Streaks on Line as Long Beach Travels to Tulsa

Cal State Long Beach (3-2) will try to win its fourth straight game, and the University of Tulsa (1-4) will try to break a four-game losing streak tonight.

“We’re afraid,” Long Beach Coach Mike Sheppard said, alluding to the tough schedule Tulsa has played.

After an opening victory over Houston, the Golden Hurricane lost to three Southwest Conference teams--Texas Tech, Arkansas and Texas A&M--and; was defeated last week by Big Eight power Oklahoma State, 25-13.

Sheppard is unsure how his defense will respond when it sees an option offense for the first time this season. “They run one play, a dive, that averages six yards,” Sheppard said.

The main ball carrier for Tulsa is Gordon Brown, a senior averaging seven yards. He rushed for 171 yards against Texas A&M.;

Tulsa has not played a team that emphasizes passing as the 49ers do. Quarterback Doug Gaynor has completed 69% of his passes for 1,383 yards and 10 touchdowns. Split end Charles Lockett has caught 36 passes for 438 yards and 5 touchdowns.