Tulane Football: "From Worst to First"

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  • kswgrad2012
    MVP
    • Aug 2013
    • 1609

    #376
    Re: Tulane Football: "From Worst to First"

    Week 15's Top Results


    #4 Tulane 31, East Carolina 14

    South Florida 20, Temple 19

    SMU 28, Central Florida 21

    Houston 34, Memphis 3

    #5 Kansas State 45, Iowa State 10

    #11 Army 20, Navy 0

    UConn 28, Cincinnati 16

    Troy 28, UL Monroe 24

    Texas State 21, Western Kentucky 13

    #10 Oklahoma 39, TCU 27

    New Mexico State 31, Idaho 21

    #23 West Virginia 44, Texas 7

    Oklahoma State 35, Texas Tech 13

    Baylor 27, Kansas 17

    UL Lafayette 38, Arkansas State 17
    Who Dey!
    O-H-I-O!
    March With US.



    Dynasty Stops:
    1. Tulane Green Wave
    2. UAB Blazers
    3. Wichita State Shockers



    Xbox Live Gamertag: Dr HAM 101 (friend me/message me!)

    Comment

    • kswgrad2012
      MVP
      • Aug 2013
      • 1609

      #377
      Re: Tulane Football: "From Worst to First"

      The following Green Wave players were recognized on Senior Day:

      HB Shawn Henry
      FB Fred Roach
      WR Justin Fountain
      WR Aaron Gandy
      TE Marshall Brown
      C Jason Thomas
      RT Brandon Palmer
      LE Trevor Phillips
      RE Corey Walton
      RE Cedric Jackson
      DT Bobby Moyer
      ROLB Ross Fowler
      CB Charlie Smith
      CB Shaun Powers
      FS Tony Parker
      Who Dey!
      O-H-I-O!
      March With US.



      Dynasty Stops:
      1. Tulane Green Wave
      2. UAB Blazers
      3. Wichita State Shockers



      Xbox Live Gamertag: Dr HAM 101 (friend me/message me!)

      Comment

      • kswgrad2012
        MVP
        • Aug 2013
        • 1609

        #378
        Re: Tulane Football: "From Worst to First"

        ABBREVIATED "A Look Around The Nation"


        BCS STANDINGS

        1. Miami (OH), 12-0
        2. Oregon, 11-1
        3. Tulane, 12-0
        4. Missouri, 11-1
        5. Kansas State, 11-1
        6. Clemson, 11-1
        7. Nebraska, 11-1
        8. USC, 11-1
        9. Oklahoma, 11-1
        10. Iowa, 8-3
        11. BYU, 11-1
        12. Georgia, 9-2
        13. Louisville, 9-3
        14. Army, 11-1
        15. Florida, 8-4
        16. Miami (FL), 10-2
        17. Wisconsin, 8-3
        18. Syracuse, 9-3
        19. Rice, 9-2
        20. NC State, 9-3
        21. Southern Miss, 10-2
        22. Alabama, 8-4
        23. Cal, 8-3
        24. West Virginia, 9-3
        25. LSU, 7-4


        BOWL PROJECTIONS

        #3 Tulane is currently slated to play in the Discover Orange Bowl against #6 Clemson. Talk about a matchup.


        THE AMERICAN STANDINGS

        ** 5 teams going bowling!!!

        1. Tulane, 12-0 (9-0)
        2. South Florida, 7-5 (6-3)
        3. Houston, 9-3 (6-3)
        4. SMU, 6-6 (5-4)
        5. UConn, 5-7 (4-5)
        6. Cincinnati, 6-6 (4-5)
        7. Temple, 4-8 (3-6)
        8. Central Florida, 4-8 (3-6)
        9. East Carolina, 4-8 (3-6)
        10. Memphis, 2-10 (2-7)


        HEISMAN WATCH

        No change from the previous week. Syracuse HB Kris Washington leads the race, while Tulane QB Bryan Higgins lags behind at second.
        Who Dey!
        O-H-I-O!
        March With US.



        Dynasty Stops:
        1. Tulane Green Wave
        2. UAB Blazers
        3. Wichita State Shockers



        Xbox Live Gamertag: Dr HAM 101 (friend me/message me!)

        Comment

        • kswgrad2012
          MVP
          • Aug 2013
          • 1609

          #379
          Re: Tulane Football: "From Worst to First"

          Conference Championship Week


          Conference USA: #19 Rice (9-2) vs. #21 Southern Miss (10-2)

          ACC: #16 Miami (FL) (10-2) vs. #6 Clemson (11-1)

          SEC: #22 Alabama (8-4) vs. #4 Missouri (11-1)

          Pac-12: #2 Oregon (11-1) vs. #8 USC (11-1)

          MAC: Toledo (8-3) vs. #1 Miami (OH) (12-0)

          Mountain West: Boise State (9-3) vs. Fresno State (9-2)

          Big Ten: Ohio State (6-5) vs. #7 Nebraska (11-1)



          ** #3 Tulane wins American Athletic Conference outright.

          ** #9 Oklahoma wins Big 12 outright.

          ** Texas State wins Sun Belt outright.


          ** How Miami (OH) is #1 is BEYOND ME...
          Who Dey!
          O-H-I-O!
          March With US.



          Dynasty Stops:
          1. Tulane Green Wave
          2. UAB Blazers
          3. Wichita State Shockers



          Xbox Live Gamertag: Dr HAM 101 (friend me/message me!)

