South Florida Vs Tulane Green Wave

By: Patrick Harkness 

Spread: Tulane -6.5

Total: 64.5

Tulane is coming off a 41-33 win over the Ragin' Cajuns in a sweltering, no-defense type of game. Next up for the Green Wave in Yulman Stadium at 11am is USF (2-2), led by Coach Alex Golesh, who guided the team to a 7-6 season last year. They're coming off a 50-14 loss to 8th-ranked Miami. USF returns 19 starters—9 on offense and 8 on defense. The offense is led by dual-threat QB Byrum Brown, more of a runner than a passer, but don’t underestimate his ability to throw the ball. USF plays a very fast up-tempo offense, spread-option offense, while their defense runs a blitz-heavy 3-3-5, led by cornerback Aamaris Brown and linebacker Jhalyn Shuler.

Tulane's defensive line is becoming a concern in the run game, but the pass rush may be coming. Things may be starting to click. They'll be tested, as USF returns four out of five offensive linemen. Penalties remain an issue as well, with Tulane drawing 8 for 91 yards last game. Let's get into the week 5 Preview.

Offense

Quarterback – Read and React
Mensah didn’t look great in the first half against Louisiana. He seemed to have some happy feet, but after halftime, he settled down and made some clutch throws that helped lead this team to a victory. Mensah will need to stay cool under pressure in this game, as USF defensive coordinator Todd Orlando loves to blitz. Expect Tulane to employ a lot of quick passes to help him get the ball out faster and build some confidence. He’ll also need to be ready to tuck and run when the pocket breaks down. But with a blitz heavy team this will allow for the passing lanes to become open, with more men coming after the quarterback means there is less in coverage.

USF's secondary has two key transfers on defense, like DeShawn Rucker (2nd on the team in tackles) and D'Marco Augustin (with an interception this season). Jalen Stokes leads the unit playing Free Safety and returning corners Aamaris Brown and Brent Austin (4 pass deflections) round out a very solid core.

Ty Thompson – Surf the Wave
Ty Thompson is simply a weapon. He's a versatile piece in short-yardage situations and the red zone, where he confounds defenses with his ability to read and react to both the run and pass. Expect RPOs, play-action, and maybe even some speed options as the playbook opens up for him.

Running Back – Feed Makhi
Makhi Hughes had a stellar performance against Louisiana, racking up 23 carries for 169 yards and a touchdown, with a long of 36. The run game seems to be hitting its stride just in time for conference play. But Makhi may have some issues with a blitz heavy team. Shadie Clayton was out last game with a concussion, so we'll see if he returns, but Trey Cornist looked solid as the backup with 4 carries for 39 yards. If Shadie is back, he should get involved in the passing game and take some carries to spell Makhi. If not, let's see what Trey can do. Arnold Barnes has struggled, so it might be time to give Trey more opportunities.

USF's linebackers are a solid group, led by Mac Harris (24 tackles, 1 sack) and Jamie Pettway (22 tackles), along with former Tulane commit Rodney Hill (11 tackles). Jhalyn Shuler, with 97 tackles last year, rounds out the crew. This is a very fast and physical unit.

Receiving Game – The Fantastic Four (or Five? Finally?......)

Shazz Preston may finally see his first action. This couldn't come at a better time with this style of USF defense. With a blitz heavy team that will lead to a receiver or two being open down field most of the time. Mario Williams and Yulkeith Brown are going to play a huge part for this team on Saturday. Quick passes will be key with blitzes coming at a quarterback. Look for them to get the ball quickly and try to get in space and utilize their speed. If USF takes away our speedy receivers this is where Shazz, Dante Fleming or Alex Bauman will shine. Bauman, a key redzone contributor will be very helpful in this game by being a good scapegoat for Mensah if things get hairy in the pocket and look for Shazz and Dante to stretch the field on some deep passes down the sideline. Look for Tulane early to capitalize with their speed with screens/bubbles and quick slants to out routes. If Mensah can get some confidence early, then look for this passing attack to open up with some deep throws.

