Coach Geezy in the Big Easy: Our City, Our Team | Part II - The Golden Age of Tulane

[Deegeezy]

Man...even with how good Bama was I was still expecting, somehow for Tulane to come out on top...hopefully you guys can use the loss as motivation the rest of the year, good luck!


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Thanks Bookwork...I knew this would be a tough opponent for us, especially without RB Tony Tompkins available. The losses on this video game definitely provide motivation, but this was a real punch in the gut because I really thought this team was special.

Couldn't agree more. That's two in a row now for Alabama versus us in Tuscaloosa. All of a sudden, our inability to win in Tuscaloosa is "a thing."

That was a rough one. Back to the drawing board.

I've been wondering about your sliders. You seem to give up a lot of sacks. Granted, you were playing the best defense in the country and didn't do much in the way of running the ball, but nine is still a *ton.*

Anyway, one-game season every week the rest of the way. I'm sure Coach Geezy will have the Green Wave playing loose now. The worst is behind you. Gotta take this adversity and do something with it.

Unfortunate about this being part of the punctuation for Allen's career. But I have every faith the squad will rebound.

All of my sliders are listed on this post from the front page: Dynasty Rules & Settings

CPU Pass rush is currently at 60. We are giving up a slightly above average number of sacks, but I am okay with that for two reasons - 1.) It provides a nice handicap for me versus the naturally inferior CPU and 2.) it's not like I am starting a ton of studs up front on my offensive line

My current offensive line's ratings -

LT Kyle Gray SO 82
LG Jeremiah Andrews SR-RS 90
C Peter Brooks JR-RS 77
RG Jay Bonner SR 94
RT Matt Cole JR 76

As you can see, there are some clear weak or "so-so" spots on that line, and that in effect should result in some subpar outings throughout the season, especially against a DL full of NFL caliber studs like Alabama that had us playing one dimensional football most of the game.

Really hate to see Bryce Allen go out this way but as I've mentioned before, from a dynasty reporter's standpoint, I like that not every story has a happy ending. That said, hopefully we can rebound and in the season on a high note.

Still though, it is disappointing for Allen and for this senior class as a whole (WR Jason Mason, WR Brandon McInyte, etc.), as they were the #2 recruiting class in the country back in 2021, and they're now leaving New Orleans with only 1 SEC title ring and no national title rings.

Damn. Tough to lose. I was holding out hope for y'all

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Thanks for the support. Always tough to lose but the losses are what keep us motivated and coming back.

Just a tough game all the way around. Deuce got his revenge and look to be everything that he was advertised to be. It was a little surreal (cool and upsetting) to see him in the 'Bama jersey.

When you can't compete in the trenches though you are not going to knock off a program like Alabama who has that much talent. The offensive and defensive lines were porous (to put it mildly) and the ground game was virtually non-existent. Allen didn't play a bad game for just returning and spending most of the game in the dirt.

Hang in there man, as another said the worst is behind you. You stack together a few more wins here and you could play yourself into a very nice bowl bid and send the seniors out with a good end to the season.

On a sidenote, nice story telling bit there were with Lance Moore. Have we been introduced to him before and I am just forgetting it?

Also could it be time to give Coach Kelly a call....hmmm...

It was indeed surreal playing against Deuce, especially seeing him doing all kinds of moves like hurdling, juking, and spinning past defenders the way I would. The whole time I was thinking to myself "what could have been." We very well could have another national title ring by now if he hadn't left.

You're 100% right in your assessment with the lines. Right now, Bama has us beaten soundly in that department. Their talent level is just a couple of notches above us and our misses in recruiting over the past few years are really starting to bite us. We just haven't been able to pull in the same type of studs we had become accustomed to during the Reggie Moore/Jamie Manning era, and as a result, we aren't piling up the jewelry like we used to (which you know deep down I actually like).

There's a slim chance of us getting into a BCS bowl if we win out and get some help. We need to finish in the top 14 and also have Florida end up behind us in the final BCS standings, which isn't impossible.

No, I never mentioned Reggie's cousin before. Honestly, I just kind of thought of it on the fly. I did need to highlight the year he's having however - I have never seen a CPU team have a player with "video game stats" like that, and for it to be a former 3-star player is just amazing.

As for Coach Kelly, that ship has probably sailed for now. A lot can change between now and the end of the season though - I didn't know I'd be firing Steve Ellis until the final few games of the year last year. That said, I probably wouldn't move on from Dunbar after just one year. I've seen enough positives to keep him around, but we have got to figure out how to stop the run.

This. 100 times this. It just didn't feel right.

Anyways, it's tough and frustrating to see Tulane continuing in this funk of national mediocrity. I'm thankful we can't blame Bryce for this loss (despite the two picks I thought he played heroically all things considered), but just tough to see all the way around.

With Bama winning too, the national scene looks even more crowded... all those undefeated teams remaining. Obviously there's still a lot of season to go, but I'm predicting some angry fans come Selection Sunday. I enjoy this no room for error types of seasons, but it's sure as hell going to suck if we see an unbeaten team not get a shot at the Natty.

Lastly.. football just runs in the Moore family man... wow. Looking forward to seeing Lance push for the Heisman.

You said it, we are absolutely in some down years right now. Back when I started this project, I never would have guessed that it would take me just as long to win a national title as it did back when I first started Part I with the default Tulane roster. It took me until year 7 to win back then, and here we are, moving past year 6 of this sequel dynasty with not a single national title. All things considered though, as I constantly mention, I love it that this game has naturally produced some down years for me.

There is quite a finish brewing at the top of the BCS. There will be at least 2 or 3 upset teams that get screwed by the time it is all said and done. I haven't highlighted the BCS Standings yet, but right now, it's USC vs Alabama for the national title, which I actually think is the right choice. The Trojans actually got screwed last year, going undefeated and not getting a shot to defend their national title won the year before. They actually came just a few first place votes in the media poll from splitting the national title,
and I could see a similar scenario playing out this year with the right set of circumstances.

