Nevada takes another slice at Potato Bowl, Tulane
Nevada is back in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, but the Wolf Pack’s opponent offers something unfamiliar.
Tulane and Nevada meet for just the second time in 28 years when they face off Tuesday in Boise, Idaho.
No fans will be in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The only meeting between the schools was in 1992 at the Superdome in New Orleans with Tulane winning 34-17.
Nevada (6-2) fell to San Jose State 30-20 on Dec. 11 with the chance to play in the Mountain West championship game on the line. The Wolf Pack started the year 5-0 before losing two of their last three games.
The Wolf Pack lost to Ohio in last year’s Potato Bowl. Nevada is 0-3 in the game all-time including losses to Miami (2006) and Maryland (2008).
Tulane (6-5) finished 3-5 in the American Athletic Conference but won four of its last five games in the regular season. The Green Wave feature a strong running game (217.7 yards per game) and an offense that averages 35 points per game.
“I am so proud of everyone in our program that have dedicated themselves all season to allow our team the opportunity to compete in a bowl game,” Tulane coach Willie Fritz said. “Everyone from the players to the coaches to the staff have played a key role in getting our team to this point.”
Nevada features quarterback Carson Strong, a sophomore who was selected the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year.
He completed 227 of 327 passes for 2,587 yards, 22 touchdowns with only four interceptions during a regular season shortened by the pandemic. He led the Mountain West in completions, completion percentage, TDs, passing yards and points responsible for. He was second in yards per game, passing efficiency and total offense.
“I just think he’s got a unique work ethic,” Nevada coach Jay Norvell said. “And we’ve really poured a lot of preparation and development into that kid, and he’s accepted it. One of the things you have to have to be a good quarterback in our system is you have to have a real appetite to want to learn. Carson has that.”
Joining Strong on the All-Mountain West first team were wide receiver Romeo Doubs, tight end Cole Turner and placekicker Brandon Talton.
Tulane’s efficient running game was bolstered by a pair of All-AAC second-team offensive linemen in guard Corey Dublin and tackle Sincere Haynesworth.
–Field Level Media
