Wave Opens Football Season In BCA Classic
Aug 20, 2001 | Football
Aug. 20, 2001
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Tulane vs. BYU -- BCA Classic
August 25, 2001
2:30 p.m. MDT - ESPN2
Provo, Utah
Lavell Edwards Stadium
Preseason Experience
Tulane plays the first preseason game in its history when it meets BYU Saturday in the BCA Classic in Provo. The Green Wave has played 12 regular season games twice before by playing games at Hawaii. In 1989, the Wave opened the season in Honolulu, while Tulane closed out the 1993 season at Hawaii.
Early Start
The Green Wave makes the earliest start in school history in the school's 108th season of football with the August 25th opener. Tulane's previous earliest opening date was the 1996 game with Cincinnati on August 30th which inaugurated Conference USA. Tulane is 1-2 all-time in August games with losses in the 1991 and 1985 season openers to Ole Miss and Florida State, respectively.
Starting Out
Tulane is 59-46-2 all-time in season opening games. The Green Wave is looking for its first season opening win since 1998 after dropping its last two season openers to Ole Miss (2000) and Southern Miss (1999). Tulane opens with a non-conference game for just the second time since joining Conference USA five seasons ago.
Road Openers
For the fifth time in the last six years, Tulane will open a season on the road with its visit to Provo. All-time, the Green Wave is 12-18 in season opening games played on the road while they are 40-59-1 in their first road game of the year. Tulane did not play a single away game in 1893, 1903, 1905, 1906, 1907, 1914 and 1918.
Go West, Young Men
The Green Wave makes its first ever trip to the state of Utah for the BCA Classic. Tulane, in fact, is quite a stranger to the West. In the last 20 years, the Wave's only trips west of Texas have been those 1989 and '93 games in Hawaii. The last time Tulane played a mainland team out West came in 1981 when the Green Wave played Air Force in Colorado Springs.
Familiar Face
While the Green Wave has not visited BYU or Utah before, Tulane is familiar to one member of the Cougar team. New coach Gary Crowton spent the 1996-98 seasons as the head coach at Louisiana Tech in Ruston, La. Not only was La Tech the last regular season victim of Tulane's 1998 perfect season team as they fell 63-30 to the then 11th-ranked Green Wave, prior to that Crowton recruited Ruston native and now Tulane starting QB Patrick Ramsey to Tech.
Heading Toward Home
The trip to Utah will be at least closer to home for a handful of players on the Tulane roster. Californians James Dunn, Lyneal Strain and J.P. Losman, along with New Mexican Stephen Hedemann, a walk-on tight end, are the lone players who will be heading toward home when the Green Wave flies West.
Camp Hammond
The Green Wave spent 16 days practicing in Hammond, La. during the preseason, returning to New Orleans on August 18th. For the last several years, Tulane has travelled across Lake Ponchartrain to hold preseason drills in Covington, La., but this was its first "camp" in Hammond, where Tulane used the facilities of Southeastern Louisiana University. Ninety players, as well as the coaches and trainers, managers, video and strength staffs, lived in the dorms, met in the classrooms of the business school, ate in the cafeteria and used the locker rooms, training room and fields of the Southeastern athletic program.
Taking the Lead
At the conclusion of preseason drills, five players were elected the 2001 permanent team captains by their teammates. Senior quarterback Patrick Ramsey was elected a captain for the second consecutive season while his offensive senior teammates wide receiver Terrell Harris and Torie Taulli were also selected. On defense, a pair of juniors were elected team captains -- defensive end Floyd Dorsey and strong safety Terry Fontenot.
Schedule Turnaround
The BYU contest is the first of seven road games for the Green Wave this year, and in contrast to 2000, when Tulane played its last three games of the year at home (and won them all to finish 6-5), this year's schedule is front-loaded, with three home games in September. Beginning October 6, the Wave will play just two home games and five away contests, including four of the last five games of the year on the road.
Slate of Winners
Tulane plays by far its toughest schedule of the Chris Scelfo Era in 2001 as the Wave will take on nine teams that posted winning records in 2000, including six bowl teams. Only two teams on this year's schedule posted losing records a year ago. In all, the 2001 opponents went 78-61 last season.
On The Watch
Four Tulane players have or will be named to Watch Lists for four separate national awards this preseason. Senior quarterback Patrick Ramsey was named to the Watch List for the Davey O'Brien Quarterback Award, junior kicker Seth Marler -- a semifinalist last year -- is on the list for the Lou Groza Award, given to the nation's top kicker. Running back Mewelde Moore, the Conference USA Freshman of the Year last season, is an early candidate for the Doak Walker Award while senior punter Casey Roussel, who finished last year with the sixth-best punting average in the nation, is on the Watch List for the Ray Guy Award given to the nation's top punter.
Two-Deep Breakdown by Class
Tulane's two-deep entering the first game of the season features a pretty even distribution among the classes. Seniors (8) and sophomores (9) dominate the projected starting line-up, although only two starters on defense are seniors as compared to six on offense. A pair of freshmen are listed in the starting line-up on offense as Jimmy Kosienski, a redshirt from Baton Rouge, is manning the starting right tackle spot while true freshman Bobby Hoover is listed as the starter at tight end.