          Comment

          • kswgrad2012
            MVP
            • Aug 2013
            • 1609

            #380
            Re: Tulane Football: "From Worst to First"

            Conference Championship Results


            Conference USA: #19 Rice 24, #21 Southern Miss 42

            ACC: #16 Miami (FL) 28, #6 Clemson 31

            SEC: #22 Alabama 10, #4 Missouri 30

            Pac-12: #2 Oregon 30, #8 USC 24

            MAC: Toledo 20, #1 Miami (OH) 9 (oh!!!)

            Mountain West: Boise State 33, Fresno State 16

            Big Ten: Ohio State 34, #7 Nebraska 31




            Note to self: need to edit this later...
            Who Dey!
            O-H-I-O!
            March With US.



            Dynasty Stops:
            1. Tulane Green Wave
            2. UAB Blazers
            3. Wichita State Shockers



            Xbox Live Gamertag: Dr HAM 101 (friend me/message me!)

            Comment

            • kswgrad2012
              MVP
              • Aug 2013
              • 1609

              #381
              Re: Tulane Football: "From Worst to First"

              "A Look Around The Nation"


              BCS STANDINGS

              1. Oregon, 12-1
              2. Tulane, 12-0
              3. Missouri, 12-1
              4. Kansas State, 11-1
              5. Clemson, 12-1
              6. Miami (OH), 12-1
              7. BYU, 11-1
              8. Oklahoma, 11-1
              9. USC, 11-2
              10. Iowa, 8-3
              11. Georgia, 9-2
              12. Army, 11-1
              13. Louisville, 9-3
              14. Florida, 8-4
              15. Nebraska, 11-2
              16. Wisconsin, 8-3
              17. Southern Miss, 11-2
              18. Syracuse, 9-3
              19. NC State, 9-3
              20. Miami (FL), 10-3
              21. Toledo, 9-3
              22. Cal, 8-3
              23. West Virginia, 9-3
              24. LSU, 7-4
              25. Boise State, 10-3


              BOWL PROJECTIONS

              For all the marbles, #2 Tulane is in prime position to play for the BCS National Championship in Pasadena, CA. But with SEC Champ #3 Missouri right behind them, will the pollsters give the nod to the undefeated American Athletic Conference champ, or the 1-loss SEC champ with a "better strength of schedule?" Winner likely faces Pac-12 Champ #1 Oregon.


              THE AMERICAN STANDINGS

              ** 5 teams going bowling!!!

              1. Tulane, 12-0 (9-0)
              2. South Florida, 7-5 (6-3)
              3. Houston, 9-3 (6-3)
              4. SMU, 6-6 (5-4)
              5. UConn, 5-7 (4-5)
              6. Cincinnati, 6-6 (4-5)
              7. Temple, 4-8 (3-6)
              8. Central Florida, 4-8 (3-6)
              9. East Carolina, 4-8 (3-6)
              10. Memphis, 2-10 (2-7)


              HEISMAN WATCH

              In one of the closest Heisman Trophy votes in history, Syracuse HB Kris Washington has won the 82nd Heisman Memorial Trophy.

              Tulane QB Bryan Higgins finished 2nd in the voting.

              Official Vote: (1st place votes, 2nd place, 3rd place - Total votes)

              1. Kris Washington, HB, Syracuse (268, 222, 179 - 1427)
              2. Bryan Higgins, QB, Tulane (204, 226, 186 - 1250)
              3. John Mitchell, QB, Missouri (201, 208, 183 - 1202)
              4. Demario Stallings, HB, Army (72, 79, 149 - 523)
              5. Wallace Wright, QB, Clemson (36, 36, 59 - 239)
              Who Dey!
              O-H-I-O!
              March With US.



              Dynasty Stops:
              1. Tulane Green Wave
              2. UAB Blazers
              3. Wichita State Shockers



              Xbox Live Gamertag: Dr HAM 101 (friend me/message me!)

              Comment

              • kswgrad2012
                MVP
                • Aug 2013
                • 1609

                #382
                Re: Tulane Football: "From Worst to First"

                Higgins wins Maxwell Award

                Charlie Smith takes home Jim Thorpe Award



                Tulane QB Bryan Higgins


                It may not be the Heisman Trophy, but QB Bryan Higgins brings home this year's Maxwell Award, making him one of the nation's best players for the 2017 season. Higgins wins the award after leading the Tulane Green Wave to a 12-0 record (the second in school history) and on the doorstep of the BCS National Championship. Higgins finished the regular season with nearly 1600 yards passing, over 1600 yards rushing, and 34 touchdowns overall. Those numbers make him one of the best single-season dual-threat quarterbacks of all time, as only 5 other QBs in NCAA history have thrown & rushed for over 1500 yards apiece. His ten 100-yard rushing performances are also the single-season most all-time for a QB (previously held by Northern Illinois' Jordan Lynch). He hopes to increase his gaudy numbers with a big performance in a BCS bowl game. Higgins is 165 rushing yards away from breaking the all-time record for rushing yards in a season by a QB (1817, also held by Lynch).



