What Is 2007 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2007 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team represented the University of Tulsa in the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 10–4 record and winning the Conference USA Championship. They defeated the UCF Knights 44–27 in the championship game and earned a berth in the Armed Forces Bowl, where they lost to East Carolina 38–32. Head coach Steve Kragthorpe led the team before departing for LSU.

Key Facts

The 2007 Tulsa Golden Hurricane finished the season with a 10–4 overall record
They won the Conference USA Championship by defeating UCF 44–27 on December 1, 2007
Quarterback Paul Smith threw for 3,733 yards and 37 touchdowns during the season
The team played in the Armed Forces Bowl, losing 38–32 to East Carolina on December 22, 2007
Head coach Steve Kragthorpe left after the season to become offensive coordinator at LSU

Overview

The 2007 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team represented the University of Tulsa during the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing in Conference USA's Western Division, the team achieved a 10–4 overall record and captured the program's first Conference USA Championship under head coach Steve Kragthorpe.

After a strong regular season, Tulsa entered the conference title game as underdogs but dominated the UCF Knights with a 44–27 victory. The Golden Hurricane's high-powered offense, led by quarterback Paul Smith, ranked among the nation's most prolific, paving the way for a postseason appearance in the Armed Forces Bowl.

Record: The team finished with a 10–4 overall record, including a 7–1 mark in Conference USA play, securing the Western Division title.
Championship win: On December 1, 2007, Tulsa defeated the UCF Knights 44–27 in the Conference USA Championship Game held at Tulsa's home stadium, Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium.
Quarterback performance: Paul Smith threw for 3,733 yards and 37 touchdowns, earning Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Bowl appearance: The Golden Hurricane played in the 2007 Armed Forces Bowl on December 22, losing 38–32 to East Carolina in a close contest.
Coaching change: Head coach Steve Kragthorpe left immediately after the championship win to accept a position as offensive coordinator at LSU, with defensive coordinator Gus Henderson serving as interim for the bowl game.

How It Works

The 2007 season showcased how Tulsa’s offensive strategy and conference structure combined to produce a championship-caliber team. The program utilized a fast-paced, pass-heavy spread offense that maximized quarterback Paul Smith’s talents and exploited defensive weaknesses.

Offensive System: The team ran a spread offense emphasizing quick passes and vertical throws, allowing Smith to average over 300 passing yards per game during conference play.
Conference Format: Conference USA used a divisional structure with a championship game between the winners of the East and West divisions, giving Tulsa a clear path to the title.
Recruiting Pipeline: Tulsa capitalized on junior college transfers, particularly on offense, to quickly upgrade talent levels under Kragthorpe’s leadership.
Home Field Advantage: Playing at Skelly Field, the Golden Hurricane went 6–1 at home, with loud crowd support amplifying their fast-tempo style.
Bowl Eligibility: With six wins, Tulsa became bowl-eligible; their championship win secured an automatic bid to the Armed Forces Bowl.
Interim Leadership: After Kragthorpe’s departure, interim coach Gus Henderson maintained team cohesion during the bowl preparation despite limited staff continuity.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2007 Tulsa Golden Hurricane with other top Conference USA teams from that season:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Points For	Bowl Result
Tulsa Golden Hurricane	10–4	7–1	458	Lost, Armed Forces Bowl (38–32)
UCF Knights	9–4	7–1	392	Lost, C-USA Championship (44–27)
East Carolina Pirates	8–5	5–3	374	Won, Armed Forces Bowl (38–32)
South Florida Bulls	9–4	4–3	424	Lost, Sun Bowl (24–7)
Rice Owls	10–3	7–1	347	Lost, New Orleans Bowl (38–32)

The table highlights Tulsa’s offensive dominance and strong conference performance. Despite a loss in the bowl game, their season was one of the most successful in program history, with only Rice matching their win total. Tulsa’s 458 points scored ranked second in the conference, underscoring their offensive firepower.

Why It Matters

The 2007 season marked a turning point for Tulsa football, establishing the program as a consistent contender in Conference USA. It also demonstrated the effectiveness of developing quarterback talent and utilizing a high-octane offense at the FBS level.

Program Momentum: The championship win elevated Tulsa’s national profile and boosted recruiting efforts in subsequent years.
Quarterback Development: Paul Smith’s success proved Tulsa could develop elite quarterbacks, influencing future offensive strategies.
Conference Realignment: Strong performances like this helped justify Conference USA’s stability during a period of national realignment.
Bowl Exposure: The Armed Forces Bowl appearance gave Tulsa national television exposure and increased alumni engagement.
Coaching Legacy: Kragthorpe’s departure highlighted the program’s ability to attract and develop coaching talent.
Historical Benchmark: The 2007 season remains one of the best in school history, often referenced in discussions of Tulsa’s football achievements.

This season laid the foundation for continued success in the late 2000s, including multiple bowl appearances and sustained competitiveness in a shifting college football landscape.