Burns says Tulsa playing like a team this year

<br>TULSA, Okla. (AP) _ Tulsa's record is exactly the same this year as it was last season, but coach Keith Burns says that's where the teams' similarities end. <br><br>``Last year, we were

Wednesday, November 20th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

TULSA, Okla. (AP) _ Tulsa's record is exactly the same this year as it was last season, but coach Keith Burns says that's where the teams' similarities end.

``Last year, we were a team by label only,'' Burns said Monday at his weekly news conference. ``We were divided.''

``This year has never been that way. This year has been, from day one, from the minute they reported to camp to this very moment, it's been all about team and all about trying to improve this football team.''

Burns said last year's team that finished 1-10 and in last place in the Western Athletic Conference was split by a quarterback controversy and because a lot of younger players replaced seniors on the field.

``So they were either frustrated or ready for the season to get over,'' Burns said. ``And as coaches, we were trying to find answers to make this thing work.''

The Golden Hurricane are 1-10 again going into Saturday's season finale at Southern Methodist. Tulsa must defeat SMU to avoid matching the 1954 team's record for most losses in a season and to have a chance at escaping the WAC basement.

``You want to win, but I think we have learned a lot of lessons,'' Burns said. ``I have as a coach. I think the players have and I think there is going to be a point in time when these guys can be 'the team.' And that's the thing that excites you.''

Burns said he opted for a better future beyond this season by redshirting some freshmen he says could have contributed this year. Just five freshmen played this season.