                Tulane CB Charlie Smith


                CB Charlie Smith took home this year's Jim Thorpe Award, for the nation's best defensive back. Despite playing on, statistically, the 2nd-worst pass defense in FBS, Smith was a shutdown corner for most of the season, giving up only 3 touchdowns, while nabbing 7 interceptions from the air. The ball-hawking Smith also had 7 pass deflections and another 10 passes defended, in addition to a forced fumble, fumble recovery and touchdown. Smith's skills on defense will be needed in Tulane's bowl game, as the Green Wave will likely matchup with one of the nation's best receiving corps in the Oregon Ducks. His skills on special teams also go unnoticed, averaging nearly 30 yards per kick return. He will definitely be counted on this bowl season, as Tulane will likely kick off this January in without-a-doubt "the biggest game in school history."
                Who Dey!
                O-H-I-O!
                March With US.



                Dynasty Stops:
                1. Tulane Green Wave
                2. UAB Blazers
                3. Wichita State Shockers



                Xbox Live Gamertag: Dr HAM 101 (friend me/message me!)

                Comment

                • kswgrad2012
                  MVP
                  • Aug 2013
                  • 1609

                  #383
                  Re: Tulane Football: "From Worst to First"

                  The Ultimate Cinderella Story

                  2nd-ranked Wave face Top-ranked Ducks for National Title




                  #2#1


                  In what may be one of the most unexpected BCS National Championship matchups ever, the top-ranked Pac-12 champ Oregon Ducks will match up against the #2 Tulane Green Wave (winners of the American Athletic Conference) in this year's BCS National Championship Game. Tulane busts onto the BCS scene after posting an undefeated 12-0 mark in regular season play, which included marquee wins over then-ranked Stanford and 9-3 conference foe Houston. The Ducks enter the matchup after winning the Pac-12 Chanpionship over #8 USC, and posting a 12-1 record. It figures to be a mismatch on paper, but both teams are much closer than one would think. Both teams run similar styles of offense: Oregon with more speed, Tulane with more power. The Ducks average 80 yards more per game than Tulane in the passing game, but the Green Wave boast the nation's best rushing attack. Both defenses expect to get torched in this one, but they do get takeaways. Takeaways may be a key factor in the game.

                  For Oregon, a win would give them their 3rd national title in school history; for Tulane it would be their first. For a team that struggled to win four games last season, Tulane is looking to complete one of the ultimate turnaround stories in NCAA history. For a program stuck in mediocrity for decades, trying to reclaim old-world glory, a win here would be the ultimate. But is a win in the cards?

                  Stay tuned to find out.
                  Last edited by kswgrad2012; 09-15-2014, 10:09 PM.
                  Who Dey!
                  O-H-I-O!
                  March With US.



                  Dynasty Stops:
                  1. Tulane Green Wave
                  2. UAB Blazers
                  3. Wichita State Shockers



                  Xbox Live Gamertag: Dr HAM 101 (friend me/message me!)

                  Comment

                  • kswgrad2012
                    MVP
                    • Aug 2013
                    • 1609

                    #384
                    Re: Tulane Football: "From Worst to First"

                    Well, this figures to be an interesting game.


                    Tulane's Ratings: 91/91/86

                    Oregon's Ratings: 99/99/99


                    No doubt about it. We're playing the best team in the country.
                    Last edited by kswgrad2012; 09-15-2014, 10:13 PM.
                    Who Dey!
                    O-H-I-O!
                    March With US.



                    Dynasty Stops:
                    1. Tulane Green Wave
                    2. UAB Blazers
                    3. Wichita State Shockers



                    Xbox Live Gamertag: Dr HAM 101 (friend me/message me!)

                    Comment

                    • kswgrad2012
                      MVP
                      • Aug 2013
                      • 1609

                      #385
                      Re: Tulane Football: "From Worst to First"

                      ACC "Serious" About Tulane




                      With Tulane's recent success on the football field, power conferences have been sending administrators to New Orleans to discuss possible admission. No conference has sent more representation than the ACC. The ACC announced today that it is "serious" about Tulane University and that it is strongly considering extending an offer of admission to the school. Commissioner John Swofford spoke today at a BCS Association luncheon about the school.


                      John Swofford: "Well obviously I can't say too much about that right now. But the ACC constantly looks to strengthen its brand as an athletics conference and academic consortium. Tulane is a fine school, with academics that rival current ACC members. It's something we'll think about, if we feel it's best for us."


                      An admission to the ACC would put Tulane among some of the best institutions in the nation. Duke, North Carolina, the University of Virginia. Even Tulane's "academic peer" Miami is right nearby. Academically they fit right in; athletically they have some work to do. The Men's Basketball program was rocked by a cheating scandal last year that saw the team banned from postseason action for the next two years, as well as the dismissal of two football players. The program has struggled since and head coach Ed Conroy may be without a job soon. Tulane baseball is good but many other athletic programs rarely see success. That being said, if the football program contunies making strides the ACC would love to add them to their ranks. A win in this year's BCS National Championship could only help those chances.
                      Who Dey!
                      O-H-I-O!
                      March With US.



