USF Vs Tulane Week 5 Preview

Patrick Harkness • September 25, 2024

South Florida Vs Tulane Green Wave

By: Patrick Harkness 


Spread: Tulane -6.5

Total: 64.5


Tulane is coming off a 41-33 win over the Ragin' Cajuns in a sweltering, no-defense type of game. Next up for the Green Wave in Yulman Stadium at 11am is USF (2-2), led by Coach Alex Golesh, who guided the team to a 7-6 season last year. They're coming off a 50-14 loss to 8th-ranked Miami. USF returns 19 starters—9 on offense and 8 on defense. The offense is led by dual-threat QB Byrum Brown, more of a runner than a passer, but don’t underestimate his ability to throw the ball. USF plays a very fast up-tempo offense, spread-option offense, while their defense runs a blitz-heavy 3-3-5, led by cornerback Aamaris Brown and linebacker Jhalyn Shuler.


Tulane's defensive line is becoming a concern in the run game, but the pass rush may be coming. Things may be starting to click. They'll be tested, as USF returns four out of five offensive linemen. Penalties remain an issue as well, with Tulane drawing 8 for 91 yards last game. Let's get into the week 5 Preview.


Offense


Quarterback – Read and React
Mensah didn’t look great in the first half against Louisiana. He seemed to have some happy feet, but after halftime, he settled down and made some clutch throws that helped lead this team to a victory. Mensah will need to stay cool under pressure in this game, as USF defensive coordinator Todd Orlando loves to blitz. Expect Tulane to employ a lot of quick passes to help him get the ball out faster and build some confidence. He’ll also need to be ready to tuck and run when the pocket breaks down. But with a blitz heavy team this will allow for the passing lanes to become open, with more men coming after the quarterback means there is less in coverage.


USF's secondary has two key transfers on defense, like DeShawn Rucker (2nd on the team in tackles) and D'Marco Augustin (with an interception this season). Jalen Stokes leads the unit playing Free Safety and returning corners Aamaris Brown and Brent Austin (4 pass deflections) round out a very solid core.


Ty Thompson – Surf the Wave
Ty Thompson is simply a weapon. He's a versatile piece in short-yardage situations and the red zone, where he confounds defenses with his ability to read and react to both the run and pass. Expect RPOs, play-action, and maybe even some speed options as the playbook opens up for him.


Running Back – Feed Makhi
Makhi Hughes had a stellar performance against Louisiana, racking up 23 carries for 169 yards and a touchdown, with a long of 36. The run game seems to be hitting its stride just in time for conference play. But Makhi may have some issues with a blitz heavy team. Shadie Clayton was out last game with a concussion, so we'll see if he returns, but Trey Cornist looked solid as the backup with 4 carries for 39 yards. If Shadie is back, he should get involved in the passing game and take some carries to spell Makhi. If not, let's see what Trey can do. Arnold Barnes has struggled, so it might be time to give Trey more opportunities.


USF's linebackers are a solid group, led by Mac Harris (24 tackles, 1 sack) and Jamie Pettway (22 tackles), along with former Tulane commit Rodney Hill (11 tackles). Jhalyn Shuler, with 97 tackles last year, rounds out the crew. This is a very fast and physical unit.


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

Shazz Preston may finally see his first action. This couldn't come at a better time with this style of USF defense. With a blitz heavy team that will lead to a receiver or two being open down field most of the time. Mario Williams and Yulkeith Brown are going to play a huge part for this team on Saturday. Quick passes will be key with blitzes coming at a quarterback. Look for them to get the ball quickly and try to get in space and utilize their speed. If USF takes away our speedy receivers this is where Shazz, Dante Fleming or Alex Bauman will shine. Bauman, a key redzone contributor will be very helpful in this game by being a good scapegoat for Mensah if things get hairy in the pocket and look for Shazz and Dante to stretch the field on some deep passes down the sideline. Look for Tulane early to capitalize with their speed with screens/bubbles and quick slants to out routes. If Mensah can get some confidence early, then look for this passing attack to open up with some deep throws.