Offensive Line – Blitz Pickup
The offensive line continues to build off its solid 272-yard rushing performance and they seem to finally be gelling by cleaning up the penalties. Josh Remetich got banged up but is expected to play. They'll need to be sharp against USF's blitzes, which will come from all over the field. The O-line will have to pick them up quickly and efficiently to keep the passing attack going. Establishing the run might be tough, so expect Tulane to pivot to a quick passing game. Don’t be surprised if we see 12 personnel to try and force the ball down the middle or outside with Makhi.

USF has 9 sacks on the year, with 8 different players contributing, including 5 from the D-line, 2 from linebackers, and 3 from the secondary. This defense will blitz from anywhere, so the O-line has to be ready.

X-Factor: Picking Up the Blitz and Finding Open Receivers

Defense

Defensive Line – Liability?
The defensive line continues to struggle but there was some light at the end of the tunnel. The 4th quarter of the last game you started to see something possible click with this Tulane pass rush. You could tell Louisiana's QB did not look comfortable in the pocket. Let's hope they can build off of that. And they must find an answer for stopping the run this week because USF’s offensive line returns 4 of 5 starters, and Byrum Brown, their dual-threat QB, is a problem. He's rushed 60 times for 281 yards and 2 touchdowns, and though his passing numbers (702 yards, 2 TDs, 57.9% completion) are still developing, he's a threat. If Tulane can get ahead early and force USF to throw, it will play into their hands. The D-line must step up and contain the spread-option offense, especially Brown. Look for Tulane to load the box to help out this unit.

Linebackers
Tyler Grubbs, Sam Howard, Dickson Agu, and Chris Rodgers will need to help out the D-line against this spread-option attack. Grubbs and Howard are key in stopping the run, while Rodgers could play a critical role spying Brown on passing downs.

USF’s backfield features three capable runners—Kelley Joiner (251 yards, 4 TDs), Nay’Quan Wright (199 yards, 2 TDs), and receiving threat Taron Keith (5 catches for 73 yards). Containing the run will be crucial.

Secondary – Stay on Target
While USF’s passing attack isn’t elite, Tulane's defense needs to improve after last week’s struggles and clean up the penalties. USF spreads the field with 4-wide sets, so Tulane’s corners—Micah Robinson, Jonathan Edwards, Reyshawn Pleasant, and Lu Tillery—must stay disciplined and avoid biting on the option game. Sean Atkins, USF’s top receiver, is a route-running specialist with 24 catches for 289 yards. If or when he lines up in the slot look for Caleb Ransaw to shut him down. Purdue transfer Abdur-Raheem Yaseen is a deep threat at 6-2, with 12 catches for 139 yards.

Tulane's safety room is an interesting one with all 4 guys who can make plays. Jalen Geiger coming off his first career pick for Tulane. He will lock down the free safety spot and keep the receiving game honest by not letting anyone get behind him. But Jack Tchiunchou may have something to say about that. Jack had a clutch pick six that helped this team overcome Louisiana and even came down and gave a nasty hit on a running back. He flashed during the spring game for this green wave defense and we’re now starting to see his potential. STUD ALERT!!! Look for him to get more snaps. Bailey Despaine is a tackling machine, and he must be for this one. Look for Bailey to be playing a lot in the box to help slow down this run option offense with his sure-fire tackling. He may be the key in stopping Byrum Brown running the ball. Kevin Adams, another young reliable backup strong safety will look to come in and help out when Bailey needs a breather, or they may both be in with Kevin playing the deep safety and Bailey in the box.

X-Factor: Stopping the Option Run Game

Special Teams

Kicker/Punter-Do your Job
Jacob Barnes’ injury status is still unknown, but Ethan Head filled in admirably last week until his final kick. He’s a true freshman with a powerful leg and has potential to be a very good kicker for Tulane.

Will Karrol only had one punt for 37 yards last week, but field position will be key against USF, so consistency and flipping the field in punting will be crucial.

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Roll Wave!! 

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