The Tulane football team returns to Yulman Stadium tonight for a high-stakes conference matchup against Texas-San Antonio, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT. The contest marks the second consecutive week that the Green Wave must contend with a top contender in the American Athletic Conference.
Coming off a commanding 31-17 victory over a previously undefeated Memphis squad, Tulane enters tonight’s game looking to replicate that success against a Roadrunners team boasting a 6-1 overall record and an unblemished mark in conference play. To secure a victory, the Green Wave coaching staff and roster must execute several key strategies against a formidable opponent.
First, the Tulane defense faces the task of disrupting the rhythm of UTSA quarterback Owen McCown. The opposing offense relies heavily on quick three-to-five-step drops paired with fast routes by wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs. Defensive success will depend on tight secondary coverage and consistent pressure from the front line to deny McCown the snap decisions that have fueled his success. McCown brings a notable football lineage to the field, as both his father and uncle played in the NFL.
Second, the Green Wave offense must establish a successful ground game to keep the explosive UTSA attack off the field. While Tulane’s offensive front excelled last week in protecting freshman quarterback Trace Johnson—conceding just one sack and zero pressures against Memphis—the running game must focus on springing speed backs like Mo Turner, Jaylin Lucas, and Jamauri McClure loose into space with wide runs. Establishing the outside game will subsequently open up running lanes up the middle for rushers such as Johnnie Daniels and DJ Dugar.
Finally, the team must continue to support the development of freshman quarterback Trace Johnson. Despite being just 18 years old, Johnson has demonstrated strong decision-making and natural ability, bolstered by his own NFL pedigree as the son of former NFL player Doug Johnson and his training under former quarterback Carson Palmer. Coaches Will Hall and offensive coordinator Russ Calloway have gradually expanded Johnson’s playbook as the season progresses. With favorable weather conditions expected at Yulman Stadium compared to last week’s gale-force winds, the coaching staff anticipates that targets including Fat Hill, Zycarl Lewis, and Anthony Brown-Stephens will have increased opportunities downfield.
