David Goff
OKBlitz.com Staff WriterTULSA, Oklahoma— In their first season in the
Arena Football League, the
Tulsa Talons won their division and made it to the playoffs. It's their first go-around with the big league, after making the playoffs eight straight times as members of the Af2 League.
Tulsa faces off against the
Tampa Bay Storm at the BOK Center Saturday night. The two team squared off in the Talons’ season opener back in early April.
Tulsa won that game 69-58 thanks to outstanding performances by wide receiver
Donovan Morgan and quarterback
Justin Allgood. Morgan scored four touchdowns and racked up 120 yards receiving. Allgood threw for 274 yards and eight touchdowns verses the Storm.
Players and coaches admitted this week that the playoffs are a much different atmosphere than the regular season. Tulsa has zero AFL postseason experience. Tampa Bay has won five Arena Bowl Championships, most recently in 2003.
The Talons have really dominated at home throughout the regular season, scoring 62 points per game while giving up just 52. The team finished the year with the second-best offense in the league. Tulsa will look to continue that dominance as they try to make a run at the AFL’s ultimate title.
Even though the Talons have had success at the BOK Center, they are going up against one of the best defensive teams in the league. The Storm is ranked second in the AFL on defense, allowing less than 51 points per game.
Kickoff begins at 7 p.m. at the BOK Center Saturday August 7th.