Man, Bama is just surreal. Also, I know we downplay their schedule, but unless I did the quick math wrong, their opponent's W/L record coming into the game with Tulane was 51-33. That's like facing a 7-5 team every game, so not that bad.

But man, a bunch of baaaaad dudes on that team. I'll be interested in how many kids get drafted this year from their roster. Hope you keep note of that for us at the end of the season!

I agree with Guru and Cheese. I know he transferred a while ago and we were all sad/mad that he left, but it felt SO different seeing Deuce in those pictures.

Alabama is just an absolute machine. Their defensive backfield was especially impressive. We had a lot of trouble finding holes to throw into, and only scored that one TD due to a busted coverage by one of their young slot corners. I am not going to miss going against CB Quinton Bentley, CB Lewis Jones, and FS Derek Rutledge in particular, 3 players that I was very close to acquiring a few years back before they ultimately chose Bama.

I look forward to Deuce's return to the dome next season. We really owe him a few "remember me" shots the next time we face him, and this time, he will more than likely be their starting RB.

Devastating loss, more so for what it represents. There go title hopes, both SEC and National. It wasn't truly expected this season, as the team has been so back and forth with performance. There's just a few pieces missing.

Hopefully Geezy can keep these guys motivated for the last few games. They may slack off with that "nothing to play for" feeling, but there is still an outside chance at a New Years Six, if not a strong and prestigious bowl game otherwise. Snag a few more wins, and carry that momentum onto the recruiting trail into next year.

I actually thought we were primed to win it all this year. I even wrote an article about it in anticipation of this being the year we finally break through and get back to the title game - Return of the Green Wave

Agree, we need to finish the year on a high note. We have a few seniors that I'd like to see go out strong and there's also some individual player stat goals I'd like to accomplish. As I stated above, we still have a chance at a BCS Bowl, and that certainly also provides us some motivation.

Damn that Bama team is/was nasty! Hard to swallow that one with it being that important for the season. Circle that game vs them next season will be another jugernaught of a game.

No doubt, pretty much every game against them these days goes down to the wire. They've truly become our top rival and top competitor in recent years. It's amazing that they don't have more SEC or national titles than they have, but I have a feeling that that's about to change for them this year.

Thanks for checking in all...this was a tough loss, but the good news is that the losses bring even more motivation to continue this thing, which is nowhere near close to completion.

[Deegeezy]

#4 ALABAMA, #7 FLORIDA CLINCH SEC DIVISION TITLES, WILL FACE OFF IN SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME FOR THE SECOND TIME IN THREE SEASONS

Crimson Tide continues its roll with impressive 62-24 victory at rowdy LSU | Gators chomp South Carolina 20-3 at Gainsville, now eyeing a third straight Southeastern Conference title | #1 USC holds off 21-point fourth quarter rally to outlast Washington 40-31 | #9 TCU embarrasses #25 Utah 50-0, set to face #11 Boise St. with Mountain West crown on the line | Chaotic scenario continues to brew at the top of the polls with several undefeated teams still remaining

Scores/Standings - through week 11

2024 NCAA Football Rankings - Coaches Poll
RK	LW	TEAM (VOTES)	W	L	POINTS
1	1	USC (34)	9	0	1498
2	2	Ohio St. (23)	9	0	1445
3	3	Michigan (2)	9	0	1398
4	4	Alabama (1)	10	0	1381
5	5	Georgia Tech (1)	10	0	1188
6	6	Texas	9	0	1157
7	7	Florida	9	1	950
8	8	West Virginia	9	1	919
9	10	Southern Miss	10	0	880
10	9	TCU	8	1	869
11	11	Boise St.	7	1	798
12	12	Oregon	7	2	740
13	15	Troy	9	0	723
14	13	Texas A&M	8	1	711
15	14	Penn St.	7	2	681
16	16	Notre Dame	6	2	589
17	17	Tulane	7	2	555
18	18	Rutgers	7	1	527
19	19	Fresno St.	9	1	504
20	21	Nevada	7	2	418
21	22	Oklahoma	7	3	380
22	23	Navy	7	2	418
23	24	Michigan St.	7	2	321
24	20	Cincinnati	5	3	230
25	NR	Florida St.	7	2	143

Others receiving votes - Utah (119), Auburn (111), LSU (68), Central Michigan (51), Missouri (36), Houston (36), South Carolina (13)

Notable Week 11 Scores

#17 Tulane (7-2)
BYE

#3 Michigan (9-0) -- 56
Minnesota (3-6) -- 7

#20 Cincinnati (5-3) -- 21
#8 West Virginia (9-1) -- 31

#4 Alabama (10-0) -- 62
LSU (6-3) -- 24

#1 USC (9-0) -- 40
Washington (5-5) -- 31

UTEP (6-4) -- 10
#10 Southern Miss (10-0) -- 28

#6 Texas (9-0) -- 31
Kansas (4-6) -- 3

#2 Ohio St. (9-0) -- 45
Northwestern (6-3) -- 14

#25 Utah (7-2) -- 0
#9 TCU (8-1) -- 50

South Carolina (7-3) -- 3
#7 Florida (9-1) -- 20

Virginia (2-7) -- 7
#5 Georgia Tech (10-0) -- 23



Notable Week 12 Games

Arkansas (5-4)
#17 Tulane (7-2)

#11 Boise St. (7-1)
#10 TCU (8-1)

#2 Ohio St. (9-0)
Illinois (5-4)

Northwestern (6-3)
#3 Michigan (9-0)

#8 West Virginia (7-1)
Arkansas St. (6-3)

Auburn (7-3)
#4 Alabama (10-0)

Wake Forest (3-7)
#5 Georgia Tech (10-0)

#6 Texas (9-0)
Kent St. (1-8)

