Tulane Vs Louisiana Week 4 Preview

Patrick Harkness • September 17, 2024

Tulane Green Wave Vs Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Preview

By: Patrick Harkness

Spread: Tulane -3.5

Total: 54.5

Tulane travels to Lafayette this week to face the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns, an in-state battle. Louisiana is coming off a 6-7 season, with their seventh loss coming in an overtime thriller against Jacksonville State, 31-34, in the New Orleans Bowl. Despite being a formidable team, Louisiana has struggled to close out key games, losing five by a touchdown or less. Head coach Michael Desormeaux returns for his third year with a 15-14 record after replacing Billy Napier (now Florida Gators HC).

Louisiana’s offense returns six starters, including four on the offensive line and two wide receivers. They are known for their strong running game, powered by two solid running backs and an experienced O-line. Expect them to establish a physical, run-heavy game and try to control the clock.

Defensively, Louisiana lost some talent to the transfer portal but returns much of their core. This season, they’ve switched to a 4-2-5 scheme, featuring a hybrid "star" linebacker/safety position, filled by Jaden Dugger. While last year’s defense struggled, the combination of a new scheme and experienced players could lead to major improvements.

After a hard-fought but tough loss, Tulane looks to bounce back, though this game has the potential to be a trap, especially on the road. Louisiana is a better team than their recent records suggest, so Tulane can’t afford to take them lightly. Can Mensah have a bounce-back game? Will we see more of Ty Thompson in the Tsunami package? Can the O-line maintain discipline and play all 4 quarters? Will the defensive line show up? Injuries? Key questions loom for both the offense and defense.

Offense

Quarterback – Another Road Test

Look for Darian Mensah to continue improving. He’s played well against two ranked opponents, though last game’s first half was rough due to poor O-line protection, leaving him running for his life. After halftime, both Mensah and the line settled down and moved the ball better. Though the

result wasn’t what we wanted, he’s young, and there’s a lot of football ahead. Expect him to get better each game. I’d like to see him use his legs more when the play breaks down—processing defenses faster will come with experience. This week, he'll need to keep an eye on Louisiana’s star linebacker, KC Ossai, who led the team last year with 95 tackles, 4.5 for loss, and a sack.

Ty Thompson – The Tsunami Has Arrived

Ty Thompson will likely continue to be a weapon in the red zone. His athleticism gives defenses fits, especially when they’re backed up. He can hand off to Makhi, keep it himself and run, or use play-action to either pass or run. I love how they’ve used him in the offense, even lining him up at wide receiver and motioning him into the backfield. There’s a lot of potential for creative play-calling with him. I'm really excited to see where this goes.

Running Back – Run the Ball

Makhi Hughes is having another stellar year. The coaching staff needs to lean on him more in short-yardage situations—he’s clearly the best option for tough yards. He could be in for a big game with some outside runs if Tulane’s tackles can hold the edges. Louisiana’s defensive ends are speedy but underweight. Defensive end Jordan Lawson, who had 6 sacks last year, will test the tackles, while the inside running game could be tough with defensive tackles Antoine Bayliss and Mason Narcisse being their run-stoppers. I would like to see Shadie Clayton be more involved in both the run and passing game. Arnold Barnes is a solid power back(caught a swing pass last week), but Shadie’s speed and versatility would add another dimension, especially in the passing game.

Receiving Game – The Fantastic Four (or Five?)

Can Shazz Preston make his Tulane debut? If so, the offense becomes even more explosive. We’re talking five-wide, empty sets, spreading out the defense and finding open targets. Another dimension this offense could use. Alex Bauman has been a key target for Mensah, though he injured his wrist last game, leading to Reggie Brown getting more snaps, including a touchdown catch from Thompson. Hopefully, Bauman’s injury isn’t serious, as he’s a critical red-zone weapon and great at high pointing the football.

