The Green Wave’s upcoming matchup against the Nicholls State University Colonels marks a critical turning point in the season: the start of conference play. In its first three out-of-conference games, Tulane finished 2-1, with the sole loss coming from Ole Miss, which is currently No. 15 in the nation. 

The bar is elevated in these conference matchups, especially with a return to a New Year’s Six bowl game on the line, which can only happen if Tulane both wins the conference and leads all teams in the Group of Five conferences. 

Here are a few key takeaways from the Green Wave’s out-of-conference play that are important to note as the team enters the next chapter of their season: 

Michael Pratt’s Health

Nobody knows what the outcome would have been, but it is safe to say that Tulane would have had a much stronger showing against Ole Miss if Pratt was healthy and starting. Pratt has been out the last two games after coming down with a knee injury late in the fourth quarter of Tulane’s win against University of South Alabama. 

The good news for the Green Wave is that Pratt’s return seems like it will come sooner rather than later. “I’m hoping that Michael Pratt’s going to be able to play this weekend,” Head coach Willie Fritz said. “He’s doing a heck of a lot more this week than he did last week.” 

Even if Pratt is unable to go, Tulane will be able to continue with the reliable Kai Horton, who put 186 yards and two touchdowns last week in the win against University of Southern Mississippi. 

Running Game

One of the most interesting questions entering the season was who will be the guy to replace Tyjae Spears as the lead running back. The Green Wave entered the season with four candidates: Shaadie Clayton-Johnson and Iverson Celestine, who were both on the team last year, as well as newcomers Shedro Louis and Makhi Hughes. 

After three games, Hughes seems to have asserted himself as “the guy” in the backfield. Hughes has led the team in rushing attempts and yards so far, averaging 4.8 yards per carry on 45 attempts. Hughes must remain consistent for the Green Wave to have an offense as explosive as the one it had a year prior. 

Tulane Defense

The Green Wave defense is looking as formidable as ever, giving up only 3 points in the win against University of Southern Miss. They have been strong against the run, forcing a strong Ole Miss run game to average just 2.5 yards per carry, while Southern Miss only gained 35 yards on the ground the whole game. 

The defense has also locked down on third down, forcing Ole Miss to go just 1-13 and Southern Miss to go 5-16. 

The complementary play of the defense has largely been due to returning players stepping up. Defensive linemen Patrick Jenkins and Darius Hodges have exemplified this trend, leading a tough pass rush with 3.5 and 2.5 sacks respectively.  

State of the American

As all teams enter conference play, it is important to not only look at the standing of the Green Wave, but its American Athletic Conference conference opponents as well.

Currently, University of Memphis is the only team in the American with an undefeated start. This start will be tough to sustain. The Tigers face the University of Missouri at home this weekend, who are coming off a win against No. 15 Kansas State University. 

Another main threat to the Green Wave’s chances at repeating its AAC title is Southern Methodist University. The Mustangs have started 2-1, with their only loss coming to No. 18 University of Oklahoma. SMU also has a tough matchup ahead, traveling to Fort Worth, Texas to face Texas Christian University. 

The biggest disappointment so far has been University of Texas at San Antonio, who were projected to be the main threat standing in the way of the Green Wave. The Roadrunners have started the season 1-2, with losses to two unranked teams in Houston and Army. While it is still early in the season, the Roadrunners have an uphill battle if they want to ascend to the top of the American. 

Final Thoughts

With Pratt set to return this weekend against Nicholls State, the Green Wave remain the front-runners to make it out of the AAC. The key to Tulane’s success is to continue playing complementary football, with all three phases of the game continuing to remain consistent after strong starts. 

Tulane versus Nicholls State kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. CST.