Oregon St. (5-3)
#1 USC (9-0)

#9 Southern Miss (10-0)
Memphis (4-5)

__________________________________________________





Scores/Standings - through week 11

SEC East Division Standings
TEAM	REC	PCT	CONF	PF	PA	STRK
x-#7 Florida	9-1	.900	7-1	356	145	W3
South Carolina	7-3	.700	5-3	293	193	L2
Georgia	6-4	.600	4-4	277	200	L1
Tennessee	5-5	.500	1-5	223	236	W1
Kentucky	4-6	.400	1-6	221	310	W1
Vanderbilt	3-7	.300	0-7	155	290	L4

SEC West Division Standings
TEAM	REC	PCT	CONF	PF	PA	STRK
x-#4 Alabama	10-0	1.000	7-0	496	78	W10
#17 Tulane	7-2	.770	4-2	290	200	L1
Auburn	7-3	.700	4-3	344	213	W4
LSU	6-3	.660	3-3	339	216	L1
Arkansas	5-4	.550	3-3	241	205	W2
Ole Miss	5-4	.550	2-4	224	249	L2

x - clinched division title and will play in SEC Championship Game in December

Week 11 SEC Scoreboard

#17 Tulane (7-2)
BYE

Ole Miss (5-3) -- 22
Auburn (4-4) -- 34

Georgia (6-3) -- 24
Auburn (6-3) -- 34

#4 Alabama (9-0) -- 62
LSU (6-2) -- 24

Vanderbilt (3-6) -- 21
Kentucky (3-6) -- 42

South Carolina (7-2) -- 3
#7 Florida (8-1) -- 20


Week 12 SEC Schedule

Arkansas (5-4)
#17 Tulane (7-2)

Auburn (7-3)
#4 Alabama (10-0)

Tennessee (5-5)
Vanderbilt (3-7)

Ole Miss (5-4)
LSU (6-3)


-

[Deegeezy]

Sunday, November 3, 2024

CB Antonio Knox, CB Aaron Robinson, FS Pierre Smith

TULANE ONCE AGAIN LOSES OUT ON TOP DEFENSIVE BACK RECRUITING TARGETS
CB Antonio Knox chooses Green Wave rival Southern Miss while CB Aaron Robinson and FS Pierre Smith choose Arkansas and Penn St., respectively | Trio of defenders that visited Tulane campus in week 3 just the newest entries on a growing list of recruiting misses by head coach D. Geezy's squad | 3-star WR Troy Larson the latest signing for a Wave recruiting class heavy on junior college transfers

Report by Eve Jewell, TulaneInsider.com

2025 Tulane Green Wave Recruiting Class - signings through regular season week 11







Top Targets Signed Elsewhere









Click here to view 2024 Tulane Green Wave Roster

[nofx94]

Re: Coach Geezy in the Big Easy: Our City, Our Team | Part II - The Golden Age of Tul

At least those kids (mostly) aren't in your backyard. It sucks to lose the best Louisiana talent to LSU but it's also realistic. I hope you can finish up the class well.

That TCU Utah scoreline reminds me a bit of the real life 2010 matchup. They were both top 10 squads but TCU was up 21-0 in no time.

Best of luck against Arkansas. You've got it!

[Deegeezy]

At least those kids (mostly) aren't in your backyard. It sucks to lose the best Louisiana talent to LSU but it's also realistic. I hope you can finish up the class well.

That TCU Utah scoreline reminds me a bit of the real life 2010 matchup. They were both top 10 squads but TCU was up 21-0 in no time.

Best of luck against Arkansas. You've got it!

Thanks brother.

I'm not sure what's been the deal lately, but we just can't seem to get it together anymore in recruiting. We used to pull in the best players with ease, and now, our roster is starting to look more and more "average."

Of all the players I was sad to miss out on, I'd say missing out on the two cornerbacks, Antonio Knox and Aaron Robinson, hurts the most, especially since both went to spots where we'll have to play against them every year, versus Southern Miss and Arkansas, respectively. We were once DB University, but we just can't seem to land that star player back there anymore.

I really wanted that QB Rob Mason as well; sucks that we'll have to deal with him the next four seasons at LSU, a team who seems to be back on the come-up and currently has the #8 recruiting class in the nation (Tulane is #19).

[nofx94]

Re: Coach Geezy in the Big Easy: Our City, Our Team | Part II - The Golden Age of Tul

It is really inconvenient. And it's not like the PS2 days where you could adjust your budget to make up for it.

Realistic ebbs and flows are good, though. You'll be back in the championship picture in no time.

[Deegeezy]

It is really inconvenient. And it's not like the PS2 days where you could adjust your budget to make up for it.

Realistic ebbs and flows are good, though. You'll be back in the championship picture in no time.

Agree...the natural down years have really brought life to the dynasty for me. In the past, I usually stop playing dynasties after winning a national title or two, so it's been enlightening to know that the road doesn't stay easy if you keep playing beyond that. I also like that recruiting has been as difficult as it has been, as that's what helps create the type of ebb and flow you're talking about.

[Deegeezy]

Game 10, Year 15 Preview (2024 season): Arkansas Razorbacks at #17 Tulane Green Wave

GAME 10 PREVIEW

Courtesy







Latest Line (courtesy Bovada - Las Vegas):


....................7 1/2....................

2023 - LEFT: Redshirt QB Obi Clemons threw a career-high 4 touchdown passes during last year's win. | RIGHT: RB Tony Tompkins finished the game with 159 yards from scrimmage and 3 touchdowns.

Last Meeting: Then-#8 Tulane erased a 24-10 first half deficit, outscoring unranked Arkansas 31-0 the rest of the way en route to a decisive 41-24 victory last season in frigid Fayetville. Redshirt sophomore QB Obi Clemons threw 4 touchdown passes and no interceptions while RB Tony Tompkins accounted for 252 all-purpose yards and 3 touchdowns as the Green Wave improved their record to 8-2 on the year.

