Tulane GreenWave- 71

vs

UAB- 20

By: Patrick Harkness 

Spread: Tulane -15.5

Total: 55.5

HOLY TULANE!

Tulane absolutely crushed the UAB Blazers on all three levels of the game. Two passing touchdowns, six rushing touchdowns, an interception, and a kickoff return all went for scores. This team is firing on all cylinders—Mensah looked like a seasoned vet in the pocket, Makhi entered beast mode, the O-line gave up zero sacks in the last three games, and the defensive line racked up 9 sacks in the last two games (17 total). On top of that, the defense tallied 3 interceptions this game brings the total up to 7 interceptions, with 4 going for touchdowns, and Reyshawn Pleasant got his second kickoff return for a touchdown. Two freshmen stepped up and made the most of their opportunities as well. Tulane has a bye next week, so let's hope this hot streak continues! Now, let's dive into the UAB review.

Offense

Quarterback – Seasoned Vet

It was a relatively quiet day for Mensah, who went 12/15 for 134 yards and a touchdown. He didn’t need to do much with UAB’s run defense being one of the worst in the nation. Mensah impressed with his pocket mobility and awareness, evading at least three sacks after holding the ball for over five seconds. He’s looking more comfortable and poised for some big games ahead. Mensah’s season totals are now 84/127 (66.1% completion), 10 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. He also has 24 rushing attempts for 40 yards with a long of 15.

Ty Thompson – Stepping Up

Ty Thompson continues to be one of my favorite players—he’s a straight-up baller. He went 2/3 for 46 yards, including a dart to Yulkeith Brown for a sideline touchdown. Thompson also added another rushing touchdown, bringing his season total to 4. His current stats: 6/9 passing for 74 yards and two touchdowns, plus 22 rushing attempts for 104 yards (4.7 avg) and 4 touchdowns.

Running Back – You Get a Touchdown, You Get a Touchdown!

UABs defense was giving up on an average of almost 208 yards a game when entering the contest and it defiantly showed this past game. Tulane as a team accumulated 307 yards rushing of 50 attempts for an average of 6.3 while tacking on 6 touchdowns from 4 different players. Makhi was definitely the player of the game by having 119 yards for 2 touchdowns and a long of 51. On that 51-yard touchdown was all pure will by breaking at least 2 tackles and racing down the sideline. We have a FRESHMAN ALERT!!!!! Jamauri McClure has only seen action in one game this season against SLU week 1. In my review of that game, I stated that this kid could be the future of this running back room and boy did he not disappoint. McClure tallied 84 yards (8.4 avg) with a very impressive touchdown by spinning out of a tackle and retaining his balance. Head coach Jon Sumrall stated in his press conference after the UAB game that he may have lost his redshirt status and will be a part of this offensive game plan moving forward. He may be the most well-rounded player in the running back room by showing patience, speed, power, and elusiveness. Arnold also has one of his best games of his Tulane career, usually known for his power running style but he got to show the whole world his shiftiness by juking out players on two different running plays. After a couple of penalties, he finally punched it into the endzone. Barnes had a total of 82 yards (7.5 avg) and 2 touchdowns bringing his totals up to 181 yards and 3 touchdowns. It was a quiet day for Trey Cornist and Shadie Clayton but they both were effective in the passing game by both getting a catch for a total of 19 yards. Tulane has a total of 5 running backs who can all play and contribute to this offense.

Receiving Game – Yulkeith's Day and Injury Updates

Yulkeith Brown finally had his breakout game! With UAB's top defenders blanketing Dontae and Mario, Brown capitalized, finishing with 4 catches for 60 yards and 2 touchdowns. This will be a great confidence boost heading into the bye week. Bryce Bohanon followed with 2 catches for 31 yards, while Mario and Dontae had one catch each for a total of 20 yards.

