Tulsa Defense Helps Seal 31-28 Victory

Golden Hurricane held Miners scoreless in fourth quarter to hold on.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:03 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Nov 20, 2010 2:53 PM CDT

Grant Belcher
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

TULSA, Oklahoma – The Golden Hurricane defense woke up in the fourth quarter, using a strong end-game showing to boost Tulsa to a 31-28 victory over UTEP on Saturday.

After several quick scoring exchanges throughout the first three quarters, neither team registered any points in the fourth.

And that was just fine with Tulsa, whose one-yard scoring dive in the third quarter turned out to be the game-winner.

Before the grind-it-out fourth quarter, the Golden Hurricane gave up a number of big plays allowing the Miners to stay right with them.

The Miners struck first with a big drive – two plays, 68 yards – to take an early 7-0 lead.

The Golden Hurricane was able to respond with a steady drive of its own, finding the end zone on a pass from G.J. Kinne to Willie Carter to knot the score at 7.

But the theme of the first half was UTEP responding to each Golden Hurricane drive with a huge play to reverse the fortune.

Less than one minute later, UTEP’s Joseph Banyard rushed 66 yards for a touchdown to put the Miners back on top.

The Miners did most of their damage on the ground, only completing three passes in the first half but rushing for 155 yards.

Tulsa was able to respond once again, as Damaris Johnson rushed six yards for a score. Johnson also set the NCAA’s career kick return yards record during the game.

But right on cue, UTEP took back the ensuing kickoff 73 yards for a touchdown to claim a 21-14 lead.

The Golden Hurricane was able to make a statement right before halftime, marching 63 yards in just 53 seconds to even the score heading into the half.

After giving up huge plays to the Miner offense in the first half, the Golden Hurricane defense stepped up in the second, allowing just one score the remainder of the game.

Kinne once again had a big game, leading the Tulsa offense with 325 yards and two touchdowns.

Damaris Johnson had 146 yards receiving to go with his record-setting return day.

The Golden Hurricane will finish out the regular season taking on Southern Miss at 5:30 on Friday, Nov. 26.