The Green Wave looks ahead to Southern Miss

Coming off two consecutive victories against McNeese State and Army, the Tulane football team looked poised to turn the corner and make themselves a legitimate contender for the Conference USA crown.

Instead, the Green Wave dropped consecutive games by a combined 75-26 margin, losing to Marshall on Homecoming and Houston last week. After starting strong in both games, the wheels fell off for the Green Wave as the game progressed, and eventually both matches got out of hand.

This week, Tulane travels to Southern Mississippi, which is currently 4-3 and looking to return to a bowl game after winning the New Orleans Bowl at the end of last season.

Tulane’s defense contained Houston quarterback Case Keenum incredibly well in the first half of last week’s game, and played exceptional early on. The defense was able to keep Houston in front of them, making tackles and following assignments competently. In the second half, however, missed tackles, blown coverages and fatigue allowed Houston to rapidly rack up 20 unanswered points.

If Tulane hopes to contain Southern Miss quarterback Martevious Young, they will have to play much better in coverage. Young will not be rattled by the pass rush even if the Green Wave can find a way through the Golden Eagles’ strong offensive line. Expect dynamic running back Damian Fletcher to hurt Tulane this week, allowing Young ample opportunity for play action passes and slip screens.

Unless Tulane can find a way to contain one of Southern Miss’s offensive weapons — something they have to do against strong competition this year — expect the Golden Eagles offense to completely roll the Wave.

On offense, quarterback Joe Kemp has been benched in favor of freshman Ryan Griffin in hopes of sparking the offense. Don’t expect too much, though, in light of Tulane’s recent offensive woes.

Chances are that Southern Miss will be able to contain Andre Anderson much better than Houston was able to, putting the pressure on the inexperienced Griffin to make big plays.

Expect Griffin to telegraph the ball to Jeremy Williams, Tulane’s only offensive bright spot so far this season, allowing for some easy deflections and takeaways for the Golden Eagles. Unless Anderson and the offensive line decide this is going to be their breakout game, expect some ugly offensive possessions for the Green Wave as they struggle through another tough game.

At this point last season, Southern Miss was 2-6 and went on to play in a bowl. Tulane Coach Bob Toledo attempted to garner some inspiration from this fact amongst his players, essentially noting that there is still a chance, mathematically at least, that Tulane could finish the season bowl eligible.

The Green Wave, however, would have to accomplish a miracle run for something like this to happen, and chances are their hopes and dreams will be dashed this week as they continue to struggle through their schedule and affirm their place as the whipping boys of Conference USA. Hope is already dwindling, and you can reasonably expect the Golden Eagles, a ridiculous 22-point favorite before the game, to pull off a big win at home.