The receivers had a quieter game last week. Dante Fleming stood out with 4 catches for 59 yards. If the run game gets going, Tulane could use play-action to hit him on deep/go routes. He is their true deep threat receiver. Mensah missed him last week on what should have been a 70 plus touchdown bomb. Mario Williams and Yulkeith Brown are great in space, and I’d like to see more quick passes—slants, screens, and bubbles—to utilize their speed. They have the ability to make people miss in space and create yards after the catch. Louisiana’s defense, like Kansas State’s, features three safeties, with Jaden Dugger playing the star role. Safety Tyrone Lewis Jr., their top secondary player, registered 74 tackles and 3 interceptions last year, he will be a key player to watch.

Offensive Line – Four Quarters of Discipline

Once again, the game will be won in the trenches. Louisiana’s defensive front is experienced but hasn’t been tested, facing only Grambling and Kennesaw State so far. Tulane’s tackles should handle the lighter defensive ends, opening up outside runs for Makhi. Inside runs will be tougher against their stout nose tackle and defensive tackles. But none of this matters without discipline—Tulane is averaging almost nine penalties a game, and that’s a killer. If the offensive line can stay disciplined and play all four quarters, the run game should open up, allowing Mensah to take control through the air.

X-Factor: Discipline and Coaching

Defense

Defensive Line – Who Will Step Up?

This defensive front has me baffled—they should be generating more pressure and sacks. Adin Huntington and Pat Jenkins are getting double-teamed and held on almost every play, but this should free up others to attack the quarterback. Both had solid performances last game, with Huntington batting down passes and Jenkins recording a sack. Hopefully this is a get right game and get this defensive front on the right track. Great news for tulane is that their Defensive line is deep with depth. 6 different guys can play the defensive tackle positions. Continue to see Tulane to use a rotation on the defensive line until they establish a good formidable front. Louisiana’s offensive line returns four starters and excels in a bruising run game. Tulane’s defensive line must control the trenches and stop the run if they want to have success.

Linebackers

Tyler Grubbs continues to shine, notching a pick-six last game along with 6 tackles and a sack. Sam Howard had 10 tackles and is a key player in run defense. Both will need to be sharp against Louisiana’s strong running game. Dre’lyn Washington and Zylan Perry, along with freshman Elijah Davis, make up a deep running back committee. The strength of Louisiana’s offense in 2023 was the rushing game, which posted a league-best 4.9 yards per carry. Returning running backs Dre’lyn Washington and Zylan Perry combined for 728 yards last season. And Freshman Elijah Davis has been getting a steady work load as well getting 17 carries for 115 yards and 2 touchdowns. Look for Dickson Agu to rotate in with Howard on passing downs. Tulane's linebacking core should be in store for a long and busy day in Lafayette.

Secondary – Injuries and Opportunity

Bailey Despaine was ejected for targeting but still managed 9 tackles before his exit. He’ll need to be sharp again with Louisiana’s run game. Jalen Geiger went down with an injury, giving young safeties Jack Tchienchou and Kevin Adams more playing time. Adams impressed with 9 tackles and a TFL. Adams was flying all over the field. The cornerback rotation of Micah Robinson, Lu Tillery, Jonathan Edwards, and Reshawn Pleasant is still sorting itself out. All four can play, it's just a matter of stepping up and rising to the occasion. I believe Caleb Ransaw got banged up again. Hopefully he's ready to go this week.

Louisiana has a solid Quarterback in Ben Wooldridge 40 for 52 with 497 yards passing with 4 touchdowns and 1 interception. He's returning from an injury that knocked him out most of last year. They are also returning wide receivers in Harvey Broussard and Robert Williams, combining for 55 catches and 702 yards.The top four receivers are a little untested and they seem to be trying to figure things out, so look for the secondary to step up in the passing game. Senior Jacob Bernard leads the team with 8 catches for 112 yards, Broussard 5 catches 82 yards and a touchdown, Williams 6 catches 83 yards and a touchdown, Tavion Smith 4 catches 74 yards and a touchdown, and last but not least their tight end Terrance Carter has 6 catches for 52 yards and a touchdown

This is a chance for Tulane’s secondary to step up.

