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If in doubt, there is this guy named Keevan. Throw to him. A lot. Just like Tulsa did to a guy named Drew many moons ago in a similar situation.

There is also someone named D’Angelo. Get the ball in his hands one way or another.

And if Ohio State is overcommitting to defend them, players like Josh, Justin, Nigel and Bishop have talent. Use them.

Such is part of the anatomy of an upset in the making, although it is doubtful that any of even the die-hard TU fans are expecting a win at No. 4 ranked Ohio State. After all, the mighty Buckeyes are a perennial powerhouse. And Tulsa is...

So why even play the game, some might ask?

Don’t tell that to TU’s Dane Evans and D’Angelo Brewer.

“Those 11 guys that line up facing us, they’ve got to come play,” Evans said. “As a team, we like playing big schools. There’s nowhere to run and hide. Let’s just go play ball.”

“It’s just another game to me,” said Brewer. “We’re going to prepare, watch film on them, see what we like, practice the plays we’re going to run, and make it happen.”

Tulsa (1-0) has a chance to change perceptions in a major way with a strong performance in Columbus against Ohio State (1-0) on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m.

A bad loss would just confirm the naysayers. But a win…

So what does Tulsa need to do to win at Ohio State? Play its best game in school history, perhaps? Or just play up to its potential while the Buckeyes self-destruct?

Maybe all of the above. The season opening 45-10 win against San Jose State was a breath of fresh air for the Golden Hurricane. Granted, San Jose State is no power, but Tulsa dismantled the Spartans thoroughly.

Tulsa is in a good position of having offensive skill position players that rival any in the country. Certainly Keevan Lucas and Brewer are explosive, and may be as good right now as any skill position player for Ohio State. Ditto for Evans.

Upsetting Ohio State would likely rank as the greatest upset in Tulsa history. Then only thing remotely comparable is Tulsa’s 21-20 victory at No. 7 Arkansas in 1971.

A lesson to be learned from that game? If in doubt, throw to Drew.

The Drew Pearson of Hail Mary fame. Of Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor fame. The first famous number 88 for the Cowboys, who played his college ball at Tulsa.

For those youngsters not aware of Mr. Pearson, check out the 1975 playoff game against the Vikings. Roger Staubach named the “Hail Mary” pass after Drew. Also YouTube Thanksgiving of 1974. Enlightening stuff. Gave George Allen nightmares for life.

But before that, Drew Pearson was a virtual unknown playing in his second college game as a receiver. He had split time playing quarterback the previous year for the Golden Hurricane.

Third-and-25? Throw to Drew. Holding against TU at Arkansas? Again? Repeat the process. That is what happened on the game-winning drive. And it doesn’t matter that the quarterback, Todd Starks, didn’t have much more than one good quarter playing for TU, the one where they were trailing 20-0 after three quarters.

The point of talking about Drew is that Lucas can be a legendary Tulsa receiver as well. He has that talent. He will probably become Tulsa's career leading receiver. This game is a showcase for him. This is the time to make it happen.

For the naysayers, Ohio State’s 77-10 demolishing of Bowling Green in Columbus last Saturday was impressive, and intimidating. But so was Tulsa’s 63-7 victory over Bowling Green in 2007 in the GMAC Bowl.

Tulsa’s offense was one of the best in school history in 2007. It could be again this season. But one thing is certain. Worrying about lopsided Bowling Green games means little in the scheme of things.

The overall athletic ability of Ohio State is also intimidating. However, the Buckeyes lost a lot of talent to the NFL this spring, including the third and fourth picks of the draft, Joey Bosa and Ezekiel Elliott. TU is more experienced in many key areas.

One thing Tulsa will have to improve on from week one is its passing game. TU suffered from four early-game drops, and Evans completed only 12 of 23 passes for 198 yards. However, the passing game wasn’t needed much against San Jose State because of Tulsa’s terrific defense combined with a very effective running game.

When big upsets occur, and this one would be monumental, usually an explosive offense is needed. Tulsa could very well have one of the best offenses in the country.

It starts with Evans, and he is poised to become Tulsa’s all-time leader in career passing yards. He shredded OU’s defense last year when TU threw a major scare into the Sooners.

Lucas had 112 yards on six catches against San Jose State. Brewer rushed for 164 yards and three touchdowns on 22 carries. Those numbers would be welcome Saturday.

With Josh Atkinson and Justin Hobbs coming off strong seasons and possessing big time ability at receiver, Tulsa may have a combination of skill level players that can rival, if not surpass, most in the nation. And even McLain products Nigel Carter and Bishop Louie are talented, and could surprise the Buckeyes with some big plays if given the opportunity.

Defensively, Tulsa looks to be improved. Tulsa’s defensive backs looked much better than last season and made plays on the ball. Cornerback Keanu Hill looks like a player. And as a whole, the defense looks like it plays more cohesively.

Against Ohio State’s offense, however, TU will probably not be able to hold them for long. Forcing turnovers will be the key, and Tulsa showed against the Spartans that its defense can force turnovers.

And when big upsets occur, turnovers usually play a big role.

The Texas A&M win in 1991 featured key Aggie miscues. But legendary TU players T.J. Rubley and Chris Penn came up with the deciding touchdown pass.

Mentioning the miracles of the past can inspire younger generations, and prove that unlikely things can happen. But it is time for the younger generation to provide new miracles. It's not likely, but perhaps it could happen Saturday.

TU coach Philip Montgomery has the right attitude.

“I don’t want to put on a good show,” Montgomery said. “I want to win.”

• A look at Ohio State’s powerful offense

• Preview capsule of Tulsa at Ohio State

• Looking back at SJSU and ahead to Ohio State

• Tulsa vs. Ohio State – Game Week Newsstand

• Ohio State’s Urban Meyer wary of Tulsa’s offense

• Tulsa Football: Inside the Numbers

• Get all the inside info in Hurricane Alley