                      Dynasty Stops:
                      1. Tulane Green Wave
                      2. UAB Blazers
                      3. Wichita State Shockers



                      Xbox Live Gamertag: Dr HAM 101 (friend me/message me!)

                      Comment

                      • kswgrad2012
                        MVP
                        • Aug 2013
                        • 1609

                        #386
                        Re: Tulane Football: "From Worst to First"

                        Big 12 Strongly Considering Expansion




                        With the news of the ACC considering adding Tulane to its ranks, the Big 12 Conference has felt the need to return to 12 members. The Big 12 currently sits as the only power conference to not have a conference championship game. But with the other conferences sitting at 12 or 14 members the league feels the need to keep up. Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby also spoke at the the BCS Association luncheon about his conference's membership.


                        Bob Bowlsby: "We've been monitoring the situation closely and will act accordingly if needed. Obviously we'd love to have a school like Tulane in our conference. It would increase our academic stature and extend our footprint. But we will make the moves that are best for the Big 12 Conference. There are other schools out there to consider."


                        Yes there are other schools out there to consider. Like BYU for instance. BYU has competed as an FBS independent since leaving the Mountain West Conference in 2011. While the school has obtained success on the gridiron (like appearing in this year's Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, for example), the school hasn't achieved the national prominence it has hoped for. Obviously a move to a power conference could help in that regard. Other schools like Cincinnati and Central Florida also come to mind. Cincinnati has achieved moderate success as a member of the American Athletic Conference, and would bring a sizeable footprint to a power conference if invited. While not a sexy pick, the Bearcats could hold their own in a new league. UCF would also bring a large footprint to the Big 12, but their success in spots lately has been dismal. The football team has struggled since the days of QB Blake Bortles, and their basketball has never been hugely successful. A UCF invite would also likely have to include an invite to partner school South Florida. Still, it would put the Big 12 right in the heart of SEC recruiting grounds.

                        While conference realignment isn't imminent at this point, it's hard to think the Big 12 would want to stay at TEN teams forever.
                        Last edited by kswgrad2012; 09-21-2014, 06:07 PM.
                        Who Dey!
                        O-H-I-O!
                        March With US.



                        Dynasty Stops:
                        1. Tulane Green Wave
                        2. UAB Blazers
                        3. Wichita State Shockers



                        Xbox Live Gamertag: Dr HAM 101 (friend me/message me!)

                        Comment

                        • kswgrad2012
                          MVP
                          • Aug 2013
                          • 1609

                          #387
                          Re: Tulane Football: "From Worst to First"

                          2017 Bowl Season


                          New Mexico Bowl: San Diego State (6-5) vs. Bowling Green (6-5)

                          Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Kent State (6-6) vs. #12 Army (11-1)

                          New Orleans Bowl: Florida Atlantic (10-2) vs. Texas State (7-5)

                          Beef O'Brady's Bowl: Tulsa (8-3) vs. SMU (6-6)**

                          Poinsettia Bowl: Minnesota (6-6) vs. UNLV (10-2)

                          Las Vegas Bowl: Colorado (7-5) vs. #25 Boise State (10-3)

                          Hawai'i Bowl: Navy (7-5) vs. Nevada (6-6)

                          Independence Bowl: Fresno State (9-3) vs. Virginia Tech (7-5)

                          Little Caesars Pizza Bowl: Illinois (6-5) vs. Ohio (8-4)

                          Belk Bowl: #13 Louisville (9-3) vs. USF (7-5)**

                          Military Bowl: Akron (6-6) vs. Wake Forest (6-6)

                          Holiday Bowl: TCU (6-6) vs. Arizona State (7-5)

                          Alamo Bowl: Oklahoma State (8-4) vs. Stanford (8-4)

                          Russell Athletic Bowl: Notre Dame (6-6) vs. #20 Miami (FL) (10-3)

                          Insight Bowl: Texas (7-5) vs. Penn State (8-4)

                          Music City Bowl: Auburn (6-5) vs. Georgia Tech (7-5)

                          Sun Bowl: #22 Cal (8-3) vs. #18 Syracuse (9-3)

                          Armed Forces Bowl: North Texas (6-5) vs. Hawai'i (8-4)

                          AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Houston (9-3)** vs. #17 Southern Miss (11-2)

                          Meineke Car Care Bowl: Michigan (8-4) vs. Baylor (6-6)

                          Chick-fil-A Bowl: #24 LSU (7-4) vs. #19 NC State (9-3)

                          Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl: North Carolina (6-6) vs. Washington (6-6)

                          Outback Bowl: Tennessee (8-4) vs. #16 Wisconsin (8-3)

                          Capital One Bowl: #11 Georgia (9-2) vs. #15 Nebraska (11-2)

                          Gator Bowl: #14 Florida (8-4) vs. #10 Iowa (8-3)

                          Heart Of Dallas Bowl: Rice (9-3) vs. Michigan State (6-6)

                          Rose Bowl: Ohio State (7-5) vs. #4 Kansas State (11-1)

                          Allstate Sugar Bowl: #8 Oklahoma (11-1) vs. #3 Missouri (12-1)

                          Discover Orange Bowl: #5 Clemson (12-1) vs. #6 Miami (OH) (12-1)

                          Tostitos Fiesta Bowl: #7 BYU (11-1) vs. #9 USC (11-2)


                          AT&T Cotton Bowl: Alabama (8-5) vs. #23 West Virginia (9-3)

                          BBVA Compass Bowl: Cincinnati (6-6)** vs. Arkansas (7-5)

                          GoDaddy.com Bowl: #21 Toledo (9-3) vs. Troy (9-3)


                          BCS National Championship: #2 Tulane (12-0)** vs. #1 Oregon (12-1)



                          ** = American Athletic Conference member
                          Who Dey!
                          O-H-I-O!
                          March With US.



