Photo by James D. Smith/CBAA
ARLINGTON, TX – in a little less than 24 hours, 16th-ranked Tulane is set to take the field against the 10th-ranked USC Trojans, who are fresh off their second loss to PAC-12 champion, Utah. While they may be an underdog by many, it would be wise not to overlook a locked in Green Wave team.
Heavy underdogs coming into Dallas against a likely motivated Trojans team hoping to end their season on a high note, the Green Wave hope to carry the banner of the American Athletic Conference at a likely pro-Tulane AT&T Stadium.
Based on some of my own observations from Dallas, this is what I’ve gleaned:
- Although closed to the media, head coach Willie Fritz has his team practicing and being loose, spirited and fun, as opposed to the business-like hard-hitting and fierce practices by the Trojans.
- RB Tyjae Spears looks primed for a monster game against a suspect USC defense. Tulane’s leading rusher in yards (1,376), attempts (212) and TD’s (15), look for him to be factor. Also look out for Green Wave QB Michael Pratt, who is Tulane’s second-leading rusher with 395 yards and touchdowns (10)
- While the aforementioned Pratt doesn’t have the gaudy numbers of his Heisman Trophy-winning counterpart, Caleb Williams, Pratt could be a factor in both the running game and the passing game, as he has 25 passing touchdowns for the season.
- Stat to watch: For the season, USC allows 148.6 yards a game, and Tulane rushes for 197.1 while allowing 153.8 on the ground. If the game is close late, whoever runs the ball the best, will likely win.