Tulane vs. SLU news and notes

Behind the strength of an efficient passing attack, Tulane defeated Southeastern Louisiana 47-33 in a high-scoring season opener. The win highlighted both how much Wave quarterback Ryan Griffin has progressed in the last three years and how far the defense still has to go. The full game recap will be up on The Hullabaloo's site soon, but here are a few things we noticed to tide you over until then.

The SLU Ducks? Tulane's 47 points was the second-most the Green Wave had ever scored in the Bob Toledo era. Southeastern also got in on the action, utilizing the no-huddle offense and moving down the field quickly. The Lions assistant coaches held up giant posters with pictures of different things which signaled to the offense what play to run next. This allowed SLU to call in multiple plays at a time and was a method previously utilized by Oklahoma State and, more famously, Oregon. Toledo, however, spoke only briefly when asked about it.

"Oregon’s been doing it?" Toledo asked. "I’m going to get Scott Cowen and Rick Dickson’s picture up next week and give them special trick plays. But yeah, some people are doing it. It’s kind of a fun thing."

First Time Here Freshman Matt Bailey enjoyed a stellar debut in his first game with the Green Wave. He blocked a punt in the third quarter that rolled into the end zone for a safety. It was the Wave's first blocked punt since 2004. When heading to the locker room after the game, however, Bailey needed directions to Tulane's locker room, almost walking into the press conference area instead.

Mackey's Score Junior linebacker Trent Mackey caught a touchdown pass in the first quarter out of Tulane's goal line formation to put the Wave up 17-7. He also recorded his college sack and was credited with a blocked punt. Observers at the Green Wave's recent fall practices might have noticed Mackey working as a fullback in goal line drills. Toledo said that it was a good fit, considering Mackey had also played running back in high school.

Griffin's Early Exit Starting quarterback Griffin left the game in the fourth quarter with approximately seven minutes remaining, bowing out to backup D.J. Ponder, though the Wave were only leading by two touchdowns. After the game, Toledo explained that he thought Ponder had earned that playing time and that it gave him valuable game experience. For his part, Griffin said he still wanted to put more touchdowns on the board.