                          Dynasty Stops:
                          1. Tulane Green Wave
                          2. UAB Blazers
                          3. Wichita State Shockers



                          Xbox Live Gamertag: Dr HAM 101 (friend me/message me!)

                          Comment

                          • kswgrad2012
                            MVP
                            • Aug 2013
                            • 1609

                            #388
                            Re: Tulane Football: "From Worst to First"

                            For All The Marbles...



                            Matchup Preview *|* January 8, 2018
                            @
                            #2 Tulane Green Wave
                            (12-0, 9-0 American, Away)
                            #1 Oregon Ducks
                            (12-1, 9-1 Pac-12, Home)
                            Offensive Stats Comparison
                            40.1 (#3)Points Per Game43.2 (#1)
                            464.5 (#7)Total Offensive Yards507.3 (#1)
                            326.4 (#2)Rushing Yards301.4 (#7)
                            37Rushing TD40
                            138.1 (#112)Passing Yards205.8 (#45)
                            19Passing TD31
                            42-27-10Red Zone TD-FG79-55-13
                            86%Red Zone Percentage86%
                            Defensive Stats Comparison
                            19.6Points Allowed15.9
                            351.0 (#30)Total Yards Allowed306.0 (#5)
                            85.5 (#1)Rushing Yards Allowed155.8 (#10)
                            265.4 (#123)Passing Yards Allowed150.8 (#15)
                            30Sacks23
                            25Interceptions18
                            29-20-2Red Zone TD-FG28-21-3
                            75%Red Zone Percentage85%
                            Injury Report
                            HB Shawn Henry
                            Strained shoulder (Probable)
                            LT Ryan Edwards
                            Broken wrist (Out for season)
                            Game Notes
                            GAME NOTES POSTED BELOW.



                            For a team riddled in controversy at the start of last season, the 2016 Tulane Green Wave did not at all have the banner year they were hoping for. Key returning starters on offense & defense (most notably QB Devin Powell), the Green Wave seemed poised for a breakout season. Instead, defensive ineptitude and offensive inconsistency lead to a disappointing 4-8 finish, just the second losing season in Kaelyn Willingham's era as head coach. Many felt the program was moving sideways, headed nowhere big anytime soon. Then the 2017 football season began...

                            With a new trigger man at QB in Bryan Higgins, many believed the 2017 season would be a rebuild year for Tulane. Moving away from a power runner in Devin Powell to a more Spread-based attack with Bryan wouldn't be an overnight feat. Yet this team had a lot of resolve. They rallied around their new quarterback, and he would go on to have one of the more prolific season performances in school history. Racking up over 3000 yards and over 30 TDs in total, the Green Wave would have one of its most dangerous offenses ever. Not since the Rich Rodriguez era as OC did a Tulane squad rack up as many all-purpose yards & points as this year's team did. And now they'll be put to the test, as they face without-a-doubt their toughest opponent all season. The #1 Oregon Ducks bring a lot to the table, on both sides of the ball. And it will be up to the Green Wave squad to play a perfect game if they want to have a chance at this one.


                            LET'S LOOK BACK AT HOW THE TEAM GOT HERE.

                            Tulane rolled through its early schedule, with wins over Louisiana Tech and Central Florida. A trip to #13 Stanford would be an early test, but the team handled business. A 27-10 win in Palo Alto would knock the 13th-ranked Cardinal out of the Top 25. Then AAC play got underway and the Green Wave steamrolled through their next five opponents. Winning by an average margin of 42-17, the Green Wave would jump out to a quick 8-0 record, 6-0 in conference play. All without a single Bye week. SMU would come to town for Homecoming Week and provide quite a game for Tulane. Jumping out to a 17-10 lead at the half, Tulane would need a huge second half to knock off the upset-minded Mustangs. Sitting at 9-0 their last three games would all be tough ones. With Cincinnati & East Carolina trying to gain bowl eligibility, the Green Wave would have a target on their backs the rest of the way. Winning all three games (including a victory over the ACC's Boston College) would set them up with a 12-0 record, the second in school history, and a great shot at a BCS bowl game.

