Texas State @ Tulsa preview

Dane Evans and Keevan Lucas will try to continue their strong connection when Tulsa hosts Texas State in a non-conference game Saturday night. Lucas has caught 28 passes for 372 yards and four touchdowns through three games, highlighted by an 84-yard touchdown reception in a thrilling double-overtime win against Tulane in the season opener. Evans already has 13 more pass attempts than he had all of last season and has cut down on his mistakes while increasing his production, coming in with six of each after totaling 10 interceptions and four touchdowns in limited action a year ago.

Tulsa’s offense couldn't keep up with No. 3 Oklahoma, or even Florida Atlantic, as the defense surrendered at least 50 points in each of those losses. Texas State put a scare into Illinois last week, even holding a 21-6 lead in the second quarter before late mistakes opened the door for the 42-35 victory by the Big Ten hosts. Texas State quarterback Tyler Jones has nine touchdown passes this season and two interceptions, one of which turned into a game-clinching touchdown return by the Illini.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPNews. LINE: Tulsa -3

ABOUT TEXAS STATE (1-2): The Bobcats don’t have a standout receiver like Lucas, but rather a solid assortment of targets led by tight end Bradley Miller, wide receivers Jafus Gaines and Ben Ijah, and running back Robert Lowe, all of whom have reached double digits in receptions this season. Expect a heavy dose of Lowe on the ground, as he’s coming off his second 100-yard effort of the season, finishing with 117 yards on 26 carries last week.

ABOUT TULSA (1-2): The Golden Hurricane need to improve the run game as the unit comes in averaging just 3.5 yards a carry with two rushing touchdowns. Tulsa may have got a little spoiled by last season's 1,300-yard rushing campaign by Trey Watts, who now is carrying the ball for the St. Louis Rams. Somebody needs to step up, and James Flanders has been given the most opportunities, but he has totaled just 134 yards on his 30 carries with a long run of 14 yards.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The only senior offensive starter for the Golden Hurricane is RT Davis Walton, a former transfer from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.

2. Tulsa WR Keyarris Garrett, who led the Golden Hurricane in receiving two years ago with 67 catches for 845 yards and nine touchdowns before suffering a season-ending broken leg in the second game last season, has 13 grabs for 197 yards but is still looking for his first score.

3. Texas State coach Dennis Franchione is one of four active FBS coaches with at least 200 career victories.

PREDICTION: Tulsa 34, Texas State 20