James Flanders and D'Angelo Brewer each rushed for over 180 yards and the defense came up with big plays as Tulsa handed East Carolina a 45-24 loss in front of 17,557 fans Saturday night at H.A. Chapman Stadium.
The win puts Tulsa (7-2, 4-1 AAC) into a first-place tie in the American Athletic Conference's West Division with next Saturday's opponent, the Navy Midshipmen (6-2, 4-1 AAC).
Tulsa gained 616 yards of total offense, including its sixth 300+ rushing game with 342 yards and added 274 yards through the air. The Hurricane defense also had an outstanding performance with a season-high seven sacks for -68 yards, while holding the Pirates to 38 yards rushing, the lowest rushing output for a Tulsa opponent since limiting UTEP to 31 rushing yards in 2012.