                            Ahead of the Wave were some feisty teams in power conferences, including a few mid-majors having banner years. Kansas State & Oklahoma would fight all the way for the Big 12 crown, while Nebraska & Clemson seemed to be cruising through their respective conferences. But both would suffer untimely losses, vaulting a surging Tulane team up the polls. The MAC's Miami (OH) would surge all the way to the #1 ranking surprisingly, and only needed a win in the MAC Championship game to seal their BCS fate. But upset-minded Toledo would steal the show, steal the win, and ruin the RedHawks' chances at completing the ultimate Cinderella season. #4 Missouri would knock off Alabama in the SEC Championship Game, but the win was not enough to overcome the dominant Pac-12 champ Oregon, or the undefeated Tulane team. The Ducks & Green Wave now meet in Pasadena, in college football's ultimate showdown.


                            TALE OF THE TAPE

                            When Tulane runs...

                            Tulane's running game is one of the best in the nation, second only to the Hawai'i Warriors of the Mountain West. The two-headed backfield of Bryan Higgins and Josh Williams has been quite the headache for coaches this season. In every game Tulane's played this season at least one of them had 100 rushing yards, some games both of them accomplishing the feat. Bryan Higgins has had two 200-yard games himself, and looks to provide match-up problems for any defense he faces. But the Oregon Front 7 is massive, with LB Thomas Ware leading the team with 12 tackles for loss. The Oregon D has the speed & athleticism to get at it, so Tulane may have to rely on their passing game more in this one.

                            When Tulane passes...

                            Tulane does not throw the ball often in their offense, preferring to pound away with the running game. But when they do throw the ball they have been effective. Higgins leads the nation with a 186.9 efficiency rating, and has tossed 18 touchdowns to only 2 interceptions all season. While he's only thrown for just under 1600 yards, when he does throw he often looks through the middle. Tulane loves to run short curl routes, slant patterns and screen plays to the RBs; but with Oregon's athleticism in the secondary they might have to mix it up a bit. Take some shots down-field, show the Ducks they're not afraid to throw the ball. They have some big physical receivers in Justin Fountain and Aaron Gandy, along with a nice slot-man in Jason Eaton; they mustn't be afraid of using them if they want to win this game.

                            When Oregon runs...

                            Oregon also boasts one of the nation's best rushing attacks, led by HB Nate Gutierrez and QB Shaun Rucker. Gutierrez filled in for All-American RB Junior Hall, who was lost early in the year with a shoulder injury, and filled in well. The redshirt junior ran for over 2000 yards and nearly 20 TDs, with Shaun Rucker spelling him for over 800 yards & 7 TDs. The Ducks expect Junior Hall to be healthy enough to play in the championship game, so expect their running game to go 3- or 4-deep. In doing so they will have to face Tulane's top-ranked rush defense.

                            When Oregon passes...

                            Rucker has been very efficient at the QB position, throwing for 30 touchdowns with just 5 interceptions. While the Ducks have more pass attempts & yards than the Green Wave, they too prefer to lean on their ground game. What bodes well for Oregon is that Tulane brings forth a pass defense ranked 123 out of 123. Not gonna cut it if you're a Green Wave fan. While Tulane CB and Jim Thorpe Award winner Charlie Smith will provide a presence in the secondary, the Tulane defense will have to play perfect assignment football if they want to neutralize Oregon's hurry-up offense. While those styles of play are common in the American Athletic Conference, those teams have not at all prepared Tulane for the behemoth Oregon brings to the table. Oregon doesn't throw it often, but when they do Tulane better be ready. Thankfully for them they lead the nation in interceptions with 25.


                            PREDICTIONS

                            For Tulane to win this game they will have to play flawless. While the game looks closer on paper, this match-up screams your typical David vs. Goliath storyline. Run the ball, throw with effectiveness, take chances, mix it up. That should be Tulane's game-plan in this one. Don't let the Ducks have the ball much in this one. Oregon is the best team in the country, and they are so for a reason. For the Ducks, they shouldn't sleep on Tulane. While the Green Wave aren't the team many expected they'd face, the Wave do have the horses to keep up in this one. Whether they have enough horses will be key. They should do what they've been doing, limit mistakes, and keep Tulane on their toes throughout the duration. Do that and they may have a W.

                            It's fairly close to call, but the depth & athleticism of Oregon may be the key in this game. Oregon 35, Tulane 24.


                            Tulane's Ratings: 91/91/86
                            Oregon's Ratings: 99/99/99


                            Location: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
                            Kickoff: 8:30 EST
                            Broadcast: ESPN, ESPN3.com, WatchESPN app, ESPN Radio

                            Kirk Herbstreit picks: TULANE





                            Last edited by kswgrad2012; 09-22-2014, 01:09 PM.
                            Who Dey!
                            O-H-I-O!
                            March With US.



                            Dynasty Stops:
                            1. Tulane Green Wave
                            2. UAB Blazers
                            3. Wichita State Shockers



                            Xbox Live Gamertag: Dr HAM 101 (friend me/message me!)

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                            • kswgrad2012
                              MVP
                              • Aug 2013
                              • 1609

                              #389
                              Re: Tulane Football: "From Worst to First"

                              So I was away on vacation the past few days. Tried to get Championship Game updates posted beforehand but I couldn't get the game pics to upload to ImageShack. So until I get that fixed the Championship Game post won't have photos. Working on it right now.
                              Who Dey!
                              O-H-I-O!
                              March With US.



                              Dynasty Stops:
                              1. Tulane Green Wave
                              2. UAB Blazers
                              3. Wichita State Shockers



                              Xbox Live Gamertag: Dr HAM 101 (friend me/message me!)

