by Benita Bara / Tulane Contributor

In the heart of New Orleans, a storm is brewing on the football field as the No. 20 ranked Ole Miss Rebels prepare to face off against the No. 24 ranked Tulane Green Wave. The excitement surrounding this game is palpable, with Tulane Coach Willie Fritz even pleading with fans to stop calling him for tickets. Yulman Stadium, a picturesque venue nestled in a historic neighborhood, will be packed to its 30,000-person capacity, a sellout that speaks volumes about the anticipation for this clash.

The stage is set for a historic showdown as Yulman Stadium has never hosted a ranked SEC team before. The added intrigue comes from Tulane‘s presence in the AP Top 25, making this one of the highest-profile games ever played on their home turf. Last week, the Rebels cruised to a dominant 73-7 victory over Mercer, while Tulane showcased their talents with a 37-17 win against a strong South Alabama team, thanks in part to quarterback Michael Pratt‘s sensational performance. Pratt was named the American Athletic Conference offensive player of the week, underlining his potential impact in this matchup.

Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, who led the Rebels to a resounding victory over Tulane two seasons ago, acknowledges that the Green Wave has evolved into a much more formidable opponent under Fritz’s leadership. Kiffin praised Tulane’s coaching staff and players, highlighting their transformation and the presence of a talented quarterback, Michael Pratt, as key factors contributing to their rise.

Speaking of quarterbacks, the duel between Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart and Tulane’s Michael Pratt promises to be electrifying. Dart’s recent performance, passing for 334 yards and four touchdowns, demonstrates his ability to strike from anywhere on the field. Meanwhile, Pratt’s near-perfect outing last week, completing 14 of 15 passes for 294 yards and four touchdowns, earned him well-deserved accolades.

The game’s outcome may hinge on the performance of both teams’ defenses. While Tulane’s defense showed resilience against South Alabama, Ole Miss presents a more formidable challenge. Tulane’s Coach Fritz emphasized the need for his defensive backs to contain Ole Miss’ Tre Harris and force the Rebels to earn their yards through the air.

As the countdown to kickoff continues, both teams are primed for an epic battle. Tulane, buoyed by last season’s success and its debut in the AP preseason poll, looks to make history and prove they belong among college football’s elite. With the fans in New Orleans and football enthusiasts across the nation eagerly awaiting the clash, the stage is set for a memorable showdown between No. 20 Ole Miss and No. 24 Tulane.