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.

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This is Patrick Harkness and you can follow me on X @RollDatWave, Facebook, Instagram, and @BeInTheKneaux everywhere.