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                              • kswgrad2012
                                MVP
                                • Aug 2013
                                • 1609

                                #390
                                Re: Tulane Football: "From Worst to First"

                                Cinderella's Shoe Fits

                                Tulane dominates Mighty Ducks to win 1st National Title




                                Although the score may indicate a seven-point victory for the Green Wave, Tulane's performance in the BCS National Championship was far more domineering than that. The high-flying Oregon Ducks came into the game as heavy favorites, and put up one of the more disappointing performances in Championship Game history. A high-powered offense was held to merely 278 yards of offense, 100 of which came on one play (a touchdown run by RB Junior Hall). The Ducks were also held to a season-low 54 passing yards, the lowest the team has ever achieved under head coach Chip Kelly.

                                As for the Green Wave, they put on a masterful performance. The team planned to open up the playbook, and did so a little. A 4th-and-Short decision on their side of midfield worked in their favor, regaining momentum and allowing the team to run for over 300 yards, the most Oregon has allowed all season. Bryan Higgins contributed 102 of those rushing yards himself, and only needed 89 yards in the air to keep the Ducks defense guessing. As a whole it was one of Tulane's better offensive performances of the season. And it was surprisingly easy.



                                Jason Harper with the first-quarter INT.



                                Senior DT Bobby Moyer with the sack on Ducks QB Shaun Rucker.


                                We begin in the first, where the Ducks would receive the ball after winning the coin toss. The Ducks would move the ball well early in the draft, but passing midfield would it for that, as the drive stalls and they punted. Tulane would receive its first possession in without-a-doubt the biggest game in school history, and almost scored the game's opening TD. Bryan Higgins would find TE Marshall Brown open in the flat, but the senior would fumble the ball after being contacted, and their early momentum would end with an Oregon recovery. Zach McGee would tack on a FG with 3:47 left in the quarter, and Tulane would lead 3-0 after one. Things seemed to be going the Green Wave's way early, as Oregon would be held to 2 three-and-outs & an INT early going, but with the ball at the 1-yard-line Ducks RB Junior Hall would change all that. Lined up in the I-Form (a rarity for Oregon), Hall would find the hole in the seam and bust it for 100 yards. One of the longest plays in NCAA history, Hall would give the Ducks a 7-3 lead early in the second. It wouldn't take long for the Green Wave to respond, as Bryan Higgins would lead the troops down-field before scoring himself on a 4-yd scamper (his 17th of the season). The Green Wave would tack on another Zach McGee FG as time expired in the half, and would take a 13-7 lead in the locker room.


                                Coach Kaelyn Willingham: "We did a good job holding them in check in the first half. Outside of that busted running play they didn't do nothin' on us. But we can't let the gas up. We gotta stay forceful, and make them respect our defense."


                                That would be Tulane coach Kaelyn Willingham's message to his players at halftime. Not wanting his players to let up he wanted them to keep attacking. Oregon was held to just 118 yards of offense in the first half, all on the ground. That's right, the Ducks managed to have ZERO net passing yards in the half, the first time that's ever happened in the Chip Kelly era AND in a BCS bowl game. And they only ran 13 plays on offense.



                                Tulane thought it had Oregon snuffed out when Zach McGee's punt went out at their one.



                                But Oregon RB Junior Hall would have the last laugh, taking the run 100 yards to the house and giving the Ducks the lead.


                                The second half would be more of the same for the Green Wave. Power running game and total control defense as Oregon would be on the ropes continuously. The Ducks would tack on two FGs while senior FB Fred Roach would punch it in from a yard out, giving Tulane a 20-13 lead after three. The Ducks would finally gain some offense in the fourth quarter, finally finding themselves on the positive end of passing yards, and also converting their first 3rd Down of the game (they had gone 0-6 in the previous 3 quarters). After a Josh Williams score made it two possessions QB Shaun Rucker would finally get in a rhythm with his receivers. Finding HB Nate Gutierrez in the back of the endzone would pull it to 27-20, but Oregon would fail to recover the ensuing onside kick. Tulane would run out the remaining 2:30 on the clock, en route to winning its first-ever football national title.


