SPRING OBJECTIVES
The Green Wave has a lot of issues to address but none stands out more than the search for a new tailback. Matt Forte finished second in the nation in rushing last season and often carried the offense by creating running room when there wasn't any. Now he's gone and the Green Wave returns no obvious replacements. The defense must also make the transition to a new coordinator after coach Bob Toledo promoted defensive line coach O'Neill Gilbert.

BUILDING BLOCKS
The return of four offensive line starters, four experienced linebackers, WR Jeremy Williams and FS David Skehan.

SCHEDULE SITUATION
For the first time since 2004, Tulane will actually have an open date on its schedule. Too bad the rest of the schedule doesn't offer any breaks, with nonconference games at LSU and Alabama and conference road games at Houston and Tulsa. Home games against Louisiana-Monroe, Army, Rice and UAB will be Tulane's best bets for wins.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"O'Neill played linebacker in college and has coached the position both in college and on the NFL level. This will give him more control as the defensive coordinator on the run game and in the secondary with the passing game." -- Tulane coach Bob Toledo, on the decision to promote O'Neill Gilbert to defensive coordinator after former coordinator Thom Kaumeyer left for another job.

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