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2008 conference record: 7-1, 1st West Division

Returning starters

Offense: 6, defense: 8, punter/kicker 2

Top returners

WR Damaris Johnson, RB Charles Clay, OT Tyler Holmes, WR Trae Johnson, WR Slick Shelley, LB Mike Bryan, S James Lockett, FS Charles Davis, NG/DE Wilson Garrison

Key losses

RB Tarrion Adams, QB David Johnson, WR Brennan Marion, C Jody Whaley, OT Rod Thomas, OG Justin Morsey, DE Moton Hopkins

2008 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Tarrion Adams (1,523yards)
Passing: David Johnson (4,059 yards)
Receiving: Brennan Marion (1,112 yards)
Tackles: Mike Bryan* (119)
Sacks: James Lockett (16.5)
Interceptions: Roy Roberts (3)

Spring answers

1. Still gonna throw -- a lot: Even though quarterback David Johnson is gone, that doesn't mean the Golden Hurricane are changing their offensive philosophy. With a deep stable of receivers, Tulsa intends to throw and throw often. All three of the quarterbacks in contention for the starting spot have strong arms capable of putting up the numbers for which Tulsa is known.

2. The emergence of Damaris: Damaris Johnson was known more for his kick return skills than his receiving last season, but with Brennan Marion gone, Johnson will have a chance to become the Golden Hurricane's primary target on offense. The freshman All-American broke the school record for kickoff return yards (1,382) and led C-USA with 2,475 all-purpose yards, averaging 176.8 per game.

3. No Adams, no worry: Tarrion Adams was the Golden Hurricane's top running back and leader last year, but Jamad Williams had an excellent spring and is eager to carry the rushing load for Tulsa. He'll have help with do-it-all back Charles Clay and especially if Shavodrick Beaver, who has shown some running ability, is named the quarterback starter.

Fall questions

1. Quarterback controversy: For the second consecutive season, Tulsa will have a new starting quarterback and they won't know who that is until the fall. The competition between Jacob Bower, G.J. Kinne and Shavodrick Beaver was heated throughout the spring. Beaver had the best spring game, but all three bring something different that could help the Tulsa offense.

2. Mental toughness: One of coach Todd Graham's main goals this spring was establishing his team's mental toughness. That really came into play after the team's loss to Arkansas. The team got down after the loss and ran into a buzzsaw at Houston. The lapse nearly cost Tulsa the C-USA West title. Graham hopes to eliminate those mental lapses and try for an undefeated campaign in 2009.

3. Pass defense in the past: For as good as Tulsa was last season, its pass defense was pretty awful. That's been a point of emphasis this spring and the Golden Hurricane showed improvement with four interceptions during the spring game. Still, it has a long way to go to if Tulsa wants a chance to get back in the C-USA title game.