I'm scheduled to talk to Doug Hertz, the AD search committee head, at 2:30 today. Look for an update tomorrow there.
Eldrick Washington, who went down with a knee injury yesterday, just walked in on crutches, so the Wave will be down a defensive tackle against Navy. That could be significant. Washington has played pretty well in a reserve role this year.
"it's a high ankle sprain," CJ said after practice today. "He's going to be out for a while."
Look for Calvin Thomas to get more playing time as Tulane rotates tackles. Eric Bell should get some time, too, as Tulane tries to get everyone who can play in there to keep the guys fresh.
"We're getting a little thin," CJ said. "We're playing a little better competition, but we're ready. Calvin's definitely going to have to play."
Tulane will debut a new look defensively against Navy. I don't think I'm allowed to reveal it, but it won't be the 4-2-5 the Wave has played with in the past. Clearly, something has to change from the approach against Georgia Tech. It looks like the coaches are trying to get the right combination of athletes, size and experience on the field for the base unit to contend with Navy's powerful option, which has rushed for more than 300 yards against everyone, including Notre Dame, this year.
Richard Allen is practicing with the first team and should start against Navy. Tulane may not have any true freshmen starters defensively, with experience very important against disciplined teams like the Midshipmen who make you pay big time for any assignment busts or gap control issues. Roderic Teamer had a terrific performance against UCF but has struggled against Temple and Houston. Jarrod Franklin likely will fill the second safety role at the start against Navy. Although Franklin made some mistakes against Georgia Tech, he was around the ball a lot, and he's faced option teams before, unlike Teamer.
"The last two days Richard practiced outstanding," CJ said. "We just need assignment guys. Now the freshmen are going to have to play during the course of this game. All of a sudden this guy goes out, but you like older guys (against the option)."
So what is the scenario for Tulane to have its best shot?
"If we can stop their fullback and their quarterback on offense and make those guys throw it a little bit in longer-yardage situations," CJ said. "Offensively we just have to be patient and be able to run it. If we can run it and be patient and not have any turnovers, we'll have a chance."
Eldrick Washington, who went down with a knee injury yesterday, just walked in on crutches, so the Wave will be down a defensive tackle against Navy. That could be significant. Washington has played pretty well in a reserve role this year.
"it's a high ankle sprain," CJ said after practice today. "He's going to be out for a while."
Look for Calvin Thomas to get more playing time as Tulane rotates tackles. Eric Bell should get some time, too, as Tulane tries to get everyone who can play in there to keep the guys fresh.
"We're getting a little thin," CJ said. "We're playing a little better competition, but we're ready. Calvin's definitely going to have to play."
Tulane will debut a new look defensively against Navy. I don't think I'm allowed to reveal it, but it won't be the 4-2-5 the Wave has played with in the past. Clearly, something has to change from the approach against Georgia Tech. It looks like the coaches are trying to get the right combination of athletes, size and experience on the field for the base unit to contend with Navy's powerful option, which has rushed for more than 300 yards against everyone, including Notre Dame, this year.
Richard Allen is practicing with the first team and should start against Navy. Tulane may not have any true freshmen starters defensively, with experience very important against disciplined teams like the Midshipmen who make you pay big time for any assignment busts or gap control issues. Roderic Teamer had a terrific performance against UCF but has struggled against Temple and Houston. Jarrod Franklin likely will fill the second safety role at the start against Navy. Although Franklin made some mistakes against Georgia Tech, he was around the ball a lot, and he's faced option teams before, unlike Teamer.
"The last two days Richard practiced outstanding," CJ said. "We just need assignment guys. Now the freshmen are going to have to play during the course of this game. All of a sudden this guy goes out, but you like older guys (against the option)."
So what is the scenario for Tulane to have its best shot?
"If we can stop their fullback and their quarterback on offense and make those guys throw it a little bit in longer-yardage situations," CJ said. "Offensively we just have to be patient and be able to run it. If we can run it and be patient and not have any turnovers, we'll have a chance."
Last edited: