FRIDAY
Tulsa (9-3) vs No. 24 Hawaii (10-3), 8 p.m., ESPN
Line: Hawaii by 10 1/2.
Series Record: Hawaii leads 5-3.
Last Meeting: 2004, Hawaii 44, Tulsa 16.
What’s at Stake:
The Warriors are trying to cap a surprisingly successful year with a bowl victory after sharing the Western Athletic Conference title with Boise State and Nevada. They are making their first bowl appearance since losing to Notre Dame in the 2008 Hawaii Bowl. The Golden Hurricane, riding a six-game winning streak, are also returning to the postseason after missing out last year. This is Tulsa’s fifth bowl appearance in six years and 17th overall.
Key Matchup
Hawaii’s offense against Tulsa’s defense. The Warriors lead the nation in passing with 387.8 yards per game, and have scored 118 points in the past two games. The Golden Hurricane rank 119th in pass defense, allowing 305.7 yards a game.
Players to watch
Hawaii: WR Greg Salas needs three receptions and 39 yards receiving to break the Warriors’ single-season records in those categories. The big, physical playmaker has 106 receptions for 1,675 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.
Tulsa: QB G.J. Kinne leads Tulsa’s balanced attack that’s ranked fifth in total offense (503.5) and 10th in scoring (39.7). The Conference USA offensive player of the year has thrown for 3,307 yards and 28 touchdowns while leading the team in rushing with 557 yards and seven TDs.
Facts & Figures
Tulsa is the smallest school in the FBS with 4,194 students. … Hawaii RB Alex Green is averaging 8.8 yards per carry and has 1,168 yards rushing on the season. … Tulsa’s Damaris Johnson is fourth on the NCAA’s career all-purpose yardage list with 7,470 yards. The junior needs 104 yards to pass DeAngelo Williams for third place. … Hawaii leads the nation in takeaways (36) and interceptions (23). … Hawaii DB Mana Silva is tied for the national lead with eight interceptions. … Hawaii QB Bryant Moniz leads the nation in passing (356.1) and total offense (361.9). … The Golden Hurricane have a 7-10 bowl record, but have won their last two bowl games.
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