What Is 2016 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team represented the University of Tulsa in the 2016 NCAA Division I FBS season, finishing with a 6-7 record under head coach Philip Montgomery. They played in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) and lost 31-28 to Central Michigan in the Miami Beach Bowl.

Key Facts

The 2016 Tulsa Golden Hurricane finished the season with a 6-7 overall record
Head coach Philip Montgomery led the team in his second year
Tulsa played in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) West Division
Quarterback Dane Evans threw for 3,906 yards and 25 touchdowns
The team lost 31-28 to Central Michigan in the Miami Beach Bowl on December 18, 2016

Overview

The 2016 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team represented the University of Tulsa during the 2016 NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) season. Competing in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) as members of the West Division, the team was led by head coach Philip Montgomery in his second year at the helm.

Tulsa finished the regular season with a 6-6 record, qualifying for a bowl game for the second consecutive year. The team showcased a high-powered offense but struggled defensively, ultimately falling short in their postseason matchup.

Record: The Golden Hurricane posted a final record of 6-7 after a 6-6 regular season and a bowl loss, marking a slight decline from their 2015 campaign.
Head Coach: Philip Montgomery continued to build the program in 2016, emphasizing offensive innovation and quarterback development during his second season.
Offensive Leader: Quarterback Dane Evans threw for 3,906 yards and 25 touchdowns, ranking among the AAC leaders in passing efficiency.
Defensive Struggles: Tulsa allowed an average of 33.5 points per game, one of the worst defensive performances in the conference.
Bowl Appearance: The team earned a bid to the Miami Beach Bowl, where they lost 31-28 to Central Michigan on December 18, 2016.

Season Performance

The 2016 season highlighted both offensive promise and defensive shortcomings for the Golden Hurricane. Despite strong individual performances, team consistency remained an issue throughout the year.

Conference Play: In AAC competition, Tulsa finished 5-3 in conference games, placing second in the West Division behind undefeated Houston.
Key Victory: A 30-26 win over Navy on October 20 stood out as one of the team’s most impressive performances of the season.
Offensive Pace: Tulsa averaged 427.8 yards per game of total offense, powered by a pass-heavy offensive scheme under Montgomery.
Running Game: D'Angelo Brewer rushed for 1,547 yards and 15 touchdowns, earning First-Team All-AAC honors.
Home Field: The team played home games at Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium, a 30,000-seat venue in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Injuries: A mid-season injury to key offensive lineman Cody Sweet disrupted offensive line continuity and impacted run blocking efficiency.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2016 Tulsa Golden Hurricane to key conference rivals in major statistical categories:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Points Per Game	Points Allowed
Tulsa	6-7	5-3	34.2	33.5
UCF	6-7	4-4	27.8	35.1
Memphis	8-5	5-3	37.6	31.2
SMU	5-7	3-5	31.5	34.8
East Carolina	3-9	1-7	26.3	38.9

The data shows Tulsa’s offense ranked near the top of the AAC, but their defense allowed nearly as many points as they scored, reflecting a lack of balance. Compared to Memphis, who also had a strong offense, Tulsa’s defense was less effective, contributing to their identical conference record but lower overall win total due to tougher non-conference scheduling.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was a transitional year for Tulsa football, illustrating both the potential of Montgomery’s offensive system and the need for defensive improvement. The team’s ability to produce offensive stars helped maintain recruiting momentum despite a losing record.

Player Development: Quarterback Dane Evans and running back D'Angelo Brewer both earned All-AAC honors, boosting Tulsa’s NFL draft profile.
Bowl Eligibility: Achieving a 6-6 record continued a trend of bowl appearances, helping maintain national visibility for the program.
Recruiting Impact: Strong offensive stats helped attract skill-position recruits focused on pro-style development.
Conference Competitiveness: Tulsa remained competitive in the AAC West, staying within striking distance of division leaders.
Coaching Evaluation: The season provided insight into Montgomery’s ability to sustain success after a breakout 2015 campaign.
Facility Growth: Continued investment in Chapman Stadium and training facilities was partly justified by consistent on-field performance.

The 2016 season ultimately served as a benchmark for future improvement, setting the stage for further development in the coming years as Tulsa aimed to become a consistent contender in the American Athletic Conference.