Tulane football team confident for crucial road matchup against Memphis

Tulane faces a pivotal game against Memphis, seeking to defend its league title or face an uphill battle.

Tulane's upcoming game against Memphis is a crucial one for the Green Wave. It will determine whether they have a chance at defending their league title or if they will face an uphill battle to return to the championship game. Cornerback Lance Robinson used the words of assistant coach Derrick Sherman as motivation for the team. Sherman asked them if they wanted to be a team or a program. Robinson and his teammates decided they wanted to be a program and build on their success year after year.

This game is also significant because it marks the final stop on Tulane's revenge tour. Last season, the Green Wave achieved several revenge victories, including their first win against a Power Five conference school under coach Willie Fritz. They also avenged previous losses to Houston, Cincinnati, Tulsa, East Carolina, and SMU. In-season revenge has also worked for them, as they defeated Central Florida in the AAC championship game rematch.

However, one accomplishment that has eluded Tulane is a win at Memphis. Coach Fritz has yet to lead the team to victory in their last three meetings at Liberty Stadium. The team sees this as a chip on their shoulder and is determined to end the losing streak. Winning on the road has been a strength for Tulane, as they have won seven consecutive away games since their defeat to Memphis in 2021.

Quarterback Michael Pratt believes that discipline, preparation, and strong leadership have been key to their success on the road. He is confident in the offensive line's ability to handle the challenge posed by Memphis' defense. Pratt himself had an impressive performance in Tulane's season opener before suffering a knee injury. With some time off to recover, he is feeling much better physically and ready to lead his team to victory.

Defensively, Tulane will face a tough challenge from the Memphis offense. The Green Wave's defense has not allowed a running back to rush for 100 yards in 26 games, but they will need to be on high alert for Memphis' running back, Blake Watson. Watson has been a standout player for the Tigers, gaining significant yardage both on the ground and through receptions. Tulane's head coach, Willie Fritz, recognizes Watson's talent and emphasizes the need to be aware of him during the game.

Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan has had success against Tulane in the past, throwing for over 600 yards and six touchdowns in two starts. However, most of his success came after the Tigers were already trailing by a significant margin. Henigan is also a threat on the ground, as he has shown the ability to rush the ball effectively.

Memphis is looking for a statement win under fourth-year coach Ryan Silverfield. They have had mixed results in conference play under Silverfield's leadership and are hoping to improve their record with a win against Tulane.

For Tulane, the key is to stay focused and approach this game like any other. The team has found success in treating every game the same way over the past two years. Quarterback Michael Pratt believes that if they focus on doing the little things right and handle their own business, they will come out with a victory.

Overall, this game is crucial for Tulane's season. A win against Memphis would not only give them a leg up in their league title defense but also serve as a statement win on their revenge tour. The team is determined to be a program and build on their success year after year. They are ready to face the challenge and come out on top.