's defense knew that things would be much different this year after the loss of star players like Nico Marley and Tanzel Smart, but the unit is starting to settle into its new identity.
The Green Wave's defense in 2016, which was ranked 34th nationally, was built on a foundation of a stout defensive line and a group of playmaking abilities that could control the middle of the field.
During the offseason, the Tulane coaching staff has worked to shift the identity of its defense to fit the current roster and utilize some of the teams versatile pieces along the front-seven.