The Tulane Green Wave are in the midst of a season that will test them both mentally and physically during their short week in Charlotte, and they will need to focus on the moments that matter.
Other than the Hurricanes, who changed their preparation before Oklahoma, they have encountered adversity on the field. Back-to-back road games on Saturday and Thursday present unique challenges with extraneous factors and added mental and physical strain.
It is important to build the team’s mental strength before moments like this. That means getting young players on the field in critical situations as early in the year as possible.
Against Kansas State, freshman safety Jack Chiencho’s playmaking ability gave him meaningful snaps, while sophomore Kevin Adams continued to sneak onto the field as his counterpart.
Six games later, against North Texas, Qianzhou led Tulane with eight solo tackles, the same tackle Adams used to bring down Dean Connors to prevent a touchdown against Rice, making for a crucial escape. Saved. Adams recovered a fumble on special teams.
They’ve shut out several contests since Week 2, and Tchienchou has seen how the time spent on that assignment has built toughness and a bond.
“Coach Gus (Gasparato) says, even after the spring season, you’re not getting any younger. Kevin and I have made it our job to make sure we don’t take a step back and don’t slow down. I can’t afford to get discouraged after a big match, and I’ve continued to raise my level, and I think the seniors in front of me have set a good example. It can only continue. ”
Veterans Jalen Geiger and Bayley Despaney have been the most important models for both players to learn from. Nothing was more indicative of the team’s core values than having Despagny on the sideline after he was ejected for targeting Oklahoma. I remember him hugging the young players next in line and his coaching during games had an immediate effect.
“His experience can’t be taught,” Tianzhou agreed. “He also helps me on the field, letting me know and warning me of things that might happen. And even if it doesn’t happen, it stays in the back of my mind. I can do it because he helped me make future plays. ”
Coach Geiger talked about the temperament of his young defensive backs earlier this year, specifically pointing to Tien-Chou as a true young leader.
“Even though he’s young, he’s still going to step up and talk. I think we all have that connection to each other because we’re all together outside of football. , we all just know in these critical moments, these tough moments, we know we have each other’s backs. ”
One level up, the Green Wave linebackers display a bond of equal brotherhood. Even though Sam Howard didn’t transfer to Tulane until this summer, Tyler Grubbs couldn’t believe how seamlessly they connected. This is a sign of the ultimate culture fit on the roster.
“It’s hard to build relationships when Sam comes in and things are moving so fast. You can’t form great bonds when you’re worrying about everything. It’s hard to sit down and talk to someone.” But , he and I somehow see a lot of things the same way, so it’s special to have a leader next to you who sees the same things as you. It wants that greatness. ”
“I think our camaraderie and the way we encourage each other has influenced our team in some way. I think everyone can see how we encourage each other. That’s a great leadership role for everyone else. So he’s next to me every game and all the time.”This leadership role that we have is special. ”
Tulane’s response when faced with adversity is universal. “Good.” It only works if there is buy-in from the entire team. They won’t be spared that moment Thursday against the 49ers. But they won’t have enough fresh legs or enough intense preparation to rely on on-field machinations.
It is important that the Green Wave players view each other as brothers and rely on their competitiveness to level the playing field in Charlotte.
