2023 NCAA Tournament Preview: East Region Bracket Breakdown, Picks, Predictions, Sleepers - Eye on College Basketball podcast

Welcome to Behind Enemy Lines Episode 8.

In this episode we are joined by Guerry Smith, Tulane beat writer for NOLA.com and the publisher of "The Wave Report." Guerry is a lifelong New Orleans resident and has covered the Tulane Green Wave since 2011. Guerry has covered the Tulane Green Wave football team during some pretty up and down years, so we spent quite a bit of time talking about the resurgence that Tulane is experiencing this year. They come into the game against the Tigers with a record of 6-1, 3-0 in the AAC. They picked up enough votes in the AP poll to be ranked #25 for the first time in over twenty years.

Tulane's resurgence can be attributed to the play of quarterback Michael Pratt and running back Tyjae Spears. Tulane also went heavy in the transfer portal this year bringing in ten players that are contributing to the team this year. Maryland transfer wide receiver Dea Dea McDougle has joined Michael Pratt, his high school teammate, and has added another threat to the offense. He has 16 receptions for 187 yards and 1 touchdown. They also boast a highly aggressive defense led by linebackers Dorian Wiliams and Nick Anderson.

Memphis and Tulane have played 37 games against each other in their history, and Memphis owns a lead of 24 wins to 13 losses. Memphis comes into this game with a record of 4-3, 2-2 in the AAC.

Guerry believes the biggest matchup in the game will be if Memphis' wide receivers can stretch the field on the Tulane secondary. He believes that this Tulane team is the best tackling team he has ever seen, and does not believe Memphis will be able to run the ball well against Tulane. Tulane has only given up 30 explosive plays this year, but in their previous week's game against USF, quarterback Jerry Bohanon was lighting up the Tulane secondary. Tulane pulled away in the second half due to an injury to Bohanon. He believes Memphis has the quality quarter in Seth Henigan and tall, physical receivers that could give Tulane a tough matchup.

He expects that if Tulane comes in focused and not overwhelmed by the national attention they have been receiving, the Tigers will have a tough time beating Tulane on the road in New Orleans.

About Behind Enemy Lines

Behind Enemy Lines is a GoTigers247 audio podcast where we interview beat writers that cover Tiger opponents. The podcast is recorded the week prior to the game so listeners will get the most up to date information for the specific matchup.

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