Cincinnati Bearcats Opponent Preview: Tulsa

Your Cincinnati Bearcats square off with the Tulsa Golden Hurricane on November 6th. Last season, the clubs donnybrooked it in the AAC title game with Cincinnati prevailing by a 27-24 count.

Tulsa again will be one of the powers in the AAC. They return 18 starters in 2021, including virtually everyone on offense but quarterback Zack Smith.

Davis Brin, a sophomore who saw some action last season, will be the Golden Hurricane’s signal caller. He is a speedier option than the drop-back QB they had in Smith.

Brin has weapons galore on offense: squad speedster Shamari Brooks will be the top rusher while stalwart senior pass catcher Keylon Stokes will be Tulsa’s top returning receiver. Virtually the entire backfield and receiving corps returns for Tulsa.

The biggest question mark for Philip Montgomery’s veteran club comes on defense. How does this club replace all-world linebacker Zaven Collins, who was not only CFB’s national defensive player of the year according to many but also a first round pick by the Arizona Cardinals.

The clearest answer to that question is that all of the architecture that surrounded Collins and facilitated his success remains in place.

Linebacker dressed as a strong safety Kendarin Ray returns for Tulsa, giving them one of the most menacing forces against the run in the AAC. They also return pass rusher Justin Wright at linebacker and disruptive defense tackle Jaxon Player.

Tulsa remains a team not to be trifled with in the AAC.