Rice vs Tulane Week 8 Preview

Patrick Harkness • October 16, 2024

Rice Owls vs. Tulane Green Wave
By: Patrick Harkness


Spread: Tulane -23
Total: 53.5


The Tulane Green Wave are coming off their first bye of the season after trouncing UAB 71-20 in their last game. This Tulane Green Wave team is firing on all 3 cylinders offensively, defensively, and special teams. Let’s see how they come out after having two weeks of preparation for the Rice Owls. Rice is led by Mike Bloomgren, who is entering his 7th season (24-50). Rice currently sits at 2-4, with its offense averaging 25.5 points a game, 228.7 passing yards, and 123 rushing yards. They return 12 starters, 3 on offense and 7 on defense. Look for Rice to come out in 12 personnel often, with two senior receiving tight ends. Rice also runs a shotgun, pistol-heavy, and loaded-backfield pro-style offense with three different backs. Dean Connors will be the main focal point for Rice. The do-it-all back is a threat on the ground but mostly in the passing game, where he excels in space.


Defensively, Rice runs a 3-3-5 multiple/3-4 scheme. They’ve been decent against the pass (172 yards per game) ranks third in the AAC, but teams have been able to run on them, with Rice giving up 157 rushing yards per game.


It’s always interesting to see how a team performs after a bye week, especially considering how well Tulane has been playing. Let’s hope they can keep the momentum as they play the Rice Owls in a week 8 home conference game.



Offense


Quarterback – The Mensiah Rising After a Bye Week

Mensah has looked great in his first six collegiate games, going 84/127, with a 66% completion rate, 10 touchdowns, and two interceptions. His development has been evident in his decision-making, pocket awareness, and his Jake the snake-like moves to escape sacks. He may face a challenge against Rice’s pass defense, which ranks third in the AAC. Sean Fresch, a 5'9" senior nickel corner, has been standing out for Rice. He leads the team in tackles (31) and passes deflected (5). Rice’s defense has only totaled 3 interceptions, so while Mensah may have a quiet day due to Tulane’s potent running game, a returning Shazz Preston could spice things up. Fingers crossed!


Ty Thompson

Look for Ty to continue being a key part of the offense in the red zone, and perhaps even more involved this week given Rice’s struggles stopping the run. Tulane’s coaching staff has steadily increased his role, and I expect that to continue running and passing.


Running Backs – Running Backs for Days

Makhi Hughes should have a field day against Rice’s defensive front. With a 3-3-5 defense, Hughes should be able to find plenty of running lanes, especially when Tulane’s efficient offensive line gets to the second level. Keep an eye on Rice linebackers Ty Morris, Myron Morrison, Blaise Tita, and Andrew Awe. Morris, the best of the bunch, is second on the team in tackles (30) and has one sack. Morrison, the heart and soul of Rice’s linebacker core last year, has 18 tackles and 1.5 sacks this season. Shadie Clayton will continue to contribute on passing downs with his receiving ability and speed. True freshman Jamauri McClure is someone who's ready to burst onto the college football scene. This young man has untapped potential with speed, power, and elusiveness. a True three down back. He got his first career touchdown two weeks ago along with 84 yards on just 10 carries. Let’s not forget Trey Cornist and Arnold Barnes, both of whom have had solid games at one point this season.


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

Will we finally see Tulane’s passing attack at full strength? Alex Bauman might have dodged a serious injury, and Coach Sumrall said he could return in one to two weeks. Alex is a key part of the passing attack in the redzone. If Shazz Preston makes his Tulane debut, expect a whole new dimension to the offense. Spreading the field in 4-5 wide receiver sets could force Rice into one-on-one matchups or require impeccable zone coverage defense. Mario Williams will likely face a tough day lining up against Sean Fresch, Rice’s best secondary player. So, look for Dontae Fleming (17 catches, 304 yards, and 1 TD) or Yulkeith Brown (14 catches, 207 yards, 3 TD) to step up. Rice has solid safety play, with Gabriel Taylor, Daveon Hook (24 tackles), and Tyson Flowers (14 tackles) patrolling the backfield. Gabriel the vet savvy Safety leads the group, with 26 tackles and an interception.


Offensive Line – Dominance

Tulane’s offensive line is playing like one of the best units in the country. Ranked in the top 10 by PFF, they haven’t allowed a sack since the Oklahoma game. They should dominate against a weak Rice front, but there are two standout pass rushers to watch—Josh Pearcy, who leads the team with 3.5 sacks, and senior lineman Micheal Larbie, also with 3.5 sacks. Expect Tulane’s offensive line to control the line of scrimmage, creating running lanes and setting up deep shots for Mensah when Rice tries to cheat forward.


