What Is 1987 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football

Overview

The 1987 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team represented the University of Tulsa during the 1987 NCAA Division I-A football season. Competing in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), the team was led by third-year head coach David Rader and played its home games at Skelly Stadium in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Finishing the season with a 7–4 overall record and 4–1 in conference play, the 1987 squad showed strong offensive performance despite not qualifying for a bowl game. The team was known for its high-powered passing attack, a hallmark of Tulsa’s football identity during the late 1980s.

• Record: The team finished with a 7–4 overall record, marking one of the better seasons under David Rader’s early tenure.
• Head Coach:David Rader was in his third season at the helm, emphasizing offensive innovation and quarterback development.
• Stadium: All home games were played at Skelly Stadium, a 56,582-seat venue that had been Tulsa’s home field since 1930.
• Conference: Tulsa competed in the Missouri Valley Conference, finishing second in the final standings with a 4–1 conference record.
• Offensive Leader: Quarterback Paul Smith threw for 2,156 yards and 14 touchdowns, leading one of the MVC’s top passing attacks.

How It Works

The 1987 season reflected Tulsa’s evolving football strategy, emphasizing a pass-heavy offense and aggressive play-calling. The team’s structure, coaching decisions, and player roles defined how the Golden Hurricane approached each game.

• Offensive Scheme: Tulsa utilized a pro-style spread offense, with quarterback Paul Smith averaging 239.6 passing yards per game and completing 58% of his throws.
• Defensive Alignment: The defense ran a 4–3 base formation, allowing flexibility against both run and pass, holding opponents to an average of 20.1 points per game.
• Recruiting Focus: Tulsa prioritized local Oklahoma talent and junior college transfers, building depth in skill positions and the offensive line.
• Game Strategy: Coaches emphasized early leads through passing, as seen in a 45–21 win over UTEP where Smith threw for 342 yards.
• Player Development: Tulsa’s coaching staff focused on quarterback mechanics and receiver timing, critical for sustaining long drives.
• Practice Regimen: The team followed a structured week-long schedule, including film study, two-a-days in preseason, and situational drills before game days.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1987 Tulsa Golden Hurricane with other MVC teams and national leaders in key statistical categories.

The table highlights Tulsa’s strong offensive output compared to conference peers, though they fell short of national leaders in consistency and win total. Their 27.1 points per game ranked among the MVC’s best, but defensive lapses in key games prevented a bowl berth. The season demonstrated Tulsa’s growing reputation as an offensive powerhouse in mid-major college football.

Why It Matters

The 1987 season was a pivotal chapter in Tulsa football history, showcasing the program’s transition toward a modern, pass-oriented identity. Though not a national contender, the team laid groundwork for future success and player development.

• Program Momentum: The 7–4 record built confidence and recruiting appeal, helping Tulsa attract higher-profile recruits in subsequent years.
• Quarterback Legacy: Paul Smith’s performance in 1987 set a benchmark for future Golden Hurricane QBs and influenced offensive philosophy.
• Conference Influence: Tulsa’s success helped elevate the Missouri Valley Conference’s visibility during its final years of football sponsorship.
• Coaching Impact: David Rader’s leadership during this period established him as a key figure in Tulsa sports history.
• Facility Development: Strong performances at Skelly Stadium reinforced the need for future upgrades to remain competitive.
• Historical Context: The 1987 team is remembered as a bridge between eras, preceding Tulsa’s eventual move to Conference USA in the 1990s.

While the 1987 Golden Hurricane did not reach postseason play, their season remains a notable example of sustained improvement and offensive innovation in college football’s mid-tier programs. It helped shape Tulsa’s identity as a team unafraid to challenge conventions through aggressive, pass-first football.