Grading the Green Wave: historic season produces the expected high marks under Willie Fritz

Tulane football team won its first conference title since 1998. The team has the second-highest scoring offense in school history (35.2 points per game) and the fewest points allowed per match since 1997. They beat Kansas State on the road and two ranked teams in The Associated Press poll.

Michael Pratt was a leader and a good quarterback. Kai Horton came up with some big plays at Houston. The team won the national championship. Willie Fritz deserves high marks. He deserves to be re-elected.

Willie Fritz' team won the championship.

Spears is coming back from a torn ACL and hamstring injury. He was exceptional from the beginning of November through the American Athletic Conference championship game. Iverson Celestine filled in well when Spears was injured. Shaadie Clayton-Johnson showed flashes of future stardom.

Tulane's wide receiver corps is one of the best in the FBS. Shae Wyatt, Jha’Quan Jackson, Deuce Watts and Lawrence Keys all caught between 30 and 35 passes. Dea Deas McDougle left the team after the first UCF game.

The Green Wave had a great season under Willie Fritz.

The offensive line played a big role in the Green Wave's successful season. Sincere Haynesworth, Prince Pines, Joey Claybrook, Rashad Green and Josh Remetich started all 13 games. Pine and Hayneworth were named first-team All-AAC.

The Green Wave had a historic season under Willie Fritz.

Tulane's defensive line was the difference-maker. Nine players had double-digit tackle totals. The line is stout against the run. Darius Hodges (35 tackles, 5 sacks) and Patrick Jenkins (33 tackles) were the best on the pass rush. Keith Cooper made 10 tackles with 2½ sacks in the last two games. Eric Hicks started every game at the nose.

Dorian Williams and Nick Anderson were the heart and soul of the defense. Williams had team highs for tackles (115), stops for loss (8½), breakups (7½) and sacks (1). Anderson was right behind him with 108 tackles and six stops. Jesus Machado and Corey Platt played well when the backups were injured.

Tulane's defense exceeded expectations. Macon Clark was the catalyst. Larry Brooks, Lummie Young and Jarius Monroe were solid in the back. Nicholls State transfer Jariro Monroe stepped up in his absence.

Tulane's special teams coach Robby Discher has done well under Willie Fritz. Valentino Ambrosio made 10 of 11 field goals in the final eight games. Punter Casey Glover was not at the same level as his predecessor, NFL rookie Ryan Wright, but opponents had only 8 return yards.

Fritz's team is a new breed of team. The offensive coordinator, Jim Svoboda, is the best offensive coach in Fritz's tenure. John McMenamin's wide receiver team was the most balanced and prolific. Chris Hampton's defensive play-calling was invaluable.