X-Factor: Spread the Field and Run the Ball



Defense


Defensive Line – Slow Down Dean

Adin Huntington has been banged up, but after some rest, he should be ready to go. Mathew Fobbs White has excelled at the bandit role, benefiting from Terrel Allen’s move to defensive tackle, which has forced teams to double or Allen taking on double teams, leaving Fobbs White with one-on-one matchups. Rice returns three of its five offensive linemen with a key transfer in left guard Chad Lindberg from Georgia (Tulane was in the running for him) and has done well, allowing only four sacks and creating space for Dean Connors. This will be a good test for Tulane’s defensive line who has shined in recent weeks and is currently tied for 12th in the nation for sacks (17).


Linebackers – Stop the Two Tight Ends

Rice is more of a passing team, so expect Tyler Grubbs, Dickson Agu, and Chris Rodgers to be busy. Rodgers, a former safety at Troy, has strong pass coverage skills (2 pick sixes for TD), which will be key against Rice’s tight ends and running backs Connors. Rodgers could be in for a huge game, especially if he’s matched up against Dean Connors in the passing game. If Rodgers or someone on this Tulane defense can blanket the All-AAC running back Rices offense will stand no chance keeping up with Tulane.


Rice has three tight ends—Graham Walker, Boden Groen, and Elijah Mojarro—who have combined for 27 catches, 284 yards, and 1 touchdown. They often line up in 12 personnel, so linebacker and safety play will be crucial.


Secondary – Shut Down Matt Sykes

Matt Sykes, a 6'4" route-running specialist who transferred from UCLA, is Rice’s top WR. He has 31 catches for 378 yards and 3 touchdowns. Tulane’s secondary will have their hands full, especially with Sykes lining up both outside and in the slot. Caleb Ransaw will need to step up if Sykes goes to the slot, while Micah Robinson or Jonathan Edwards will cover him on the outside. Rayshawn Pleasant and Lu Tillery will continue to come in rotationally. Look for true freshman Javion White to get some action as well, especially against Kolbie Campbell, a 5'7" deep threat for Rice. Javion recorded his first career interception two weeks ago against UAB and has steadily been playing all season.  Bailey Despanie and Jalen Geiger will definitely have to help out the Linebackers to cover the TEs of Rice with their receiving ability and red zone threat. Rice runs a very pass happy pro style of offense so secondary play and shutting down the do it all running back Dean Conners will be key. He is basically another wide receiver.  34 catches for 248 yards and 1 touchdown with a long of 69.


Rice QB Ej Warner, son of Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, has thrown for 1,302 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. In his career he has amassed over 6000 yards and 41 touchdowns. The Tulane secondary must capitalize on his tendency to make mistakes.


X-Factor: Stop Dean Connors and Matt Sykes



Special Teams


Kicker/Punter/Return Game

Kicker-Jacob Barnes should be back after his groin injury.


Punter-Will Karrol has been consistently solid the past three games.


KR-Rayshawn Pleasant—can he score his third touchdown of the season?


For more Tulane Football news, check out Wave Watch on YouTube at The Kneaux!


Roll Wave!!


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



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Why Peyton "Pop" Houston Could Play a Major Role in LSU's Pursuit of Easton RoyalWhy Peyton "Pop" Houston Could Play a Major Role in LSU's Pursuit of Easton Royal

