It sounds odd writing an article about player improvement in the midst of a six-game losing streak. But Tulsa quarterback Dane Evans has progressed from erratic passer to secure ball handler in the Golden Hurricane’s last three losses — Tulsa had the lead at some point in each loss.
Evans was the catalyst for Tulsa’s resurgence on offense in the last three games, throwing zero interceptions and passing for big gains.
Let’s see how much the sophomore gunslinger has improved by comparing his stats from Tulsa’s first four losses to the last three, more competitive defeats.
Oklahoma: L 52-7 — 53.5 completion percentage, 204 yards, 4.7 yards/attempt, 1 TD – 2 INT
Florida Atlantic: L 50-21 — 49 completion percentage, 269 yards, 5.5 yards/attempt, 1 TD – 2 INT
Texas State: L 37-34 — 57.5 completion percentage, 234 yards, 5.9 yards/attempt, 2 TD – 1 INT
Colorado State: L 42-17 — 55.2 completion percentage, 222 yards, 7.7 yards/attempt, 1 TD – 2 INT
The most eye-opening stat that heavily impacted Tulsa’s inept performances in its first four losses is Evans seven interceptions, compared to five touchdowns.
Scouring the stats from the last three, more competitive losses, it’s easy to see where Evans improved the most.
Temple: L 35-24 — 58.3 completion percentage, 260 yards, 7.2 yards/attempt, 2 TD – 0 INT
USF: L 38-30 — 64.7 completion percentage, 314 yards, 9.2 yards/attempt, 1 TD – 0 INT
Memphis: L 40-20 — 51.9 completion percentage, 349 yards, 6.5 yards/attempt, 2 TD – 0 INT
The sophomore had two 300 yard passing games in the last three losses; Evans hadn’t thrown for more than 300 yards since throwing for 438 yards in a wild double-overtime win over Tulane in Week 1.
Evans’ most apparent improvement involves a big goose-egg next to the stat. Tossing five touchdowns to zero interceptions has made the difference in Tulsa’s competitive improvement in the last few games.
Evans has been aided by the consistent play of standout wide receiver Keevan Lucas. Despite Tulsa’s defensive struggles, Evans’ interception problems in the team’s first four losses, and the teams inability to finish off games with a “W,” Lucas has remained from Week 1 the Golden Hurricane’s pillar of consistency.
Lucas completed four straight games of 100 or more yards receiving in the loss to Memphis on Halloween. Lucas, also a sophomore, has nearly 1000 yards receiving on the year and eight touchdowns.
Tulsa (1-7) will fail to make a bowl for the second consecutive season, but the strong quarterback-receiver chemistry created this season between Evans and Lucas gives way for big things to come for the Golden Hurricane in the next few years.
For a quarterback that is seen as a default starter in Week 1, Evans has earned his place as Tulsa’s signal caller, in spite of the teams’ lack of success.
Edited By: Ali Balchunas
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