Tulane Vs Louisiana Week 4 Preview

Patrick Harkness • September 17, 2024

Tulane Green Wave Vs Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Preview

By: Patrick Harkness 


Spread: Tulane -3.5 

Total: 54.5 


        Tulane travels to Lafayette this week to face the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns, an in-state battle. Louisiana is coming off a 6-7 season, with their seventh loss coming in an overtime thriller against Jacksonville State, 31-34, in the New Orleans Bowl. Despite being a formidable team, Louisiana has struggled to close out key games, losing five by a touchdown or less. Head coach Michael Desormeaux returns for his third year with a 15-14 record after replacing Billy Napier (now Florida Gators HC). 

Louisiana’s offense returns six starters, including four on the offensive line and two wide receivers. They are known for their strong running game, powered by two solid running backs and an experienced O-line. Expect them to establish a physical, run-heavy game and try to control the clock. 

        Defensively, Louisiana lost some talent to the transfer portal but returns much of their core. This season, they’ve switched to a 4-2-5 scheme, featuring a hybrid "star" linebacker/safety position, filled by Jaden Dugger. While last year’s defense struggled, the combination of a new scheme and experienced players could lead to major improvements. 

        After a hard-fought but tough loss, Tulane looks to bounce back, though this game has the potential to be a trap, especially on the road. Louisiana is a better team than their recent records suggest, so Tulane can’t afford to take them lightly. Can Mensah have a bounce-back game? Will we see more of Ty Thompson in the Tsunami package? Can the O-line maintain discipline and play all 4 quarters? Will the defensive line show up? Injuries? Key questions loom for both the offense and defense. 


Offense 

Quarterback – Another Road Test 

        Look for Darian Mensah to continue improving. He’s played well against two ranked opponents, though last game’s first half was rough due to poor O-line protection, leaving him running for his life. After halftime, both Mensah and the line settled down and moved the ball better. Though the

result wasn’t what we wanted, he’s young, and there’s a lot of football ahead. Expect him to get better each game. I’d like to see him use his legs more when the play breaks down—processing defenses faster will come with experience. This week, he'll need to keep an eye on Louisiana’s star linebacker, KC Ossai, who led the team last year with 95 tackles, 4.5 for loss, and a sack. 

Ty Thompson – The Tsunami Has Arrived 

        Ty Thompson will likely continue to be a weapon in the red zone. His athleticism gives defenses fits, especially when they’re backed up. He can hand off to Makhi, keep it himself and run, or use play-action to either pass or run. I love how they’ve used him in the offense, even lining him up at wide receiver and motioning him into the backfield. There’s a lot of potential for creative play-calling with him. I'm really excited to see where this goes. 

Running Back – Run the Ball 

        Makhi Hughes is having another stellar year. The coaching staff needs to lean on him more in short-yardage situations—he’s clearly the best option for tough yards. He could be in for a big game with some outside runs if Tulane’s tackles can hold the edges. Louisiana’s defensive ends are speedy but underweight. Defensive end Jordan Lawson, who had 6 sacks last year, will test the tackles, while the inside running game could be tough with defensive tackles Antoine Bayliss and Mason Narcisse being their run-stoppers. I would like to see Shadie Clayton be more involved in both the run and passing game. Arnold Barnes is a solid power back(caught a swing pass last week), but Shadie’s speed and versatility would add another dimension, especially in the passing game. 

Receiving Game – The Fantastic Four (or Five?) 

        Can Shazz Preston make his Tulane debut? If so, the offense becomes even more explosive. We’re talking five-wide, empty sets, spreading out the defense and finding open targets. Another dimension this offense could use. Alex Bauman has been a key target for Mensah, though he injured his wrist last game, leading to Reggie Brown getting more snaps, including a touchdown catch from Thompson. Hopefully, Bauman’s injury isn’t serious, as he’s a critical red-zone weapon and great at high pointing the football. 

        The receivers had a quieter game last week. Dante Fleming stood out with 4 catches for 59 yards. If the run game gets going, Tulane could use play-action to hit him on deep/go routes. He is their true deep threat receiver. Mensah missed him last week on what should have been a 70 plus touchdown bomb. Mario Williams and Yulkeith Brown are great in space, and I’d like to see more quick passes—slants, screens, and bubbles—to utilize their speed. They have the ability to make people miss in space and create yards after the catch. Louisiana’s defense, like Kansas State’s, features three safeties, with Jaden Dugger playing the star role. Safety Tyrone Lewis Jr., their top secondary player, registered 74 tackles and 3 interceptions last year, he will be a key player to watch. 

