Tulane GreenWave Vs UAB Blazers

By: Patrick Harkness 

Spread: Tulane -15.5

Total: 55.5

Tulane is coming off a dominant win and looks to continue that streak into their second conference game against UAB on the road. UAB is coached by former NFL QB Trent Dilfer. They were 4-8 last year, and now, entering his second year as head coach, they are currently 1-3. This UAB team has struggled this season, showing inconsistency and turning the ball over with a -6 turnover ratio. Trent Dilfer seems to be losing the fan base and possibly the locker room. UAB's offense (shotgun and pistol formations) is down in all categories from last year, amassing nearly 10 penalties a game for an average of 85 yards. Defensively (3-4 defense), they're still trying to find their identity, and this could be the perfect time for Tulane to continue their offensive streak. Look for Mensah and Makhi to lead the team to victory, with the defense showing their true grit. Let’s go!

Offense

Quarterback – Mensah Madness

Mensah is coming off one of his best games for this Green Wave offense. The Cali kid looks to continue his strong play against a shaky UAB defense. UAB's secondary is very transfer-heavy, bringing in nine new players during the offseason. However, they do have a couple of standouts: cornerback Colby Dempsey, who has an interception this year, and Adrian Maddox, a transfer from Alabama State who plays safety and has four pass deflections so far. With UAB still trying to figure things out defensively, look for Mensah to pick apart this secondary with Tulane’s speedy receivers.

Ty Thompson – Unleash the Beast

Ty Thompson will continue to do what he does best. Averaging nearly five yards per play, look for him to come in on short-yardage situations and red-zone opportunities. And if the defense is caught napping, maybe even another TD pass on a play-action rollout.

Running Back – Makhi’s Day

UAB’s defense is giving up an average of almost 208 rushing yards per game, which ranks third-worst in the AAC. UAB’s defensive front seven was supposed to improve from last year, but they seem to be regressing. Look for Makhi to have a huge game, especially with how well Tulane’s offensive line has played over the last two games. Expect Shadie Clayton to come in and spell Makhi—this will be his second game back since his concussion. Arnold Barnes and Trey Cornist both look to build off last week’s performance against USF, where Cornist scored his first collegiate touchdown.

UAB's linebackers have underperformed this season, partly due to inexperience and the injury bug, allowing teams to run all over them. Three players to watch are Michael Moore (22 tackles and 1 INT), Everett Roussaw Jr. (18 tackles), and OC Brothers (16 tackles), the most experienced of the bunch. Sirad Bryant, who leads UAB with 29 tackles, will also try to slow down Tulane’s rushing attack from the safety position.

Receiving Game – Yulkeith’s Day

Dontae Fleming is coming off a breakout game with seven catches for 128 yards and a touchdown. UAB's best corner, Colby Dempsey, will likely try to shut him down. However, after Dontae’s first career Tulane touchdown, look for his confidence to be sky-high. He is currently second on the team with 16 catches for 292 yards. Mario Williams could face a challenge against Adrian Maddox, a standout safety/nickel and former Walter Payton Award finalist for best player in FCS last year. This will be a good test for Mario. Expect him to utilize his speed on deep crossing routes and slants.

Yulkeith Brown and Alex Bauman always seem to fly under the radar. With UAB’s secondary focused on Tulane’s top two guys, Yulkeith, a former Texas A&M commit, could finally have his breakout game. Bauman, a key target for Mensah and a reliable safety valve, will step up in red-zone opportunities, taking advantage of mismatches. Shazz Preston’s status (hamstring) remains to be seen possibly after the bye week.

UAB leads the conference in fewest passing yards allowed passing (533, averaging 133 per game), but that’s mainly because teams can run all over them, reducing the need to pass.

Offensive Line – Rumblin', Bumblin', Stumblin'

Last week, the offensive line gave up zero sacks while allowing 330 passing yards and 198 rushing yards (4.0 avg) with six total touchdowns. This unit is clicking. Tulane is averaging 193 rushing yards and 231 passing yards per game. Look for the Green Wave to take advantage of UAB’s poor run defense and exploit their inexperienced, injury-plagued linebacker core.

UAB has a couple of pass rushers to watch, including Desmond Little, their key edge rusher with two sacks this season, and LD Cox, a 6’4”, 310-pound defensive tackle with a sack on the year. 

Key to Victory: Run the ball.

Defense

Defensive Line – Five Sacks Last Game

We’re starting to see life from this defensive front. Matthew Fobs-White has been playing a lot at the bandit position, and he’s making progress, getting early pressure last game even if he didn’t always finish. His continued development is key for this defense. Pat Jenkins now has two sacks on the season and seems to be hitting his stride. Adin Huntington appears banged up, which may explain his lack of production. If he’s not ready to go, Gerrod Henderson is a great replacement, having notched two sacks last game on just 20 snaps. Look for him to get more opportunities this week.

UAB returns all five offensive line starters, plus an experienced rotational piece and two key transfers. They rotate the line often, and some players are starting to gel. UAB averages 204 passing yards and 176 rushing yards per game. Once again, the line of scrimmage will decide this game.

Linebackers – Stop the Run

Tyler Grubbs leads the team with 28 tackles. Grubbs also has a sack, one interception for a touchdown, and a forced fumble. He’s been on fire for this defense and will need to keep that up against UAB. The Blazers have two good running backs in Lee Beebe Jr. (56 carries, 269 yards, 4.8 avg, 3 TDs) and Isaiah Jacobs a physical runner (41 carries, 162 yards, 4.0 avg). Lee Beebe can also come out of the backfield and catch the ball (10 catches for 97 yards). QB Jacob Zeno isn’t known for his speed, but he can run if needed. Expect to see a lot of Sam Howard (22 tackles, 1.5 sacks) to support Grubbs, and Dickson Agu on passing downs.

Secondary – Capitalize on QB Errors

Micah Robinson has settled into his CB1 role and will face UAB’s best receiver, Amare Thomas (14 catches for 122 yards and two TDs). Jonathan Edwards, Rayshaun Pleasant (14 tackles, pick-six, fumble recovery), and Lu Tillery will rotate in and out. Caleb Ransaw will have another challenge this week against freshman WR Kam Shanks, UAB’s leading receiver (19 catches for 163 yards and a touchdown). UAB also has a big-play tight end in Terrel McDonald (6 catches for 120 yards). Expect Bailey Despaine to help the secondary shut down McDonald.

UAB’s QB Jacob Zeno has had a disappointing season, with 819 passing yards, 69.7% completion, 6 TDs, 5 INTs, and 10 sacks trying to extend plays. While he led the AAC in completion percentage last year, Zeno often forces throws, leading to turnovers. If Tulane’s defense can pressure him, the secondary should be able to capitalize on his mistakes.

Keys to Victory: Stop the run and pressure the QB.

Special Teams

Kicker/Punter

Ethan Head is looking like a solid pickup for Tulane, going 3/4 on extra points and 3/4 on field goals. He’s a true freshman, so let’s see how he performs on the road.

Will Karrol has settled in as a reliable punter for the Green Wave. Flipping the field will be crucial if Tulane stalls deep in their own territory.

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Roll Wave!! 

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