Secondary Struggles Continue for Talons

Originally Published: May 1, 2010 9:53 PM CDT

Bobby Lewis
Oklahoma Sports Mobile Journalist

JACKSONVILLE, Florida -- For the second week in a row, the Talons’ defense couldn’t make the big play when it needed to. Tulsa fell 62-60 to the Jacksonville Sharks after surrendering a short touchdown on the game’s final play.

Aaron Garcia connected on a 9-yard touchdown pass to Dallas Baker for the game-winning touchdown. Just eight seconds earlier Justin Allgood hooked up with Jeff Hughley on a 4-yard touchdown pass to give the Talons a 60-55 lead.

Allgood passed for 253 yards and seven touchdowns, while completing 23-of-36 of his throws. Donovan Morgan wracked up 131 receiving yards on nine catches with three touchdowns. Hughley had four receiving touchdowns on eight catches to go along with 60 yards.

Tulsa has now lost its first two road games by a combined three points. Before Saturday’s matchup in Florida, Talon’s head coach Mitch Allner flatly said his team needed to improve in the secondary.

Garcia threw for seven touchdowns on 24-of-33 passing for 294 yards. The Talons secondary gave up 306 passing yards.

“We’ve given up way too many yards to opponents,” Allner said Thursday. “That’s one area we’re really lacking in right now.”

His frustration may be nearing a breaking point. Tulsa lost 77-76 to Arizona in Week 3 after giving up six touchdown catches to one player. Against the Sharks, the Talons were gouged for 306 yards and seven more scores through the air, falling 62-60.

The secondary concerns continue for Tulsa heading into one of the toughest games of the young season. Tulsa will host an Alabama Vipers team that averages 58 points per game on Saturday, May 8th.