2022 - Then-sophomore FS LeCharles Smith Jr. stripped Arkansas RB Dane Yates of the football and former Wave DE Jonathan Schultz recovered it and returned it 51 yards for a touchdown. The fumble return touchdown was Schultz's second in 3 games and ended up being the game's deciding points.

Last Meeting at Venue: Just like each of their previous two meetings, Tulane and Arkansas played a very tight battle, but in the end the #1 ranked Green Wave made just enough plays to hold off the #9 ranked Razorbacks' upset bid, winning 20-17 two seasons ago at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. In a game which saw the Wave score only one offensive touchdown, a 73-yard opening-possession hookup from QB Bryce Allen to former Tulane RB Deuce Monroe, the Green Wave defense stepped up when needed most. Former Wave DE Jonathan Schultz's fourth quarter 51-yard fumble return touchdown made the score 20-10, helping his team win despite giving up 151 rushing yards to Arkansas RB Dane Yates, including a 64-yard fourth quarter touchdown with 3:18 remaining which created the game's final margin.

Starting Lineups/Key Players:





* - IMPACT player

Click here to view 2024 Tulane Green Wave Roster





Injuries:


:

None



:

12-QB Bryce Allen (sr) - 94 ovr: torn shoulder, questionable
5-RB Tony Tompkins (jr) - 80 ovr: torn shoulder, out 5 to 7 weeks




Schedules/Results:

.

[Knickerbocker91]

Re: Game 10, Year 15 Preview (2024 season): Arkansas Razorbacks at #17 Tulane Green W

Based on ratings, looks like Tulane shouldn't have much difficulty with this one. But Arkansas has played them tough in the past, and currently their QB Fowlkes has the advantage of being more efficient.

[nofx94]

Re: Coach Geezy in the Big Easy: Our City, Our Team | Part II - The Golden Age of Tul

Couple thoughts
1- how did Orlando Daniels end up as LB/S/NK? I was initially going to ask if he was just a really fast linebacker in the 4-3, but I'm presuming you looked at their depth chart and he's also at nickel

2-looking at your schedule, this season is a success by nearly any definition. A lot of times, one tries to get a difficult schedule and the preseason ranked teams don't finish in the top 25. you played some hitters. Gave Boise, TCU, and in-conference Florida their only loss. Gave ND one of two so far. Even that unfortunate loss to Auburn was a sign that they're playing the whole season over their head.

Good luck against Arkansas

[young22]

Re: Coach Geezy in the Big Easy: Our City, Our Team | Part II - The Golden Age of Tul

Good luck with the game, should be a win. But how is Orlando Daniels LB/S/Nickel? Did you make formation subs for them, or does the cpu make them?

#SWARM: A Westlake State Dynasty

http://forums.operationsports.com/fo...d.php?t=911560

[SilverBullet19]

Re: Coach Geezy in the Big Easy: Our City, Our Team | Part II - The Golden Age of Tul

I like the match ups when it comes to your WR's vs their CB's. It could be a very strong outing for McIntyre and Mason for sure, especially against Graham. At 84 speed, that guy has slow feet to be working outside like that and could get beat deep. I would be working to match up either guy against him, and if its man...jet route. Their front seven match yours decently so running game could be hit or miss.

On another note, I never noticed how weak our secondary is. I'm assuming you use a lot of zone lol.

[Deegeezy]

Based on ratings, looks like Tulane shouldn't have much difficulty with this one. But Arkansas has played them tough in the past, and currently their QB Fowlkes has the advantage of being more efficient.

After what happened back in the Auburn game, I no longer play the ratings game. Truth is, if any team with a pulse gets momentum rolling, they're hard to stop - which is the way it should be, especially in the SEC.

They have a good enough QB and competent weapons around him to make this a game if we come out flat. They typically play us close, so I expect a good, hard fought game here.

Couple thoughts
1- how did Orlando Daniels end up as LB/S/NK? I was initially going to ask if he was just a really fast linebacker in the 4-3, but I'm presuming you looked at their depth chart and he's also at nickel

2-looking at your schedule, this season is a success by nearly any definition. A lot of times, one tries to get a difficult schedule and the preseason ranked teams don't finish in the top 25. you played some hitters. Gave Boise, TCU, and in-conference Florida their only loss. Gave ND one of two so far. Even that unfortunate loss to Auburn was a sign that they're playing the whole season over their head.

Good luck against Arkansas

Good luck with the game, should be a win. But how is Orlando Daniels LB/S/Nickel? Did you make formation subs for them, or does the cpu make them?

#SWARM: A Westlake State Dynasty

http://forums.operationsports.com/fo...d.php?t=911560

One of several practices I have before each and every season to ensure competitive balance is I look at all of my opponent's depth charts, and if I see some easy-to-make obvious improvements, I'll create a coach and make the changes. Orlando is one of the changes I made. He was listed as a backup LB, starting nickel, backup safety, and starting return man on the initial depth chart but was already their starting nickel. The LB he was behind was rated significantly lower than him, so I decided to make the switch and make him an all-around hybrid player. At 6-3, 220 pounds and big time speed, he's quite the specimen.

nofx, as to your second point...you're absolutely right. Thanks for giving me some perspective there as I never even looked at it that way. If we can finish the year strong, I'll call it a decent year. I probably made my schedule a little too tough, but that's kind of by design to keep things challenging.

I can't say this season is a "success" though, only because these days, Tulane comes into every year with three goals, and we failed at all three - 1.) go undefeated, 2.) win the SEC, 3.) win a national title.....maybe we can salvage things by sneaking into a BCS Bowl, even though it is probably a longshot.

I am disappointed that we couldn't win a national title with this group of seniors, who came in as the #2 rated recruiting class years ago, but it has been a fun run. Not every story gets to have a happy ending in this game though.