Offensive Line – Four Quarters of Discipline

        Once again, the game will be won in the trenches. Louisiana’s defensive front is experienced but hasn’t been tested, facing only Grambling and Kennesaw State so far. Tulane’s tackles should handle the lighter defensive ends, opening up outside runs for Makhi. Inside runs will be tougher against their stout nose tackle and defensive tackles. But none of this matters without discipline—Tulane is averaging almost nine penalties a game, and that’s a killer. If the offensive line can stay disciplined and play all four quarters, the run game should open up, allowing Mensah to take control through the air. 


X-Factor: Discipline and Coaching 


Defense 

Defensive Line – Who Will Step Up? 

        This defensive front has me baffled—they should be generating more pressure and sacks. Adin Huntington and Pat Jenkins are getting double-teamed and held on almost every play, but this should free up others to attack the quarterback. Both had solid performances last game, with Huntington batting down passes and Jenkins recording a sack. Hopefully this is a get right game and get this defensive front on the right track. Great news for tulane is that their Defensive line is deep with depth. 6 different guys can play the defensive tackle positions. Continue to see Tulane to use a rotation on the defensive line until they establish a good formidable front. Louisiana’s offensive line returns four starters and excels in a bruising run game. Tulane’s defensive line must control the trenches and stop the run if they want to have success. 

Linebackers 

        Tyler Grubbs continues to shine, notching a pick-six last game along with 6 tackles and a sack. Sam Howard had 10 tackles and is a key player in run defense. Both will need to be sharp against Louisiana’s strong running game. Dre’lyn Washington and Zylan Perry, along with freshman Elijah Davis, make up a deep running back committee. The strength of Louisiana’s offense in 2023 was the rushing game, which posted a league-best 4.9 yards per carry. Returning running backs Dre’lyn Washington and Zylan Perry combined for 728 yards last season. And Freshman Elijah Davis has been getting a steady work load as well getting 17 carries for 115 yards and 2 touchdowns. Look for Dickson Agu to rotate in with Howard on passing downs. Tulane's linebacking core should be in store for a long and busy day in Lafayette. 

Secondary – Injuries and Opportunity 

        Bailey Despaine was ejected for targeting but still managed 9 tackles before his exit. He’ll need to be sharp again with Louisiana’s run game. Jalen Geiger went down with an injury, giving young safeties Jack Tchienchou and Kevin Adams more playing time. Adams impressed with 9 tackles and a TFL. Adams was flying all over the field. The cornerback rotation of Micah Robinson, Lu Tillery, Jonathan Edwards, and Reshawn Pleasant is still sorting itself out. All four can play, it's just a matter of stepping up and rising to the occasion. I believe Caleb Ransaw got banged up again. Hopefully he's ready to go this week. 


        Louisiana has a solid Quarterback in Ben Wooldridge 40 for 52 with 497 yards passing with 4 touchdowns and 1 interception. He's returning from an injury that knocked him out most of last year. They are also returning wide receivers in Harvey Broussard and Robert Williams, combining for 55 catches and 702 yards.The top four receivers are a little untested and they seem to be trying to figure things out, so look for the secondary to step up in the passing game. Senior Jacob Bernard leads the team with 8 catches for 112 yards, Broussard 5 catches 82 yards and a touchdown, Williams 6 catches 83 yards and a touchdown, Tavion Smith 4 catches 74 yards and a touchdown, and last but not least their tight end Terrance Carter has 6 catches for 52 yards and a touchdown 

This is a chance for Tulane’s secondary to step up. 


X-Factor: Defensive Front 


Special Teams 

Kicker/Punter 

        Jacob Barnes left the last game with a groin injury. If he’s out, true freshman Ethan Head will take over. He’s got a strong leg, but we’ll see if the pressure gets to him. 

Will Karrol had a mixed performance last week with two bad punts, but he boomed one for 78 yards. Must be more consistent with 3 bad punts on the year so far. 


Final Thoughts 

        This game comes down to controlling the line of scrimmage and staying disciplined. If Tulane can avoid penalties, establish the run, and let Mensah work, they have a strong chance to come away with a win. Stopping Louisiana’s run game will be key, but they can't overlook Wooldridge's ability to pass. It’s shaping up to be another exciting road test for Tulane.


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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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