                                Tulane Green Wave at Oregon Ducks
                                Jan 8, 20181ST2ND3RD4THOTSCORE
                                #2 Tulane Green Wave (13-0, 9-0 American)31077-27
                                #1 Oregon Ducks (12-2, 9-1 Pac-12)0767-20
                                Team Stats Comparison
                                TULNORE
                                Total Offense417278
                                Rushing Yards328224
                                Passing Yards8954
                                First Downs207
                                Punt Return Yards1912
                                Kick Return Yards2097
                                Total Yards456387
                                Turnovers21
                                3rd Down Converstion8/12 (66%)1/7 (14%)
                                4th Down Conversion1/1 (100%)0/0
                                2-Point Conversion0/00/0
                                Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals6-3-1 (66%)3-1-2 (100%)
                                Penalties2-201-15
                                Posession Time26:599:01
                                Scoring Summary
                                FIRST QUARTER SCORINGTULNORE
                                3:47(TULN) Z. McGee, 45 yd FG30
                                SECOND QUARTER SCORINGTULNORE
                                8:13(ORE) J. Hall, 100 yd TD run (XP)37
                                2:48(TULN) B. Higgins, 4 yd TD run (XP)107
                                0:00(TULN) Z. McGee, 20 yd FG137
                                THIRD QUARTER SCORINGTULNORE
                                6:38(ORE) S. McCollum, 31 yd FG1310
                                1:21(TULN) F. Roach, 0 yd TD run (XP)2010
                                0:00(ORE) S. McCollum, 38 yd FG2013
                                FOURTH QUARTER SCORINGTULNORE
                                4:22(TULN) J. Williams, 2 yd TD run (XP)2713
                                2:35(ORE) S. Rucker, 8 yd TD pass to N. Gutierrez (XP)2720
                                Tulane Green Wave
                                PASSINGC/AYDSTDINT
                                Bryan Higgins10/168901
                                RUSHINGATTYDSAVGTD
                                Josh Williams19804.21
                                Bryan Higgins181025.61
                                Shawn Henry7314.40
                                Fred Roach6366.01
                                Justin Fountain17979.00
                                RECEIVINGRECYDSAVGTD
                                Jason Eaton33010.00
                                Josh Williams3186.00
                                Marshall Brown22512.50
                                Corey Brown199.00
                                Aaron Gandy177.00
                                BLOCKINGPANCAKESACK
                                Brandon Palmer80
                                Clint West70
                                Nick Bradley61
                                Fred Roach50
                                Jeff Smith31
                                DEFENSETACKSACKINTTD
                                Bruce McDaniel71.000
                                Ross Fowler70.000
                                Fred Arnold, Charlie Smith50.000
                                Todd Carter, Tony Parker, Terrence Thomas30.000
                                Shaun Powers20.000
                                Bobby Moyer11.000
                                Jason Harper10.010
                                5 tied10.000
                                KICKINGFGXPPTSLONG
                                Zach McGee2/23/3945
                                PUNTINGNOYDSAVGIN20
                                Zach McGee28542.51
                                KICK RETURNRETYDSAVGTD
                                Shawn Henry12020.00
                                PUNT RETURNRETYDSAVGTD
                                Shawn Henry3196.30
                                Oregon Ducks
                                PASSINGC/AYDSTDINT
                                Shaun Rucker6/95411
                                RUSHINGATTYDSAVGTD
                                Junior Hall1417112.21
                                Shaun Rucker9475.20
                                Joe Dennis133.00
                                Claude Tidwell133.00
                                RECEIVINGRECYDSAVGTD
                                Junior Hall2-1-0.50
                                Willie Johnson12626.00
                                Claude Tidwell12020.00
                                Nate Gutierrez188.01
                                Nathan McCall111.00
                                BLOCKINGPANCAKESACK
                                Andrew Harrison, Colby Tyree20
                                4 tied10
                                Tim Williams11
                                DEFENSETACKSACKINTTD
                                Rashad Mack150.000
                                Jeremiah Dobzinski90.000
                                Eric Butler80.00`0
                                Ali Kilpatrick72.000
                                D.J. Brown71.000
                                Lee Richardson60.000
                                Aaron Morris50.000
                                Kerry Adams40.010
                                Will McDuffie, Thomas Ware, Thomas West40.000
                                Aaron Brown30.000
                                Brent Chase, Justin Neal, Colby Tyree20.000
                                4 tied10.000
                                KICKINGFGXPPTSLONG
                                Scott McCollum2/22/2839
                                PUNTINGNOYDSAVGIN20
                                Ken Whitmore418145.20
                                KICK RETURNRETYDSAVGTD
                                Junior Hall36822.60
                                Nate Gutierrez12929.00
                                PUNT RETURNRETYDSAVGTD
                                Junior Hall11212.00



                                The Ducks were held to a mere 278 total yards of offense, including an astonishing 54 yards passing. They also managed to muster only 7 first downs and just 9:01 possession time. They also ran only 37 plays, one of which accounted for nearly a third of their total offensive output. For the Green Wave, the win marks their first National Championship in school history. It is also the first time that a mid-major school wins the BCS National Title. For a team that did not expect at all to finish undefeated, let alone win a BCS Title, a 13-0 final record is plenty joyful. It is also the first time a Tulane football team wins 13 games in a single season.


                                Coach Willingham: "I'm just so proud of our guys tonight. I'm happy for our players, our school, and most importantly our fans. We did something really special tonight. Nobody ever thought that Tulane University could win a football national championship. And I can't wait to repeat. That's right, I said it."



                                Justin Fountain taking an option play 79 yards.



                                Bryan Higgins' 4-yd TD run.




                                Players celebrating the win.



                                Coach Kaelyn Willingham being presented the AFCA Coaches Trophy, aka "the Crystal Ball."
                                Last edited by kswgrad2012; 10-02-2014, 09:41 PM.
                                Who Dey!
                                O-H-I-O!
                                March With US.



                                Dynasty Stops:
                                1. Tulane Green Wave
                                2. UAB Blazers
                                3. Wichita State Shockers



                                Xbox Live Gamertag: Dr HAM 101 (friend me/message me!)

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