Green Wave running back Tyjae Spears is currently third in the AAC where he has rushed for 996 yards on the season and 12 touchdowns, as he averages 6.4 yards per carry. Spears is a dynamic playmaker for the Green Wave and is someone the Bearcats will have to maintain and really emphasize on stopping the run come Friday. “We have to respect him, and we got to stop the run,” said Bearcats defensive lineman Jabari Taylor. “It’s as simply as that.”
Now let’s flip to the defensive side of the ball for the Green Wave where they currently lead the AAC in defense as they allow roughly 19.5 points per game, and it all starts with their linebacker core. The Green Wave linebacker core highlighted by seniors Dorian Williams and Nick Anderson have been something very fun to watch this season. Williams is currently ranked 6th in the AAC with 93 tackles, 6,5 tackles for loss, while his batterymate Nick Anderson is tied for 8th in the AAC with 88 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss.
“The most notable thing on tape about those two is they are very capable of finding the ball and they get their very quickly,” said Bearcats tight end Josh Whyle. “I think fundamentals is going to be a big key come Friday with those two guys, along with everyone in the box. I think they are upfront both of those guys are really good with their hands and are very hard to move. They are disciplined. Whyle said head coach Luke Fickell told the team this will be a game of discipline, culture, attention to detail, and all of the little things.”
The Bearcats know what is at stake come Friday versus a very tough Tulane team that is looking to make its first ever run at a conference championship. The Bearcats know the Green Wave will come in hungry and ready to play, as they know what is at stake with the opportunity to host a conference championship on the line, the Green Wave are looking to accomplish something that they haven’t done since the American Athletic Conference was formed back in 2013.
The Bearcats will have a battle on their hands as many eyes will be on this Top 25 matchup this Friday as the Bearcats host Tulane at 12 pm this Friday on ABC. Fans are expected to arrive early as this is going to be one of the biggest matchups of the year on a very busy day as the Bearcats will look to kick off Black Friday in the win column and keep their home winning streak alive.