I like the match ups when it comes to your WR's vs their CB's. It could be a very strong outing for McIntyre and Mason for sure, especially against Graham. At 84 speed, that guy has slow feet to be working outside like that and could get beat deep. I would be working to match up either guy against him, and if its man...jet route. Their front seven match yours decently so running game could be hit or miss.

On another note, I never noticed how weak our secondary is. I'm assuming you use a lot of zone lol.

Yeah I plan to try to expose Graham in coverage and also try to get the 6-6 freshman Adam Lawson singled up against their dime corner McGuire downfield. I really want to see both McIntyre and Mason close out their careers with a bang, and with Tompkins out, we'll probably see Bryce Allen airing it out the majority of the time as this season winds down. These are my last four games with those three players, so I plan to really crank up their usage.

And yes, my secondary is indeed weak. We have had some tough luck with recruiting DBs the past several years. We had a run from about 2015-2020 where we were hauling in stud corners and safeties every year, but lately we have been in a drought. We keep coming close, but keep losing out on big time defensive backs; Arkansas CB Josh Ramsey is one of them (we came in second place for his services). Our roster has certainly regressed, but I like it and it keeps things interesting.

Thanks peeps...after taking a couple of weeks to recover from the Bama loss, it's now time to turn on the XBOX and get things back on track . Happy Labor Day weekend my friends!

[Deegeezy]

Game 10, Year 15 (2024 season): Arkansas Razorbacks at #17 Tulane Green Wave

N/R 41 -- 6-4 (4-3)
#17 38 -- 7-3 (4-3)

Tulane QB Bryce Allen may very well have played his final game as a member of the Green Wave as he suffered what head coach D. Geezy described as an injury to the abdominal area early in the fourth quarter. Geezy indicated the team will determine the severity of the injury later in the week after tests.

Tulane's descent into mediocrity continues with 41-38 upset loss at home to unranked Arkansas | Ill-timed turnovers, missed field goals, and yet another injury to QB Allen derails Green Wave | Razorbacks RB Collins accounts for 3 touchdowns, helps hand Wave a rare second loss within the same season at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome | After backup QB Clemons suffers concussion, team likely to turn back to freshman QB McBride versus Ole Miss on a short week

New Orleans, LA -- Perhaps it was the rustiness following a bye week or perhaps the team was still reeling following a loss to Alabama that eliminated them from SEC title contention the week before. Or perhaps it was senior QB Bryce Allen exiting the playing field early in the fourth quarter with yet another injury. No matter the excuse, in the end, the result was a devastating 41-38 upset loss to Arkansas Saturday afternoon at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Razorbacks junior RB Josh Collins stole the show, carrying the ball 25 times for 123 yards and 3 touchdowns, as his team handed Tulane its second home loss of the season, something that has not happened since 2013, when the Wave lost three games at home during its final year as a member of Conference USA.

Tulane's inability to stop the run this season continued on Saturday as Arkansas RB Josh Collins finished with 123 yards and 3 touchdowns.

The game got off to a fantastic start for the Green Wave. Junior MLB Sean Williams' 54-yard interception return for a touchdown less than two minutes into the game gave his team an early 7-0 lead. Williams, a New Orleans native and St. Augustine High School alum, is the nation's leading tackler this year with 92 stops, and his second career touchdown gave the Wave a huge shot of momentum. Or so they thought.

After Arkansas took its ensuing possession on a 10-play 81-yard drive that ended with a touchdown pass from QB Calvin Fowlkes to WR Troy Bray to tie the game, Tulane answered right back with a touchdown of its own.

The early back-and-forth was an omen for things to come for the entire first half, as the two teams traded blows, including an 80-yard touchdown pass by Allen to senior WR Jason Mason that gave the Wave a 24-17 lead just before halftime. The touchdown was Allen's second of the game, as he completed a 56-yard touchdown earlier in the game to true freshman WR Adam Lawson...more on Lawson later

After getting a quick three-and-out and a 34-yard punt return by DB Jonathan Smith that set his team up with possession at the Razorbacks 31-yard line with 0:05 remaining until the halftime break, the Wave had an opportunity to increase its lead before heading to the locker room. However, sophomore PK Aaron Larson was unable to connect on a 48-yard field goal as time expired in the second quarter, missing the kick wide right. It was Larson's second miss of the half, as he also hooked a 46-yarder with 4:08 to go in the second.

"I thought we had a chance to take control there, and I think that kind of deflated us while also giving Arkansas some momentum and hope," said Tulane head coach D. Geezy.

"We have got to make our placekicks, especially from within 50 yards, or we will find someone who can."

Larson's poor end to the first half was probably the first sign that things were about to turn ugly for the Green Wave.

Smith's fumble at the tail-end of a -9 yard punt return midway through the third quarter was recovered by Razorbacks safety Tyler Pierre deep in Tulane territory. The Razorbacks would cash it in with a 22-yard field goal by PK Josh Hunt that cut their deficit to 24-20.

Following an interception by Arkansas DE John Wallace on a poorly thrown receiver screen by Allen, the visiting team took its first lead of the game when Collins scored from 1-yard away to give his team a 27-24 lead with just over a minute to go in the third quarter.

Early in the fourth quarter, more disaster struck for the Green Wave, and sadly it was a sight most Wave fans in attendance were used to seeing. After taking a hard hit from DT Lamarr Garrison on a short pass completion, Allen stayed down on the Superdome turf in pain and was unable to return. Already playing through a shoulder injury which had held him out most of his senior season, Allen exited the game and would not return. Geezy indicated after the game that the injury was to Allen's abdomen area, but more information on the injury would be available later in the week after tests. Unfortunately, the wheels quickly came off for the Green Wave following their senior signal caller's departure.

