Tulsa vs. Louisiana-Monroe Prediction, Game Preview

Follow and/or Contact @Rich Cirminiello

The Tulsa Golden Hurricane (2-2) and the UL-Monroe Warhawks (1-3) meet at Chapman Stadium, each determined to snap two-game losing streaks. Check out the Tulsa vs. Louisiana-Monroe prediction and game preview.

Tulsa vs. Louisiana-Monroe Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 10
Venue: Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Game Time: 6:00 ET
Network: ESPN3

Why You Need To Care

After four games, Tulsa has an identity. The Hurricane has enough offense to beat bad teams, but its defense will prevent it from toppling the quality opponents. Philip Montgomery looks to get his team back on track after dropping consecutive games to Oklahoma and Houston by two touchdowns. UL-Monroe has faced a humbling non-conference schedule, losing badly to Georgia, Alabama and Georgia Southern. Saturday’s 20-point home loss to the Eagles was a setback for the Warhawks.

Why UL-Monroe Will Win

The Tulsa defense will keep every opponent in games this fall. The Hurricane yields more than 38 points per game and nearly seven yards a play. The Warhawks will want to attack through the air, with QB Garrett Smith connecting to dynamic WR Ajalen Holley.

Why Tulsa Will Win

The Warhawks boast a few solid individual parts on defense, but the unit is soft as a whole. On Saturday, Georgia Southern trucked UL-Monroe for 455 rushing yard. So, while Tulsa has a dangerous receiver, Keyarris Garrett, the team might want to feed backs Zack Langer and D’Angelo Brewer a bit more on Saturday.

Player Who Matters

For the second straight year, Tulsa is failing to create takeaways. In fact, the Hurricane has just one pick on 132 pass attempts. But Warhawk rookie QB Garrett Smith has already thrown six interceptions, which could provide the impetus for Tulsa corners Kerwin Thomas and Darrell Williams to flip the field a couple of times.

What’s Going To Happen?

Dialing down the competition level means Tulsa can get back to winning. The Hurricane will have too much balance for a UL-Monroe squad that can’t run the ball and misses injured WR Rashon Ceaser. A mix of Zack Langer on the ground and Dane Evans through the air will provide Tulsa with an early cushion that it never relinquishes.