Oct. 29, 2007

By Eric Baily
Tulsa Worlds

1. What must Tulsa do to win its remaining three Conference USA games?

Get out of its offensive funk. The Hurricane has given up nine turnovers in the past two games while grabbing only one takeaway. Paul Smith dazzled during that last game-winning drive against SMU, but admitted afterward that he needs to play better.

2. Tulsa has owned Tulane in back-to-back seasons. What makes this Green Wave team different?

Tulane running back Matt Forté is a defensive coordinator's nightmare. He leads the nation by averaging 192.4 yards per game -- almost 40 yards more than his nearest competitor. Tulane's defense also leads the league in sacks and rushing defense.

3. What has happened to Brennan Marion, who only has four catches for 33 yards in his past two games?

Heading into the past two Saturdays, Marion averaged 43.7 yards per catch. Defenses are aware of his speed and abilities and are playing him accordingly. It appeared that he tried to feint long routes and cut to the sideline or across the middle against SMU. Master this, and he'll once again be a threat.