Backup QB Obi Clemons, the team's starter during Allen's absence, threw an ill-advised option pitch near his own goal line which resulted in Arkansas DB Orlando Daniels stepping in front of RB Michael Brown Jr. and picking it off, setting the Razorbacks up with possession at the Wave 4-yard line. The play would result in Clemons suffering a concussion that forced him to exit as well, and one play later, Collins' third touchdown of the game, this one from 4 yards out, increased the Arkansas lead to 34-24.

Two plays after taking over for an injured Bryce Allen, QB Obi Clemons lasted just one play. With the Wave backed up near their own goal line, Arkansas all-purpose defender Orlando Daniels stepped in front of this errant option pitch for a turnover, and Clemons exited the game with a concussion.

Now down to their third quarterback, Tulane turned to redshirt freshman QB Jimmy McBride, who started 5 games earlier in the season while Allen was hurt before being benched in favor of Clemons following a poor outing. McBride's first pass of the day would be an interception to Pierre, and led to the Razorbacks blowing the game wide open when Fowlkes connected with TE Josh Pope for a 2-yard touchdown that made the score 41-24 with 4:44 remaining. Fowlkes finished the game with 220 passing yards and 2 touchdowns.

All 24 of Arkansas second half points were the direct result of turnovers that set them up with possessions deep in Tulane territory.

"The turnovers just snowballed on us and our inability to run the ball once again bit us in the rear. We'd have liked to be able to protect our backup quarterbacks with a sound run game but couldn't," said Tulane offensive coordinator Curtis Byrd, whose offensive unit was without star RB Tony Tompkins, who suffered a likely season-ending shoulder injury three weeks ago during a 34-15 win over Kentucky.

6-6 true freshman WR Adam Lawson once again gave Tulane some hope for its future, showing off his 4.32 speed while hauling in 10 receptions for a school record 275 yards and 3 touchdowns.

McBride would make amends for his early mistake however and nearly pulled off a miracle comeback with under five minutes to play. The North Carolina native's 46-yard touchdown completion to Lawson made the score 41-31 with 3:39 to go.

Then, after his team's defense forced a fumble on Arkansas' next possession with under two minutes remaining, McBride's 55-yard touchdown pass to Lawson made it a three point game at 41-38 with just under a minute to go. Lawson, a 4-star recruit from Breaux Bridge, Louisiana last season and the team's projected #1 receiver next year, finished the game with 10 receptions for a school record 275 yards and 3 touchdowns. His 745 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns are both team-highs and perhaps gives Tulane coaching staff hope for the future.

Unfortunately, McBride and Lawson's heroics would end right there however, as their team's onside kick attempt would get recovered by Arkansas senior FB John Woodard, clinching the Wave's third loss of the season and their first loss to Arkansas since 2019, when they fell to the Razorbacks 62-27 in Fayetville.

"I'm not going to make excuses. The injuries to me don't matter; we should be better than this," said Geezy, who has only two years remaining on his contract and perhaps may be starting to feel some heat from critics following the upset loss.

"I refuse to let this train continue to derail and I promise you we will get this thing fixed. We have a few games left this season, and we will use them to get better and hopefully get some momentum heading into next year. This program has come too far for stuff like this to happen. It's unacceptable and it's disappointing."

Tulane (7-3) will have a short turnaround as they will travel to face Ole Miss (5-5) on Thursday night at Oxford, where game-time temperatures are expected to dip into the mid-30s. The Green Wave defeated the Rebels 42-38 on a last second acrobatic touchdown reception by Mason last season at the the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, a game in which the Wave erase a 38-14 halftime deficit.

In a sight that's becoming all-too-familiar for Tulane fans, the Green Wave walked off the field in disappointment once again.

Box Score

Arkansas Razorbacks at Tulane Green Wave
	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Arkansas Razorbacks 6-4 (4-3)	14	3	10	14	41
#17 Tulane Green Wave 7-3 (4-3)	14	10	0	14	38

1st

: 54 yd INT return TD by Williams (Larson kick) 7:15 -- 7-0
: 2 yd TD pass from Fowlkes to Bray (Hunt kick) 4:11 -- 7-7
: 56 yd TD pass from Allen to Lawson (Larson kick) 2:45 -- 14-7
: 16 yd TD run by Collins (Hunt kick) 1:13 -- 14-14

2nd

: 38 yd FG by Larson 7:29 -- 17-14
: 51 yd FG by Hunt 0:50 -- 17-17
: 80 yd TD pass from Allen to Mason (Larson kick) 0:37 -- 24-17

3rd

: 22 yd FG by Hunt 3:48 -- 24-20
: 1 yd TD run by Collins (Hunt kick) 1:28 -- 24-27

4th

: 4 yd TD run by Collins (Hunt kick) 6:26 -- 24-34
: 2 yd TD pass from Fowlkes to Pope (Hunt kick) 4:44 -- 24-41
: 46 yd TD pass from McBride to Lawson (Larson kick) 3:39 -- 31-41
: 55 yd TD pass from McBride to Lawson (Larson kick) 0:52 -- 38-41

