What Is 1991 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football

Overview

The 1991 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team represented the University of Tulsa in the 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season. Competing as an Independent, the team was led by head coach David Rader in his fifth year at the helm. The Golden Hurricane played their home games at Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

That season, the team finished with a modest 5–6 overall record, showing flashes of potential but failing to reach a bowl game. Despite inconsistent results, the offense managed to score 237 points across 11 games, averaging 21.5 points per game. The defense allowed 274 points, highlighting areas needing improvement.

• Season Record: The team ended the year with a 5–6 overall record, marking their second losing season under David Rader.
• Head Coach:David Rader led the program from 1988 to 1999, compiling a 54–62–1 record over 12 seasons.
• Conference Status: Tulsa competed as an Independent in 1991, before joining the Western Athletic Conference in 1996.
• Offensive Output: The Golden Hurricane scored 237 total points, averaging 21.5 points per game, ranking mid-tier nationally.
• Home Stadium: Games were played at Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium, a venue with a capacity of approximately 36,000.

Season Performance

The 1991 campaign featured a mix of competitive outings and disappointing losses, reflecting the team's transitional phase. While the offense showed promise, defensive inconsistencies hindered deeper success. The Golden Hurricane did not qualify for a postseason bowl game.

• September Start: Opened the season with a 31–24 win over New Mexico, showing early momentum.
• Midseason Struggles: Dropped key games to Missouri (38–7) and Colorado State (34–24), exposing defensive flaws.
• Key Victory: Defeated SMU 24–21 in October, one of the highlights of the season.
• Season Finale: Closed with a 31–10 loss to UTEP, finishing below .500 for the second consecutive year.
• Scoring Defense: Allowed 274 points (24.9 per game), ranking near the bottom of Division I-A teams.
• Notable Player: Quarterback Bill Blankenship was a key contributor, later becoming a head coach at Tulsa.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1991 season compares to other years in the early 1990s for Tulsa football:

The 1991 season marked a decline from previous years, both in win-loss record and offensive production. While not the worst season of the decade, it signaled ongoing challenges for the program. Tulsa would not return to bowl eligibility until the late 1990s after conference realignment.

Why It Matters

The 1991 season is a snapshot of Tulsa football during a transitional era before conference affiliation stabilized. Though not a standout year, it contributes to the historical arc of the program’s development.

• Program Legacy: Part of a string of losing seasons that eventually led to coaching and structural changes in the 2000s.
• Player Development: Helped shape future coaches like Bill Blankenship, who later led Tulsa from 2011–2014.
• Conference Evolution: Played before Tulsa joined the Western Athletic Conference in 1996, a pivotal shift.
• Fan Engagement: Demonstrated fluctuating fan interest during a period of modest on-field performance.
• Historical Context: Reflects the challenges mid-major programs faced competing as Independents in the early 1990s.
• Data Continuity: Provides essential stats for researchers and historians tracking college football evolution.

While the 1991 season may not be remembered for championships or upsets, it remains a factual milestone in Tulsa’s football history, illustrating the ebbs and flows of collegiate athletics.