OFFENSE

Tulane coach Bob Toledo is searching for more offensive playmakers at wide receiver. But he has a playmaker at quarterback in Ryan Griffin and at running back in Orleans Darkwa.

Griffin threw for 2,371 yards and 14 touchdowns in 11 games last season while fighting through the pain of shoulder, wrist and foot injuries. Toledo expects even more out of the California native this season. Darkwa burst onto the college scene last year by rushing for 925 yards with 11 touchdowns as a true freshman despite missing most of two games with an elbow injury.

Toledo will build the offense around those two players and also has three more running backs — Albert Williams, Jamar Thomas and Stephen Barnett — capable of big things. One major problem, however, is the lack of a solid backup for Griffin. D.J. Ponder could become the answer at backup quarterback, but he lost valuable time in the spring while playing baseball.

Ryan Grant will be the team’s go-to receiver. Also, former quarterback Joe Kemp is a big target, and Wilson Van Hooser is poised for big production. Toledo might rely on true freshmen to add depth at receiver. He also says that redshirt freshman tight end Matt Marfisi could be headed toward big things.

Depth is a problem up front, which could halt the offensive production if injuries should arise. Guards Zach Morgan, Emmanuel Aluko and Harris Howard, center Joey Ray and tackle Eric Jones all have starting experience.

DEFENSE

The Green Wave had trouble stopping the run and allowed too many big plays last season. Shoring up those two areas is a major concern.

Middle linebacker Trent Mackey had 124 tackles last season and should produce at the same rate this season. Toledo says weak-side linebacker Darryl Farley has the same type of talent as Mackey even though he hasn’t produced the same numbers. Speedy sophomore Dominique Robertson is a future star at strong-side linebacker.

Toledo believes cornerback Jordan Sullen has NFL size and ability, and safety Shakiel Smith had 90 tackles last season. Those two will be called upon to prevent the long pass plays. Ryan Travis and Alex Lauricella will share the other cornerback spot. Travis was the team’s nickel back last season.

Tulane is solid up front with the defensive end tandem of Dezman Moses and Austen Jacks leading the way. Moses, the most athletic player up front, had 11.5 tackles for a loss and six sacks last season, while Jacks had 59 tackles.

SPECIALISTS

Toledo says that special teams “cost us games” in the past, so he brought in John Hendrick to serve as special teams coordinator and defensive line coach. Toledo expects improvement this season but is worried about finding a dependable returner and a steady punter. He’s not worried about kicker Cairo Santos, who was 13-of-16 on field goals as a freshman.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Toledo has won 13 games in his first four seasons at Tulane. Obviously, that’s not good enough. Defining a successful season in his fifth year in New Orleans is simple: Tulane needs to reach bowl-eligibility or the pressure on Toledo to keep his job will increase. The good news is that Tulane is better equipped to win games than at any time in Toledo’s tenure. Now let’s see if that results in the wins he needs.