Breakdown of the Fresno State Bulldogs and Tulsa Golden Hurricane.

Breakdown: Bulldogs

After scoring 69 points last week and only allowing 14 against Colorado, the Bulldogs (2-1) will look to make another strong offensive statement in Tulsa.

If the fireworks that were put on display by Fresno State were any indication that its offensive scheme is working, then the ’Dogs will need a repeat perfomance.

In what most likely will be a high-scoring game, Fresno State needs to match the tempo of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (2-1).

Quarterback Derek Carr, running back Robbie Rouse and the wide receivers need to continue to score points. Fresno State should have a very good chance at doing just that.

Rouse, who set the record for most career rushing yards (3,519) last week against the Buffaloes, will look to put up big numbers against Tulsa. Carr also passed for 300 yards and five touchdowns, with the longest a 97-yard reception.

If the wide receivers can spring loose against the Golden Hurricane’s defensive backs, Carr should have an easy time passing the ball. Fresno State’s offensive line will also need to give plenty of protection to Carr as Tulsa ranks first in the nation in sacks.

Defensively, the Bulldogs are sound, as they have won the turnover margin every week. Safeties Phillip Thomas and Derron Smith need to continue their ball-hawking success. If the Bulldogs can accomplish that, it will likely lead to disrupting Tulsa’s offense.

Breakdown: Golden Hurricane

Starting off the season with a loss to Iowa State, Tulsa (2-1) has been strong ever since, winning its next two games.

With victories over Tulane and Nicholls State, the Golden Hurricane has ridden on the shoulders of its powerful offense and solid defense. Running backs Ja’Terian Douglas and Alex Singleton lead Tulsa in rushing.

Quarterback Cody Green is also a threat for the Golden Hurricane’s offense as he has passed for 602 yards and six touchdowns. On the season, Tulsa ranks 14th in the nation in points scored

On the defensive side of the ball, Tulsa is quite impressive as it is ranked first in the nation in sacks. The size and speed of the Golden Hurricane’s defense is also a key component in Tulsa’s success this season. Currently, Tulsa’s defense is ranked 48th in points against.

In his second full season, head coach Bill Blankenship has transformed the Golden Hurricane from an abysmal 3-10 record last season to a Conference-USA juggernaut. Blankenship and his staff have been able to recruit from multiple regions, and it has led to a fast and physical unit.

Junior linebacker Trent Martin led Tulsa’s defense last week, collecting nine tackles and one sack resulting in a loss of eight yards. In addition, junior linebacker DeWitt Jennings added two sacks and three tackles to lead the Golden Hurricane’s defense.

If Tulsa continues to produce a mass of points on offense, it should out-duel the Bulldogs. The Golden Hurricane’s defense should prove effective if its speedy linebackers can continue to force opposing offenses into making critical errors.