receiver Brennan Marion is averaging a ridiculous 31.9 yards per reception – obviously one of the best deep ball threats in college football. In addition to Marion, Trae Johnson and h-back Charles Clay will be threats the Falcon defense has to account for. Although the passing game is prolific, running back Tarrion Adams totaled over 1,000 yards on the ground in 2007 and will test a Falcon run defense that ranks 107^th in the NCAA.

Although the Golden Hurricane offense is one of the best in the NCAA, the Falcons have some weapons of their own, led by quarterback Tyler Sheehan. Sheehan has shown steady improvement as a passer in his first full season as a starter, but just needs to work on being a little more consistent. Top receiver Freddie Barnes should have no trouble finding holes against the 108^th ranked Golden Hurricane secondary. The Falcons will also rely on the ground game of Willie Geter and Anthony Turner – especially to help keep Smith and his receivers on the sidelines. Geter and Turner are capable runners – with Turner an ex-quarterback, but they will also play a key role in the passing game with receptions out of the backfield.

With a ridiculous amount of firepower gathered on both sides of the ball, look for a late defensive stop or a turnover to define which way this game goes. The Falcons were better in the turnover margin department and they will need to force a couple to steal this game away from Tulsa.

The Prediction: Look for a lot of offense and plenty of points. Neither defense is particularly impressive and will pose much of a threat to either offense. In the end, the Golden Hurricane have more weapons and will come out on top. Golden Hurricane 45 Falcons 34.

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