This is most likely. No miracle on 11th St part tres in this one. Tulane is legit this year. We're going to get hammered and the next to the last nail in Monty's coffin should be in place at the end of this one.
The team has quit. We will have a few plays here and there, but it'll be a painful beatdown.
I don't, that could be money in our bank for New Year's day bid.
Several of their strengths are our weaknesses. Especially on special teams play. I dread the turnover margin. All of that doesn't bode well for starting strong. Don't expect a repeat of last years come from behind rally by Brin.Tulane looks like a well coached football team that doesn't make many critical errors. They are ranked:
#32 Total defense (#19 passing defense, 46 rushing)
#60 total offense (55 passing offense, 61 rushing)
#26 turnover margin
#6 in blocked kicks
#11 punt returns (#14 punt return defense)
#5 fewest penalty yards
#12 scoring defense
#18 pass efficiency
NCAA Statistics
stats.ncaa.org
Their schedule (Sagarin #91) is marginally easier than our own (#77), mostly due to two bad opponents early (and having already played USF), but I don't think that's the difference in records. They are ranked #120 for team sacks and #104 for tackles for loss, so if Brin is healthy he could get some time to shine as a pocket passer. Looking at the teams, I don't think they outmatch us personnel wise. But overall, they are a well rounded team and don't make many mistakes.
I think that's too much for the Tulsa team I have watched recently. I predict struggles to move the ball against a balanced Tulane defense, leading to frustration and errors. Our defense will make a show of it, but Tulane's offense just grinds and our defense, which won't get much of a break, eventually breaks. I also think Tulane will have the edge on special teams. I do think Tulsa can pull together and win, but I think it's more likely the wheels fall of the bus and it goes bad. I am embracing my lack of faith, it protects me from the disappointed I felt after the Wyoming loss.
If the wheels don't fall off:
T-U-LSA: 20
TUlane: 34
If the wheels do fall off, I predict lackluster melting because Tulsa fans have concluded football is a silly sport followed by silly people and nothing matters anyway.
Yeah, every win prolongs the misery for us. It's not that I don't want the team to win and be successful, but more than anything I want it to be consistent and I want TU to be a contender vs a spoiler every year. There is no reason we cannot be annual contenders vs whatever it is we are right now. And it's not like this is an anomaly. 2020 was the anomaly (a better than avg season). We are just poised to be forever mediocre under Monty because of his philosophy and approach to coaching
I always hope for the best... but, I carry a flask for the worst.
It's a weird feeling. I never want my team to lose, but in the back of my mind I know we aren't going anywhere with this staff. I'm hopeful the administration won't base his firing off the end of this season anyway. It should already be decided. Brad Carson has to be furious right now after all the work he's done to improve tailgates and gameday experience.
I hope not , I know I’ll catch some flack for “ cheering for us to lose” but if that’s what it takes for us to start becoming a good program again, I’m all for it
My section still has fun at games, the east side is salty. The questions, play call predictions, the "suggestions", and random exclamations of frustration have taken on a comedic vibe. There are a good number of laughs mixed in with the head shaking and exasperated shouts/whines/sobs. Also - lots of cheering and high fives when things do go well. I don't think anyone in my area is hoping for losses, but we've learned how to have some fun expecting a loss.
Sad thing is that I think Garrison just couldnt find the fire to go with his smoke...
Our bend and brake defense and a hit knife thru butter secondary is in form as usual ugh
