When outside rusher Harvey Dyson blew through the Northwestern offensive line for a strip sack on the first defensive snap of the year, Tulane’s talented, deep defensive line appeared ready to live up to all of its preseason accolades.

Four games later, those lofty expectations have not come to fruition.

Entering its American Conference opener at Tulsa (2-2, 0-1 American) on Saturday, the Green Wave (3-1) is tied for 112th out of 136 FBS teams in sacks (five), is tied for 121st in tackles for loss (15) and ranks near the middle of the pack in pass defense efficiency and yards rushing allowed. The numbers are a little misleading considering the quality of the opposition (three Power 4 teams; none from the FCS), but there is no question the defensive front needs to raise its level.

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