Tulane-Charlotte: keys to victory for the Green Wave | tulane

November 1, 2024 Vaseline blog 0

Tulane-Charlotte: keys to victory for the Green Wave | tulane

1. SHOW UP READY

The potential for a letdown is real for Tulane, which is facing its second road game in six days and playing an opponent with a losing record after winning the first one against a more dangerous team on paper. Earlier this week, coach Jon Sumrall told his players the game would be on ESPN rather than being relegated to one of the network’s lesser channels after dodgeball or before pingpong. It was a good line, but the Wave needs to take it to heart rather than relaxing and assuming a victory.

2. PRESSURE THE QB

Charlotte freshman Deshawn Purdie is raw, but he can sling it. His long ball set up a late, game-winning touchdown against Rice, and another late deep strike nearly allowed the 49ers to upset Memphis on the road. Those big plays take time to develop, though. If he is the starter as expected, Tulane’s pass rush can force him to make quicker decisions and check down to secondary receivers. That’s not his strength, and so far this year he has been no running threat. Pressure will produce negative plays.

3. HAND IT TO HUGHES

This one is good to go every week. Unless Charlotte sells out to stop running back Makhi Hughes, which no one in the AAC has tried yet, look for another big day from the league’s leading rusher. The 49ers allow 184.3 yards rushing per game, ranking 110th nationally, and give up 4.9 yards per carry, which is 111th. Unless Hughes is worn down by carrying 57 times over the previous two games, giving the ball to him early and often will be a winning strategy — again.

4. BE THEMSELVES

Sumrall said there was not enough time in a short week to alter the game plan drastically anyway, and if Tulane sticks with what it has worked to this point, it should be fine. Charlotte is more dangerous than her record indicates, but the 49ers are still trying to find their footing with 44 transfer additions under second-year coach Biff Poggi — tied with Colorado for the most in the FBS. Navy became the fourth team to beat them by 18 or more with a 51-17 trouncing less than two weekends ago.