By Auston Taylor • July 8, 2026
 LSU has made it clear that five-star wide receiver Easton Royal remains one of its top priorities in the 2027 recruiting class. Although Royal is currently committed to Texas, LSU has continued to recruit him aggressively. Based on recent recruiting events and public reporting, one factor that could strengthen the Tigers' position is the presence of quarterback commit Peyton "Pop" Houston. While no outcome is guaranteed in recruiting, Houston's relationship with Royal has become one of the more intriguing storylines surrounding LSU's 2027 class. According to recruiting coverage from The Opening and reports from And The Valley Shook, Houston and Royal showcased noticeable chemistry while competing together on the national stage. Houston also drew attention by winning the event's longest throw competition with a reported 67-yard throw, further reinforcing why many evaluators consider him one of the premier quarterback prospects in the 2027 class. In my view, Houston has the potential to become much more than another highly rated offensive commitment. Elite quarterbacks often become magnets for other top recruits, and early signs suggest Houston could have that kind of influence on LSU's 2027 recruiting class. Why Houston Matters in Royal's Recruitment Quarterback and wide receiver relationships have become one of the most influential factors in modern recruiting. Elite receivers aren't simply choosing a school—they're choosing an offense, a coaching staff, and perhaps most importantly, the quarterback who will help maximize their abilities. If Royal ultimately views Houston as LSU's quarterback of the future, it gives the Tigers another compelling selling point. Rather than asking Royal to imagine what the offense could become, LSU can point to chemistry that has already been displayed during national recruiting events. That doesn't guarantee a commitment flip, but it does provide LSU with something tangible that few recruiting pitches can offer: an established connection between two elite prospects. LSU's History Shows Why This Matters LSU's greatest offensive seasons have consistently featured elite quarterbacks throwing to elite receivers. During the Tigers' historic 2019 National Championship season, Joe Burrow captured the Heisman Trophy while throwing to arguably the greatest receiving corps in college football history—Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Terrace Marshall Jr. That offense rewrote NCAA record books and remains the standard for modern college football offenses. A few years later, history repeated itself. Jayden Daniels won the 2023 Heisman Trophy while benefiting from one of the nation's most explosive receiving duos in Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. Daniels' remarkable development was certainly his own, but LSU's elite receiving talent allowed the offense to reach another level. The lesson is clear: great quarterbacks elevate receivers, but elite receivers also help quarterbacks reach championship-level production. That history gives LSU a compelling message for recruits considering Baton Rouge. Peyton "Pop" Houston's Development Houston's rise as one of Louisiana's premier quarterback prospects is backed by more than recruiting rankings. Evaluators consistently praise his arm strength, touch, ability to extend plays outside the pocket, and willingness to attack defenses vertically. His continued development at Evangel Christian Academy has made him one of the foundation pieces of LSU's 2027 recruiting class. The Bigger Picture If LSU eventually pairs Peyton Houston with Easton Royal, it would represent much more than another recruiting victory. It would signal that LSU landed a quarterback capable of attracting elite talent around him while adding a receiver willing to build alongside that vision. Programs that consistently compete for championships often see recruiting momentum build this way. Elite quarterbacks attract receivers. Elite receivers attract additional offensive talent. Once that cycle begins, recruiting classes can quickly become special. None of this guarantees that Easton Royal will flip his commitment. Texas remains in a strong position, and recruiting decisions can change for countless reasons. However, Houston's emergence gives LSU something every elite program hopes to have: a quarterback capable of becoming the centerpiece of an entire recruiting class. LSU has already witnessed what happens when championship-caliber quarterbacks are paired with elite receivers. Joe Burrow won the Heisman Trophy. Jayden Daniels won the Heisman Trophy. If Peyton "Pop" Houston eventually helps bring Easton Royal to Baton Rouge, it could become one of the defining recruiting stories of LSU's 2027 class—and perhaps the first step toward building another explosive Tiger offense.

Tight End Room Outlook: Revamped and Ready To Roll

By Kaden Arkeder • July 4, 2026
The tight end room has some fresh blood and they look poised to be more impactful heading into next season. With the new arrivals of Noah Fant and third round draft pick Oscar Delp the offense will have the ability to play more in multiple tight end sets to create mismatches for the defense. Multiple tight end sets should allow the Saints to improve the run game and conversely the play action game. Playing in tight end heavy sets was something they were unable to do more of last year due to injuries and lack of talent at the tight end position. Mainstay and the only returning starting caliber player is Juwan Johnson. Johnson had a good year last year as one of the few reliable targets in the passing game aside from Chris Olave. Johnson is looking to build on a solid year where he had 77 receptions for 889 receiving yards with 3 touchdowns. He was a security blanket when Rattler was starting and had quite a few big plays when Shough took over as the starting quarterback. With Shough coming into the season as the presumed starter I expect their connection to be even better next season. Someone hoping to have a better connection with a new QB is Noah Fant. Fant was a first round pick back in 2019 with the Broncos but has never quite lived up to his draft status. Fant will be playing on his third team in three years as he seeks to be a quality rotational piece in the offense and find stability for his career here in New Orleans. Fant should be utilized more in the passing game than in the running game but should be able to hold his own when called upon to do his part on run downs. Fant has been on a statistical decline since his time with Denver as his best receiving season came in at 68/670/4 back in 2021. Although his stats have been declining Fant still has plenty to offer with his athleticism and should produce more given a better opportunity. After Fant in the depth chart should be Oscar Delp who could be the x-factor of the tight end room after being selected in the third round of the draft this year. Delp brings a versatile option to the offense as he can lineup in various spots and handle the rigors of blocking in the run game. Delp’s calling card in college was his elite athleticism which jumps off the screen when you watch his tape. He has the ability to turn a five yard catch into an explosive play with how quickly he can get to top speed. Delp is an adequate, willing blocker where like most new tight ends in the league has room to improve in the blocking area of his game. With his versatility and athleticism I believe Delp will play a pivotal role in the offense this upcoming season. With Delp presumed to round out the depth chart at tight end the remaining tight ends will be competing for spots on the practice squad or spots on another team. This group includes Cody Hardy, Treyton Welch, Moliki Matavao, and Zaire Mitchell-Paden. We’ve seen Welch and Matavao from last season fill in admirably after some injuries but are best served as bench options at this point in time in their development. This group of roster hopefuls should hopefully provide some good competition from one another as we progress through training camp and preseason here shortly. Overall this group has a lot more promise heading into this season as it did last year. By getting younger and more athletic the tight ends will play a more prominent role in Kellen Moore’s offense. Whether it’s Juwan building on last season or Fant having a bounce back year or Delp proving to be revelation, the team is going to have plenty of options to choose from to attack the defense. Exactly what this team needed after not having enough last season.
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