No. 24 Tulane and experienced South Alabama are bracing for a challenging opener apnews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from apnews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
If No. 24 Tulane wants to validate its first preseason AP Top 25 ranking in the program's 122-year history, star quarterback Michael Pratt and the Green Wave will have to be sharp right out of the gate. The experienced South Alabama Jaguars have every reason to believe they're capable of dashing the Green Wave's unusually high expectations on Saturday.
Tulane, which went 12-2 last season, wants to justify its first preseason AP Top 25 ranking and start strong in its quest for a bid to a second straight American Athletic Conference title and major New Year's bowl game. South Alabama, looking to build on a 10-win 2022 campaign, seeks its first victory over a ranked opponent since knocking off then-No. San Diego State in 2016.