Tulane University

Type of Offense: Pro-Style. This offense is a run oriented offense that uses run plays and play action to get defenders out of position for passes in the 15-25 yard range. The tight end and fullback are more involved in the offense as the fullback is a blocker and the tight end is 70/30 blocking versus running routes. Most known for the isolation running plays in the middle, the offense has evolved to a more off tackle and “counter trey” running offense. This is more of the style of professional ranks allowing for a QB with a strong arm to thrive.

Type of Defense: 4-3.  Fast OLBs with the WLB being stronger in pass coverage and the SLB being stouter versus the run.  MLB is balanced and expected to make most of the tackles, especially versus the run game.  A lot of Cover 2 with the MLB expected to get deep (15 yards) on a pass play.  Corners on an island playing the edges with help over top.  Gap responsibilities on the run game with DL and LB filling gaps and DE normally containing on the edge. 
 
• Run/Pass %: 48/52
• Run/Pass Attempts: 434/465
• Points Per Game: 24.9
• Points Allowed Per Game: 37.2

Key Returning Players:
• Ryan Griffin, QB: Returning quarterback from 2010 with 2371 yards passing and 14 TDs. Must be a leader on offense in order to get Tulane and coach Bob Toledo a chance at a bowl game. He needs to be close to 3000 yards passing in 2011.
• Orleans Darkwa, RB: Took control of the running game as a freshman in 2010 and ran for 925 yards and 11 TDs to go along with 2-2 passing with 2 TDs. Added 17 catches for 155 yards as well. Could be a 1st team Conference USA running back before he leaves Tulane.

Key Incoming Freshmen:
• Dante’ Butler, RB: This 3 star running back out of Louisiana is 5-10 and 210 pounds. He has the ability and college ready body to give Darkwa a spell here and there. He will find ways to get on the field in 2011 in one manner or another.
• Matt Bailey, DB: This 3 star defensive back out of Louisiana is 5-10 190 pounds and projects to be a possible strong safety in the 4-3 defense of Tulane. He could even end up at linebacker if he bulks up a bit during his college time.  

Overall Assessment:
4-8 put Coach Toledo on the hot seat and 2011 will be more about surpassing expectations to keep him at the job than anything. Pieces are in place at running back and quarterback to make for a fairly sufficient offense and if the defense can make some stops and cut down on the points given up, a bowl game is possible. Overall, Tulane is having a rough time contending in the cut throat Conference USA and it looks like that won’t be ending anytime soon.