WHEN: 2:30 p.m. CST Saturday, September 10, 2016
WHERE: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH
TELEVISION: ABC
SERIES: First meeting between the two schools

1. Will the TU defense show last week’s improvement was not a fluke? The Hurricane defense took a big step forward in its opening game of 2016, holding San Jose State to under 300 total yards and just 53 yards rushing. While the players seem more comfortable with the system, tackling was improved and only one big play was given up. However, Ohio State’s offense poses a much larger task. TU will need to put some pressure on Heisman hopeful QB J.T. Barrett and contain him when he leaves the pocket. Slowing H-back Curtis Samuel will be another key, as he had 84 yards rushing and 177 yards receiving with three touchdowns last week.

2. Tulsa running game versus Ohio State front seven. Tulsa can’t afford to be one dimensional, so establishing some form of ground game will be imperative to have success on offense. Ohio State lost starting DT Tracy Sprinkle for the season, so the Hurricane will need to take advantage and get some push up front. D'Angelo Brewer ran for 164 yards and three touchdowns on 22 carries in the win over San Jose State last week, but Ohio State only gave up 69 yards on the ground to Bowling Green in week one.

3. Tulsa receivers versus Ohio State defensive backs. The Hurricane has a talented group of receivers, led by senior Keevan Lucas, who caught six passes for 112 yards against San Jose State – all in the first half. Senior Josh Atkinson and sophomore Justin Hobbs also made big plays. TU will test a Buckeye secondary that has three new starters, but what they lack in experience, they make up for in talent and athleticism. Ohio State safety Malik Hooker had a breakout game last week with two highlight-reel interceptions.

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