By Jason Disantis, @JasonInCLE
The Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0, 0-0 Big Ten) started off the 2016 season with a bang against the over-matched Falcons of Bowling Green State. Questions surrounded the Buckeyes of whether or not they could overcome the losses in personnel from last years draft. How quickly would the Buckeyes be able to grow up under the leadership of J.T. Barrett? Although many questions still remain, Ohio State played very well in their first game of the season.
On the offensive side of the ball J.T. Barrett firmly placed his name in the early Heisman discussion, accounting for 7 touchdowns and throwing for 349 yards. Barrett's favorite receiver on the day was the Buckeyes most dynamic playmaker, H-back Curtis Samuel. Samuel caught 9 balls for 177 yards and 2 touchdowns. Add to his receiving production 84 yards and a touchdown on the ground and Curtis Samuel may find his name added to the Heisman hopefuls before long.
The defense of the Buckeyes gave us a couple new names to watch out for, while Raekwon McMillan continued to provide the hammer in the middle. Malik Hooker showed tremendous range at the safety position making two interceptions, the first of which was as an athletic play as you'll see. And while the Buckeyes might have lost Joey Bosa to the NFL, little brother Nick Bosa got his first action as a Buckeye and recorded a sack.
The Buckeyes will look to keep the momentum rolling this Saturday as they host the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (1-0). Tulsa is coming off of a decisive victory in their first game of the year as well. The Golden Hurricane beat San Jose State 45-10 and posted 512 yards of offense. Tulsa's big producer was junior running back D'Angelo Brewer, running for 164 yards and 3 touchdowns. Although senior quarterback Dane Evans didn't play poorly against San Jose State he is going to have to be better if Tulsa is going to keep up with Ohio State. Tulsa averaged 39.8 points per game last year and typically showcases a high powered offense. They have a difficult task coming into Columbus this Saturday and are going to need to be running on all cylinders to stay within reach of the Buckeyes.
The biggest challenge the Buckeyes may face this Saturday will be staying focused on Tulsa. With a showdown with Oklahoma looming the next weekend, coach Meyer will have to keep his players focused on the task at hand. If the Buckeyes get caught looking ahead it could give the Golden Hurricane an opportunity to post some points and possibly put some pressure on Ohio State late in the game. If Ohio State can stay focused on Tulsa then it could be another lopsided victory in favor of the Buckeyes.
What: Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane
When: Saturday September 10, 2016 @ 3:30 PM ET
Where: Ohio Stadium, Columbus Ohio
Watch: ABC
Line: Ohio State -29 (as of 9/6), O/U 72
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