X-Factor: Defensive Front

Special Teams

Kicker/Punter

Jacob Barnes left the last game with a groin injury. If he’s out, true freshman Ethan Head will take over. He’s got a strong leg, but we’ll see if the pressure gets to him.

Will Karrol had a mixed performance last week with two bad punts, but he boomed one for 78 yards. Must be more consistent with 3 bad punts on the year so far.

Final Thoughts

This game comes down to controlling the line of scrimmage and staying disciplined. If Tulane can avoid penalties, establish the run, and let Mensah work, they have a strong chance to come away with a win. Stopping Louisiana’s run game will be key, but they can't overlook Wooldridge's ability to pass. It’s shaping up to be another exciting road test for Tulane.

For more Tulane Football news, check out Wave Watch on YouTube at The Kneaux!

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LSU Salvages Game 3 Over Vanderbilt

By David Billiot Jr • March 16, 2026

Sunday Afternoon Recap There aren’t any must-win games this early in the season, but Sunday felt like a must-bounce-back game for LSU. Following the emotional roller coaster that was game 1 on Friday night, the Tigers got steamrolled in game 2 on Saturday. Jay Johnson did not get the response he was hoping for from his team after their heart was ripped out by Logan Johnstone when he hit a 2 out, 2 run walk off homerun two nights ago. Today, the response was great, especially early. The first four LSU hitters reached base to start the game, leading to a 4 run 1st inning. After adding two more in the 2nd, the Tigers were rolling with a 6-0 lead. That lead evaporated, though, and those bad feelings that this team may be in trouble started creeping back in. To their credit, LSU refused to lay down this time. They went blow for blow with Vanderbilt, but back to back 5 run innings in the 7th and 8th innings helped salvage the final game of SEC opening weekend and the Tigers improved to 14-7 with a 1-2 start in the SEC. Pitching For the second straight week, William Schmidt’s line doesn’t do his performance justice. Vanderbilt made him work inning after inning and it eventually led to his early exit. The start got off to a great start, though, pitching around a double to record three groundouts with only 7 pitches. In the 2nd, he allowed a leadoff homerun, but recorded a couple of outs before stranding a 2 out walk. The 3rd was where Schmidt had to battle the most. He hit the first batter and then allowed a 3-2 walk after Johnstone fouled off pitch after pitch to stay alive. That approach by Commodore hitters is what stretched Schmidt’s pitch count. With runners then on 1st and 2nd and no one out, he struck out the next three to slam the door on the threat. Vanderbilt went down in order for the first time in the 4th, but finally found a way to get Schmidt out of the game the very next inning. Another leadoff homerun brought the game slightly closer at 6-2 and that was the beginning of the end. After starting his final hitter 2-0 with a couple of high fastballs, Cade Arrambide called time to go to the mound and check with his pitcher. Jay Johnson and Head Athletic Trainer Isaac Trujillo also came out to talk to Schmidt, then left him in to finish the at bat. Once back in the dugout, the broadcast showed him a few times and he seemed to doing just fine without a trainer in sight. After the game, Koki Riley reported that Jay confirmed everything is ok. He said Schmidt had some slight back tightness that he was trying to fight though and could have continued to, if needed, but it wasn’t worth it. Final line: 4.0 IP / 3 hits / 3 runs / 6 Ks / 3 BBs / 1 HBP / 84 pitches (51 strikes, 61%) Mavrick Rizy was first out of the bullpen and it turned in to his worst outing of the year. Upon entering with a runner on 2nd and no outs, Rizy gave up back to back RBI doubles. Both doubles came off of decently executed pitches, but were just more examples of the good hitting Vanderbilt displays. Back to back strikeouts would get Rizy close to escaping the inning, but a 2 out double off of the left field wall would chase him from the game and LSU’s lead was down to 6-5. Final line: .2 IP / 3 hits / 2 runs / 2 Ks / 0 BB Santiago Garcia was tasked with shutting down the Commodores 4 run 5th inning. He walked the first guy he faced, but froze Korbin Reynolds to end the frame. Tommy Goodin led off the 6th with his second homerun, Vanderbilt’s third lead off blast of the game and the LSU lead had vanished. Garcia then went strikeout, double, strikeout, and that would be the end of his SEC debut. Final line: 1.0 IP / 2 hits / 1 run / 3 Ks / 1 BB Deven Sheerin entered with the go-ahead run on 2nd, but was able to induce a pop out to John Pearson in foul territory to let