In a game that came down to the wire, Tulsa managed to secure a hard-fought 23-20 victory over Louisiana Tech in overtime on September 21, 2024, at Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, Louisiana. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with momentum swings and clutch plays that kept the 18,152 fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
First Half: Defensive Battle with Flashes of Brilliance
The first half of the game was marked by strong defensive efforts from both teams, interspersed with moments of offensive brilliance. Tulsa struck first late in the opening quarter with a 30-yard rushing touchdown by Anthony Watkins, capping off a short 5-play, 40-yard drive. This touchdown gave Tulsa an early 7-0 lead, which they carried into the second quarter.
Louisiana Tech responded early in the second quarter, capitalizing on excellent field position following a 49-yard punt return by Cedric Woods. Quarterback Evan Bullock led the Bulldogs down to the 1-yard line, where Jimmy Holiday punched it in to tie the game at 7-7 with just under 12 minutes left in the half.
Tulsa had a chance to extend their lead later in the second quarter, but had to settle for a 32-yard field goal by Seth Morgan, giving them a narrow 10-7 lead heading into halftime.
Third Quarter: Tulsa Seizes Control
The third quarter saw Tulsa trying to assert control over the game. After a few defensive stands by both teams, Tulsa quarterback Kirk Francis connected with Corey Smith for a stunning 38-yard touchdown pass as time expired in the quarter. This play was the highlight of the quarter and extended Tulsa’s lead to 17-7, giving them a crucial two-score advantage.
Fourth Quarter: Louisiana Tech’s Comeback
Louisiana Tech, however, was not ready to concede. They mounted a fierce comeback in the fourth quarter. Running back Blake Baker scored on a 1-yard run early in the quarter, though the Bulldogs missed the two-point conversion, narrowing the score to 17-13. Later in the quarter, Bullock found wide receiver Eli Finley for a 24-yard touchdown pass, giving Louisiana Tech their first lead of the game at 20-17 with just over three minutes left on the clock.
Tulsa, now trailing and with time running out, orchestrated a clutch drive. Seth Morgan again came through in the clutch, nailing a 45-yard field goal with just 32 seconds left, tying the game at 20-20 and forcing overtime.
Overtime: Tulsa Holds Their Nerve
In the overtime period, Tulsa’s defense came up big, forcing a fumble on Louisiana Tech’s possession. The Golden Hurricane took over and methodically moved the ball into field goal range. Seth Morgan, who had been reliable all night, delivered once more, this time from 34 yards out to seal the 23-20 victory for Tulsa.
Key Players and Statistics
Kirk Francis led the Tulsa offense with 228 passing yards and a touchdown, while Anthony Watkins added 60 yards on the ground and a touchdown. Corey Smith was the standout receiver for Tulsa, hauling in three catches for 56 yards and a touchdown.
On the defensive side, Gavin Potter was a force for Tulsa, recording 10 tackles, including a sack. The Tulsa defense as a whole sacked Louisiana Tech’s quarterbacks five times and forced two critical turnovers.
For Louisiana Tech, Evan Bullock passed for 107 yards and a touchdown, while Blake Baker and Jimmy Holiday each contributed with rushing touchdowns. Eli Finley was the top target in the passing game, with three catches for 91 yards and a touchdown.
Conclusion
This game was a testament to the resilience of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, who weathered a storm of momentum shifts and a late comeback by Louisiana Tech to secure a thrilling win. The victory brings Tulsa to a 2-2 record on the season, while Louisiana Tech falls to 1-2.
Both teams will look to build on this intense matchup as they continue their respective seasons, but for now, Tulsa can celebrate a hard-earned victory in one of the most exciting games of the year.
