Oklahoma has played three games against three unique offenses. They smashed North Texas’ spread attack. Obliterated Miami’s downhill-running style. Mangled Utah State’s option.

But there’s a reason Tulsa has Sooner defenders on edge.

“This will be the biggest test for us,” strong safety D.J. Wolfe said.

Tulsa?

A test?

Well, yes.

The Golden Hurricane (2-0) doesn’t have a flashy name like Miami, but will nevertheless bring a high-octane offense to Chapman Stadium at 7 tonight. Tulsa currently ranks fourth in Division I in total offense, averaging 559 yards in back-to-back wins over Louisiana-Monroe and BYU.

A lot of the credit goes to senior quarterback Paul Smith, who has thrown for 761 yards and eight touchdowns. Some of it goes to offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn.

But what sticks out the most about the Golden Hurricane’s spread can only be seen with a broad lens.

“Their ability to run and throw,” OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables said. “The quarterback is a very good player and their skill guys have been playing really, really well, making some terrific catches in traffic.

“I’m sure they're really pleased with a lot of guys that before this year really didn't have any experience in their system and are making not just good plays, they’re making really, really, really great plays.”

But, in the end, there’s little the fourth-ranked Sooners (3-0) haven’t seen before. Their success against spread offenses is well chronicled. Going 6-1 against Texas Tech since 2000 and never allowing more than 28 points in any of those games proves it.

But ask any defender what is the key to slowing a spread and you’ll get a wide variety of answers.

“You have to be mentally prepared and be where you’re supposed to be,” linebacker Ryan Reynolds said.

True. The spread offense is designed to get players in open space with short passes or runs. Get defenders out of position and the running lanes expand greatly.