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So nice we're doing it twice. Rutgers closes out the non-conference schedule with Tulane, and we invited for a second time our friends from Underdog Dynasty. For this Q&A, we're talking with Ryne Handcock, UD's Green Wave specialist. We discuss expectations for Tulane, the state of Rutgers' former home, the American Athletic Conference, and more!
Q: Curtis Johnson is in his 3rd year at Tulane, and now finds himself in a new conference: the AAC. Sitting at 1-3 on the season, what's the outlook for the Green Wave?
Ryne Hancock: Curtis Johnson has done a great job recruiting wise in New Orleans and southern Louisiana. That being said from what I've seen so far of this team I can see them finishing 4-8, which shouldn't anger Tulane fans.
Q: How is the strength of the American? Will ECU run away with the title?
RH: The American is a great league from top to bottom. You have Cincinnati with Tommy Tuberville, East Carolina, and Central Florida. Another team to watch out for is the Memphis Tigers, who has proved early on that they can score at will on offense. As far as East Carolina's chances are concerned for an AAC crown, I think they could run the table but any team can be beat.
Q: Who are some of the impact players for Tulane that Rutgers fans should keep an eye on?
RH: If you're a Rutgers fan I would say watch out for CB Lorenzo Doss, one of the best players on the team. Also Tulane has a couple of solid running backs, Lazedrick Thompson and Dontrell Hillard, both of whom are freshmen.
Q: Last time Tulane visited Piscataway, they ruined homecoming for the Scarlet Knights. Think they steal another win on Saturday?
RH: Tulane is a young team this year. You have a redshirt freshman at QB, a lot of key personnel gone from defense, etc. That being said I'm going Rutgers 35 Tulane 18.
A big thank you to Ryne Hancock for helping out on this great Q&A. For more info on the American Athletic Conference and everything Group of Five, head on over to Underdog Dynasty.