NCAAF · 2 years ago

How Tulane Can Beat SMU: 5 Keys To Victory

TJ Inman

Host · Writer

5. Pressure Kevin Jennings
SMU starting quarterback Preston Stone is lost for the season, so backup Kevin Jennings must step into the starting role. He has spot duty over the past two seasons but this will be the first time he is under this amount of intense pressure. Tulane has to overwhelm Jennings and force the inexperienced quarterback into mistakes.
1. Protect Michael Pratt
Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt has been very good this season with 21 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He will face a stiff challenge on Saturday though as SMU has a sack percentage of 9.16% (seventh in the country). The Tulane offensive line will need to be terrific to keep Pratt's pocket clean.
2. Another Star RB
Head coach Willie Fritz has a way of turning running backs into stars. He has another one in freshman Makhi Hughes. Hughes has 1,246 yards and is averaging 5.37 yards per carry and was outstanding last week against UTSA. SMU gives up 3.4 yards per carry but Tulane needs to do better than that.
3. Play A Clean Game
Tulane and SMU play disciplined football with both teams in the top twenty nationally in penalties per game. This is a championship game with a potential New Year's Six bowl on the line so emotions will be high. The team that plays the smarter game will win.
4. Make SMU One-Dimensional
The Tulane Green Wave are even better than SMU at stopping the run. The Mustangs are allowing only three yards per carry, tied for seventh in the country. SMU is playing a backup quarterback and will be relying on the run game more than usual, so Tulane must stop the run and force Kevin Jennings to beat them.
5. Pressure Kevin Jennings
SMU starting quarterback Preston Stone is lost for the season, so backup Kevin Jennings must step into the starting role. He has spot duty over the past two seasons but this will be the first time he is under this amount of intense pressure. Tulane has to overwhelm Jennings and force the inexperienced quarterback into mistakes.
1. Protect Michael Pratt
Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt has been very good this season with 21 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He will face a stiff challenge on Saturday though as SMU has a sack percentage of 9.16% (seventh in the country). The Tulane offensive line will need to be terrific to keep Pratt's pocket clean.

How Tulane Can Beat SMU: 5 Keys To Victory

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