Back for Moore
Fresh off a summer playing minor league baseball and a record-setting freshman year, Mewelde Moore showed during preseason workouts that he hasn't missed a beat. Moore gained a school record 890 yards in 10 games as a true freshman to record the highest total by a Tulane back since 1970. It was the fourth-highest single season rushing total in school history. With five 100-yard rushing games a year ago, Moore is already tied for fifth on the Wave's all-time list for 100-yard games. His 89 yards per game average last year ranks second on the single season list. He needs 110 yards to become the 17th 1000-yard rusher in school history. Moore is also among the returning national leaders in receptions by a running back after averaging 3.3 catches per game last year.
Prolific Punter
Not only is Tulane punter Casey Roussel set to ink his name permanently in the Green Wave record books, the senior from Paulina, La., is one of the nation's best with a legitimate claim to All-America candidate status. Roussel finished sixth in the nation in punting a year ago with an average of 44.2 yards per kick, had 17 punts of 50 or more yards and five of over 60 yards. Just 26 of his 59 punts were returned a year ago and 13 were downed inside the 20-yard line. (See more on Roussel on page 5 of this release.)
A Tale of Two Corners
Two of the most interesting stories of the Green Wave preseason can be found in the defensive backfield, where Jeff Sanchez and Trey Godfrey have both made a name for themselves since the end of last year. Sanchez, a junior from Meraux, opened last season as the Wave's starting running back before Mewelde Moore emerged as the primary ballcarrier. Sanchez went down with an ankle injury and missed five games, during which time he made the decision to return to defensive back. According to coaches, he had the best spring of any defensive player and nailed down the starting right cornerback job this preseason. Godfrey literally came out of nowhere to earn a starting job in the Wave's nickel package, and a scholarship in the process. A three-sport star at Baton Rouge's Episcopal High, Godfrey went to Wofford College in South Carolina in 1998 where he did not see any action. He enrolled at Tulane and walked on to the football team last fall where he continued to progress and move up the depth chart. After an excellent spring and a good preseason, Godfrey was awarded a scholarship following preseason drills.
Same Name
With the addition of the freshmen Traina twins -- center Joe and guard Matt -- Tulane now features seven sets of players who share the same last name. Of those, only the Traina's are related. There are two each of Browns (Quentin and Winfred), Dorseys (Floyd and David), McGees (Chris and Cletus), Mitchells (Joe and Adrian), Sewells (Corey and Emmanuel) and three Williams' (Roydell, Marcus and Chris) - all unrelated. However, two other players on the squad are related -- New Iberia's Jamal Jones (CB) and Joe Mitchell (OG) are cousins.
Summer Fun?
Green Wave players had a busy, if shortened summer, between classes, internships, and even, in the case of running back Mewelde Moore, a stint in minor league baseball. Moore, who signed a professional contract with the San Diego Padres last August after being selected in the fourth round of the Major League Baseball draft, played centerfield for the Idaho Falls Rookie League team this summer, returning to Louisiana in July. Quarterback Patrick Ramsey, meanwhile, spent the summer in the offices of Freeport McMoran, a New Orleans corporation, where he did general ledger account analysis and reconciliation as part of an internship in his accounting and finance curriculum. Several Tulane players obtained summer jobs with the U.S. Post Offices around New Orleans where they sorted and delivered mail. Fullback Marcus Williams worked with underprivileged middle and high school kids in the New Orleans area in a program which introduced the youths to college life.
Academic Achievement
Tulane was one of 28 football programs to receive honorable mention recognition from the American Football Coaches Association this summer for graduating 70 percent or more of its football players from the 1995-96 freshman class. The Green Wave was the only Conference USA team to earn honorable mention status. Notre Dame and Vanderbilt shared the Academic Achievement Award.
Coming Attractions
In one of the most anticipated games in Louisiana in years, Tulane travels up I-10 to Baton Rouge for its first meeting with intrastate rival Louisiana State in five years. The game was scheduled to be the season opener for both teams until the Wave added the BCA Classic over the summer. Tulane and LSU last played on Nov. 23, 1996, a 35-17 LSU win. Tulane's last victory over the Tigers came in 1982 when the Wave upset the No. 12 ranked Tigers 31-28 in Baton Rouge.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
36 Casey Roussel, Punter
Senior, 6-1, 223, Paulina, La.
All-America candidate at punter who averaged 44.22 yards per punt last year to rank sixth in the nation. Preseason All-Conference USA selection by league coaches. 44.2 is also his career average and is Tulane's career record. Punted 59 times for 2,609 yards with a long punt of 72 yards versus Southern Miss. 11 of his last 27 punts last year were downed inside the 20. Only 26 of his 59 punts were returned. Had 17 punts of 50+ yards and five of over 60. Averaged over 40 yards per punt in every game last year and had at least one 50-yard punt in 10 of 11 games. Shared C-USA Special Teams Player of the Week honors after averaging 50.8 yards on four punts versus SMU. Played a major role in helping Tulane win field position game. Also serves as the back-up kicker and as the holder for placekicks.
