TCU coach Gary Patterson talks glowingly about Urban Meyer’s ability, noting that Meyer is 79-8 as Ohio State's coach. But he believes Meyer’s absence during a three-game suspension has made the Buckeyes stronger this season.

“They’re in midseason form,” Patterson said. “Probably that sense of urgency put them in that situation.”

Patterson speaks with authority about Ohio State because he has spent this week preparing his No. 14 Horned Frogs to play No. 4 Ohio State in a prime-time clash (8 p.m., ABC) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys. ESPN’s "College Gameday" will be on TCU’s campus in Fort Worth.

Meyer won’t be there because he is serving the final game of his suspension for the handling of the Zach Smith situation. Smith, a former assistant coach, was fired in July after accusations of domestic abuse. Meyer has been allowed to participate in practice.

“People ask me about (Meyer’s) absence,” Patterson said. “(But) you have three guys (on Ohio State’s staff) who could be a head coach.”

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Patterson was speaking about defensive coordinator Greg Schiano, offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson and co-offensive coordinator Ryan Day, who is serving as acting head coach in Meyer’s absence.

In two games without Meyer on the sidelines, the Buckeyes have piled up 1,300 yards of total offense and scored 129 points. The defense allowed only three points to conference foe Rutgers last week. Heralded defensive end Nick Bosa has three sacks.

Rutgers coach Chris Ash said he considers Bosa one of the country's best players.

“He plays with a high motor," Ash said. "Great fundamentals, techniques. He has a lot of different moves. He’s not just a pass rusher. He’s good on the run, also.”

Ash said offensive lines are forced be creative in blocking Bosa “to make sure he doesn’t ruin every pass attempt.”

But the real story of the games without Meyer has been the dynamic nature of Ohio State’s offensive, particularly sophomore Dwayne Haskins Jr., who has thrown for nine touchdowns in his first two games as the No. 1 quarterback.

“The most progress he has made is in the classroom,” Day said. “Understanding the offense, understanding football, really going to work. There’s so much that goes into being a quarterback, the route structure, the protections, the run game the taking the command of the offense.”

Haskins, who is 6-3, 220, also has benefited from frequent trips to the weight room.

“He’s more of a physical presence,” Day said. “He’s a big guy back there. He’s stronger. He has more mass to him.”

Though Haskins has been a dominant performer, the Buckeyes are finding playing time for dangerous running quarterback Tate Martell. Against Rutgers, he was 10-for-10 passing and ran for a 47-yard touchdown. As a passer, Day says, Martell has “improved significantly.” Bringing him in for a series now and then causes consternation for defenses because his skill package and elusiveness are different than Haskins' list of talents.

The Horned Frogs represent the biggest challenge for the Buckeyes early in the season

“(TCU has) a veteran group that has played a lot of big games before.” Day said

TCU has outscored opponents 97-19. The Horned Frogs have rushed for 474 yards in two games. But their top playmaker is senior wide Kavontae Turpin, who has caught eight passes for 111 yards.

“There's a lot of things he doesn’t like to do, but the two things he loves to do is practice and play in games,” Patterson said. Some guys just want to play in games, but this guy shows up for four years (in) practice and in ball games. He’s the same. If you’re going to beat Ohio State, you’ve got to have some guys who can make plays on both sides of the ball."

TCU and Ohio State haven’t played since 1973. This game has created excitement in Fort Worth because there is faith that TCU has a shot at an upset.

“We’ve always done things people said we couldn’t do,” Patterson said. “That’s what we will try to get done this week.”