Game Statistics


#17 Tulane

Click here to view 2024 Tulane Green Wave Roster

[size=1]
* - IMPACT Player
[U]
Passing                            RATING  COMP  ATT  YDS  TD  INT [/U]
12-QB  Bryce Allen(sr)              171.8   20    32  338   2   1
 8-QB  Obi Clemons(rs-jr)           146.5    1     2   23   0   0 
 2-QB  Jimmy McBride (rs-fr)        200.2    4    10  136   2   1
[U]
Rushing                            ATT  YDS  TD [/U]
10-RB  Michael Brown Jr.(fr)         3   11   0
 2-QB  Jimmy McBride (rs-fr)         3   22   0
12-QB  Bryce Allen(sr)               3   10   0
28-RB  Paul Ryan(rs-jr)              3    7   0
 8-QB  Obi Clemons (rs-jr)           2  -11   0 (1 fumble lost)
27-RB  Greg Pierce(rs-sr)            1    2   0
[U]
Receiving                          REC  YDS  TD [/U]
13-WR  Adam Lawson(fr)              10  275   3
10-RB  Michael Brown Jr.(fr)         5   23   0
 6-WR  *Brandon McIntyre(sr)         4   85   0 (3 pr, -8 yds)
11-WR  *Jason Mason(sr)              4   97   1 (8 kr, 169 yds)
 1-TE  Ronnie Parsons(jr)            1   12   0
22-FB  J.J. Williams(fr)             1    5   0
[U]
Defensive Leaders                  TAK  SOLO  AST  TFL  SCK  INT [/U]
 9-OLB Sean Williamson(fr)           9    7    2    1    0    0
56-MLB Sean Williams(jr)             9    7    2    0    0    1 (1 td)
 4-SS  Jonathan Smith(jr)            4    1    3    2    0    0 (2 pr, 25 yds, 1 fumble lost)
48-CB  Jamaal Green(rs-jr)           2    2    0    1    1    0
[u]
Kicking                            FG MADE FG ATT LONG  MISSED  XP MADE XP ATT [/U]
49-PK  Aaron Larson(so)              1       3     38   46, 48    5       5  

[B][U]Tulane Key Team Stats:[/U][/B]
Total Offensive Yards: 538
Rushing Totals: 15 att 41 yds 0 tds
Sacks Allowed: 3
3rd down conversions: 6-12 (50%)
4th down conversions: 0-1 (0%)
Offensive Turnovers: 3
Penalties: 2 for 15 yards
[/size]

Arkansas

[size=1]
* - IMPACT Player
[U]
Passing                            RATING  COMP  ATT  YDS  TD  INT [/U]
18-QB  *Calvin Fowlkes(sr)          135.5   23    34  220   2   1
[U]
Rushing                            ATT  YDS  TD [/U]
26-RB  Josh Collins(jr)             25  123   3 (1 kr, 19 yds)
18-QB  *Calvin Fowlkes(sr)           5  -14   0
19-RB  Courtney Gilmore(rs-fr)       5   33   0
87-WR  Adrian Washington(sr)         1   -3   0
38-FB  John Woodard(sr)              1   11   0
[U]
Receiving                          REC  YDS  TD [/U]
10-WR  *Troy Bray(jr)                5   95   1
26-RB  Josh Collins(jr)              5   19   0
12-WR  Albert Woodard(sr)            4   49   0
88-TE  Josh Pope(rs-sr)              3   13   1
38-FB  John Woodard(sr)              2   13   0
87-WR  Adrian Washington(sr)         1    8   0
[U]
Defensive Leaders                  TAK  SOLO  AST  TFL  SCK  INT [/U]
41-CB  Josh Ramsey(so)               8    8    0    0    0    0
22-FS  *Tyler Pierre(sr)             7    4    3    0    0    1 (1 fr)
 1-LB/S Orlando Daniels(sr)          5    3    2    0    0    0 (1 fr | 2 kr, 38 yds | 1 pr, 1 yd)
59-LE  Jonathan Townsend(jr)         4    4    0    2    2    0
 8-RE  John Wallace(fr)              3    0    3    0    0    1
93-DT  Ricky Freeman(so)             1    1    0    1    1    0
[u]
Kicking                            FG MADE FG ATT LONG  MISSED  XP MADE XP ATT [/U]
 2-PK  John Hunt(rs-jr)              2       2     52     n/a     5       5

[B][U]Arkansas Key Team Stats:[/U][/B]
Total Offensive Yards: 370
Rushing Totals: 37 att 150 yds 3 tds
Sacks Allowed: 1
3rd down conversions: 7-15 (46%)
4th down conversions: 0-0 (0%)
Offensive Turnovers: 2
Penalties: 2 for 15 yards
[/size]

2024 Tulane Green Wave Schedule/Results

[SIZE=1]
                                                                     
Opponent (record)            Result        Tulane Player of the Game             -Record-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
at #15 Boise St. (7-2)       W 27-10       DB Smith 19 tk 1 sk 1 ff 1 int 1 td   1-0 (0-0)
at #10 TCU  (9-1)            W 28-23       QB McBride 22-31 259 yds 2 total tds  2-0 (0-0)
vs #14 Notre Dame (7-2)      W 59-34       RB Tompkins 476 total yds 3 rush tds  3-0 (0-0)
at LSU (7-3)                 W 49-21       WR Mason 6 rec 169 yds 2 tds          4-0 (1-0)
at Vanderbilt (3-8)          W 35-10       LB Williamson 9 tk 5 tfl 3 sk         5-0 (2-0)
vs Auburn (7-4)              L 24-47       QB Clemons 255 total yds 3 pass tds   5-1 (2-1)  
vs #7 Florida (9-1)          W 24-20       RB Brown Jr. 6 rec 155 yds 1 td       6-1 (3-1)
vs Kentucky (5-6)            W 34-15       RB Pierce 12 car 103 yds 1 td         7-1 (4-1)
at #4 Alabama (11-0)         L 10-20       WR Lawson 5 rec 160 yds 1 td          7-2 (4-2)     
vs #25 Arkansas (6-4)        L 38-41       WR Lawson 10 rec 275 yds 3 tds        7-3 (4-3)
at Ole Miss (5-5)
vs #8 Southern Miss (11-0)
[/SIZE]

Next Game:



#24 7-3 (4-3) at 5-5 (2-5)

Photo Gallery

Senior WR Brandon McIntyre (#6) and his teammates, clad in all-white, prepare to take the field.




Wave junior MLB Sean Williams continued his incredible 2024 season, getting a pick-six early in the game that gave his team an early 7-0 advantage.




Razorbacks DT Ricky Freeman, a player Tulane recruited in 2022, came up with this sack of QB Bryce Allen in the first half.




