Tulane Green Wave 2022 College Football Preview
July 7, 2022
2021 Recap
Record – 2-10
ATS – 6-6
It didn’t start out badly as they gave Oklahoma all they could handle in Norman in the season opener (L40 -35) and then CREMATED something called Morgan St in week two. The wheels quickly came off the CHOO CHOO as the Green Wave lost the next eight games in a row. Tulane finished with a mark of 2-10 which was their worst showing since Willie Fritz took over in 2016 (4-8).
Tulane Green Wave 2022 Outlook
OFFENSE
The Wave were pretty average across the board LY (#8 AAC total offense, #7 scoring offense) and weren’t particularly effective with the run or the pass. The ground game was very disappointing as they broke a streak of FIVE consecutive seasons with 200+ YPG (165, #5 AAC). We’re optimistic heading into 2022 as nine starters return including all of the key components. QB Michael Pratt is a good one (21-8 TD to INT, 58% LY) but needs to be more consistent and kept on his feet by the OL (Tulane 32 sacks allowed, #9 AAC). The RB room is loaded and returns #1 Tyjae Spears who’s poised to have a yuuuge season (863, 9 TD, 6.7 LY) and note that nine of Tulane’s top-ten in terms of receiving yards are back in the fold. The OL boasts four returning starters including veterans at C and LT. The Green Wave showed brief flashes of brilliance LY and we expect them to be much more potent in 2022.
DEFENSE
Tulane had their worst defensive showing of the Willie Fritz era and it was PURE FILTH by almost every measure. They were #102 in total defense (430 YPG), #114 in scoring defense (34.0 PPG) and they allowed 66% completions (2nd worst AAC). The good news is that they were effective in the PENETRATION DEPARTMENT for the 3rd time in four seasons and registered 34 sacks. Nine starters are back in New Orleans for another go including their top-four tacklers, top-two sack producers, and probably their best overall defensive player in LB Nick Anderson (#3 tackler, 7.5 TFL). They’ve also added some Power 5 transfers who should contribute. The Wave usually posts an average defense with good sack potential and that’s what we expect this year.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The INTREPID Phil Steele ranked Tulane #103 in the FBS LY and we have low expectations for 2022 given that they’ll be breaking in a new P/PK combo and don’t appear to have much SPICE at KR/PR. Maybe new ST coordinator Robby Discher can make a difference?
Schedule Analysis
Overall – It’s mostly good news. The non-conference schedule is very manageable with the only tough one being a visit to face Kansas St. They’ve gotta deal with the three best teams in the AAC but have seven home games and NO back-to-back roadies.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – Nothing overly-heinous is noted.
Season Win Total
per BetOnline July 7
Over 6 +100
Under 6 -130
MEGALOCKS says:
Lean: Over
Tulane appears to be a much-improved bunch and the schedule sets up well.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
HC Willie Fritz is a rock-solid 42-31-1 ATS with Tulane (58%) and an eye-popping 23-12 vs Vegas at home (66%). WHOA, NELLIE!
Tulane is 13-46 in away games L10Y (.220).
MEGALOCKS Outlook:
The Green Wave have been a scrappy team for the majority of Willie Fritz’s tenure and we expect the 2022 version to be very competitive in AAC play. There’s no reason to expect anything less than a bowl game. Let’s ROLL, GREEN WAVE!
Want more Tulane football ?
WEBSITE
https://tulanegreenwave.com/sports/football
FORUM
http://www.yogwf.com/viewforum.php?f=2&sid=efa00718d50b5eb39418c055015b0d4b
NEWS
https://www.nola.com/sports/tulane/
http://www.espn.com/college-football/team/schedule/_/id/2655/tulane-green-wave