Behind Enemy Lines: Q&A with Tulane expert Maddy Hudak

Kansas State is road-tripping for the first time this season. On Saturday, the Wildcats will head to New Orleans to play Tulane for the return trip of a previously scheduled home-and-home.

In 2022, Tulane traveled to Manhattan and upset the Wildcats, 17-10. The game set both teams on a snowball effect, which saw them win their conference championships. Tulane also beat USC in the Cotton Bowl.

This is a different Tulane team, however. The Wildcats have since seen the departure of their head coach, Willie Fritz, and quarterback Michael Pratt. Tulane replaced Fritz with former Troy head coach Jon Sumrall.

To learn more about the new-look Tulane football team, EMAW Online spoke with Tulane expert Maddy Hudak. Hudak is Tulane’s sideline reporter and the publisher for Sports Illustrated’s Tulane on SI.

Q: Tulane underwent a coaching change during the offseason with Willie Fritz’s departure and Jon Sumrall’s arrival. What has Sumrall done since arriving to change the program and compete in the AAC?

He’s made the team buy-in completely alongside the fan base. The infusion of energy Sumrall’s arrival to the program brought has generated momentum, and his approach to building a culture and core values is impressive. The way the quarterback competition was conducted with care and by merit shows the approach of this staff and how well it’s translated. He picked up the necessary additions in the portal and retained key players, but it’ll be important to finalize coming together this weekend.

Q: Tulane named Darian Mensah their starting quarterback ahead of last week’s game. How did his first start go, and what does he offer the offense?

For a redshirt freshman, you’d truly have no idea. His first collegiate throw was a 3rd and 8 conversion to Mario Williams for 24 yards. Mensah displayed impressive poise, but he also has a bit of swagger to him. Sumrall and his teammates have called it “California Cool.” He can read coverages, but more important, he’s not afraid to throw and be decisive as displayed in his first start. The team has really rallied around him and his leadership that emulates Michael Pratt. Mensah offers them a real chance to contend this season, and form a team identity.

Q: Chris Klieman mentioned running back Makhi Hughes as a standout. What makes him such a lethal running back and how is he used in the offense?

My first memory of Makhi Hughes is a play where Michael Pratt took off in last year’s season opener and got stuffed. Hughes looked back and without thinking, picked up Pratt in his arms and essentially threw him four yards upfield. It displays how incredibly strong he is. I’ve never seen a back hit no hole at all and still gain positive yardage, and Hughes did so frequently. It’s hard to imagine a successful season without Hughes’ emergence last year.

He’s a workhorse that takes piles and moves them with him, and that was with a large workload last year. He’s faster this season and has a better committee around him. I don’t think the opener for either Tulane or Kansas State showed much about how we can expect players to be used, but with Hughes, it’s as simple as getting the ball in his hands.

Q: The defense retains some talent from Fritz’s tenure, but also adds a lot of new pieces in the transfer portal. Who are the players K-State fans need to keep an eye on defensively?

On the defensive line, Patrick Jenkins and Adin Huntington will be crucial for Tulane in this contest. They have really strong coverage in the secondary, especially by Micah Robinson and Caleb Ransaw, who plays the Spear slot role for the team. Bailey Despanie made a fourth-down stop in the 2022 game as a role player. He’s in his second season starting and was the leading tackler Thursday. This will be a game that the linebackers are important to stopping the run, and they have two hard hitters in Sam Howard and Tyler Grubbs.

Q: Under Fritz, the expectation always appeared to be competing for the AAC Championship. Has those expectations changed under Sumrall? What is the vibe like heading into this week’s game?

Those expectations are still here, but even if the team won’t make mention of it, they’ve clearly expanded to include a path to the playoffs. A victory this weekend or against Oklahoma is necessary for Tulane to contend there, but the team has their sights on the conference championship. In 2022, no one saw Tulane coming, as shown by the game being on ESPN+. The vibe this year is heading into the matchup confident that they have a chance.

Q: Who is one under-the-radar player on both sides of the ball who could have a big game Saturday?

On offense, I’d look to running back Shaadie Clayton-Johnson as a key counterpart to Makhi Hughes, and as a receiver. Clayton-Johnson is one of the more fluid pass catchers. Defense, I would point to free safety Jalen Geiger. He transferred in from Kentucky and has experience in big moments. When adversity hits the team this weekend, his perspective will be critical. He and Despanie both flew downfield for open field tackles all night last Thursday.

Q: What does Tulane need to do well to win on Saturday?

Tulane needs to not beat themselves. Kansas State is a team that will execute and not make critical errors. They had no penalties in their season opener. Tulane was flagged in all three phases. Establishing the run, not turning the ball over, and improved tackling are the top three keys. The equalizer may very well come on special teams, and that was a weakness for the team last week.

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Behind Enemy Lines: Q&A with Tulane expert Maddy Hudak