his offense get back to work. They did just that, exploding for 5 runs and giving Sheerin a comfortable lead to back out with in the 7th. He struck out the first hitter, then a slow chopper got past Steven Milam for an infield hit. A tailor-made double play ball was then hit right to defensive replacement Jack Ruckert at second base, but he booted it and failed to record a single out. As they did all weekend, Vanderbilt made LSU pay. A 3 run Mack Whitcomb homerun got the Commodores right back in to it. A strikeout and a walk would bring the tying run to the plate, when Jake Brown made a diving catch on a blooper in shallow right field. It was originally called a no-catch, but was challenged and correctly ruled the third out. Sheerin would cruise from that point, returning in the 8th to retired 4-5-6 in the Vanderbilt lineup after a Pearson error to leadoff the inning. Final line: 2.1 IP / 2 hits / 3 runs / 4 Ks / 1 BB Cooper Williams entered to record the final 3 outs with LSU up 16-9 and it went just about as well as it could’ve for the lefty. He’s had a very disappointing start to his sophomore season, but hopefully this outing could be the spark that he needs going forward. He retired Vanderbilt 3 up, 3 down and struck out the final two. Final line: 1.0 IP / 0 hits / 0 runs / 2 Ks / 0 BB Hitting With the offense back in a big way, there should be no surprise that Jake Brown was in the middle of all of it. He is a legitimate Golden Spikes candidate right now. Brown hit his 11th homerun of the year, which was his 2nd of the weekend. Both of them were 3-run bombs. This one came after Milam had just driven in the go-ahead run to steal back the momentum after the Tigers choked a 6-0 lead. The big swing from Brown went off of the batter’s eye, re-extending the lead to 4 runs. He finished 2-4 with 6 RBI and scored twice. Cade Arrambide quietly had a good weekend, hitting .384. On Sunday, he went 2-5 with a double, 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored. Despite a few mishaps, his defense behind the plate slightly improved over the weekend. The much-welcomed return of Chris Stanfield kept rolling on Sunday as the senior leftfielder provided another multi-hit game. He finished 2-4, while also drawing a walk. One of his hits was a single off of the big wall in left field, that very well may have been a homerun in other parks. Stanfield also drove in a run and scored twice. Steven Milam’s 1-4 line may not seem massive, but it was his one hit that retook the lead for LSU after their collapse halfway through the game. He also walked, while scoring 3 runs, despite only recording the one hit. Derek Curiel also only went 1-4, but his one hit was a triple where he got to show off his speed. The ball went to left-center and Vanderbilt still didn’t come close to keeping him from getting to third base. Curiel also drew a walk and scored 3 runs of his own. John Pearson got the start at third base and made the most of it. Despite one throwing error in the 8th inning, he played a great all-around game. Even the error wasn’t a big deal, as it came with him shifted way out of position. He finished 0-1, but Pearson drew 3 walks and was also hit by a pitch. Those four times on base led to 3 runs scored. I would be surprised if Pearson is not back in the starting lineup once again on Tuesday. Although Seth Dardar finished hitless with an 0-3 stat line, he deserves to be pointed out for a few good at bats. After LSU had taken a 2-0 lead in the 1st, Dardar drove home another run with a ground ball for an RBI. Later in the 7th after Curiel tripled, Arrambide was unable to get him in with 0 outs because the Commodores brought their infield in and he hit the ball hard right to the second baseman. They remained in for Dardar and after falling behind with an 0-2 count, he found a way to drive the ball deep enough to left field for the sacrifice fly and his second RBI of the game. Those little things matter, especially for a struggling team. Omar Serna had a good day in his first SEC start on Saturday when catching Cooper Moore, so Jay rewarded him with a start in the DH spot. In the 1st, he hit a laser in to left field where Mancini made a crazy leaping catch. That brought in the 4th run of the inning with a sacrifice fly, but the ball was drilled. Serna finished 1-4 with an RBI single that drove in the final run of the game, as well. Up Next LSU will return home where they will remain for an eight game homestand. That will start on Tuesday as they welcome Grambling for a 6:30 pm central first pitch. The Tigers come in with a 5-13 record, following a 2-1 series win at Alabama St. Pitchers to watch for potential work for LSU include Dax Dathe, Grant Fontenot, Danny Lachenmayer, Connor Benge, and DJ Primeaux.

