By Ralph Lauro Aug 20, 2007, 14:20 GMT
OFFENSE: Unlike last year, the Green Wave will attempt to run the ball successfully thanks to the return of tailback Matt Forte. The senior missed the final two games of last season, but still finished with 859 rushing yards and 10 total touchdowns. The 6-2, 225-pound back is extremely versatile and talented and he should help Tulane improve greatly on the mere 92.2 rushing ypg it averaged in '06. Three returning starters on the offensive line should also help in the Wave's attempt to run the ball successfully. Forte and the line will have to be rock solid, as Tulane will be breaking in a new quarterback in Scott Elliott. The junior is the most experienced of any quarterback on the roster and he has a quick release and some mobility. His main target will likely be sophomore wideout Jeremy Williams, who has great size at 6-2 and posted 40 catches and 484 receiving yards as a freshman last season.
DEFENSE: Tulane hasn't fared well on this side of the ball in quite some time, but this year's group is experienced and that should play a big part in a turnaround. The Wave welcome back eight starters on defense and that should help the team improve greatly on the 399.7 total ypg it surrendered last season. Up front, Tulane returns three starters, including end Antonio Harris. The senior has started all 34 games of his career and last year he posted 33 tackles, six TFLs and 2.5 sacks. Juniors Evan Lee and James Dillard are the team's top two returning linebackers and they combined for 100 tackles and 6.5 TFLs a year ago. In the secondary, Tulane must replace both its starting corners, but it does welcome back a pair of starting safeties in senior Joe Goosby and junior David Skehan. Last season, Goosby posted 54 stops and 5.5 TFLs, while Skehan led the defense with 80 stops and four interceptions. The duo should help shore up a secondary that allowed 250.2 ypg through the air last season.
SPECIAL TEAMS: By default, due to the lack of competition, sophomore Ross Thevenot will handle both kicking duties this season. As a freshman, Thevenot made 9-of-15 field goals, but he had two blocked and often displayed a weak leg on kickoffs. He also hasn't punted since high school.
OUTLOOK: Despite a coaching change, Tulane figures to have another tough season, as the program is simply short on talent. There are questions on both sides of the ball and there is no answer in site. A four-win season may be too much to ask from this group.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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