WR Adam Lawson played the game of his life, here using his 6-6 frame to out-leap overmatched Razorbacks CB Brad Graham for a catch-and-run 56-yard touchdown in the first half.




Arkansas senior QB Calvin Fowlkes took what the defense gave him all afternoon and ended the day with 220 passing yards and 2 touchdowns.




Due to an oblique injury, Saturday was likely Tulane QB Bryce Allen's final appearance at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, pending test results this week.




Arkansas junior RB Josh Collins gashed the Green Wave defense for 123 yards and 3 touchdowns, including this diving 1-yard score that gave the Razorbacks its first lead of the game at 27-24 late in the third quarter.




True freshman WR Adam Lawson continued his second half of the season tear, hauling in 10 receptions for a school record 275 yards and 3 touchdowns, besting former Wave WR Jerome McIntosh's 1989 school record of 271 yards.




Wave OLB Chuckie Coley's walks back to the locker room dejected after his team lost for the second time within the same season at home for the first time since 2013.

.

[Deegeezy]

IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THIS

After an uneventful week 4 amongst the remaining undefeated teams, week 13 slate could provide at least SOME clarity to muddied BCS picture | #1 USC to host red-hot Notre Dame in L.A., #3 Michigan and #2 Ohio St. set for possible national title play-in game next week at The Shoe | QB Matthews' late TD pass to WR Rodgers with 2:47 remaining hands #10 TCU 27-24 win over #11 Boise St. and 2024 Mountain West crown

Scores/Standings - through week 12

2024 NCAA Football Rankings - BCS Rankings
RK	LW	TEAM (VOTES)	W	L	POINTS
1	1	USC (35)	10	0	1499
2	2	Ohio St. (24)	10	0	1465
3	3	Michigan (1)	10	0	1404
4	4	Alabama (1)	11	0	1358
5	5	Georgia Tech	11	0	1210
6	6	Texas	10	0	1179
7	7	Florida	9	1	967
8	9	Southern Miss	11	0	954
9	8	West Virginia	10	1	938
10	10	TCU	9	1	870
11	13	Troy	10	0	781
12	12	Oregon	8	2	769
13	14	Texas A&M	8	1	687
14	16	Notre Dame	7	2	604
15	11	Boise St.	7	2	589
16	18	Rutgers	7	1	538
17	19	Fresno St.	9	1	504
18	20	Nevada	7	2	460
19	21	Oklahoma	8	3	433
20	22	Navy	10	1	401
21	23	Michigan St.	8	2	360
22	24	Cincinnati	6	3	318
23	25	Florida St.	8	2	294
24	17	Tulane	7	3	250
25	NR	Arkansas	6	4	200

Others receiving votes - LSU (193), Central Michigan (169), Missouri (139), Penn St. (113), South Carolina (85), Texas Tech (59), UCLA (19)

Notable Week 12 Scores

Arkansas (6-4) -- 41
#17 Tulane (7-3) -- 38

#11 Boise St. (7-2) -- 24
#10 TCU (9-1) -- 27

#2 Ohio St. (10-0) -- 30
Illinois (5-5) -- 6

Northwestern (6-4) -- 7
#3 Michigan (10-0) -- 30

#8 West Virginia (8-1) -- 52
Arkansas St. (6-4) -- 7

Auburn (7-4) -- 7
#4 Alabama (11-0) -- 45

Wake Forest (3-8) -- 7
#5 Georgia Tech (11-0) -- 26

#6 Texas (10-0) --32
Kent St. (1-9) -- 0

Oregon St. (5-4) -- 10
#1 USC (10-0) -- 41

#9 Southern Miss (11-0) -- 43
Memphis (4-6) -- 14

Indiana (3-6) -- 29
#15 Penn St. (7-3) -- 22


Notable Week 13 Games

#16 Rutgers (7-1)
#22 Cincinnati (6-3)

#13 Texas A&M (8-1)
#6 Texas (10-0)

#3 Michigan (10-0)
#2 Ohio St. (10-0)

#4 Alabama (11-0)
Duke (7-3)

#11 Troy (10-0)
#19 Oklahoma (8-3)

#14 Notre Dame (7-2)
#1 USC (10-0)

#7 Florida (9-1)
#23 Florida St. (8-2)

__________________________________________________





Scores/Standings - through week 12

SEC East Division Standings
TEAM	REC	PCT	CONF	PF	PA	STRK
x-#7 Florida	9-1	.900	7-1	356	145	W3
South Carolina	8-3	.720	5-3	316	213	W1
Georgia	7-4	.630	4-4	318	200	W1
Tennessee	6-5	.540	2-5	258	246	W2
Kentucky	5-6	.450	1-6	245	331	W2
Vanderbilt	3-8	.270	0-8	165	325	L5

SEC West Division Standings
TEAM	REC	PCT	CONF	PF	PA	STRK
x-#4 Alabama	11-0	1.000	8-0	541	85	W11
#25 Arkansas	6-4	.600	4-3	282	243	W3
#24 Tulane	7-3	.700	4-3	328	241	L2
LSU	7-3	.700	4-3	364	237	W1
Auburn	7-4	.630	4-4	351	258	L1
Ole Miss	5-5	.500	2-5	245	274	L3

x - clinched division title and will play in SEC Championship Game in December

Week 12 SEC Scoreboard

Arkansas (5-4) -- 41
#17 Tulane (7-2) -- 38

Auburn (7-3) -- 7
#4 Alabama (10-0) -- 45

Tennessee (5-5) -- 35
Vanderbilt (3-7) -- 10

Ole Miss (5-4) -- 21
LSU (6-3) -- 25


Week 13 SEC Schedule

#24 Tulane (7-3)
Ole Miss (5-5)

LSU (7-3)
#25 Arkansas (6-4)

Kentucky (5-6)
Tennessee (6-5)


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