Tulsa Offense Explodes in Victory against Rice

The Owls struck first, but the Golden Hurricane responded in a big way with a 64-27 victory.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:01 pm

By: News On 6

Tulsa Offense Explodes in Victory against Rice

Originally Published: Nov 6, 2010 2:38 PM CDT

Grant Belcher
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

TULSA, Oklahoma – Luckily for the Golden Hurricane, one play doesn’t make a game.

After a surprising touchdown by Rice to start the game, TU rallied back to set things straight in a 64-27 victory on Saturday at H.A. Chapman Stadium.

The Golden Hurricane went three-and-out to start the game and then allowed a 50-yard touchdown pass to go down 7-0 early.

Owls’ quarterback Nick Fanuzzi connected with receiver Patrick Randolph to cap off a Rice scoring drive of just two plays and 58 yards total, taking less than a minute to score.

After regaining its composure, Tulsa was able to settle into an offensive rhythm and didn’t punt again for the rest of the half.

TU wide receiver Damaris Johnson had a big day, surpassing the Conference USA record for kick return yards in a career on his second return of the game.

Johnson later returned a kick 94 yards for a touchdown, and also caught 19-yard and 41-yard touchdown passes. He ended up with 319 all-purpose yards on the day.

Johnson moved up to 10th on the NCAA’s career all-purpose yardage list. He started the day 18th on the list.

Johnson’s two early receiving touchdowns – one from quarterback G.J. Kinne and the other from fellow wide receiver Genesis Cole – gave the Golden Hurricane a 20-7 lead after the first quarter.

Tulsa engineered three large scoring drives in the second quarter, going 80, 70 and 90 yards for three more touchdowns.

TU had five scoring drives of 70 yards or more in the first half alone.

Kinne had a monstrous day to help lead the Golden Hurricane offense, completing 26-of-39 passes for 371 yards and four touchdowns.

Damaris Johnson put up staggering statistics as well, catching eight passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed twice for 22 yards.

The Tulsa defense stepped up after the blip on the Owls’ first possession. The Golden Hurricane did not allow a score for the rest after the first half after the long touchdown pass to start the game.

TU once again shared the wealth on offense, with nine players recording a rushing attempt and 12 players catching a pass. Seven different players scored touchdowns for the Golden Hurricane.

Tulsa (6-2, 3-2) will head to Houston on Saturday to take on the Cougars at 7 p.m.