Tulane vs. Southern Miss Preview: Green Wave Look to Regain Their Identity at Yulman Stadium
Tulane and Southern Miss enter Saturday night at 1-2 and searching for stability. The Green Wave return to Yulman Stadium with a chance to correct their protection, run-defense and third-down problems before conference play.
Tulane is 1-2 after a 31-20 road loss to Kansas State. Southern Miss owns the same record after dropping consecutive games to Auburn and UConn. Both teams need a win, but the pressure is heavier on a Green Wave program trying to regain the consistency that carried it to four consecutive conference championship games and a College Football Playoff appearance last season.
This is also a reunion with extra meaning. Hall coached Southern Miss from 2021 through 2024, while the Golden Eagles are now led by Blake Anderson. Familiarity should add another layer to a regional series that Southern Miss leads 24-10 all time.
Tulane won the most recent meeting 21-3 in Hattiesburg in 2023. The Green Wave now have an opportunity to protect their home field, move back to .500 and create momentum before American Conference play begins.
Tulane’s offense has shown flashes but lacks consistency
Quarterback Kadin Semonza has settled into the starting role after replacing Zeon Chriss-Gremillion. Through three games, Semonza has completed 38 of 69 passes for 517 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
His ball security has been a positive, and he has demonstrated late-game composure. Semonza directed the winning drive against South Alabama and helped Tulane produce two touchdowns against a strong Kansas State defense. His 25-yard scoring pass to Maurice Turner gave the Green Wave a late chance in Manhattan.
The problem has been protection. Kansas State sacked Semonza six times, and Tulane has allowed 10 sacks in three games. Those negative plays have prevented the offense from staying on schedule and contributed to an average time of possession of only 24:01.
Tulane is averaging 314 yards and 17 points per game. The Green Wave have run for 120.3 yards per contest, but that number is heavily influenced by Jaylin Lucas’ 214-yard performance against South Alabama. Tulane needs a more dependable down-to-down rushing attack instead of relying on isolated explosive plays.
Southern Miss has production but major turnover concerns
Southern Miss’ 388.3 yards per game may look encouraging, but the Golden Eagles have not protected the football well enough. Their quarterbacks have thrown five interceptions in three games, and opponents have returned those interceptions for 109 yards.
Ethan Hampton has completed 45 of 75 passes for 419 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions. He left the 48-20 loss to UConn with a hand injury after passing for 93 yards and throwing an interception. Landry Lyddy came off the bench and provided a spark, throwing for 194 yards and a touchdown.
That creates a significant storyline entering Saturday. Whether Hampton is cleared or Lyddy gets the start, Tulane’s defense must make the quarterback uncomfortable and finally turn pressure into takeaways.
Southern Miss averages 156.3 rushing yards per game and 25.7 points, but those figures are boosted by a 49-3 opening win over Alcorn State. In the last two games, the Golden Eagles have been outscored 91-28.
Tulane’s defense must improve in three critical areas
The Green Wave are allowing 429 yards per game, including 211 on the ground. Opponents have converted 56 percent of their third downs, a rate that has kept Tulane’s defense on the field and limited opportunities for the offense.
Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson accounted for 379 total yards, including 152 on the ground. Tulane repeatedly lost contain and struggled to finish drives with stops.
Southern Miss does not possess the same level of quarterback-running danger, but its offensive line and rushing attack are capable of extending possessions. Tulane must win first down, force obvious passing situations and attack a quarterback group that has already committed five interceptions.
Five keys to a Tulane victory
1. Keep Kadin Semonza upright
Tulane cannot allow another game to be dictated by sacks and long-yardage situations. The offensive line, running backs and tight ends must communicate against pressure, while Semonza must take the available checkdown instead of holding the ball for a low-percentage play.
2. Establish Jaylin Lucas and the running game
Southern Miss is allowing 220 rushing yards per game. That is the matchup Tulane should attack. A productive ground game would settle the offense, shorten third downs and create play-action opportunities for Semonza.
3. Create takeaways
Tulane has yet to intercept a pass this season. Southern Miss has thrown five. This is the week for the Green Wave secondary to turn tight coverage and pressure into game-changing possessions.
4. Get off the field on third down
Allowing opponents to convert 56 percent of third downs is unsustainable. Tulane needs better tackling before the sticks and more pressure without sacrificing rush-lane discipline.
5. Play cleaner football
Tulane has committed 24 penalties for 159 yards in three games. Southern Miss has also been penalized 21 times for 179 yards. The team that avoids pre-snap mistakes and personal fouls will have a major advantage in what could become a physical, emotional regional matchup.
Matchups that could decide the game
Tulane’s offensive line vs. the Southern Miss pressure package: Semonza’s effectiveness increases dramatically when he can throw on schedule. Protection is the foundation of the entire Tulane game plan.
Jaylin Lucas vs. the Southern Miss run defense: The Golden Eagles have allowed 220 rushing yards per game. Tulane should challenge that weakness early and often.
Tulane’s secondary vs. Southern Miss’ quarterbacks: Hampton and Lyddy have combined with the rest of the quarterback room for five interceptions. The Green Wave need to capitalize when turnover opportunities appear.
Field position: Tulane punter William Hudlow has been one of the team’s most dependable weapons. A strong kicking game can force Southern Miss to drive the length of the field and reduce the pressure on Tulane’s defense.
Players to watch
Tulane QB Kadin Semonza: He has thrown 69 passes without an interception and now needs more protection and third-down efficiency.
Tulane RB Jaylin Lucas: His speed gives the Green Wave a game-breaking weapon against a struggling run defense.
Tulane WR Maurice Turner: Turner caught the late touchdown at Kansas State and can provide yards after the catch.
Southern Miss QB Landry Lyddy: If Hampton is limited, Lyddy’s 194-yard relief performance makes him the likely player to monitor.
Southern Miss QB Ethan Hampton: His hand and game status bear watching after he exited the UConn loss.
Prediction
Tulane has not yet played its best football, and laying a large point spread would be difficult to trust after the Green Wave’s first three performances. Still, the matchup favors Tulane.
Southern Miss has struggled against stronger competition, its quarterback situation is unsettled and its run defense has been vulnerable. If the Green Wave protect Semonza and commit to Lucas on the ground, they should control the game at home.
