USF vs Tulane Preview
As USF heads home following a close loss to the Cincinnati Bearcats, the focus point has now turned to Tulane. The Green Wave, who have shocked the country this year with their defensive play, will be one of USF’s toughest games of the season. Despite being unable to finish the job last week, the Bulls will look to bounce back against a talented Tulane squad.
A Defensive Battle
The Bulls who are coming off one of their better defensive showings will need another A+ effort. USF did a great job of stopping Cincinnati’s impressive offensive last week which almost got them a win. Furthermore, the Bulls will need to carry over that play to this coming week against an impressive Tulane team.
Even though Tulane’s offense has shown that they can play big in big games, their defense has stolen the show this season. The Green Wave is number three in the country when it comes to passing yards allowed per game. The team allows an average of 151.0 passing yards per game. Additionally, Tulane ranks number seven pertaining to points allowed per game. The Green Wave average 13.3 points allowed per game.
All in all, the defenses will be a must-watch in this game. Considering Tulane is playing so well defensively, and USF is coming off a near upset you can expect to see a low-scoring game. If both defenses show up in this contest be prepared for a lot of three and outs.
Offensive Improvements
Coming into a big American Athletic Conference matchup for the Bulls you hope to see some offensive tune-ups. Gerry Bohanon who played one of his better games of the season against Cincinnati will need another big game. Bohanon who ran for almost as many yards as he passed for will have to replicate that against what will be the best passing defense USF has played up to this point.
The running game which was impactful against Cincinnati will have to be even better this coming Saturday. Brian Battie who has been good this season for the Bulls will need a huge game to help the Bulls keep this game close.
With how important the running game will be, USF will still need to find a way to pass the ball. Xavier Weaver who caught seven receptions for 112 yards against Cincinnati will also need to play big. Getting creative with route running will be something the USF wide receivers must do.
Keys to the Game
The biggest key to the game for the Bulls will be staying on the field. The longer drives USF takes the more tired the Tulane defense will get. Considering the Bulls’ offense is going to get all they can handle, keeping the chains moving on 3rd down will be big for this team. If the USF offense is unable to keep drives alive this game could end quicker than people would expect.
Another key to the game for USF will be special teams’ play. The Bulls have one of the best kick returners in the country on their team in Brian Battie. If he can take one of two of the kicks back to the house USF will be in good shape. Furthermore, the battle of the defenses will prove that punting will also be crucial. Pinning Tulane far back in their territory will help the USF defense.
Lastly, being able to complete drives will be big for USF. Converting drives into seven points instead of three will be of big value to USF late in the game. As close as this one could be, field goals won’t do much good for the Bulls. Playing against such a high-level defense means that finishing off drives will be imperative.
Expectations
Coming into this game you can expect the Bulls to play another sound defensive game. Watching to see how USF’s defense plays against Tulane’s offense will be one of the big storylines of the game. You can also expect the Bulls to run the football a lot more than they throw just like in the game against Cincinnati.
For the Bulls, everyone will be an important part of this game. USF hopes they can get help from their big wide receivers so they can pass the ball a little bit. On the defensive side of the ball, Aamaris Brown who’s been exceptional for USF will be a huge piece to stopping Tulane on offense. Staying in a tight race with Tulane will be tough for the Bulls, but if everyone steps up this could be an upset in the making.
Main Image courtesy Tamba Bay Times
