Football: Breakdown of UL’s historic loss to Tulane

Tim Buckley, The Advertiser, Sept. 25, 2016

WHAT HAPPENED

The Cajuns’ offense came out on fire with 181 total yards to just 34 for Wave in first half. But despite each of UL’s first three drives entering Tulane territory, the Cajuns settled for two field goals and a 6-0 lead due to an interception and a sack-fumble. After that, Tulane’s defense stiffened and tied the game with two field goals after each pick for a 6-6 halftime deadlock.

The game remained a stalemate until the overtime periods. At that point, both offenses came alive and suddenly appeared unstoppable after struggling mightily for for seven of eight combined quarters in regulation.

MOST EXCITING PLAY

It proved to be UL’s final big play in a first half that began explosively. Running back Darius Hoggins tripped after receiving the ball on a reverse, but still managed to get it back to quarterback Anthony Jennings, who still managed to hit Ja’Marcus Bradley for a 39-yard completion. The Cajuns got a 39-yard field goal from Stevie Artigue on the drive.

TURNING POINT(S)

Early in the second quarter with UL still holding the moment, Jennings was intercepted at midfield by Parry Nickerson, who returned it 37 yards to the UL 13. The Green Wave only managed seven yards on the drive, but did get a field goal to cut it to 6-3. More importantly, UL’s offense didn’t get another first down on it next nine drives. The Cajuns had 10 first downs on the three drives before that.

The second one was Elijah McGuire muffing a punt at the Cajuns’ 6 at 10:24 of the second to set up a Tulane field goal and a 9-6 lead.

 BY THE NUMBERS

At the half, the Cajuns had 200 yards in total offense and 10 first downs to 83 total yards and just four first downs for Tulane … At the end of regulation, UL had 15 first downs and 282 total yards, while Tulane had 16 first downs and 227 total yards … After the four overtime periods, UL ended up with 20 first downs, 377 total yards and Tulane had 14 first downs and 311 total yards … Attendance was announced at 24,253.

NAME DROPPING

UL punt returner and wide receiver Gary Haynes suffered a knee injury in the second quarter and was immediately ruled out for the game.

 RECORDS

UL: 2-2, 1-0 in the Sun Belt Conference. Tulane: 2-2, 0-1 in the American Athletic Conference.

NEXT UP

UL visits New Mexico State for a 7 p.m. Sun Belt game on Saturday (ESPN3 only; no TV). Tulane visits UMass on Saturday afternoon.