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Tulane-Charlotte: Key to Victory for the Green Wave | Tulane

Tulane-Charlotte: Key to Victory for the Green Wave | Tulane

1. Show up ready

The potential for disappointment is real for Tulane, which faces its second road game in six days against an opponent with a losing record after winning its first game against a more dangerous team on paper. Earlier this week, coach Jon Sumrall told his players that the game would be broadcast on ESPN and would not be relegated to one of the network's smaller channels after dodgeball or before ping pong. It was a good statement, but she had to take the wave to heart rather than relax and assume victory.

2. PRESS THE QB

Charlotte freshman Deshawn Purdie is raw, but he can do it. His long ball provided a late, game-winning touchdown against Rice, and another late deep strike almost allowed the 49ers to upset Memphis on the road. However, these big pieces take time to develop. If he is the starter as expected, Tulane's pass rush can force him to make quicker decisions and check on secondary receivers. That's not his strength, and he hasn't been a running threat so far this year. Pressure leads to negative plays.

3. GIVE IT HUGHES

You can use this every week. Unless Charlotte sells out to stop running back Makhi Hughes, something no one in the AAC has ever attempted, look forward to another big day from the league's leading rusher. The 49ers are allowing 184.3 yards rushing per game, 110th nationally, and are giving up 4.9 yards per carry, which is 111th. Unless Hughes is exhausted by 57 balls in the last two games, giving him the ball early and often will be a winning strategy – again.

4. BE YOURSELF

Sumrall said there isn't enough time in the short week to drastically change the schedule anyway, and if Tulane sticks with what's worked so far, it should be fine. Charlotte is more dangerous than its record suggests, but the 49ers are still trying to find their footing with 44 transfer additions under second-year coach Biff Poggi – tied with Colorado for the most players in the FBS. Navy became the fourth team to beat them by 18 or more, 51-17, less than two weekends ago.

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