COLUMBUS – Not all spread offenses are created equal.
This Saturday’s game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Tulsa Golden Hurricane will illustrate that point.
No. 4 Ohio St. (1-0) vs. Tulsa (1-0) at Ohio Stadium (3:30 p.m./ABC)
Tulsa head coach Philip Montgomery studied the spread at Baylor, where he spent seven seasons and an assistant coach and offensive coordinator, tutoring the likes of Robert Griffin III.
The Golden Hurricane were No. 13 in the country in total offense last year, but only 61st in rushing offense.
That is the big difference between the Art Briles/Phillip Montgomery spread and the Urban Meyer spread.
“The identity is we’re going to line up and hammer the football and run the ball. And we expect to lead the conference or be close to the lead in rushing offense,” Meyer said. “They’re very balanced, more balanced than people think. And so I think it’s somewhat similar. But there are different fundamental differences to it.”
Tulsa rushed for 300 yards last week in a 45-10 victory at San Jose State.
Meyer to summed up Montgomery’s team as one with a potent offense – “very talented receivers, two NFL prospects at wide receiver, a returning veteran at quarterback” – and a solid defense.