In what promises to be a compelling non-conference clash, the Tulane Green Wave (1-1) is set to hit the road, bound for a showdown against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles (1-1). This matchup presents challenges, especially with lingering uncertainty at the quarterback position and the aftermath of a recent loss.
The biggest question mark hovering over Tulane’s camp is the health of star quarterback Michael Pratt. Following an unfortunate left knee injury late in Tulane’s Week 1 victory, Pratt was forced to sit out last weekend’s game against Ole Miss. Head coach Willie Fritz has offered hope that Pratt may return to action this week, but details about his status for Saturday remain elusive. Tulane’s defense, while showing flashes, has displayed moments of vulnerability this season. Yet, it’s essential to consider the strength of the competition they’ve faced, which may explain the statistical dips.
On the flip side, the Southern Miss Golden Eagles encountered a tough challenge in their season opener against Florida State, falling by a score of 66-13. This week, they square off against a team that more closely aligns with them in terms of talent, though a notable gap remains apparent, illustrated by the 12.5-point spread. The Golden Eagles’ offensive struggles have been a recurring theme, particularly evident in their ranking of 10th in Offensive Success Rate but a less impressive 84th in Finishing Drives last season.
Quarterback Billy Wiles has shown flashes of potential as the team’s signal-caller. The sophomore from Ashburn, Virginia, had a solid outing against Alcorn State but faced a challenging test against FSU. Tulane’s running game, still seeking its stride without Tyjae Spears, may encounter difficulties against a sturdy Southern Miss run defense, bolstered by a returning core of contributors from the previous year.
As the game unfolds, much hinges on the availability of Tulane’s Michael Pratt and Southern Miss’ ability to ignite their offense. A Pratt-led Tulane could pose a threat through the air, but without him, the contest may evolve into a grind-it-out affair.
