TULSA, Okla. -- Luke Skipper threw two touchdowns and ran for another as Tulsa opened the season with a 38-27 victory over Central Arkansas on Saturday night.

It had been a see-saw affair until a fumble on the kickoff resulted in a Tulsa touchdown two plays later to give the Golden Hurricane a double-digit lead. Cedric Battle failed to pull in the kick off and Bryson Powers recovered for Tulsa. Shamari Brooks, who finished with 129 yards on 27 carries, charged in from the 1 with 7:36 remaining to secure the win. Skipper had just hit Cole Neph on a 14-yard scoring strike to retake the lead.

Tulsa won just two games last year -- and struggled in the opener -- falling behind 13-7 early and 27-24 in the final quarter. The Golden Hurricanes kept Central Arkansas off the board for the final 11 minutes.

Corey Taylor II rushed for 110 yards to give Tulsa two runners over the century mark.

UCA's Breylin Smith threw for 165 yards.