No. 18 Michigan St. brings tough defense to opener vs. Tulsa

FILE - In this Sept. 15, 2018, file photo, Tulsa's Cooper Edmiston sacks Arkansas State quarterback Justice Hansen during an NCAA college football game, in Tulsa, Okla. Edmiston was the team’s leading tackler last season. Tulsa plays at No. 18 Michigan State on Friday, Aug. 31, 2019. (Stephen Pingry/Tulsa World via AP, File)

FILE - In this April 13, 2019, file photo, Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke looks to throw a pass during an NCAA college football spring scrimmage game, in East Lansing, Mich. Tulsa plays at No. 18 Michigan State on Friday, Aug. 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, File)

FILE - In this Oct. 20, 2018, file photo, Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes rushes the line during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan, in East Lansing, Mich. The Spartans were No. 1 in the country last season against the run, and they return standouts like Kenny Willekes on the defensive line. Tulsa plays at Michigan State on Friday, Aug. 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

FILE - In this Nov. 17, 2018, file photo, Tulsa head coach Philip Montgomery walks on the field in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, in Annapolis, Md. Part of the reason Michigan State’s offense is under so much scrutiny is because it’s much easier to predict what the Spartans will do on defense. “You’re going to have to earn every yard, as I’ve seen a ton of tape against them at this point,” said Tulsa coach Philip Montgomery, whose Golden Hurricane face Michigan State this week. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)