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Tulane Named Favorite to Win American Athletic Conference
- Stacy Campbell
- Jul 28, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 30, 2023
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana - After defeating the USC Trojans in the Cotton Bowl Classic a season ago, the Tulane Green Wave found themselves on top of the American Athletic Conference to start the 2023 season.
Coming off a two-win season in 2021, the Green Wave surprisingly leaped to twelve wins during the 2022 season which was unprecedented in the FBS. On Tuesday, July 25, Tulane was picked to repeat as AAC champions in a poll released at the American Athletic Conference media day. Tulane received 20 of 34 first-place votes, earning the top spot for the first time in school history.
"It's always an honor to have people believe in you," said center Sincere Haynesworth who decided to return for a fifth season. "It's a new feeling for us, but it gives us something to work harder for. It's just another reason for us to go harder."
Michael Pratt will return for his fourth season as the team's starting quarterback. Pratt led Tulane to their first AAC championship during a 46-45 comeback victory against USC by scoring 16 points in the final 4:05 during the Cotton Bowl Classic. Pratt finished the season with 37 touchdowns (27 passing, 10 rushing) and only five interceptions.
Unfortunately, the Wave has to replace running back Tyjae Spears - the AAC offensive player of the year - who was drafted 81st overall in the third round by the Tennessee Titans during the 2023 NFL Draft.
Head coach, Willie Fritz didn't seem too enthused of the preseason projection. Houston, the preseason favorite last season, finished tied for fourth at 5-3 in conference play."We were 7th in the preseason polls last year," he said. "My preparation has always been the same. I'm very consistent. If you look back at the past success or failures, you're not going to be the very best you can."
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