Tight end Alex Bauman appeared to suffer a serious knee injury and was carted off the field. Fortunately, he was later seen on the sideline in a boot, indicating a likely ankle sprain. Head coach Jon Sumrall mentioned he could be out for a week or two—great news considering his red zone importance.

Shazz Preston might finally return after the bye week with Rice as the next opponent.

Offensive Line – 0 Sacks in the Last 3 Games

Tulane’s offensive line is playing at an elite level, having surrendered zero sacks in the last three games. Their control at the line of scrimmage allowed for a dominant ground game against UAB, and they’re continuing to reduce pressures on the quarterback. Josh Remetich has been especially impressive, playing at an All-Conference level at right guard. The offensive unit has amassed 1,339 passing yards (12 touchdowns) and 1,283 rushing yards (5.0 avg) for 16 touchdowns—ranking 20th in the nation in rushing yards. Tulane is also averaging 42.5 points per game, 12th in the nation, and has cleaned up penalties, key to sustaining drives.

Players of the Game: Makhi Hughes, Yulkeith Brown

Defense

Defensive Line – The Hype Is Real

I have to admit I was starting to get nervous with this defensive line after the first 3 games. But the hype was real and it's here to stay. It's been a little unconventional at times with players switching positions and other guys stepping up. Pat Jenkins continues to be the staple of the defensive line by getting his third straight sack in three weeks putting his total to three. He is tied for the lead with Tyler Grubbs. Kam Hamilton, who I think is having a breakout season this year, tallied another sack putting his total up to 2.5. He leads the team in pressure, while Mathew Fobbs White who was starting to flash the previous game by getting 4 pressures early in the last game, he got home for his first sack of the season. As a unit the defensive line has recorded 17 total sacks on the year which ranks tied for 18th in the nation. They are also giving up an average of 129.2 yards a game which ranks 4th in the AAC. 

Adin Huntington is still banged up hopefully after the bye he will be 100%

Linebackers – Did Their Job

With UAB forced to throw the ball, it was a relatively quiet day for Tulane's linebackers. Redshirt freshman Chris Rodgers stepped up again with his second pick-six of the season, finishing the game with 3 tackles. Sam Howard tallied 3 tackles and a tackle for loss, while Dickson Agu had 2 tackles. Tyler Grubbs, who leads the team with 29 tackles, had just one on the day. Backups Mandel Eugene Jr. and Maki Williams got significant playing time, with Eugene registering 2 tackles and Williams recording a pass deflection.

Secondary – Freshman Impact

Micah Robinson led the team in tackles with 8 against UAB. The former Furman transfer is starting to play very well and will be locking down the cornerback 1 role the rest of the year. We have another FRESHMAN ALERT!!! Javion White has been consistently playing the other spear/nickel role when teams come out in 4 wide sets, and he looks to be seeing the game slower as well. He did a wonderful job shutting down UABs Kam Shanks, their leading receiver. Shanks only had 2 catches for 15 yards. Javion also came up with a very impressive pick early in this game, his first career. Jayden Lewis, the other true freshman and the highest rated recruit in Tulane history got a lot of time as well. He looks a little raw right now but with more time on the field he should start to excel. Rayshawn Pleasant and Lu Tillery continue to be very reliable rotational corner backs with Jonathan Edwards. Lu finished the game with 4 tackles and Pleasant had 3 with a pass break up. 

Player of the Game: Javion White, Micah Robinson

Special Teams

Kickoff Return

Reyshawn Pleasant has entered the conversation for best returner in the NCAA after his second kickoff return for a touchdown. He’s showing incredible patience and explosiveness, making him a dangerous weapon in the return game.

Kicker/Punter

Jacob Barnes is expected to return after the bye week, which couldn’t come sooner. Freshman Ethen Head has struggled, missing three extra points this season. Meanwhile

Will Karrol had two punts for 72 yards, with one downed inside the 20.

Tulane heads into the bye week on fire and looks ready to carry this momentum into the Rice game!

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Roll Wave!! 

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