TULSA, Okla. -- Cardell Williams came off the bench in the first quarter to complete 13 of 14 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns while adding a rushing touchdown as Tulsa shook off some early rust to cruise to a 42-7 win against Arkansas-Pine Bluff Thursday night at H.A. Chapman Stadium.

The Golden Hurricane trailed 7-0 after the first quarter, but scored 42 unanswered points to make a winner of head coach Kevin Wilson in his Tulsa debut.

Williams, a redshirt freshman, sparked the Golden Hurricane by leading Tulsa on four consecutive scoring drives in the second quarter after the first three possessions had ended with two interceptions and a punt.

Marquis Shoulders had five receptions for 132 yards and two touchdowns, including an 80-yard bomb from Williams in the second quarter, which gave Tulsa a 14-7 lead.

Tulsa's defense allowed a touchdown on a short field on the first UAPB drive, but pitched a shutout after that, holding the Golden Lions to 10 punts, an interception and a turnover on downs after the opening drive.

Jordan Ford rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries for Tulsa, which won its season-opener for the first time since 2018.

Defensive end Ben Kopenski had 10 tackles with two sacks for Tulsa, which heads to No. 10 Washington next week.