Opposing Eyes: Tulane Writer Talks About Upcoming Game With Rutgers

Added by Gregg Snyder on August 29, 2012.

The Superdome and Tulane will host Rutgers Satuday night.

It’s game week and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights are preparing for a trip to New Orleans where they will battle the Tulane Green Wave at the Superdome. The game is scheduled to kickoff at 8:03pm Saturday night and will be the season opener for both schools.

Cory Agular is a writer that covers Tulane football for www.TulaneInsider.com. Cory was kind enough to take some time out and answer a few questions regarding the upcoming game and his thoughts on this years Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

DoubleGSports: Tulane will be hosting Rutgers on Saturday to start the season. How excited is the Green Wave fan base for the upcoming season?

Cory: The excitement level is certainly higher than it has been in the last few years. The new coaching staff has brought an energy that has not been present in recent memory. Coach Johnson’s local connections and experience with the Saints (NFL) have definitely had a palpable effect, especially among local fans who may have been disenchanted after a string of sub-par years.

DoubleGSports: Saturday’s game will be Rutgers’ head coach Kyle Flood’s first as a head coach. Is that something that gives Tulane an advantage?

Cory: Tulane is going through a coaching change as well, so I would say it is a push.

DoubleGSports: Why should Rutgers fans be worried about facing Tulane?

Cory: The Green Wave have a lot of talent at running back despite losing last years leading rusher, Orleans Darkwa, to an ankle injury. They have nice combination of size and speed that allows them to be effective between the tackles, off tackles, and in the pass/screen game. QB Ryan Griffin is experienced and has the capability of putting together strong offensive drives. I also think the defensive backfield, albeit young, has a lot of athleticism and is capable of making a big, game-changing play. 

DoubleGSports: Are there any special tailgating or pre-game traditions around Tulane on game day?

Cory: The Superdome is located conveniently downtown so there is access to the French Quarter (Bourbon St., etc.) and other downtown locations. It is not too difficult of a walk from the French Quarter towards the dome. There is also Champions Square, an area outside the dome that has food and drink options and then an easy stroll to the dome (http://www.superdome.com/square/).

I would not say that there are any “traditions” other than enjoying downtown. There will be people set up in the parking lots around the dome as well and I’m sure they’ll show Rutgers fans some southern hospitality.

DoubleGSports: What area of the Rutgers team should worry Tulane and their fans the most?

Cory: I think in general, the running game may present some problems. There are questions along Tulane’s defensive line and if the Scarlet Knights can get the running game going, that opens the door for the passing game as well.

DoubleGSports: What is your overall view and thoughts on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights?

Cory: This will definitely be a good measuring stick for the team coming out of fall camp. The win over Rutgers in 2010 felt like a huge confidence boost but the team failed to capitalize on it after struggling through conference play. I think the coaching staff and players have respect for Rutgers and the BCS level talent, but I would not say that they are intimidated by any stretch.

DoubleGSports: How about a game prediction?

Cory: I try to stay away from predictions, but I will say I think this game will be competitive. If Tulane can avoid mistakes they have a good chance of taking down the Scarlet Knights. As always, one or two plays can change the landscape of any game.

You can follow Cory and the rest of the gang at Tulane Insider on Twitter, @TulaneInsider.