What Is 1985 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football

Overview

The 1985 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team represented the University of Tulsa during the 1985 NCAA Division I-A football season. Competing as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference, the team was led by first-year head coach David Rader, who took over after the departure of John Cooper.

The Golden Hurricane finished the season with a 7–4 overall record, including a 4–2 mark in conference play. While they did not qualify for a bowl game, the season marked a transition year with a developing roster and new leadership at the helm.

• Record: The team finished with a 7–4 overall record, showing improvement in several key statistical categories under new coaching staff.
• Coach:David Rader was named head coach in December 1984 and led the team in his inaugural season with a focus on offensive development.
• Stadium: Home games were played at Skelly Stadium, a 36,000-seat venue in Tulsa, Oklahoma, known for its electric atmosphere.
• Conference: Tulsa competed in the Missouri Valley Conference during the 1985 season before the conference dissolved for football after 1985.
• Quarterback:Paul Smith threw for 1,847 yards and 12 touchdowns, emerging as a key offensive leader for the Golden Hurricane.

How It Works

The 1985 season operated under standard NCAA Division I-A football rules, with Tulsa scheduling a mix of conference and non-conference opponents to build its record.

• Schedule Structure: The Golden Hurricane played a 11-game schedule, including six regular opponents and five conference matchups within the Missouri Valley.
• Offensive System: Tulsa utilized a pro-style offense emphasizing passing, led by quarterback Paul Smith and wide receiver Alvin Rettig, who had 677 receiving yards.
• Defensive Strategy: The defense relied on a 4-3 alignment, with standout linebacker Mike Daniels recording 98 tackles during the season.
• Recruiting Impact: Rader’s first recruiting class included several junior college transfers to immediately bolster depth and experience on the roster.
• Game Management: Tulsa averaged 23.1 points per game, ranking mid-tier nationally, while allowing 20.8 points per game on defense.
• Player Development: The coaching staff emphasized film study and strength training, helping players adapt quickly to Rader’s new system.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 1985 Tulsa Golden Hurricane compared to other Missouri Valley Conference teams that season:

Tulsa finished tied for first in the Missouri Valley Conference standings with Memphis State, both posting 4–2 conference records. However, due to non-conference results and lack of a tiebreaker game, no official conference champion was declared. The 1985 season was the final year of football competition in the Missouri Valley Conference, as most members moved to other conferences.

Why It Matters

The 1985 season was a pivotal moment in Tulsa football history, marking the beginning of a new coaching era and the end of an old conference alignment.

• Transition Year: The 7–4 record signaled stability under new coach David Rader, laying groundwork for future competitiveness.
• Conference Realignment: The dissolution of the Missouri Valley Conference after 1985 forced Tulsa to seek new affiliations, eventually joining C-USA in the 1990s.
• Player Development: Several 1985 players, including Paul Smith, became key figures in subsequent seasons, improving team continuity.
• Recruiting Momentum: Rader’s early success helped maintain recruiting interest despite conference uncertainty.
• Historical Record: The season is preserved in Tulsa’s football archives as part of its long-standing NCAA Division I program.
• Legacy: David Rader’s leadership in 1985 set a precedent for future coaching hires emphasizing discipline and offensive innovation.

The 1985 Tulsa Golden Hurricane may not have achieved national acclaim, but the season played a crucial role in shaping the program’s trajectory during a period of significant change in college football.