Tulsa @ Iowa State preview

After sitting out last season following a transfer from Nebraska, quarterback Cody Green steps in to lead Tulsa’s offense as the Golden Hurricane visits the Iowa State Cyclones. The storyline points directly under center across the field as well, where senior Steele Jantz beat out sophomore Jared Barnett to earn the starting nod for the Cyclones after the two split time a year ago. Facing a schedule widely recognized as one of the nation’s toughest, Iowa State aims for its third bowl game in four seasons under head coach Paul Rhoads. Tulsa is gunning for the top spot in Conference USA’s West Division after finishing second to Houston last year.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Net LINE: Tulsa -1.5

ABOUT TULSA (2011 record: 8-5, 7-1 C-USA): The Golden Hurricane has been an offensive juggernaut the last five seasons, topping 500 yards and scoring 40 points in the same game 25 times. Running backs Ja’Terian Douglas and Trey Watts are a dynamic backfield duo, combining for 1,764 rushing yards and seven touchdowns last season. Tulsa also boasts an opportunistic defense that returned seven interceptions for touchdowns the last two seasons.

ABOUT IOWA STATE (2011 record: 6-7, 3-6 Big 12): The Cyclones hopes of erasing last season’s losing record face a stiff test right from the start in Tulsa’s high-powered offense. Iowa State returns just five defensive starters from a year ago but is led by 2011 all-Big 12 linebackers A.J. Klein and Jake Knott. Klein became the first Cyclone to capture defensive player of the year honors in 2011, sharing the accolade with Oklahoma’s Frank Alexander. Knott recorded 115 tackles. Jantz begins the season as ISU’s starting quarterback for the second consecutive season but will need a strong start to keep Barnett off the field.

EXTRA POINTS

1. While quarterbacking Nebraska, Green was victorious over Iowa State at Jack Trice Stadium in 2010.

2. The Cyclones have won eight of their last nine season openers.

3. Tulsa senior safety Dexter McCoil begins the season tied for the school’s career interception record with 13.

PREDICTION: Tulsa 27, Iowa State 23