What Is 1963 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1963 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team represented the University of Tulsa during the 1963 NCAA University Division season, finishing with a 6–4 record under head coach Glenn Dobbs, who was in his fifth year leading the program.

Key Facts

The 1963 Tulsa Golden Hurricane finished the season with a 6–4 overall record
Glenn Dobbs was head coach for his fifth season in 1963
The team played as an independent with no conference affiliation
Tulsa scored 211 points during the 1963 season, averaging 21.1 per game
The Golden Hurricane played home games at Skelly Stadium in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Overview

The 1963 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team represented the University of Tulsa during the 1963 NCAA University Division football season. Competing as an independent, the team was led by head coach Glenn Dobbs, who was in his fifth year at the helm. The Golden Hurricane played their home games at Skelly Stadium, a venue that had become synonymous with Tulsa football since its opening in 1930.

Under Dobbs' leadership, the team showed steady improvement from previous seasons, finishing with a winning record. The 1963 campaign featured a balanced mix of offensive production and defensive resilience, though the team fell short of a bowl appearance. Despite this, the season contributed to the growing legacy of Tulsa football during the early 1960s.

Record: The team finished the season with a 6–4 overall record, marking a positive step from their 4–6 mark in 1962.
Head Coach:Glenn Dobbs was in his fifth season as head coach, having played quarterback for Tulsa in the 1940s before transitioning to coaching.
Conference: Tulsa competed as an independent in 1963, meaning they were not affiliated with any athletic conference.
Scoring: The Golden Hurricane scored 211 total points across 10 games, averaging 21.1 points per game during the season.
Home Field: All home games were played at Skelly Stadium, a 36,000-seat facility located on the University of Tulsa campus.

Season Performance

The 1963 season showcased Tulsa's evolving offensive strategy under Glenn Dobbs, who emphasized a passing-oriented attack—a rarity in that era. The team faced a challenging schedule that included matchups against regional and national opponents, providing a true test of their competitiveness.

September 21 vs. New Mexico: Tulsa opened the season with a 27–7 victory, setting a strong tone with a dominant defensive performance.
October 5 vs. Houston: The Golden Hurricane lost 14–21 to a strong Houston squad, highlighting inconsistencies in their defensive play.
October 19 vs. SMU: Tulsa earned a hard-fought 20–14 win, showcasing resilience in a close conference-style matchup.
November 9 vs. Arkansas: The team fell to the Razorbacks 13–14, losing in a narrow one-point defeat that underscored their competitive edge.
November 30 vs. Texas Tech: The season concluded with a 13–21 loss, ending the year on a down note but still above .500 overall.
Defensive Stats: Tulsa allowed an average of 18.4 points per game, indicating a defense that was competitive but occasionally vulnerable.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1963 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team to other notable seasons in the early 1960s:

Season	Record	Head Coach	Points For	Points Against
1963	6–4	Glenn Dobbs	211	184
1962	4–6	Glenn Dobbs	167	205
1961	3–7	Glenn Dobbs	145	219
1964	7–3	Glenn Dobbs	223	154
1960	4–6	Glenn Dobbs	162	189

This table illustrates a clear upward trajectory in performance from 1961 to 1964. The 1963 season was pivotal, serving as a bridge between losing records and the improved 7–3 mark achieved the following year. Tulsa’s point differential improved significantly, reflecting better coaching and player development under Dobbs’ leadership.

Why It Matters

The 1963 season holds historical significance in the context of Tulsa football’s development during the 1960s. It demonstrated progress under a homegrown coaching legend and laid the foundation for future success.

Program Growth: The 6–4 record signaled improvement after three consecutive losing seasons, boosting morale and recruiting potential.
Coaching Legacy: Glenn Dobbs, a former All-American, was building a reputation as a modern offensive innovator in college football.
Independent Status: Playing as an independent allowed Tulsa to schedule nationally relevant opponents, increasing visibility.
Player Development: Several players from the 1963 roster went on to contribute in 1964’s 7–3 season, showing continuity.
Historical Context: This season occurred during a transitional era in college football, just before the rise of televised games and expanded bowl access.
Legacy: The 1963 team is remembered as a stepping stone in Tulsa’s journey toward becoming a consistent mid-major program.

While not a championship season, 1963 was instrumental in shaping the trajectory of Tulsa football. It reflected the impact of sustained coaching and the importance of incremental progress in collegiate athletics.