Kansas State looms large

After beating South Alabama, Tulane faces its toughest test yet. The Wildcats haven't allowed a touchdown this season and have scored 105 points in two games.

Hall sees improvement, wants more

Coach Will Hall said Tuesday's practice was the best of the season. But he's clear the team needs to play much better against Kansas State.

“I thought we had the best Tuesday practice (since the season began), which was great to see.”

Third down is killing Tulane

The Green Wave convert just 34.6% on third down while opponents succeed 50% of the time. Hall knows this must change to beat Kansas State.

“We know we have to get better at getting off the field on third-down.”

Offense too inconsistent

Tulane showed explosive plays against South Alabama but can't sustain drives. Hall wants more consistency to keep the offense on the field.

“We were extremely explosive last week, but we've got to be more consistent.”

Coaching for sacrifice

Hall explained what motivates him as a coach. Seeing players sacrifice personal stats for teammates and watching injured players work toward their goals.

“When you see your young men sacrifice themselves and their stats for the good of other people... that's what you do it for.”

Practice pays off on Saturday

Hall credited leadership and intentionality for Tuesday's strong practice. He pointed to Jaylin Lucas's 200-yard game as proof that practice quality matters.

“Jaylin Lucas has had two consecutive great weeks of practice (and) look how (they) played.”

Fat Hill's practice translated

Running back Fat Hill had his best week of practice before the South Alabama game, and it showed in his effective contributions on Saturday.

“Fat Hill had his best week of practice (last week)... Jaylin Lucas has had two consecutive great weeks of practice (and) look how (they) played.”

Chris Rodgers injury unclear

Hall had no update on linebacker Chris Rodgers. The team is awaiting a final diagnosis and getting a second opinion on his injury.

“We're working through it to get the final diagnosis (and) we're getting a second opinion.”

Ty Thompson status uncertain

The tight end's injury timeline remains unknown. Hall said the team is still gathering information on what the rest of Thompson's season will look like.

“We're still gathering information on (Thompson, and) what the rest of the year will look like.”

Tackling improved but not enough

Tulane missed 20% fewer tackles against South Alabama than in week one. Hall says it's still too many misses to become the defense they want to be.

“We missed 20% less tackles this week than last week, (but) it's still too much.”

Avery Johnson is a problem

Hall described the Kansas State quarterback as experienced, dynamic, and explosive. Johnson is especially dangerous outside the pocket and in the run game.

“He's unbelievable outside the pocket (and in the run game).”

Assignment football is critical

To contain Johnson and Kansas State's offense, Tulane must have correct eye discipline, stay assignment sound, and wrap up when tackling.

“We've got to have our eyes right, we've got to be assignment sound, and we've got to wrap and squeeze.”

Kansas State defense is elite

The Wildcats haven't allowed a touchdown through two games. Hall praised their soundness and highlighted dynamic pass rushers Wendell Gregory and Darion Whitaker Jr.

“Extremely sound, they know what they're doing all the time... They've got dynamic pass rushers.”

Offensive line showing growth

The o-line played better against South Alabama. Getting John Bock II back helps, and the ability to rotate more players keeps them fresh throughout games.

“I think (the o-line) and the d-line, you're going to see them grow throughout the year.”