Arkansas-Pine Bluff (0-0) vs. Tulsa (0-0)
Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane August 31, 2023 — The offensive backfield from the previous season is largely absent for the Golden Lions, yet the defense retains sufficient impactful players from last year to challenge the new Tulsa team. Despite the challenges faced in 2022, Tulsa still has a considerable distance to cover regarding pass protection proficiency. Noteworthy among the players are Kendarius Clark, a quick lineman, and Rico Dozier, a linebacker with the size of a safety, known for impactful hits. Several areas still demand attention and improvement. The defensive line struggled to penetrate the opposition’s backfield, the offense allowed more than four sacks per game, and overall performance suffered due to frequent errors and significant turnovers.
Progress is anticipated under the leadership of new head coach Kevin Wilson and offensive coordinator Steve Spurrier Jr. The offensive line benefits from the presence of experienced veterans, and the offense has a promising quarterback in Braylon Braxton around whom to build for the forthcoming seasons. On the defensive front, the unit that was vulnerable last season should show more resilience, at least for a certain duration. Any positive advancement by the Lions will be a pleasant surprise. The Golden Hurricane team requires more fine-tuning than a complete overhaul. Their 5-7 season from the previous year concluded on a strong note.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane Game Info
Time: 8:00 PM ET.
Date: Thursday, August 31, 2023
Location: Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium, OK
TV: ESP+
Golden Lions QB Jalen Macon and Golden Hurricane QB Braylon Braxton
UAPB finds itself with a quartet of players in contention for the quarterback role, a pivotal position that remains to be filled. Jalen Macon and Chancellor Edwards have returned after their support for Skyler Perry this past year. Having transferred from Cisco College in Texas, Mekhi Hagens took a redshirt year in the previous season. Allen Fernett, a freshman, brings his experience from Texas’ Del Valle High School where he played under Acosta’s guidance for the past two years. Each of these candidates possesses distinct strengths and weaknesses. Acosta categorizes Macon as more of a pocket passer, while Hagens leans towards being a running quarterback. According to Acosta, Edwards exhibits a commanding presence and an in-depth understanding of the game.
The departure of starter Davis Brin to Georgia Southern and the brief contemplation of departure by backup Braylon Braxton has stirred the quarterback landscape. The coaching staff asserts that Braylon Braxton, who stands at 6 feet 3 inches and weighs 222 pounds, is the leading contender. He showcased his capabilities by throwing 10 touchdown passes with two interceptions and running for an additional five touchdowns in the previous season. However, the battle for the position remains undecided. Junior Roman Fuller is the sole player who attempted a pass in the previous season.
Odds/Point Spread: Tulsa Golden Hurricane -9.5, Total Odds: 63
The Tulsa offense will look the part this week before heading to Washington. For this reason, you hire Arkansas-Pine Bluff to come to your house. The Golden Lions won’t make a mistake because they won’t make many costly mistakes or penalties, but they won’t keep up the pace beyond the opening few drives.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions Betting Trends
- Arkansas-Pine Bluff are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games on the road.
- Arkansas-Pine Bluff are 0-6 SU in their last 6 games played in September.
- Arkansas-Pine Bluff are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games played on a Saturday.
Tulsa Hurricane Betting Trends
- The total has gone OVER in 8 of Tulsa’s last 11 games at home.
- The total has gone OVER in 6 of Tulsa’s last 7 games played in September.
- Tulsa are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in week 1.
- Tulsa are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games played on a Saturday.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions vs. Tulsa Hurricane Betting Trends
Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions vs. Tulsa Hurricane: On both sides of the line of scrimmage, Arkansas-Pine Bluff has to fix a number of gaps, but the Golden Lions will play well enough away from home on opening day against Tulsa to cover the spread. The defense of the Golden Hurricane features many new players who will need to work together over the course of the first several games of the season. In six of its last seven games and four of the previous five games played in Week 1, Tulsa has failed to cover the spread.
Free Pick and Prediction: Tulsa Golden Hurricane will win 37-27.
