December 22, 2006

Tulsa, OK (CSTV U-WIRE) -- Play of the game - Donnnie Johnson's 17 yard catch in the first overtime was on a game-breaking fourth and seven, and the simple fact that he caught it under so much pressure makes this the play of the game.

Player of the game - Wide receiver Ryan Bugg caught the ball seven times for 145 yards, averaging nearly 21 yards per catch.

Game-changing play - Bugg's 30-yard reception and Idris Moss' 27-yard run on a crucial fourth quarter drive helped Tulsa take the lead. Bugg and Moss both made big plays that helped spark Tulsa's near comeback.

Happy Homecoming

Former TU defensive coordinator Todd Graham, in his first year as the head coach of Rice, came back to Tulsa for another memorable victory inside Skelly Stadium. Unlike last year, Graham was on the other side of the field, and his knowledge and experience with Tulsa must have been beneficial.

Rice's victory against Tulsa is its fourth win in a row this season, and the Owls are looking better than ever under Graham.

Before the game, Kragthorpe said the team was focused on the game rather than the staff.

"This is Rice against Tulsa and that is what we are focused on," said Kragthorpe.

"Todd [Graham] and I aren't going to put any pads on. At least I hope not, because I wouldn't last for more then one snap."

Dropping Chances

Tulsa had four turnovers and a blocked punt in the game that more or less sealed their fate. Turnovers are one of the biggest momentum-killers in football, and Tulsa has recently been plagued by the turnover virus. Fumbles in the Houston game helped Houston get easy points and the turnovers against Rice were just as crippling. Both coaches knew before the game that this would be a big part of the action.

"The good things [Rice has] done are minimizing turnovers, creating turnovers, and doing a good job of holding down some pretty good offenses," said head coach Steve Kragthorpe.

Rice head coach Todd Graham talked along the same lines, "We came in and I told them we need five turnovers to win the game. We knew they would move the football, we just had to make sure we got turnovers," said Graham.

Post Season Play

Tulsa's loss plus Houston's win against SMU gives Houston the nod for champs of the C-USA West division. Tulsa is still bowl-eligible and can finish the season with a strong 9-3 regular season record. Although the loss and its ramifications are tough, Tulsa is a very good team and should look to continue its success this season, according to Kragthorpe.

"I like this team. I like their character, I like the way they fight and the way they battle. We got knocked down today, but we have to get back up," said Kragthorpe.

"The biggest thing is you just have to stay positive, accentuate the positive, just like we've done for four years here. "

(C) 2006 The Collegian via CSTV U-WIRE