Tulane makes statement by rolling over FIU in opener

NEW ORLEANS – Perhaps the doubters will be silenced, at least for now.

Las Vegas oddsmakers, who are good at what they do, pegged Tulane for 5.5 victories in 2019. That, of course, equates to a losing season.

In the week leading up to Tulane’s season opening game against Florida International, I read many different previews. The analysis from the “betting” services was strongly hinting at an FIU victory, due to a potent offense, an outstanding returning quarterback and the presence of Butch Davis as its head coach.

The fact of the matter is that the better head coach was on the home sideline.

Willie Fritz has won everywhere he has been. He has won 210 games with just 95 losses. That is to be respected.

He inherited a tough job. We all know this. History does not lie.

While there were some doubters in year one, year two and even into year three, Fritz stayed the course. He persevered. Fritz also made a bold decision to change quarterbacks in mid-season a year ago. That move has paid off handsomely for the Green Wave.

Tulane is better than it was a year ago. I have said that for months now. It certainly showed last night.

The Wave bludgeoned their Conference-USA foe to the tune of 350 rushing yards, utilizing nine different ball carriers. It was, if you pardon the pun, a Wave of talent which overwhelmed the Panthers in a dominant 42-14 victory Thursday night.

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Tulane continued its offensive momentum from last season, when the Green Wave closed with 41 points in a bowl victory over UL-Lafayette. Perhaps we should get used to this kind of productivity.

Perhaps most encouraging was the performance of the offensive line.

While Justin McMillan is a solid player and leader, the running back position is deep and talented, the wide receiving group is better overall and the tight end position is productive, the big question surrounding the Tulane offense was whether its offensive line would grow and improve.

After one game, the answer is a resounding “yes.”

Tulane amassed 545 yards. The 28 points in the first half were the most against an FBS team by the Green Wave in a season opener since 2001 against BYU. Tulane would have scored more, if not for a fumble. Tulane had 310 yards in the half.

McMillan ran the offense masterfully, making great decisions throughout. The play-calling by new offensive coordinator Will Hall was off the charts. Tulane was a step ahead of the FIU defense all night. Fritz had a solid coordinator prior to Hall. Fritz was bold enough to make a change and it would seem to have been a very beneficial one. McMillan is now 6-1 as a starter at Tulane.

Amare Jones was superb. Corey Dauphine was electric. Darius Bradwell was bruising, as always.

Who would have thought in a virtual “pick’it” game that Tulane would have the luxury of calling off the dogs and playing reserves in the fourth quarter? It was good experience for those players that will help develop depth.

Just as impressive was the performance of the Tulane defense, which held a good FIU offense to 14 points and just 267 total yards. Tulane was good at each level, led by Patrick Johnson and Marvin Moody. The defense came up with a pair of turnovers, including a brilliant interception by Thakarius Keyes.

The kicking game was sound as the coverage teams performed very well while Ryan Wright averaged 45 yards a punt. Merek Glover made all of his extra points.

Watching the game online while doing duty at the New Orleans Saints final preseason game, it was obvious that there was an excellent student turnout, a very positive development and sign moving forward. That element has been sorely lacking for Tulane football over many years, dating back to the days as the Superdome.

Next up is a tall task at Auburn. While Auburn is a traditionally good, top 25 program, based on what we witnessed Thursday night, this will be no “gimme” or cakewalk for the Tigers. Tulane is good. FIU is a solid team with a very good quarterback in James Morgan, a team that won nine games and a bowl game last season.

It is hard to remember a more impressive victory in recent years for Tulane. Wins over Memphis and South Florida a year ago were very good ones. I can remember a few when I was doing Green Wave football games on television in the 1980’s and 1990’s but those were few and far between.

While it is not time to boast of a Top 25 program, this Tulane squad is perhaps the most promising since the 2002 season. I picked the Green Wave to win seven games this season. Might I (and quite a few others) have to revise that thought?

There is a new game in town. Make that two new games in town. While Zion Williamson, Jaxson Hayes and Nickeil Alexander-Walker joyfully tossed out T-shirts into the Yulman stands, the Tulane Green Wave served notice that the new and exciting Pelicans will have to wait their turn to put on a NOLA show.