Saturday was a great game in all phases for the Golden Hurricane.  On offense, G.J. was very efficient, Willie Carter had another tremendous game and we had three running backs with over 40 yards rushing.  Defensively, we had five turnovers, forced seven punts and caused SMU to only convert two of their thirteen third-down attempts.  Also, the weather was beautiful and it was a great Homecoming atmosphere.  I often take for granted the fact that I get to live in Tulsa and remain close to the University and all that takes place here, especially involving the football program.  With that being said, it was great to see so many teammates from my 2003-2007 seasons. We reflected on games ranging from the '03 Humanitarian Bowl to the '07 BYU barn-burner and many more in between.  I am forever grateful for my time at TU and the many special people I got to share that chapter of my life with. 

Until next time... 

First of all, I'm sorry for the time between blogs.  If I were to attempt to excuse it would go something like this: I was planning on reviewing my experiences from the TU-OSU game one evening last week but by the time my sleep patterns got back to normal the Boise State game was almost upon us (I watched that game from Oklaunion, Texas, a small town a little northwest of Wichita Falls, due to a family reunion). 

I also planned that a day or two before the game I would recap a few personal memories from the Humanitarian Bowl in Boise my true freshman year, but I heard the news of George Clinkscale's passing early Thursday morning and felt that there were no 'smurf turf' memories worth mentioning at a time like this.  

I still believe there is nothing worth blogging about that relates to the game of football.  George was a great young man and a tremendous competitor.  We all have our own special memories of George and I will always carry with me the short time we were once again united as teammates during training camp this past June with the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL. Our careers in Montreal did not last as long as either of us would have liked, but I am once again reminded of how little significance the game of football really is when compared to the game of life. 

Paul Smith is former TU quarterback and the school's career passing leader. Paul is currently a 'financial quarterback' with Securian Advisors MidAmerica in Tulsa and is guest host on Sports Animal Tulsa Radio Friday mornings from 9-10 am.

In the press conference yesterday I believe the most important question Coach B received was: What will be the biggest question going into Saturday? He responded with, "I think it will be how the veterans will play. If the veterans come in and play and do what we are able to do, we can make a good run at this..."

For those of you who have never suited up for TU in a football game played in Norman, let me be the first to tell you that Coach B hit the nail on the head. When we took the field in 2005 I found out what people meant when they say, "I couldn't even hear myself think!"

I always thought that was the stupidest comment until that day. I vividly remember leaning into the offensive huddle and screaming the play at the top of my lungs to one side of the offense and repeating it with equal enthusiasm to the other, only to watch a couple guys from each side of the huddle asking their teammates to repeat the play as they were approaching the line of scrimmage because they could not hear me.

I believe we had 3-4 false starts on that first drive because of the inability of the offensive line to hear my cadence (probably should have gone to a 'silent count' a bit earlier but that wasn't my call to make).

Anyway, things eventually calmed down and we ended up playing quite a game that day, but it was due in large part to the leadership and calm demeanor of some of our veterans. So I am agreeing with Coach B that the biggest question going into Saturday is will the veterans play well enough to allow the Golden Hurricane to "make a good run at this".

Paul Smith is a former TU quarterback and the school's career passing leader. Paul is currently a 'financial quarterback' with Securian Advisors MidAmerica in Tulsa and is a guest host on Sports Animal Tulsa Radio Friday mornings from 9-10 am.

Recently caught up with G-Mills, Chambo, and Big Softy (aka Garrett Mills, Chris Chamberlain, and Charles Clay... I'll tell the Big Softy story at the end) and have an update for those who are rooting them on. Garrett was released from the Cincinnati Bengals last Monday but signed with the New England Patriots yesterday (Sunday, August 22nd) who had originally drafted him back in 2006 - he was really excited to be heading back to New England. Chambo is entering his 4th year with the St. Louis Rams and said there is tons of competition (at linebacker) but from what the coaches are telling him he feels optimistic. Charles has seen a lot of playing time in the Miami Dolphins' first two pre-season games and from what I can see has been playing very well. I hope that any doubters on Charles' ability to run block (and I hope there are no doubters on this site) have been able to watch the first two pre-season games because Charles has been blocking great. He told me he feels things are going great thus far... which doesn't seem like much but if you've been around Charles you know that if he says more than 2 words it's a big deal!

Big Softy story: I started calling Charles "Big Softy" back in 2007 (his freshman, my senior year) when he was over at our townhouse on campus one day and my wife Krista gave him a hard time for going out of bounds at the end of a run in the previous week's game instead of turning upfield and running someone over. We all chuckled about it but I don't think Charles realized that Krista was kinda serious. (btw, my wife loves Charles to death and I'll probably be on the couch after she reads this). She told me later that day, "I just don't think he realizes how big he is." In her defense, I agree. As a freshman, he didn't realize how big and talented he truly was... but I'm pretty sure he has a better understanding now!!!