CUSA 2008 Football Previews > 2008 Tulane Football Preview

2008 Tulane Green Wave football preview

Tulane Green Wave - Conference USA

2007 Record: (4-8, 3-5)

2007 Bowl: none

Coach: Bob Toledo (4-8 at Tulane, 82-76 overall)

Offensive Coordinator: Dan Dodd

Defensive Coordinator: O’Neill Gilbert

Returning Leaders for Tulane:

• Rushing: Anthony Scelfo, QB, 171 yards
• Passing: Anthony Scelfo, QB, 1,396 yards
• Receiving: Jeremy Williams, WR, 773 yards
• Tackles: Evan Lee, LB, 99
• Sacks: Adam Kwentua, DE, 4.0; Reggie Scott, DE, 4.0
• Interceptions: David Skehan, S, 4

Other Key Returnees: LB James Dillard, WR Brian King, LB David Kirkey, OT Troy Kropog, CB Josh Lumar, FB Jeremy McKinney, G Andrew Nierman, G Michael Parenton, OT Tyler Rice

Key Losses: C Aryan Barto, RB Matt Forte, S Jos Goosbey, DT Antonio Harris, CB Carlis Jackson, TE Gabe Ratcliff, DT Avery Williams

Tulane had a decent first year under head coach Bob Toledo. The 4-8 record is obviously not great, but it was nearly a lot better. There were a few close losses that could have gone in favor of the Green Wave and the season ended with two wins in the last three games. After starting the season 2-7, having a little momentum to build on is a big deal.

Tulane's 2008 Strengths:

Tulane’s defense was not great last year, but it was not bad either. The team did a fine job stopping the run and ends Adam Kwentua and Reggie Scott have the ability to get into the backfield. Coach Toledo has to replace both starting tackles and that could have a negative effect on the run defense. Fortunately, a talented group of linebackers, led by senior Evan Lee, will not let the numbers slip too far. The secondary had some problems in the pass happy C-USA last year, but safety David Skehan is a quality player and corner Josh Lumar at least has some more experience now. Tulane also sports an underappreciated group of wide receivers. Jeremy Williams and Brian King combined for 1,219 receiving yards and seven touchdowns last year.

Tulane's 2008 Weaknesses:

However, those numbers would be a lot better if the Green Wave had a consistent quarterback. Anthony Scelfo saw a majority of the snaps last season, but he failed to secure the starting job and threw seven interceptions and just six touchdowns. Scott Elliott and Joe Kemp will be given every opportunity to become the new starting signal caller, but nobody has separated themselves yet. The star of the offense, and the whole team for that matter, was Matt Forte. The running back rushed for 2,127 yards and 23 touchdowns. He carried the offense while the passing game continually struggled. Replacing him will be a big problem, but sophomore Andre Anderson has the tools to be just as successful as Forte and returning four starters to the line will help.

The Bottom Line for the Green Wave:

Tulane still needs some time, but if the offense can survive without Forte, a bowl game could be within reach this year. The defense has the potential to be better and this is a team that only lost three starters on offense and four on defense. The problem is most of those are big losses and the Green Wave needs to find a way to plug those holes.

2007 Team Stats for Tulane:

Rushing Offense: 201.00 (20 th in nation, 4 th in conference)

Passing Offense: 194.92 (89, 10)

Total Offense: 395.92 (59, 9)

Scoring Offense: 24.42 (80, 11)

Rushing Defense: 132.58 (37, 1)

Pass Defense: 287.67 (113, 8)

Total Defense: 420.25 (87, 4)

Scoring Defense: 31.25 (90, 5)

Turnover Margin: -.25 (81, 7)

Sacks: 2.33 (38, 2)

Sacks Allowed: 1.58 (38, 4)