# Tulane braces for unbeaten Kansas State after South Alabama win > Coach Will Hall addresses injuries, third-down struggles, and the challenge of facing a defense that hasn't allowed a touchdown. - Title: Tulane braces for unbeaten Kansas State after South Alabama… - Summary: Coach Will Hall addresses injuries, third-down struggles, and the challenge of facing a defense that hasn't allowed a touchdown. Tulane must dramatically… - Keywords: tulane, kansas state, will hall, chris rodgers, ty thompson, jaylin lucas, avery johnson, college football, injury update, third down conversion, sports, braces - Source: Tulane Green Wave On SI — https://si.com/college/tulane/news/hall-prepares-for-kansas-state-speaks-to-injury-concern-01m2k774rgg5 - Published: 2026-09-15T20:48:35+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: tulane, kansas state, will hall, chris rodgers, ty thompson, jaylin lucas, avery johnson, college football, injury update, third down conversion, sports ## 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. ## Key takeaway Tulane must dramatically improve on third down and tackle better to compete with Kansas State's dominant defense that hasn't allowed a touchdown.