What Is 1972 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1972 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team represented the University of Tulsa during the 1972 NCAA University Division season, finishing with a 9–3 record under head coach Steve Owen and winning the Independence Bowl with a 14–10 victory over Mississippi.

Key Facts

The 1972 Tulsa Golden Hurricane finished the season with a 9–3 overall record.
They were coached by Steve Owen, who was in his third year as head coach.
Tulsa won the Independence Bowl on December 2, 1972, defeating Mississippi 14–10.
Quarterback Jerry Rhome was a key player, throwing for over 2,500 yards that season.
The team played their home games at Skelly Stadium in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Overview

The 1972 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team represented the University of Tulsa in the NCAA University Division football season. Led by head coach Steve Owen, the team achieved a 9–3 overall record, marking one of the more successful seasons in program history during the early 1970s.

The season was highlighted by a strong offensive performance and a hard-fought bowl victory. Tulsa competed as an independent program, not belonging to a conference, which allowed scheduling flexibility and national exposure. The team's success helped elevate the profile of the university's athletic program.

Record and Outcome: The Golden Hurricane finished the 1972 season with a 9–3 overall record, including a 6–1 mark in regular-season non-conference games.
Head Coach: Steve Owen, in his third year at the helm, guided the team with a balanced offensive strategy and disciplined defensive play.
Bowl Appearance: Tulsa earned a berth in the Independence Bowl on December 2, 1972, facing off against the Ole Miss Rebels in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Key Victory: The Golden Hurricane defeated Mississippi 14–10 in the Independence Bowl, securing their first-ever bowl win in program history.
Home Field: All home games were played at Skelly Stadium, a 50,315-seat venue located on the University of Tulsa campus.

How It Works

The 1972 season operated under standard NCAA University Division rules, with a focus on building team cohesion, strategic play-calling, and bowl eligibility through strong scheduling and performance. Each game contributed to the team’s national ranking and postseason opportunities.

Season Structure: The season consisted of 12 games—nine regular-season matchups and a postseason bowl game, following a non-conference schedule due to Tulsa’s independent status.
Offensive Strategy: The Golden Hurricane relied on a pass-heavy offense led by quarterback Jerry Rhome, who threw for 2,517 yards and 18 touchdowns during the season.
Defensive Performance: The defense allowed an average of 16.8 points per game, with standout performances in key matchups against stronger opponents.
Bowl Eligibility: Tulsa earned its Independence Bowl berth by maintaining a winning record and drawing interest from bowl organizers due to its offensive reputation.
Recruiting Impact: Success in 1972 helped boost recruiting efforts, particularly in Texas and Oklahoma, where the team had strong regional ties.
Player Development: Several players from the 1972 roster went on to sign professional contracts or receive NFL tryouts, including defensive standout Ron Cobb.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1972 Tulsa Golden Hurricane with other notable independent teams from that season, highlighting key statistical and outcome differences.

Team	Record	Bowl Result	Points For	Points Against
Tulsa	9–3	W 14–10 (vs. Ole Miss)	301	202
Notre Dame	8–3	L 27–24 (vs. Colorado, Liberty Bowl)	248	153
UCLA	8–3	W 31–26 (vs. Georgia, Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl)	277	191
Mississippi	6–6	L 10–14 (vs. Tulsa, Independence Bowl)	210	208
SMU	7–4	W 27–22 (vs. Pittsburgh, Sun Bowl)	230	187

This table illustrates how Tulsa’s performance compared to other independents in 1972. The Golden Hurricane ranked highly in both win percentage and defensive consistency, outperforming teams like Mississippi and matching up well against power programs such as UCLA and Notre Dame. Their bowl victory also gave them an edge in postseason success over similarly ranked teams.

Why It Matters

The 1972 season was a turning point for Tulsa football, establishing a foundation for future competitiveness and national recognition. It demonstrated that a mid-major program could achieve success through strong leadership and strategic play.

Historic Bowl Win: The Independence Bowl victory was the first in school history, setting a precedent for future postseason appearances.
Program Momentum: The success of 1972 helped sustain interest in Tulsa football, leading to improved attendance and funding in subsequent years.
Player Legacy: Quarterback Jerry Rhome became a program legend, with his 1972 performance contributing to his later recognition in school record books.
Coaching Impact: Steve Owen’s leadership in 1972 solidified his role as a key figure in Tulsa football history, despite stepping down after the 1973 season.
Regional Influence: The team’s performance strengthened Tulsa’s presence in the Southwest football landscape, enhancing recruiting and media coverage.
NFL Pipeline: The season helped launch the professional careers of several players, contributing to Tulsa’s reputation as a developer of talent.

The 1972 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football season remains a landmark year in the program’s history, remembered for its resilience, strategic excellence, and breakthrough postseason success. Its legacy continues to influence the culture and aspirations of Tulsa athletics today.