Duke Blue Devils vs Tulane Green Wave Preview
The Duke Blue Devils open their football season today just like their Tobacco Road neighbors (except NC State). They will be heading on the road to New Orleans to take on the Tulane Green Wave to finish out a home and home series that they began last year.
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Duke has been hit with a number of preseason injuries and are also looking to replace some big players. The departures include receiver Jamison Crowder, quarterback Anthony Boone, and big guard Laken Tomlinson. So the ball is now in the hands of Thomas Sirk, who up to now has been used for short yardage running situations.
Date: September 3
Time: 9:30 PM
TV: CBSSN
Venue: Yulman Stadium (New Orleans, LA)
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Last Time – 2014
Duke had two interceptions returned for touchdowns in order to secure a blowout against the visiting Green Wave. Cornerback Bryon Fields brought one of those back, but he will not be taking the field today due to his season ending injury. Tulane turned over the ball five times during the game to eliminate any chance of a competitive game. Crowder had six catches for 119 yards on the day.
Opponent: Tulane Green Wave (0-0)
Tulane brings back starting quarterback Tanner Lee for his second season in that position. He has an improved offensive line around him, which should allow him to have a more consistent year than his debut season.
It is more likely that Tulane will rely on its running game. Running back Lazedrick Thompson found 124 yards against Duke last year and he is joined by two other backs, Dontrell Hilliard and Sherman Badie. Hilliard found the end zone against the Blue Devils last year. Badie represents the home run hitter of the running back group, capable of pulling off the big runs.
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On defense, the Green Wave lack stability up front. This causes them to rely on the play of mighty mouse linebacker Nico Marley to make up for their shortcomings. The 5’9” 200 lbs backer had thirteen and a half tackles for loss last year.
Duke should look to impose their will on the ground and keep Sirk out of too many third and longs. On the other side of the ball, Duke will need to prevent Tulane from getting any traction on the ground. Duke’s veteran secondary can shut down the Tulane passing game, but only if they are not looking at run support roles. Look for a big game from Duke safety Jeremy Cash in any case.
Prediction: 24-10 Duke
The Blue Devils are not settled enough on offense to simply run away with this game, so a comfortable win seems to be the prediction here. Likewise, Tulane’s defense is unlikely to stop Duke’s running game at the point of attack. A closer win would spell trouble for Duke later on in the schedule, particularly their test versus Northwestern.