Troy Dannen says He Left Tulane to Win a Championship

Marcelo Unda • October 11, 2023

Woke up today to a beautiful Tuesday morning. Fall weather is in New Orleans. The people who are here know enjoy it while it's here. I'm sure families already have pumpkin patch visits and Trunk or Treat plans already set up every weekend from now through the end of October. Saints and LSU earn a wins this past weekend. Fans are excited again in Louisiana for Football. Tulane Green Wave had the bye week, and are preparing for their matchup vs Memphis Tigers this Saturday. Then out of no where, Troy Dannen had something to say: 



The classic, it's not you. It's me. I love you, but I'm not in love with you. We're  going two separate paths, and I have to go down mine. blah, blah, blah.


On Tuesday, Dannen was announced as the new Athletic Director for the Washington Huskies.  He does an interview to take an unnecessary shot to say Tulane was holding him back. 

I am not here to argue that Washington is not  better than Tulane. Washington goes into the Big Ten next year which means better competition than the American Conference has to offer. Next season the College Football Playoff expands to 12 teams, and in football, you only play one game. Anything can happen. So why say Tulane can never win when the opportunity to win is better than it's ever been?


Sure, Washington has had some recent success. They are currently rank 7th in the AP Ranking, Michael Pennix is a Heisman Candidate. They made the CFP in 2016. Tulane's recent success is arguably comparable: Cotton Bowl Champions in 2022. Looking to repeat as back to back Conference champions. The Green Wave sit at 4-1 with their only loss to #13 Ole Miss, and can expect them to crack the top 25 again by end of season.


What fans from Louisiana don't want to hear is that their teams can't compete. See football here is different. Fans want a shot at the big dog to show the world that they belong. 


I totally agree with the Green Wave Man's take. The University should continue to strive to keep the success of the football program. Sellout home games, the program's social media presences, the winning culture, players getting drafted into the NFL are all areas of a solid foundation. 




This would be so great in a New Year's six game or even to kickoff next year's football season.  Tulane Football has been so exciting more than ever. You wont hear me speak of Troy Dannen's name after today. So let's switch focus to the Green Wave's match up this weekend.


Tulane vs Memphis

Tulane travels to Memphis to take on the American Conference #1 rank Team Offense Memphis Tigers on Friday night. This matchup should put the winner in the driver seat for the American Conference Championship. In the Preseason, I had concerns over this matchup due to the Tiger's Quarterback and Wide Receivers on the offensive side of the ball. The Green Wave are coming off a bye week, and Michael Pratt appears to be fully healthy for missing a few games earlier this season. When the Tigers step on the field they have the pleasure of facing the #1 Team Defense held by the Tulane. This makes me feel better for the Wave to get a win on the road. Let's take a look at the betting lines for this one.

SPREAD TOTAL MONEY
TULANE 4-1 -4.5 O 55.5 -200
MEMPHIS 4-1 + 4.5 U 55.5 +170
TULANE ATS 2-3
TULANE O-U 1-4
MEMPHIS ATS 1-3-1
MEMPHIS O-U 4-1
  • Tulane are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games against Memphis.
  • Tulane are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games on the road.
  • Tulane are 0-8 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against Memphis.
  • Tulane are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games against an opponent in the American Athletic Conference conference.
  • The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis' last 6 games against Tulane.

Nuggets provided by OddsSharks

I love Tulane in this spot. I see this being a tight game where both defenses step up. There is a lot on the line for both teams.  Tulane needs to make the Tigers one dimensional and stop the run. The Wave rank 19th in the nation in run defense allowing 84.2 yards per game. Don't let QB Seth Henigan run out of the pocket and put pressure on him.  This should lead to turnovers especially if the Tigers are playing from behind. Tulane offensively should run their backs to keep the Tigers offense on the sidelines. This should allow Pratt to take shots down the field with the play action. I will be fading the Tulane loses at Memphis trend and snapping the losing streak. The line open at 2.5 and now has moved to 4.5. I like it to 6. As for the total, It open at 56.5, and appears to be going down. I would take the under 55.5 and play it to 55.

Tulane 30- 23


PICKS: TULANE -4.5, U 55.5


Follow me for more!

@marcelo_unda

A quick share helps us a lot!

This Facebook widget is no longer supported.
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.
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.
Show More