Graham Upset With Play Call Against Boise State

Originally Published: Oct 15, 2009 3:6 AM CDT

Curt Hill
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

TULSA, Oklahoma — Tulsa ran 54 plays in its 28-21 loss to Boise State. While mistakes were made on several plays, there is one play that head coach Todd Graham would like to have back.

Trailing 15-14 with less than two minutes left in the second quarter, Graham elected to go for it onfourthandone at the Boise State 46-yard line. G. J. Kinne threw a short pass to Damaris Johnson, but the ball was batted down by Boise State’s Shea McClellin.

Graham was confident in the play, but wishes he would not have made the call.

“The one decision I would like to have back is that fourth down,” Graham said. “It’s a deal that we looked at on film and we knew it would work if they lined up a certain way. Then the guy jumps up about three feet in the air and knocks the ball down. We probably took a chance we shouldn't have took there.”

Boise State had a short field to work with after the play and the Broncos were able to get a field goal before halftime.

“We give up three points there,” Graham said. “That wasn't the difference in the game because it wound up being a seven-point game, but that was some momentum that I didn't like.”

Boise State outscored Tulsa 10-0 in the third quarter. The play was one of two fourth down attempts for the Golden Hurricane. The other came on the final drive and ended with an incomplete pass.

For more onthe game, click here.