26 Mewelde Moore, Running Back
Sophomore, 6-1, 198, Baton Rouge, La.
A Freshman All-American and the 2000 Conference USA Freshman of the Year last season. Led Tulane in rushing and all-purpose yards, and ranked fourth on the team in receiving. Rushed for 890 yards on 174 carries to average 5.1 yards per carry. Caught 33 passes for 350 yards, a 10.6-yard average. His 890 yards last year were the best rushing total by a Tulane back since 1970 and the highest ever for a Wave freshman.Scored on a 74-yard TD reception versus Army. Averaged 89.0 yards rushing per game to rank second in Conference USA. Only four players in the 107-year history of Tulane Football have more 100-yard rushing games than Moore. He posted five 100-yard games a year ago - in consecutive games against East Carolina, SMU and Cincinnati, and versus Houston and Memphis. He also had a 99-yard effort vs. Navy. Spent the summer in Arizona and Idaho playing baseball in the San Diego Padres organization. First took part in an instructional league in Arizona, then played centerfield for the Idaho Falls Rookie League team.
22 Terrell Harris, Wide Receiver
Senior, 5-10, 197, Marrero, La.
Tulane's leading returning receiver who caught a career high 64 passes for 694 yards a year ago. Along with Adrian Burnette, formed one of the top receiving combos in the nation. Passed the 1,000-yard mark in career receiving (the 15th TU player to do so) in the last game of the season. Tallied 100 receiving yards in each of the last two games of the year - versus Navy and Memphis. Had three other games of 80 or more receiving yards. Tied his career high with 10 catches in the Memphis game. Ranked fourth in Conference USA in catches per game. Scored on a 14-yard TD reception versus Houston. Elected a team captain by his Wave teammates at the close of preseason practices.
66 Torie Taulli , Center
Senior, 6-1, 272, Harvey, La.
Three-year starter who is a leader along the Tulane offensive line. One of three senior starters on the o-line in 2001. Started all 11 games a year ago while playing 855 of 897 plays. Played through injury late in the season. Line was a key ingredient in the success of Tulane's No. 7 total offense and No. 3 passing offense a year ago. Tulane averaged 324.5 passing yards per game and 453.5 yards of total offense per game. Did not allow a sack and his man had just one quarterback pressure during the 2000 season. Posted 12 Calls signals for the offensive line. Elected a team captain by his Wave teammates at the close of preseason practices.
47 Seth Marler, Kicker
Junior, 6-0, 178, Lilburn, Ga.
One of the top kickers in Conference USA who made 16-of-21 field goals a year ago, including 10-of-10 from inside the 40-yard line. 2001 Lou Groza Award candidate. Led Tulane in scoring with 85 points, the third-highest total in school history. Ranked second in C-USA in scoring. Named to the Top 20 list for the Lou Groza Award last season. Kicked 37-of-39 PATs. Booted at least one field goal in each of the first nine games of the season. Had three three-pointers in the SMU, Louisville and Memphis games. Ranks fifth in the school record books for career PATs (67) and field goals (31). Kicked his season long field goal, a 48-yarder, versus Memphis. Also serves as Tulane's back-up punter.
13 Lynaris Elpheage, Cornerback
Sophomore, 5-9, 156, New Orleans, La.
One of the top cornerbacks in Conference USA who led Tulane with three interceptions last year as a true freshman. In his first season playing exclusively on defense, thrived by making 44 tackles, including 35 solo, and deflecting 14 passes. Grabbed a pair of INTs in the Cincinnati game. Added a pickoff versus Army. Scored the Green Wave's first defensive touchdown of the year on a 23-yard fumble return versus Navy. Navy game was his top overall performance with seven tackles, two fumble recoveries and four pass break-ups along with the TD. Ranked seventh on the team in tackles. Expected to see more time as a punt and kick returner this season.
89 Roxie Shelvin, Defensive Tackle
Junior, 6-2, 272, Franklin, La.
One of the top defenders on the Tulane squad. Was one of the Wave's most consistent defensive players a year ago and returns for his second season as a starter in 2001. Totalled a career high 36 tackles as a sophomore, including 22 solo stops. Ranked among team leaders with six tackles for loss. Made a season high eight tackles vs. Army and added a tackle for losss and a pass break up. Registered seven tackles and a tackle for loss against UL-Lafayette. Blocked the potential game-tying extra point versus the Cajuns to preserve the Tulane win and earn C-USA Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Coaches selected him as their defensive player of the week three times last year.
14 Adrian Mitchell, Free Safety
Junior, 5-10, 193, Alexandria, La.
Top returning tackler for the Green Wave who ranked second on the team in stops as a sophomore. Tallied 89 tackles despite starting only the last five games of the year. Had 67 solo stops to lead Tulane, and added 22 assists. Picked off a pair of passes, one in each of the last two games of the year. Blocked a field goal at UL-Lafayette and caused a fumble at East Carolina. Made a season and career high 19 tackles versus Navy, the top single game tackle total in Conference USA last year. In the Memphis game, recovered two fumbles and broke up a pass in addition to his interception. Totalled 13 tackles in the East Carolina game.