Vanderbilt - 11, LSU - 3

By David Billiot Jr • March 15, 2026

The big question following LSU’s heartbreaking loss on Friday night was how they would respond. Game 1 was a rollercoaster of emotions, starting with the Tigers scoring first, giving up the lead, Jake Brown crushing a homerun to retake the lead, then the pitching staff collapsing to fall behind 10-4, followed by 8 unanswered runs by LSU, only to be walked off in the 9th inning while being just an out of securing the dramatic comeback victory. Having that happen will test a team mentally under normal circumstances, but considering the timing, it was an even bigger challenge. It happened on the road, in the first game of SEC play, and on the heels of a pretty bad multi-week stretch for the Tigers. LSU was going to need a quick start on Saturday night to regain momentum, but Vanderbilt beat them to it by scoring first while Wyatt Nadeau carved up Jay Johnson’s lineup the first time through the order. The Tigers answered back to tie the game, but as Cooper Moore battled through the early innings, he was also playing with fire. He finally got burned in the 5th inning and things went downhill in a hurry for LSU. Before you knew it, they were down 10-1 and, again, in deep trouble. What was most concerning was Saturday’s results seemed to indicate that what we watched transpire on Friday had more to do with the Commodores choking, rather than the Tigers storming back on their own merit. LSU would go down quietly this time, dropping their first series of conference play. Pitching Cooper Moore entered Saturday coming off of his worst start of the season thus far. It wasn’t bad last week, but it was a far cry from his first three. He looked good early against Vanderbilt, breezing 1-2-3 through the 1st inning. Despite getting in to early trouble in the 2nd, Moore battled out of a 2nd and 3rd with 0 outs situation by only allowing 1 run. That was a massive win in the moment. The leadoff hitter got on base in the 3rd, but, again, he fought through it and didn’t allow the baserunner past 2nd base. We saw more of the same in the 4th, as the inning started with an infield hit, a single, then the chopper that bounced high over Zach Yorke’s head and rolled down the 1st baseline to give Vanderbilt a 2-1 and, once again, put runners on 2nd and 3rd with 0 outs. Moore struck out Ryker Waite, who came in to the series with a .560 on base percentage. Then, thanks to the magician that LSU has playing shortstop, a double play ended yet another big threat. Korbin Reynolds hit a laser right at Steven Milam, who was playing on the grass with the infield in. The ball go on to Milam so quickly, he had to fall backwards to catch it, but his impeccable reaction time somehow allowed him to snag the ball, fall to his butt, and toss it Trent Caraway at 3rd base. Unfortunately for Moore, the trouble would catch up to him in the 5th, though. A four pitch walk to the Commodores 9-hole hitter was the omen of bad things to come, as that was followed with a perfect sacrifice bunt attempt that no one fielded as they hoped it would roll foul, and then another single loaded the bases with 0 outs and Moore’s night was over. The first inning was the only inning that he was able to pitch from the windup, as the leadoff hitter was on base for the next four innings. Despite the talent of starting pitchers, that will forever be tough to overcome, especially against good teams. Final line: 4.0 IP / 7 hits / 5 runs / 4 Ks / 2 BBs / 79 pitches (48 strikes, 61%) Ethan Plog entered in an impossible situation and promptly got he ball he was hoping for. A high chopper ground ball made Yorke leave his feet, but he snagged it and fired home for the force out