What Is 1959 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football

Overview

The 1959 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team represented the University of Tulsa during the 1959 NCAA University Division football season. Competing in the Missouri Valley Conference, the team was led by head coach Bobby Dobbs in his second year at the helm.

The Golden Hurricane played their home games at Skelly Stadium, a historic venue located on campus. Despite high hopes following a strong 1958 campaign, the 1959 season proved challenging, resulting in a below-.500 record.

• Record: The team finished with a 4–6 overall record, marking a decline from their 8–2 mark in 1958.
• Conference: Tulsa competed in the Missouri Valley Conference, finishing with a 2–3 record in conference play.
• Head Coach: Bobby Dobbs, who served as head coach from 1958 to 1960, led the team with a focus on offensive innovation.
• Scoring: The Golden Hurricane scored 137 total points during the season, averaging 13.7 points per game.
• Home Field: Skelly Stadium, with a capacity of approximately 28,000, hosted all of Tulsa’s home games in 1959.

How It Works

The 1959 season reflected a transitional period for Tulsa football, as the program adapted to evolving strategies and increased competition in college football.

• Offensive Scheme: The Golden Hurricane utilized a run-oriented offense under Dobbs, emphasizing ball control and field position; passing was used selectively.
• Defensive Strategy: Tulsa employed a 6–2–2–1 defensive alignment, designed to stop the run and pressure opposing quarterbacks from multiple angles.
• Recruiting: The team relied heavily on in-state talent, with over 60% of the roster hailing from Oklahoma high schools.
• Game Preparation: Practices were held six days a week, with film study introduced as a new tool under Dobbs’ leadership.
• Player Roles: The starting quarterback, Jerry Rhome, later became a notable figure in Tulsa football history, though he was a backup in 1959.
• Season Schedule: The team played 10 games, including matchups against regional rivals such as Houston and SMU, both conference opponents.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1959 season to adjacent years highlights performance trends and program direction.

The table illustrates a downward trend in performance from 1958 to 1960. After a peak in 1958 with an 8–2 record, the team struggled to maintain consistency. The drop in scoring output from 243 points in 1958 to 137 in 1959 suggests offensive regression. Coaching turnover followed in 1961, indicating program instability during this era.

Why It Matters

The 1959 season is a notable chapter in Tulsa football history, reflecting both the volatility of college programs and the impact of coaching transitions.

• Historical Context: The 1959 season occurred during a period of growth in televised college football, increasing national exposure for mid-major programs.
• Program Legacy: Despite the losing record, Tulsa maintained a reputation for developing NFL-caliber players, such as future pro Ken Allen.
• Conference Dynamics: The Missouri Valley Conference was a competitive league at the time, featuring teams like Cincinnati and Houston.
• Coaching Influence: Bobby Dobbs’ tenure influenced Tulsa’s offensive philosophy, paving the way for future pass-oriented systems.
• Fan Engagement: Attendance at Skelly Stadium remained strong, with average crowds exceeding 20,000 despite the team’s record.
• Development Pipeline: The 1959 roster included underclassmen who later contributed to improved seasons in the early 1960s.

The 1959 Tulsa Golden Hurricane season, while not successful by win-loss standards, provides insight into the challenges and transitions inherent in collegiate athletics. It underscores the importance of long-term program building over single-season outcomes.