Tulsa, OSU Among Nation's Statistical Leaders

Players from both offenses find themselves at or near the top of numerous categories.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:56 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa, OSU Among Nation's Statistical Leaders

Originally Published: Sep 13, 2010 5:15 PM CDT

Grant Belcher
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

TULSA, Oklahoma – When the Golden Hurricane and the Cowboys meet Saturday in Stillwater, it will be more than just players from two in-state teams facing off.

It will feature several players from both sides among the nation’s statistical offensive leaders.

Tulsa’s defensive players will have their work cut out for them trying to contain OSU running back Kendall Hunter.

Hunter ranks second nationally in rushing yards per game and all-purpose yards per game.

Golden Hurricane linebacker Tanner Antle said Hunter easily ranks among the nation’s top rushers.

“He’s a great back,” Antle said. “Statistically he is up there with the best of them right now, so I enjoy getting ready for good backs. It makes you practice harder.”

Hunter is also tied with teammate Justin Blackmon for first nationally in points scored per game, with 18.

Blackmon, in turn, is also fourth nationally in receptions per game and seventh in receiving yards per game.

Antle said OSU’s big numbers so far just make the matchup even more exciting and competitive.

“I enjoy playing Big 12 schools and SEC schools,” Antle said. “A challenge is a challenge. They’ve got weapons, they’ve got Kendall Hunter and good receivers, and their new quarterback (Brandon) Weeden has been doing good.”

Meanwhile, Tulsa has some of the nation’s top offensive players as well, statistically speaking.

Quarterback G.J. Kinne leads the nation in total passing yards (755) after two games, and is second in passing yards per game.

He also ranks fifth in completions per game, while Tulsa as a team is fourth nationally in passing.

TU receiver Damaris Johnson is sixth in all-purpose yards.

Golden Hurricane offensive lineman Tyler Holmes said OSU-Tulsa is always a big game, but with both teams producing such impressive numbers, it should be even bigger.

“I know there is going to be a lot of hype around it with two schools from the same state,” he said. “But we are excited about the opportunity.”