'94 Sanctioned: OFFICIAL SMU/Tulane PREDICTION Thread
Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 8:15 amSMU (4-4) at Tulane (3-4) Oct. 30, 3:30 ET
Here’s The Deal … If the uniforms were switched, you’d have sworn that SMU was Tulane last weekend and Tulane was SMU. Little made sense. For the second time this season, the Green Wave went on the road and delivered a big surprise, knocking off UTEP in El Paso, 34-24. Now just a game under .500, it’s set to begin a four-game homestand and has a legitimate shot to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2002. The Mustangs, on the other hand, have been a major disappointment of late, dropping the last two. Last Saturday’s visit from banged-up Houston was supposed to be a referendum on the West Division, but wound up being a rude awakening. Playing its worst game of the year, SMU lost 45-20 and will need to regroup just to become bowl eligible.
Why SMU Might Win: If the run and shoot offense is going to rebound, this would be a good time to do it. The Mustangs haven’t been the Mustangs, averaging 21 points the last three games, but the Tulane D and fast track of the Superdome offer opportunities. The Green Wave has yielded at least 41 points in three of the last five games, and has had issues stopping the run. SMU will shift the focus a bit toward RB Zach Line, who leads Conference USA in rushing. Of course, it won’t abandon the trademark passing attack. Kyle Padron has thrown 21 touchdowns and is looking to bounce back with a little help from top receivers Aldrick Robinson, Cole Beasley, and Darius Johnson.
Why Tulane Might Win: The way SMU has been struggling on offense, the Green Wave won’t need an outburst to reach .500. A few touchdowns might suffice. It’s coming off its best performance of the season, putting 34 points on a decent UTEP defense. Tulane operated with balance, getting 201 yards and two touchdowns from QB Ryan Griffin and 260 yards on the ground. The combination of Orleans Darkwa and Albert Williams was relentless, averaging more than five yards on 40 carries. The defense has been aided by a pass rush that’s getting an inside-outside push from Justin Adams and Dezman Moses, respectively.
What To Watch Out For: If SMU is going to achieve its goals this fall, it has to get more consistent play from Padron. Sure, it’ll also require better support from his blockers and receivers, but the pressure is on the sophomore to drag the Mustangs out of their recent funk. While his numbers look alright on the surface, they haven’t been translating into points for a school that needs to score more to win.
What Will Happen: SMU will find a way as it stares at a crossroad moment in the 2010 season. The big hero is going to be the big back, Line. Tulane’s opponents have bypassed the airways for a good reason—it’s much easier to navigate the Green Wave on the ground. The Mustangs will get the message and a career day from their top runner to escape with a close win.
CFN Prediction: SMU 30 … Tulane 21 … Line: SMU -7
Must See Rating: NBA Opening Night – 5 … Teen Mom -1 … 2.5
Here’s The Deal … If the uniforms were switched, you’d have sworn that SMU was Tulane last weekend and Tulane was SMU. Little made sense. For the second time this season, the Green Wave went on the road and delivered a big surprise, knocking off UTEP in El Paso, 34-24. Now just a game under .500, it’s set to begin a four-game homestand and has a legitimate shot to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2002. The Mustangs, on the other hand, have been a major disappointment of late, dropping the last two. Last Saturday’s visit from banged-up Houston was supposed to be a referendum on the West Division, but wound up being a rude awakening. Playing its worst game of the year, SMU lost 45-20 and will need to regroup just to become bowl eligible.
Why SMU Might Win: If the run and shoot offense is going to rebound, this would be a good time to do it. The Mustangs haven’t been the Mustangs, averaging 21 points the last three games, but the Tulane D and fast track of the Superdome offer opportunities. The Green Wave has yielded at least 41 points in three of the last five games, and has had issues stopping the run. SMU will shift the focus a bit toward RB Zach Line, who leads Conference USA in rushing. Of course, it won’t abandon the trademark passing attack. Kyle Padron has thrown 21 touchdowns and is looking to bounce back with a little help from top receivers Aldrick Robinson, Cole Beasley, and Darius Johnson.
Why Tulane Might Win: The way SMU has been struggling on offense, the Green Wave won’t need an outburst to reach .500. A few touchdowns might suffice. It’s coming off its best performance of the season, putting 34 points on a decent UTEP defense. Tulane operated with balance, getting 201 yards and two touchdowns from QB Ryan Griffin and 260 yards on the ground. The combination of Orleans Darkwa and Albert Williams was relentless, averaging more than five yards on 40 carries. The defense has been aided by a pass rush that’s getting an inside-outside push from Justin Adams and Dezman Moses, respectively.
What To Watch Out For: If SMU is going to achieve its goals this fall, it has to get more consistent play from Padron. Sure, it’ll also require better support from his blockers and receivers, but the pressure is on the sophomore to drag the Mustangs out of their recent funk. While his numbers look alright on the surface, they haven’t been translating into points for a school that needs to score more to win.
What Will Happen: SMU will find a way as it stares at a crossroad moment in the 2010 season. The big hero is going to be the big back, Line. Tulane’s opponents have bypassed the airways for a good reason—it’s much easier to navigate the Green Wave on the ground. The Mustangs will get the message and a career day from their top runner to escape with a close win.
CFN Prediction: SMU 30 … Tulane 21 … Line: SMU -7
Must See Rating: NBA Opening Night – 5 … Teen Mom -1 … 2.5