Tulane shows off sharp passing attack in rout of Alcorn State

Tulane opened a season 2-0 for the first time since 2002 with Saturday night’s 52-0 win over Alcorn State.

It was a solid effort in all three phases of the game for the Green Wave as it heads toward its first real test against the Kansas State Wildcats. In Manhattan, what awaits is a formidable 3-3-5 defense has given even the most established of defenses the blues.

But that’s next week.

This week, Tulane has a lot to be proud of and an incredibly solid foundation to build upon.

Passing Game Explodes Off Arm of Pratt

Junior quarterback Michael Pratt was impressive in the first game of the season as he completed 12-of-20 passes for 170 yards for two touchdowns on an interception-free outing before being relieved by backup quarterback Justin Ibieta in the fourth quarter. He added eight rushing attempts for 55 yards with one rushing score.

It was largely the the Tyjae Spears show in that contest as Tulane leaned into its stout ground game, but game two Saturday against the Braves was a different story. Pratt found success at all levels of the field, putting drive on the throws that needed it and touch on others, continuing to impress on the deep ball with perfect placement throughout the night.

Pratt posted a career-high 318 passing yards (previous high of 311 yards against USF), completing 81.9% of his passes for three touchdowns before being replaced by backup quarterback Justin Ibieta in the third quarter when Tulane held a 38-0 lead.

Outside of Pratt’s personal improvement, he sees a lot of things coming together that made for that stat line.

“I think the offensive line has shown a lot of improvement and given me a lot of time to throw the ball (and show my passing ability),” Pratt said. “We’ve got a really great group of running backs. The run game is opening up the pass game and vice versa.”

Improved play from the offensive line and a higher level of depth across the supporting cast are things Pratt says have given him more confidence.

“I feel like I’m showing more poise in the pocket and going through my progressions well,” Pratt said. “I’ve just got to do my job and be the mailman and get the ball into playmakers’ hands.”

Plenty to Go Around

On the night, 12 different receivers touched the football duringa game in which distribution and spreading it around was a major theme.

Maryland transfer Dae Dae McDougle, who hauled in his first career catch for Tulane last week, scored his first career touchdown on a 16-yard rushing play in the burying of the Braves. Fellow wideout Lawrence Keys also continued to open eyes after putting up his first reception as a Tulane player in the opener, finishing the Alcorn game with two receptions for 24 yards and a 7-yard rushing touchdown.

Several players reached the end-zone for Tulane as McDougle, Keys, Ashaad Clayton, Jha’quan Jackson, Shae Wyatt, Tyrick James all scored a touchdown each.

The 72-yard scoring reception by Wyatt was perhaps the strongest highlights of the night, marking the longest pass of Pratt’s career.

One play. Touchdown @michaelpratt930 hits @wyatt_shae on a 72-yard reception | #RollWave 🌊

Tulane 38 and Alcorn State 0 pic.twitter.com/OuAvcDcoBh

— Tulane Football (@GreenWaveFB) September 11, 2022

Defense Pitches The Shutout

It’s been nearly 25 years since Tulane has shut out an opponent, but that streak was broken on Saturday night in Yulman Stadium. The Green Wave defense held strong as it denied Alcorn State a single point, allowing just 109 total yards of offense from the Braves – 60- rushing yards and 49 passing yards.

Tulane did a good job of getting to the quarterback, forcing bad decisions from Alcorn State quarterbacks Aaron Allen and Markevion Quinn – Allen finished the night with a 30% completion rate for 15 yards and an interception.

Linebacker Corey Platt Jr. registered one sack while Carlos Hatcher and Noah Talianich shared a sack. Safety Larry Brooks led the team in tackles with six total takedowns (three solo) and linebacker Dorian Williams got the lone interception of the day, also recording two tackles (one solo).

This unit will look to match the same amount of force Kansas State’s 3-3-5 scheme that was incredibly disruptive in the 40-12 rout of Missouru as Tulane hits the road to take on the Wildcats in Kansas on Saturday.