TU plays Indiana St on Thursday

Tuesday, August 28th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa-AP) -- Injuries to key defenders could hobble Tulsa in its season opener Thursday night against Indiana State. But coach Keith Burns says he'll compensate by putting younger players on the field.

Star linebacker Michael Dulaney will sit out this week with a broken thumb. Fellow linebacker Jorma Bailey is also sidelined with a hand injury. The Hurricane's best defensive lineman, nose guard Sam Rayburn, has been slowed by consecutive concussions.

Defensive end Brad Hawkins is battling a stomach virus.

Sophomore Jason Wiltshire will fill-in for Dulaney, while Josh DuPree, a freshman from Union High School, while fill in for Bailey. Altogether, from ten to 12 true freshmen are expected to see some action Thursday.