What Is 1966 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football

Overview

The 1966 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team represented the University of Tulsa during the 1966 NCAA University Division football season. Competing in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), the team was led by fifth-year head coach Glenn Dobbs, a former star quarterback for Tulsa in the 1940s.

Under Dobbs’ leadership, the Golden Hurricane compiled a 6–4 overall record and a 3–1 mark in conference play, finishing second in the MVC. Their offensive performance was notable, averaging over 21 points per game while showcasing a high-powered passing attack.

• Season Record: The team finished with a 6–4 overall record and a 3–1 conference record, narrowly missing the MVC title.
• Head Coach: Glenn Dobbs, in his fifth season, emphasized a pass-oriented offense that became a hallmark of Tulsa football in the 1960s.
• Home Stadium: All home games were played at Skelly Stadium, a 36,000-seat facility named after oilman William Skelly.
• Key Player: Quarterback Jerry Rhome threw for 2,265 yards and 18 touchdowns, earning national recognition for his arm strength and accuracy.
• Scoring Totals: Tulsa outscored opponents 217–175 over the 10-game season, averaging 21.7 points per game.

Season Performance & Key Games

The 1966 campaign featured several memorable contests, including a dramatic 21–20 win over rival Oklahoma State and a tough 20–14 loss to Houston. Tulsa’s offense, led by Rhome, consistently ranked among the nation’s leaders in passing yards.

• September 17: Defeated Oklahoma State 21–20 in a hard-fought non-conference matchup at Skelly Stadium.
• October 8: Beat Wichita State 27–7, showcasing defensive dominance and balanced offensive execution.
• October 22: Lost 20–14 to Houston, a team that would later appear in the 1967 Cotton Bowl.
• November 5: Won 34–14 over Kansas State, marking one of their most decisive victories of the season.
• November 19: Concluded the regular season with a 21–14 win over archrival Oklahoma, boosting morale and fan support.
• Bowl Game: Despite a winning record, Tulsa did not receive a bowl invitation due to limited postseason slots at the time.
• Passing Leader: Jerry Rhome’s 2,265 passing yards ranked among the top 10 nationally for the 1966 season.
• Defensive Stats: The defense allowed 17.5 points per game, with standout performances against MVC opponents.
• Team Captain: Linebacker Ron Fernley served as team captain and led the defense with 87 tackles.
• Recruiting Impact: The season elevated Tulsa’s national profile, helping attract future talent to the program.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1966 season to previous years highlights Tulsa’s offensive evolution under Glenn Dobbs:

The 1966 season marked a peak in Tulsa’s passing efficiency during Dobbs’ tenure, just before MVC dominance in 1967. While overall wins remained steady, the development of quarterbacks like Rhome signaled a shift toward a modern aerial attack that influenced future programs.

Why It Matters

The 1966 Tulsa Golden Hurricane season is remembered for its role in advancing the spread offense concept and elevating Tulsa as a national passing powerhouse. The team’s performance laid the foundation for future success and influenced offensive strategies in college football.

• Innovative Offense: Glenn Dobbs’ pass-heavy system was ahead of its time, predating the modern spread by decades.
• Player Development: Jerry Rhome went on to play in the NFL and became a respected coach and broadcaster.
• Program Growth: The season helped boost enrollment and fan engagement at the University of Tulsa.
• Historical Legacy: The 1966 team is often cited in discussions of Tulsa’s football golden era.
• Media Attention: National outlets like Sports Illustrated covered Rhome’s record-setting performances.
• Conference Impact: Tulsa’s success pressured other MVC schools to strengthen their passing games.

The 1966 season remains a pivotal chapter in Tulsa football history, symbolizing innovation, resilience, and the rise of a small-program powerhouse.