Is it safe to say that Mensah mania has begun? This weekend will surely be the main test, but we’re certainly off to a good start. After months of questions about who Tulane University’s starting quarterback would be, none other than redshirt freshman Darian Mensah staked his claim. Mensah showed out in his debut, going 10-12 for 205 yards and two passing touchdowns. More importantly, he played the entirety of the first three quarters — apart from Ty Thompson coming in for mainly rushing purposes — and finally went to the bench when the lead was extended to a comfortable 42-0.
While Mensah certainly showed poise in and out of the pocket, it helps to have good weapons around you, and transfer Mario Williams quickly proved with his speed why he is a threat to score every time he touches the football. With only four receptions, Williams picked up 124 yards through the air. Returners Alex Bauman and Yulkeith Brown also contributed to the passing game with a touchdown each.
The offense came to play, but head coach Jon Sumrall hung his hat on defense, which was the real star of the game. After all, Tulane held Southeastern Louisiana University scoreless throughout the entire game and forced two turnovers, one of which being a pick six from the opposite end zone by Rayshawn Pleasant. Pleasant went on to win American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week, largely because of this spectacular play.
The Wave now turns their attention to the Kansas State University Wildcats who, after a disappointing loss to Tulane in 2022, are coming into Yulman Stadium hot as the No. 17 ranked team in the nation according to the AP Top 25. The Wildcats quickly proved why they belong among the college football elite this season, as they left no doubt in their week one victory over University of Tennessee at Martin 41-6 this past weekend.
Kansas State lost star quarterback Will Howard this offseason, as he transferred to Ohio State University, but returned sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson, whose dual-threat skillset can cause headaches for opposing defenses. The Wildcats’ rushing attack should remain potent, as running back DJ Giddens returns after a fantastic season a year ago, and the addition of University Colorado at Boulder transfer Dylan Edwards gives the backfield an injection of even more athleticism and versatility.
Kansas State’s defense is solid as well, led by linebackers Austin Moore and Desmond Purnell and cornerback Jacob Parrish. Moore and Purnell are true playmakers, flying around the field, while Parrish has the makings of a top cornerback in the country this season after finishing with four interceptions a year ago. If the newly revamped defensive line can get to Mensah on Saturday, it could spell trouble for the Wave.
The Wildcats are an elite team from top to bottom, showcasing a roster that makes it very understandable why they are ranked so highly. However, with a young, inexperienced quarterback and defensive line, Kansas State has some gray areas Tulane can capitalize on if they execute.
No matter the talent on the Kansas State side, there is no denying that Tulane’s annihilation of Southeastern Louisiana will give the team plenty of self-belief entering this highly anticipated rematch. Two heavyweights in their respective conferences are set to battle it out in Yulman this weekend, with a potential College Football Playoff bid on the line.
Tulanians, get your popcorn ready.
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