The Myrtle Beach Bowl debuted last season amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but this year’s matchup will mark the first edition of the game under more normal circumstances as Old Dominion and Tulsa square off in the first meeting between the programs. Though both teams are 6-6, both are entering with momentum after strong finishes to the regular seasons. Tulsa won its final three games, while Old Dominion won its final six.
In this game last season, Appalachian State beat North Texas 56-28 in a game that featured more than 1,100 yards of total offense, including 500 yards rushing for Appalachian State along with a combined 21 penalties totaling more than 200 yards. Both the teams in this season’s game are among the most-penalized in college football, and neither plays great defense, which means the second Myrtle Beach Bowl could have a similar flavor to the first.
Ultimately, it will be a battle between two surging teams looking to finish their seasons with winning records after that possibility seemed out of reach earlier in the season. For Old Dominion, the game should be particularly significant as it is just the program’s second bowl appearance since joining the FBS in 2014.
Tulsa vs. Old Dominion: Need to know
Ups and downs: Tulsa has been on an incredible roller coaster ride under seventh-year coach Philip Montgomery. After inheriting a two-win team, he led the Golden Hurricane to a bowl appearance in 2015 and a 10-win season the following year. But then Tulsa won just nine total games over the following three seasons. Tulsa cycled back up to 6-3 in 2020, but then it began the 2021 season 1-4. But the Golden Hurricane closed the regular season with an impressive 34-31 road win over SMU and could certainly claim positive momentum if they are able…
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