Tulane Versus SMU: Battle of the Green Wave and Mustangs

Introduction

In the realm of college football, Tulane University and Southern Methodist University (SMU) stand as two formidable contenders, each boasting a rich history and ardent student body. As the Tulane Green Wave and the SMU Mustangs prepare to face off on the gridiron, let’s delve into their storied past, current strengths, and anticipated matchup.

Historical Rivalry

The Green Wave and Mustangs have a long-standing rivalry that dates back to 1947. Over the years, they have engaged in numerous memorable matchups, with each team claiming notable victories. Tulane holds a slight edge in the overall series record, having won 27 of the 55 meetings. However, SMU has emerged victorious in the last six contests, making this upcoming clash all the more intriguing.

Program Profiles

Tulane Green Wave

• Head Coach: Willie Fritz
• Conference: American Athletic Conference (AAC)
• Nickname: Green Wave
• Stadium: Yulman Stadium (Capacity: 30,000)
• 2022 Season Record: 12-2, AAC West Division Champions
• Notable Achievements:
  • 2020 AAC West Division Champions
  • 2018 Cure Bowl Champions

SMU Mustangs

• Head Coach: Rhett Lashlee
• Conference: AAC
• Nickname: Mustangs
• Stadium: Gerald J. Ford Stadium (Capacity: 32,000)
• 2022 Season Record: 7-6, AAC West Division 3rd Place
• Notable Achievements:
  • 2021 Fenway Bowl Champions
  • 2019 Birmingham Bowl Champions

Key Players

Tulane Green Wave

• Michael Pratt (Quarterback): 2022 AAC Offensive Player of the Year, led Green Wave to historic season.
• Shae Wyatt (Linebacker): Leading tackler and defensive force, anchoring the Green Wave defense.
• Duece Watts (Running Back): Hard-nosed runner with 12 touchdowns in 2022.

SMU Mustangs

• Tanner Mordecai (Quarterback): Prolific passer with over 3,000 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2022.
• Rashee Rice (Wide Receiver): Biletnikoff Award finalist, one of the most dynamic playmakers in the AAC.
• DeVere Levelston (Defensive End): Dominant pass rusher with 9 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss in 2022.

Matchup Analysis

The Tulane-SMU matchup promises to be a captivating battle between two evenly matched teams. Tulane enters the game with momentum on their side, having won the AAC West Division in 2022. SMU will be looking to break their six-game losing streak against the Green Wave and make a statement in the AAC.

Tulane’s Advantages

• Experienced Offense: Tulane’s offense, led by quarterback Michael Pratt, returns several key players from their record-setting 2022 season.
• Strong Defensive Front: The Green Wave’s defensive line boasts a formidable pass rush, led by Shae Wyatt.
• Home-Field Advantage: Tulane will play this game at Yulman Stadium, where they enjoy a strong home-field advantage.

SMU’s Advantages

• Dynamic Passing Attack: SMU’s offense revolves around the explosive passing combination of quarterback Tanner Mordecai and wide receiver Rashee Rice.
• Improved Defense: The Mustangs have made significant improvements on defense in recent years, led by defensive end DeVere Levelston.
• Recent Success: SMU has won the last six meetings against Tulane, giving them a psychological edge.

Impactful Statistics

• Tulane led the AAC in passing yards per game in 2022 (352.4).
• SMU had the second-best scoring offense in the AAC in 2022 (39.6 points per game).
• Tulane’s defense ranked 20th in the nation in sacks per game (3.0) in 2022.
• SMU’s Rashee Rice led the FBS in receiving yards in 2022 (1,355).

Predictions

With both teams possessing strengths and vulnerabilities, this matchup is difficult to predict. The outcome could hinge on key individual performances, injuries, and in-game adjustments. Here are some possible scenarios:

• Tulane Victory: The Green Wave’s experienced offense and strong defense prove too much for SMU, leading them to a hard-fought victory.
• SMU Victory: The Mustangs’ dynamic passing attack exploits Tulane’s secondary, carrying them to an upset win.
• Upset Special: SMU, despite their recent losses to Tulane, comes out fired up and pulls off an improbable win, fueled by a dominant passing performance.

Conclusion

As the Green Wave and Mustangs prepare to collide on the gridiron, fans can expect a thrilling and competitive matchup. Tulane’s momentum and home-field advantage clash with SMU’s recent success and offensive firepower. The outcome of this battle will not only determine this season’s fortunes but also hold implications for the future of the Tulane-SMU rivalry.

Tables

Table 1: Historical Series Record

Table 2: 2022 Team Statistics

Table 3: Key Players

Table 4: Matchup Implications