On Thursday, the Odyssey’s favorite song is Gene Pitney’s “24 Hours from Tulsa” Yes, the Odyssey still has an acute memory for songs from 1963. For tomorrow, we will be in the press box at Skelly Stadium as we observe two teams going in opposite directions.
For one-loss Memphis, winning out likely means the coveted bid as the Group of Five’s representative in the lucrative “New Year’s Six” bowl series. The Tigers have triumphed over UCLA and Navy with their only blemish being a decisive loss to a Central Florida powerhouse. To win out, Memphis would likely have to win a revenge game against UCF in the American Athletic Conference championship game.
If you like lots of points, this game is must see TV. Las Vegas predicts the total points to be a whopping 78! Behind Riley Ferguson, the University of Tennessee refugee, the Tigers have one of the most prolific passing offenses in the country. Plus their defense will never be mistaken for Alabama.
Tulsa is sporting a very uncharacteristic 2-7 record. The Golden Hurricanes have shown flashes of excellence, pounding Houston, 45-17, and losing a heartbreaker to one-loss Toledo.
Last week’s 38-34 loss to another potent offense, SMU, was another agonizing “almost.” Tulsa’s Justin Hobbs was on the receiving end of what appeared to be a 72-yard TD pass. One problem: Hobbs did one high step at the SMU 12-yard line in celebration. A flag-happy official ruled a live-ball taunting foul. As a “live ball” foul, the TD was called back and the officials stepped off the alleged taunting infraction from the 12. Tulsa would up kicking a field goal. 3 points instead of 7. You do the math in a 4-point loss. Fox’s referee analyst, Mike Pereira, disagreed with the call. As does the Odyssey.
Tulsa’s defense has improved since they gave up 165 points in their first 3 games. Still, if defensive battles are your thing, skip this game.