attempt. Unfortunately, the throw was poor and Omar Serna was unable to go down and get it, scoring a run and the bases remained loaded with no outs. Plog would then walk a hitter and give up a sacrifice fly, pushing Vanderbilt’s lead to 5-1. Chris Maldonado then stepped to the plate to pinch hit and blasted a 3 run homerun over Derek Curiel’s leaping attempt in dead center and the Commodores had blowing things open with 6 run 5th inning. Plog has been fantastic, but that’s where his first SEC appearance would come to an end. Final line: .1 IP / 1 hit / 3 runs / 0 K / 2 BBs Freshman Zion Theophilus was called upon to try and finish off the disaster of an inning for LSU pitching and he did just that, recording a strikeout and a flyout to end the 5th. Back for the 6th, he recorded the leadoff hitter for the first time since the 1st inning, but was unable to record another out after that. He then issued 3 walks (1 intentional) and a hit by pitch and his day was done. Final line: 1.0 IP / 0 hits / 2 runs / 1 K / 3 BBs From one high promise freshman pitcher to another, Reagan Ricken entered with the bases loaded and 1 out. He did exactly what Jay Johnon called upon him to do, drawing a ground ball to record an out and striking out Waite looking to keep the damage from getting worse. Even though a run scored on the groundout, LSU pitchers have struggled to simply record outs in some of these tough spots, which allows things to get worse and worse, much like we saw in the 5th. Ricken returned for the 7th and despite allowing a solo homerun and 2 two out walks, was able to navigate through the entire inning and get out of trouble. Ricken continues to flash plenty of traits to very excited about as he grows as a Tiger. Final line: 1.2 IP / 1 hit / 1 run / 2 Ks / 2 BBs With LSU down 11-3 and the tensity of the moment being low, Jay Johnson inserted Marcos Paz for the 8th inning in a great spot to get his feet wet. As he continues to come back from Tommy John surgery, he’s flashed his talent that made him a possible draft risk, while also battling through rust. In his first SEC appearance, he looked fantastic. Despite a walk, Paz struck out the side, including Maldonado that hit the big homerun earlier. Final line: 1.0 IP / 0 hits / 0 runs / 3 Ks / 1 BB Hitting There isn’t a lot of offensive production to get to, so this will be quick. Steven Milam followed up his 3 hit performance on Friday with a 1-4 game, including a fantastic piece of opposite field hitting for a double. Derek Curiel, Cade Arrambide, and Omar Serna each had a single hit, to give you the 4 total LSU hits. Arrambide’s was a double and Serna’s was a 2 run single that brought his RBI total for the week up to 6. Jake Brown entered the game with only 9 strikeouts so far this season, but Nadeau’s stuff was so good, he was able to get LSU’s offensive MVP twice. Brown did draw 2 walks, finishing the night 0-2. Up Next LSU and Vanderbilt will wrap up SEC opening weekend tomorrow. First pitch will be at 3 pm central. William Schmidt will take the mound for the Tigers as they look to avoid being swept on SEC opening weekend for the first time since 2006 when Arkansas took three in Alex Box during Smoke Laval’s final season. The Tigers have fallen to 13-7, which matches Vanderbilt’s record after back to back wins to start the series. The Commodores will send Nate Taylor to the mound on Sunday, who has started all four Sundays for them this season. Taylor has a record of 0-3 with a 4.91 ERA. His batting average against is the highest of any of the top Vanderbilt pitchers that LSU has seen so far at .242. Taylor has given up 12 runs in 18.1 innings of work, so the opportunities for the Tiger offense to get back on track could be there.