Central Arkansas @ Tulsa preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 25, 2010 ) Central Arkansas 14, Tulsa 41

Coming off a highly disappointing season, Tulsa aims to kick off its 2018 campaign in strong fashion Saturday against visiting Central Arkansas. The Golden Hurricane won 10 games in 2016 before dropping down to two victories a season ago.

Central Arkansas, which is ranked 15th in the FCS poll, is coming off its second straight 10-win season and should be a formidable foe this weekend. Tulsa certainly will need to play better than it did most of last season, when the team allowed point totals of 38, 41, 42, 43, 54, 59 and 62 in various losses. Adding to the Golden Hurricane's issues are the absence of career rushing leader D'Angelo Brewer (3,917 yards) and all-time scoring leader Redford Jones (319 points). On the bright side, the team returns quarterbacks Luke Skipper (sophomore) and Chad President (junior), although the two only combined for six TD passes a season ago.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN3. LINE: None

ABOUT CENTRAL ARKANSAS (2017: 10-2): The Bears won 10 in a row last season between a Week 1 loss against Kansas State and a defeat against South Dakota State in the opening round of the FCS playoffs. Central Arkansas is led by running backs Carlos Blackman, a junior, and Kierre Crossley (sophomore), who ran for a combined 1,550 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2017. Sophomore Breylin Smith is expected to see the majority of the snaps at quarterback despite throwing just seven passes a season ago.

ABOUT TULSA (2017: 2-10): In each of the last two seasons, Tulsa's top running back has led the American Athletic Conference in rushing. Looking to make it three different leaders in three years is Shamari Brooks, who ran for 687 yards (5.8 per attempt) and 10 TDs as a true freshman in 2017. The Golden Hurricane return three of their top four tacklers from a season ago and 14 total defenders who have started at least once in their careers.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Tulsa has won the two previous meetings between the teams, scoring a combined 103 points in those games.

2. The Golden Hurricane have won six straight home openers.

3. In Philip Montgomery's first three seasons as coach, Tulsa is averaging 36.5 points per game.

PREDICTION: Tulsa 29, Central Arkansas 27