Better get better: Despite 5-1 start, Tulane football team's current level not good enough

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, October 18th 2025 at 13:16 GMT by NOLA.com

Tulane Football Faces Harsh Reality Check After Blowout Loss to SMU

The Tulane Green Wave football program, fresh off a remarkable undefeated regular season and Cotton Bowl victory last year, is currently grappling with a significant downturn in performance. A recent 45-17 loss to Southern Methodist University (SMU) has exposed vulnerabilities and raised serious questions about the team’s trajectory heading into the remainder of the 2023 campaign. The defeat, detailed extensively by NOLA.com's Jeff Duncan, isn't simply a setback; it represents a stark contrast to the program's recent success and highlights fundamental issues that need immediate addressing.

Duncan’s article paints a picture of a team struggling on both sides of the ball. Last year’s offensive juggernaut, fueled by quarterback Michael Pratt and a dynamic rushing attack, appears significantly diminished. While Pratt remains the starter, his performance has been inconsistent, plagued by turnovers and a lack of the decisive playmaking that defined last season. The running game, once a cornerstone of Tulane's identity, is sputtering, failing to generate consistent yardage or open up opportunities for big plays. This offensive stagnation directly correlates with a decline in overall team momentum.

The SMU defense demonstrably exploited weaknesses in Tulane’s offensive line. Pressure on Pratt was relentless, disrupting timing and forcing hurried throws. The inability of the offensive line to establish a running game further compounded the problem, making matters even more difficult for the quarterback. This contrasts sharply with last year's performance where the offensive line consistently provided protection and opened holes for runners.

Defensively, Tulane has also shown signs of regression. While not as glaring as the offensive struggles, the unit failed to contain SMU’s potent offense. The Mustangs were able to move the ball effectively both on the ground and through the air, capitalizing on missed tackles and blown assignments. The Green Wave defense, which was instrumental in their undefeated run last year, appeared slow and reactive, unable to generate consistent pressure or force turnovers.

Duncan's analysis emphasizes that this isn’t merely a matter of adjusting to new opponents or experiencing typical growing pains. The current level of play is simply "not good enough" to compete within the American Athletic Conference (AAC), let alone aspire to repeat last year’s success. He points out that while coaching adjustments are always necessary, the fundamental issues seem deeper than tactical missteps. The article suggests a potential decline in player execution and effort, coupled with a lack of consistent leadership on both offense and defense.

The loss also underscores the challenges inherent in maintaining sustained success in college football. Last year’s Cotton Bowl victory brought significant attention and heightened expectations to the program. While that recognition is positive, it also places increased pressure on players and coaches. The article implicitly suggests that the team may be struggling under this weight, or perhaps experiencing a natural ebb and flow after an exceptional season.

Further context from Duncan's reporting highlights the impact of player departures. Several key contributors from last year’s championship squad have moved on, either through graduation or transfer. While roster turnover is inevitable in college football, replacing those experienced players with less seasoned individuals inevitably creates challenges. The article doesn't explicitly blame these losses for the current struggles but acknowledges their contribution to the team's overall adjustment period.

The article also touches upon the broader implications of this downturn for Tulane’s future. The program is transitioning to the Big 12 Conference next year, a significantly more competitive environment than the AAC. The current level of performance would likely render them uncompetitive in the Big 12. This reality necessitates immediate and substantial improvement if Tulane hopes to successfully navigate its transition and establish itself as a viable contender in a new conference.

Ultimately, Duncan’s assessment is blunt but necessary. The Green Wave's recent performance demands introspection and decisive action from coaches and players alike. The team faces an uphill battle to salvage the season, but more importantly, they must address the underlying issues that have contributed to their current struggles if they hope to return to the heights of last year’s success and prepare for the challenges ahead in the Big 12.

https://www.nola.com/sports/tulane/tulane-football-teams-current-level-not-good-enough/article_d8c98778-1a09-4342-8578-7c50ad3ec2b2.html