Sportsbook site handicappers are taking a second look at the Tulsa Golden Hurricane after the virtual “golden shower” they have given their backers so far in 2010.
The latest debacle has made handicappers and Golden Hurricane fans begin to seriously doubt if head coach Todd Graham is the right man for the job. Tulsa was blown out last week at Oklahoma State 65-28 as 7-point dogs to fall to 1-2 straight up and 0-3 against the spread to begin a season in which they were expected to be a serious contender for the Conference USA title and a bowl berth.
This week Tulsa should get a bit of a break as they host Central Arkansas. Be sure and check Sbgglobal fin the Extra Games section for the pointspread side and over/under numbers on the matchup that is set to begin at 7:05 PM Eastern.
A defensive expert?
Graham made his reputation as a defensive coordinator when former head coach Steve Kragthorpe was winning big at Tulsa. Yet Graham’s defense continues to be the problem that concerns offshore sportsbook handicappers. Tulsa is ranked 118th in the country for total defense and 117th for points allowed. Their problems began on week one at East Carolina when they allowed a 33 yard “Hail Mary” jump pass touchdown at the gun to lose 51-49 as 7-point road favorites. Oklahoma State lit up the Golden Hurricane for an insane 722 yards last week, an absolute debacle that speaks volumes about the job Graham has done. Even worse he has admitted that the unit is losing its confidence.
Offensive ability going to waste
All of the defensive problems have ruined what could be a dangerous team that would have sportsbook site appeal with gamblers. Tulsa is ranked 5th overall for total offense and 7th in the nation for passing. Junior quarterback GJ Kinne has already thrown for 62% completions thus far for a staggering 974 yards with an 8/5 touchdown to interception ratio. But the added burden of having to cover for the inept defense could end up crushing him by season’s end.
Losing Money
Tulsa is quickly degenerating into one of the biggest losers that can be found at an offshore sportsbook. They have gotten the money in just 4 out of their last 14 games dating back to last season.