Saturday, September 22, 2018
Kickoff: Today at 3:30 p.m. at Ohio Stadium in Columbus.
TV/radio: Big Ten Network/WNIO-AM 1390.
Line: Ohio State by 37.
Series record: First meeting.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Ohio State: After a come-from-behind win over TCU last week, the Buckeyes host a team that shouldn’t pose much problem. The difference is that coach Urban Meyer will be back on the sideline after serving a three-game suspension. That surely will add some intrigue to what otherwise would have been just another tune-up game before the Buckeyes go into the Big Ten.
Tulane: The Green Wave is coming off a tough loss to UAB last and likely will have big trouble with surging Ohio State.
KEY MATCHUP
Tulane: Passing game against Ohio State’s defense. QB Jonathan Banks is averaging 217 yards passing yards per game and has five touchdowns. However, he was sacked six times in last week’s loss to UAB.
Ohio State: Buckeyes’ pass rush promises to be furious, even without DE Nick Bosa, who will miss the game with an injury.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Tulane: WR Darnell Moody has 18 catches for 308 yards and three TDs through the first three games after finishing last year with 599 yards and four touchdowns.
Ohio State: Against TCU last week, QB Dwayne Haskins Jr. showed his composure, throwing for a career-high 344 yards and running for a 5-yard score to clinch the game in the fourth quarter. He’s already got 890 yards passing and 11 TDs.
FACTS & FIGURES
Haskins leads the Big Ten is passing yards, passing TDs and completion percentage. ... Tulane has gained at least 100 yards on the ground in every game since 2016. ... Ohio State has yet to give up a point in the fourth quarter this season. ... Banks’ interception last week was the first in his last 98 passing attempts. ... Fifteen different Ohio State players have scored touchdowns this season. ... Tulane has forced at least two turnovers in each of its first three games. ... Green Wave senior WR Terren Encalade has 10 career 100-yard receiving games. ... Banks leads the American Athletic Conference in passing yards per completion, averaging 17.59 yards.
Associated Press