Where: Ohio Stadium, Columbus. 

Broadcast: ABC 

The Heisman Trophy race seems to center on DeShaun Watson and Christian McCaffrey. J.T. Barrett showed during college football’s opening weekend why the voters shouldn’t sleep on him. Barrett’s career day and the Buckeyes’ tough defense helped Ohio State crush Bowling Green, 77-10. The Buckeyes might have a tougher time this week, though. 

Tulsa has a more potent offense than Bowling Green and hopes to solve the Ohio State defense after its 45-10 win over San Jose State. The Golden Hurricane also scored a pair of defensive touchdowns, and Barrett did throw a pick-six last week.

What To Know About Ohio State

Barrett, finally the Buckeyes’ unquestioned starter, tied his career high with six touchdown passes and ran for another in the rout of Bowling Green. His effort combined with 136 yards rushing from Mike Weber helped Ohio State finish with a school-record 776 total yards. The Buckeyes have so many weapons, and Tulsa likely won’t be able to keep up. They have some issues defensively, though. Lineman Tracy Sprinkle suffered a season-ending right patellar tendon injury, and linebacker Dante Booker is questionable with a strained MCL.

What to Know About Tulsa

The Golden Hurricane certainly aren’t short on offense, especially in the running game. D’Angelo Brewer seems poised to surpass the 837 yards he rushed for last year after finishing with 164 and three touchdowns last week. He’s not alone in the backfield, though, as James Flanders added 82 yards. Tulsa’s biggest accomplishment might’ve been its defensive effort after scoring on an interception and a fumble while holding San Jose State to 53 rushing yards. Can the Hurricane do the same to the Buckeyes?

Advantages

Offense: Ohio State – J.T. Barrett. That is all. 

Defense:  Ohio State – Even shorthanded, the Buckeyes have plenty more talent on that side of the ball. 

Special Teams: Ohio State – Urban Meyer said kicker Tyler Durbin was his MVP last week. That’s right. 

Coaching: Ohio State – Meyer might win this matchup all season. 

Intangibles: Ohio State – Tulsa just isn’t going into The Horseshoe and winning.

Matchup To Watch

Ohio State’s running game vs. Tulsa rush defense

Barrett can beat you a number of ways, and his ability to run when needed adds another dimension to Ohio State’s offense. Add in Weber, and the Golden Hurricane are simply overmatched.

Betting Odds

Spread: Ohio State -28 1/2 

Over/Under: 67 1/2

Ohio State vs. Tulsa Prediction

Barrett has another huge day and Ohio State cruises while holding Tulsa’s running game to fewer than 100 yards. 

Ohio State vs. Tulsa Final Score Prediction: Ohio State 49, Tulsa 7

MORE: Week 2 College Football Bowl Projections