If you’re reading this, I can assume that you know a few players for the Cincinnati Bearcats. You may even know a few members of the Tulane Green Wave. But which players are going to matter the most when these teams trade scoring drives on Saturday afternoon? I’m glad you asked.
Tulane
Dontrell Hilliard, RB
Before the season started, it was noted that Hilliard would be one of the best running backs the Bearcats would face this season. That hasn’t changed through two months of football. Hilliard is third in the American Athletic Conference in rushing yards (768) and also has 11 total scores to his name as well.
Parry Nickerson, DB
One of the most fearsome ballhawks in the conference, Nickerson has snared three interceptions this season, which is tied for the fifth-most in the AAC.
Jonathan Banks, QB
A duel-threat to be sure, Banks can throw and run, adding a wrinkle to the Tulane offense, which has improved immeasurably since the Bearcats last faced the Green Wave in 2014. Banks has accounted for 1,231 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Terren Encalade, WR
The Green Wave make their living on the ground, but when they do go to the air, Encalade is the player who helps the most. He leads the team in receptions (20), receiving yards (374) and receiving touchdowns (three).
Cincinnati
Gerrid Doaks, RB
Since Mike Boone has lost his trademark explosiveness once again this season, Doaks has provided electricity as a freshman. He rushed for 91 yards on only nine carries last time out against SMU and has more rushing yards (351) than anyone else on the roster. He has also brought in 11 passes and scored three total touchdowns.
Kahlil Lewis, WR
No receiver has been targeted as much as Lewis among Bearcat wideouts. With 47 receptions, Lewis has more than twice as many grabs as the next best player on the team (Devin Gray, 20). He is only averaging 9.2 yards per catch, but he is just utilized so frequently that its impossible to ignore him.
Perry Young, LB
Jaylyin Minor has more tackles, but Young had a team-high of 13 against SMU and is second on the team overall (66). He is also tied for the team lead in tackles for loss (5.5) while contributing two passes defended and a forced fumble. He can do everything and needs to for a defense that will face a unique challenge against Tulane.
Marquise Copeland, DL
The front seven in general will be tested, but Copeland is the defensive lineman to watch. He, along with Kevin Mouhon, is one of the players tied with Young for the team lead in TFL, while he has two sacks and a pass deflection as well.