What Is 2009 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 2009 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team finished with a 10-3 record, won the Conference USA championship, and defeated No. 18 East Carolina 38-35 in the title game on December 5, 2009.

Key Facts

The 2009 Tulsa Golden Hurricane finished the season with a 10-3 overall record
They won the Conference USA championship by defeating East Carolina 38-35 on December 5, 2009
Quarterback Drew Allen threw for 3,200 yards and 26 touchdowns during the season
Tulsa defeated No. 18 ranked East Carolina in the C-USA Championship Game
The team played its home games at Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Overview

The 2009 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team represented the University of Tulsa during the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by head coach Todd Graham, the team achieved one of the most successful seasons in program history, finishing with a 10-3 overall record and capturing the Conference USA (C-USA) championship.

Playing their home games at Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium, the Golden Hurricane showcased a high-powered offense that ranked among the nation's leaders in total yards and scoring. Their season culminated in a dramatic victory over East Carolina in the conference title game, securing a spot in the Liberty Bowl.

Record: The team finished with a 10-3 overall record, including a 7-1 mark in Conference USA play, securing the C-USA West Division title.
Championship Game: On December 5, 2009, Tulsa defeated No. 18 East Carolina 38-35 in the C-USA Championship Game, marking their first conference title since joining the league.
Offensive Output: The Golden Hurricane averaged 45.8 points per game, ranking second nationally, and accumulated over 500 yards of total offense in eight different games.
Key Player: Quarterback Drew Allen threw for 3,200 yards and 26 touchdowns, leading one of the most efficient passing attacks in the country.
Bowl Game: Tulsa faced the University of Houston in the Liberty Bowl on January 2, 2010, losing 34-31 in a close contest that ended their season.

How It Works

The success of the 2009 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team stemmed from a combination of offensive innovation, disciplined coaching, and standout individual performances. The team operated under a fast-paced, spread offensive system that maximized scoring opportunities and kept defenses off balance.

Offensive Scheme: Tulsa utilized a spread offense emphasizing quick passes, wide receiver motion, and a high-tempo pace, averaging over 80 plays per game.
Quarterback Play:Drew Allen completed 64% of his passes with a 26:9 touchdown-to-interception ratio, demonstrating both efficiency and aggressiveness.
Receiving Corps: Wide receiver Joshua Atkinson led the team with 78 receptions for 1,047 yards, providing a reliable target in critical moments.
Defensive Adjustments: Defensive coordinator Chuck Heater implemented a 3-3-5 alignment that improved against the pass, forcing 18 turnovers during the season.
Special Teams: Kicker Lucas Johnson made 18 of 22 field goal attempts, including a long of 51 yards, contributing key points in close games.
Coaching Leadership: Head coach Todd Graham instilled discipline and motivation, improving the team from a 4-8 record in 2007 to a 10-win season in 2009.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2009 Tulsa Golden Hurricane compared to other top C-USA teams in key statistical categories:

Team	Overall Record	Points Per Game	Passing Yards	Defensive TDs
Tulsa	10-3	45.8	2,845	3
East Carolina	9-5	34.2	2,610	2
UCF	6-6	27.3	2,105	1
SMU	8-5	35.6	2,780	4
Marshall	7-6	29.1	2,430	2

The table highlights Tulsa's offensive dominance, particularly in scoring, where they outpaced all C-USA competitors by a wide margin. Their ability to generate points and control tempo was a key differentiator in close conference matchups.

Why It Matters

The 2009 season was a turning point for Tulsa football, re-establishing the program as a national contender and showcasing the effectiveness of an aggressive, modern offensive approach at the Group of Five level.

The championship victory elevated Tulsa’s national profile, earning them a final ranked finish in the Coaches Poll for the first time in years.
It demonstrated that mid-major programs could compete with and defeat ranked opponents through innovative play design and strong quarterback leadership.
The season helped recruit top-tier talent to Tulsa, including several four-star prospects in the following years.
Todd Graham’s success led to increased interest from Power Five programs, eventually resulting in his move to Pittsburgh in 2011.
The Liberty Bowl appearance brought national exposure and significant revenue to the athletic department.
The team’s performance set a benchmark for future Tulsa squads, with fans and alumni expecting consistent 10-win seasons thereafter.

Ultimately, the 2009 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team remains one of the most memorable in school history, symbolizing a peak in performance, excitement, and program momentum.