Offensive Line – Blitz Pickup
The offensive line continues to build off its solid 272-yard rushing performance and they seem to finally be gelling by cleaning up the penalties. Josh Remetich got banged up but is expected to play. They'll need to be sharp against USF's blitzes, which will come from all over the field. The O-line will have to pick them up quickly and efficiently to keep the passing attack going. Establishing the run might be tough, so expect Tulane to pivot to a quick passing game. Don’t be surprised if we see 12 personnel to try and force the ball down the middle or outside with Makhi.


USF has 9 sacks on the year, with 8 different players contributing, including 5 from the D-line, 2 from linebackers, and 3 from the secondary. This defense will blitz from anywhere, so the O-line has to be ready.


X-Factor: Picking Up the Blitz and Finding Open Receivers



Defense


Defensive Line – Liability?
The defensive line continues to struggle but there was some light at the end of the tunnel. The 4th quarter of the last game you started to see something possible click with this Tulane pass rush. You could tell Louisiana's QB did not look comfortable in the pocket. Let's hope they can build off of that. And they must find an answer for stopping the run this week because USF’s offensive line returns 4 of 5 starters, and Byrum Brown, their dual-threat QB, is a problem. He's rushed 60 times for 281 yards and 2 touchdowns, and though his passing numbers (702 yards, 2 TDs, 57.9% completion) are still developing, he's a threat. If Tulane can get ahead early and force USF to throw, it will play into their hands. The D-line must step up and contain the spread-option offense, especially Brown. Look for Tulane to load the box to help out this unit.


Linebackers
Tyler Grubbs, Sam Howard, Dickson Agu, and Chris Rodgers will need to help out the D-line against this spread-option attack. Grubbs and Howard are key in stopping the run, while Rodgers could play a critical role spying Brown on passing downs.


USF’s backfield features three capable runners—Kelley Joiner (251 yards, 4 TDs), Nay’Quan Wright (199 yards, 2 TDs), and receiving threat Taron Keith (5 catches for 73 yards). Containing the run will be crucial.


Secondary – Stay on Target
While USF’s passing attack isn’t elite, Tulane's defense needs to improve after last week’s struggles and clean up the penalties. USF spreads the field with 4-wide sets, so Tulane’s corners—Micah Robinson, Jonathan Edwards, Reyshawn Pleasant, and Lu Tillery—must stay disciplined and avoid biting on the option game. Sean Atkins, USF’s top receiver, is a route-running specialist with 24 catches for 289 yards. If or when he lines up in the slot look for Caleb Ransaw to shut him down. Purdue transfer Abdur-Raheem Yaseen is a deep threat at 6-2, with 12 catches for 139 yards.


Tulane's safety room is an interesting one with all 4 guys who can make plays. Jalen Geiger coming off his first career pick for Tulane. He will lock down the free safety spot and keep the receiving game honest by not letting anyone get behind him. But Jack Tchiunchou may have something to say about that. Jack had a clutch pick six that helped this team overcome Louisiana and even came down and gave a nasty hit on a running back. He flashed during the spring game for this green wave defense and we’re now starting to see his potential. STUD ALERT!!! Look for him to get more snaps. Bailey Despaine is a tackling machine, and he must be for this one. Look for Bailey to be playing a lot in the box to help slow down this run option offense with his sure-fire tackling. He may be the key in stopping Byrum Brown running the ball. Kevin Adams, another young reliable backup strong safety will look to come in and help out when Bailey needs a breather, or they may both be in with Kevin playing the deep safety and Bailey in the box.


X-Factor: Stopping the Option Run Game



Special Teams


Kicker/Punter-Do your Job
Jacob Barnes’ injury status is still unknown, but Ethan Head filled in admirably last week until his final kick. He’s a true freshman with a powerful leg and has potential to be a very good kicker for Tulane.


Will Karrol only had one punt for 37 yards last week, but field position will be key against USF, so consistency and flipping the field in punting will be crucial.


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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