Although Tulsa's opening opponent on Thursday night at 7 p.m. cannot be taken lightly, there are a few things that are clear.
First of all, it would be less shocking if a living dinosaur showed up than if Tulsa loses to Northwestern State.
The Demons are coming off an 0-11 season, have a new coach, and have a bunch of new players. The chances of all those new players being terrific for an FCS team that hasn't had a winning season since 2008 are not high.
Obviously, Tulsa has to take care of business. But in doing so, TU will get a chance for a lot of players to get playing time. Finding out which are the right ones to move forward with into the meat of the schedule is tremendously important.
With perhaps the most highly rated freshman recruiting class in school history making their debut after Wilson's 4-8 debut season at TU in 2023, there is little doubt that the freshmen will get playing time.
"We've got them on kicking games, which is scary," second-year Tulsa coach Kevin Wilson said of his true freshmen. "But we've got to play them so we can keep them happy, keep them here, and keep developing them."
No coach in history would ever say a game is a gimme win. And they shouldn't. They have to be on high alert. But this isn't like playing a good FCS team, like when Tulsa lost to UC Davis to open the 2021 season when several of TU's best players were suspended for a game.
"It's a brand new team. So, what are you going to see, what are you getting, what's the defensive alignments, and pressures, and coverages," Wilson said of the challenge of playing Northwestern State. "It's a little disconcerting early, because you really don't know what you are getting.
"We've won four games in my time, so we're not underestimating anything."
As with most home openers in expected wins, watching the newcomers is the most fun and telling thing. With the outstanding freshman, along with some key portal additions, this should be a fun class to watch.
Besides the uncertainty of the quarterback position, almost every position has opportunities for newcomers to step up and show they should be getting playing time.
At quarterback, the three-headed monster of Kirk Francis (6-1, 196, FR-RS), Cooper Legas (6-1, 216, GR-TR) and Cardell Williams (6-2, 183, SO) will be the position most people are watching. Maybe not much will be known after the game if all three play well. But maybe there will be some clarity.
As has been heavily publicized, Francis will start the season opener, but all three are slated to play. How long that lasts, and for how many games, who knows?
Beyond expecting all three QB's to play, the plan is subject to change.
"I've never had a plan in football that works out the way it's supposed to," Wilson said. "The way the ball bounces, and the good Lord has some different thoughts on the way I thought the game was supposed to go."
Certainly, the plan wasn't to have four starting quarterbacks last season.
Wilson has been clear about how much he likes how Francis has played in fall camp. But Legas and Williams are not to be forgotten.
"I think you're going to like what you see out of Cardell, and really, Cooper Legas has had a great preseason," Wilson said. "Kirk has been outstanding. And the other two are right on his heels. And they pull for each other. And it's a heck of a group.
"I've got three talented guys who have had great preseasons. We're going to let them play."
For those looking for a clear-cut choice, they may have to wait.
"I'm looking to see who can lead that team and get us in the end zone," Wilson said.
As for Francis, even though he isn't the declared permanent QB for this season, he may have the upper hand if he carries over what he’s done from practice and the end of last season.
"I just think the consistency. He's been the most consistent," Wilson said of Francis. "He's very knowledgeable. He's got great understanding. A really good feel. His touch and accuracy are very, very good. I mean, high good."
At running back, freshman Lloyd Avant (5-11, 196, Humble, Tx.) will make things interesting. The coaches love him. Anthony Watkins is really good. Tulsa should have four good options along with freshman Viron Ellison (6-0, 195, Lewisville, Tx.) and Bill Jackson.
"Maybe the best tailback on the team is Lloyd Avant," Wilson said. "You will see him, and you will see him early. He is very, very good."
