Tulane Vs UAB Week 6 Preview

Patrick Harkness • October 1, 2024

Tulane GreenWave Vs UAB Blazers

By: Patrick Harkness 

Spread: Tulane -15.5

Total: 55.5


Tulane is coming off a dominant win and looks to continue that streak into their second conference game against UAB on the road. UAB is coached by former NFL QB Trent Dilfer. They were 4-8 last year, and now, entering his second year as head coach, they are currently 1-3. This UAB team has struggled this season, showing inconsistency and turning the ball over with a -6 turnover ratio. Trent Dilfer seems to be losing the fan base and possibly the locker room. UAB's offense (shotgun and pistol formations) is down in all categories from last year, amassing nearly 10 penalties a game for an average of 85 yards. Defensively (3-4 defense), they're still trying to find their identity, and this could be the perfect time for Tulane to continue their offensive streak. Look for Mensah and Makhi to lead the team to victory, with the defense showing their true grit. Let’s go!



Offense


Quarterback – Mensah Madness

Mensah is coming off one of his best games for this Green Wave offense. The Cali kid looks to continue his strong play against a shaky UAB defense. UAB's secondary is very transfer-heavy, bringing in nine new players during the offseason. However, they do have a couple of standouts: cornerback Colby Dempsey, who has an interception this year, and Adrian Maddox, a transfer from Alabama State who plays safety and has four pass deflections so far. With UAB still trying to figure things out defensively, look for Mensah to pick apart this secondary with Tulane’s speedy receivers.


Ty Thompson – Unleash the Beast

Ty Thompson will continue to do what he does best. Averaging nearly five yards per play, look for him to come in on short-yardage situations and red-zone opportunities. And if the defense is caught napping, maybe even another TD pass on a play-action rollout.


Running Back – Makhi’s Day

UAB’s defense is giving up an average of almost 208 rushing yards per game, which ranks third-worst in the AAC. UAB’s defensive front seven was supposed to improve from last year, but they seem to be regressing. Look for Makhi to have a huge game, especially with how well Tulane’s offensive line has played over the last two games. Expect Shadie Clayton to come in and spell Makhi—this will be his second game back since his concussion. Arnold Barnes and Trey Cornist both look to build off last week’s performance against USF, where Cornist scored his first collegiate touchdown.


UAB's linebackers have underperformed this season, partly due to inexperience and the injury bug, allowing teams to run all over them. Three players to watch are Michael Moore (22 tackles and 1 INT), Everett Roussaw Jr. (18 tackles), and OC Brothers (16 tackles), the most experienced of the bunch. Sirad Bryant, who leads UAB with 29 tackles, will also try to slow down Tulane’s rushing attack from the safety position.


Receiving Game – Yulkeith’s Day

Dontae Fleming is coming off a breakout game with seven catches for 128 yards and a touchdown. UAB's best corner, Colby Dempsey, will likely try to shut him down. However, after Dontae’s first career Tulane touchdown, look for his confidence to be sky-high. He is currently second on the team with 16 catches for 292 yards. Mario Williams could face a challenge against Adrian Maddox, a standout safety/nickel and former Walter Payton Award finalist for best player in FCS last year. This will be a good test for Mario. Expect him to utilize his speed on deep crossing routes and slants.


Yulkeith Brown and Alex Bauman always seem to fly under the radar. With UAB’s secondary focused on Tulane’s top two guys, Yulkeith, a former Texas A&M commit, could finally have his breakout game. Bauman, a key target for Mensah and a reliable safety valve, will step up in red-zone opportunities, taking advantage of mismatches. Shazz Preston’s status (hamstring) remains to be seen possibly after the bye week.


UAB leads the conference in fewest passing yards allowed passing (533, averaging 133 per game), but that’s mainly because teams can run all over them, reducing the need to pass.


Offensive Line – Rumblin', Bumblin', Stumblin'

Last week, the offensive line gave up zero sacks while allowing 330 passing yards and 198 rushing yards (4.0 avg) with six total touchdowns. This unit is clicking. Tulane is averaging 193 rushing yards and 231 passing yards per game. Look for the Green Wave to take advantage of UAB’s poor run defense and exploit their inexperienced, injury-plagued linebacker core.


UAB has a couple of pass rushers to watch, including Desmond Little, their key edge rusher with two sacks this season, and LD Cox, a 6’4”, 310-pound defensive tackle with a sack on the year. 


Key to Victory: Run the ball.



Defense

Defensive Line – Five Sacks Last Game

We’re starting to see life from this defensive front. Matthew Fobs-White has been playing a lot at the bandit position, and he’s making progress, getting early pressure last game even if he didn’t always finish. His continued development is key for this defense. Pat Jenkins now has two sacks on the season and seems to be hitting his stride. Adin Huntington appears banged up, which may explain his lack of production. If he’s not ready to go, Gerrod Henderson is a great replacement, having notched two sacks last game on just 20 snaps. Look for him to get more opportunities this week.


UAB returns all five offensive line starters, plus an experienced rotational piece and two key transfers. They rotate the line often, and some players are starting to gel. UAB averages 204 passing yards and 176 rushing yards per game. Once again, the line of scrimmage will decide this game.


Linebackers – Stop the Run

Tyler Grubbs leads the team with 28 tackles. Grubbs also has a sack, one interception for a touchdown, and a forced fumble. He’s been on fire for this defense and will need to keep that up against UAB. The Blazers have two good running backs in Lee Beebe Jr. (56 carries, 269 yards, 4.8 avg, 3 TDs) and Isaiah Jacobs a physical runner (41 carries, 162 yards, 4.0 avg). Lee Beebe can also come out of the backfield and catch the ball (10 catches for 97 yards). QB Jacob Zeno isn’t known for his speed, but he can run if needed. Expect to see a lot of Sam Howard (22 tackles, 1.5 sacks) to support Grubbs, and Dickson Agu on passing downs.


Secondary – Capitalize on QB Errors

Micah Robinson has settled into his CB1 role and will face UAB’s best receiver, Amare Thomas (14 catches for 122 yards and two TDs). Jonathan Edwards, Rayshaun Pleasant (14 tackles, pick-six, fumble recovery), and Lu Tillery will rotate in and out. Caleb Ransaw will have another challenge this week against freshman WR Kam Shanks, UAB’s leading receiver (19 catches for 163 yards and a touchdown). UAB also has a big-play tight end in Terrel McDonald (6 catches for 120 yards). Expect Bailey Despaine to help the secondary shut down McDonald.


UAB’s QB Jacob Zeno has had a disappointing season, with 819 passing yards, 69.7% completion, 6 TDs, 5 INTs, and 10 sacks trying to extend plays. While he led the AAC in completion percentage last year, Zeno often forces throws, leading to turnovers. If Tulane’s defense can pressure him, the secondary should be able to capitalize on his mistakes.


Keys to Victory: Stop the run and pressure the QB.


Special Teams


Kicker/Punter

Ethan Head is looking like a solid pickup for Tulane, going 3/4 on extra points and 3/4 on field goals. He’s a true freshman, so let’s see how he performs on the road.


Will Karrol has settled in as a reliable punter for the Green Wave. Flipping the field will be crucial if Tulane stalls deep in their own territory.


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

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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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