Next week’s Military Bowl game is Tulane against Virginia Tech.
Tulane, last year, surprised many. That was after their comeback win in the Cotton Bowl against number 10 USC to cap off a 12-2 season. This year, the Green Wave remained one of the best groups of five teams. But next week’s Military Bowl game against Virginia Tech will be our last look at this version of Tulane. Let’s look at the history, preview the matchup, and discuss what’s to come between these two teams.
History
The two teams have rarely played against each other, with their last matchup in 1986. The Hookies narrowly led the all-time series 5-4, winning the last time the two played. The Hookies also have a history in the Military Bowl. This game is their third appearance since it was created in 2008.
Houston Has a Solution
Tulane head coach Willie Fritz announced he was taking the Houston job earlier this month. This job had enormous implications for the program. Fritz has a 72-54 record and won three out of four bowl games and 23-4 his last two seasons. Only four FBS programs matched Tulane’s record in the past two seasons. They are Michigan, Georgia, Washington, and Troy. Take a look at the games.
They won the New Year’s six games. They nearly beat Ole Miss this year with a backup quarterback.
The Next Challenge
After all this, Fritz was drawn to his next challenge, a power five job.
Last year, many expected Fritz to become Georgia Tech’s head coach. Instead, he followed up on what many thought was Tulane’s best season in history. This year, he was ready to leap to a program with huge expectations, Houston. Their team should be in good hands in the Military Bowl under Slade Nagle. Nagle is one of the best offensive coordinators in the country. Last year, Nagle was notably linked to Alabama’s offensive coordinator job after his first year in the position.
Despite his success, his future destination is still being determined. Why is that? There is his announcement that he plans to leave after the bowl game.
No Fritz or Pratt
Outside of Fritz, only one other player has been more influential in their success. That is quarterback Michael Pratt. Pratt has started 35 games and has broken nearly every offensive record. Like Fritz, there is little more he can do than look for his next challenge. Rather than risk an injury, Pratt has opted out to start preparing for the Senior Bowl and the NFL draft. In his place, Tulane will either start Kai Horton or Justin Ibieta. Horton is the more experienced player. He has two starts this season and has played in 11 total games. Horton has one foot out the door, intending to transfer after the game. Instead of opting out, he will use the bowl to audition for other jobs nationwide. Ibieta also has limited game reps, with his most recent start coming last year against Fritz’s new team.
To Play or Not to Play
When coaches leave, players usually follow, looking for new opportunities. The transfer portal has continued to pick apart the best teams in the group of five, like Tulane. Tulane loses their best pass catchers in WR Chris Brazell and TE Alex Bauman. Bauman, like Horton, is expected to play. Look for him to be the top target on offense. On defense, linebacker Corey Platt followed Fritz to Houston. Other defenders that have entered the portal include:
- Safety Kentrell Webb
- Defensive lineman Devean Deal
- Keith Cooper
There are other notable returners for Tulane. These include leading rusher Makhi Hughes, Jesus Machado, and Lance Robinson on defense.
Virginia Tech Moving Up
Virginia Tech saw a massive turnaround in their second year. Under Brent Fray, they had a6-6 record, bowl eligibility, and 5-3 in the ACC. Last year, the Hookies were the worst team in the Coastal Division. Look at the matchup. These two teams are heading in different directions at the end of their seasons. Tulane is coming off a loss to SMU in the AAC conference championship. Virginia Tech comes off a 55-17 Smithfield Commonwealth defeat over in-state rival Virginia. Tulane was torn apart by their coach mobility, opt-outs, and the portal. Through all this, Virginia Tech remained stable.
Drones to the Rescue
Virginia Tech has a storied history of mobile quarterbacks. Micheal Vick, Tyrod Taylor, Hendon Hooker before he transferred. Add starting quarterback Kyron Drones to the list. Second-year starter Grant Wells went down to an ankle injury in week two. This left the Hookies looking at a potentially lost season. That was until Drones stepped in. Before this season, Drones was unknown. Despite being in his third year of college football, he needed more experience. At Baylor, Drones had limited playing time. They only played in seven games in his first two years. Drones decided to transfer to Virginia Tech this year in hopes of a fresh start. After a couple of shaky first games, Drones snapped off the rust against Pittsburgh. Drones accounted for five total touchdowns. Three were through the air, and the other two were on the ground. A few weeks later, he was able to throw for his career-high 321 yards at Wake Forest. Drones announced his intentions to come back. He looks to ride this momentum through the bowl game and next season.
Tuten His Horn
Virginia Tech picked up Bhayshul Tuten this offseason. He had attended North Carolina A&T, an HBCU. Tuten had 947 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground and through the air. Despite being an every down back, Tuten was most effective as a returner on special teams. Tuten finished this season with 489 yards and two touchdowns on his returns.
His strong season led him to second-team all-conference recognition. Dae’Quan Wright is another target on offense.
Strong On Defense (Literally)
On defense, it starts with their defensive line. Where are the players to look out for? They include Norell Pollard, Antwaun Powell-Rylan, and linebacker Keli Lawson. Also, Dorian Strong looks to be the next in Virginia Tech’s pipeline of NFL cornerbacks.
Will Virginia Tech continue its momentum and beat Tulane? Or will Tulane end the Willie Fritz era on a good note, beating a team on the rise? Find out with University Foot-Ball.
Author: Tarohn Finley
