Ole Miss vs. Tulane: A look at Green Wave QB Michael Pratt

OXFORD, Miss. — Today, Ole Miss hosts Tulane (1-1) in Vaught-Hemingway stadium with kickoff set for 7 pm on ESPN2. The Green Wave, who temporarily relocated from New Orleans due to the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, could be the Rebels’ toughest opponent thus far this season.

Let’s take a quick look at Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt.

A Boca Raton, Florida native, Pratt is listed at 6-foot-2 inches and 210 pounds. The second-year freshman quarterback found his way into the starting role last season after playing in ten of Tulane’s twelve games in 2020, nine of them being starts. Last year, he was the only American Conference Player named to the 247 Freshman All-American Team.

Hey guys! In your #C2C drafts make sure you pick up Michael Pratt sophomore QB at Tulane.

Produced last year as a true freshman and should only continue to improve. Makes NFL throws on tape and can use his legs as well. pic.twitter.com/D0LdSOpUtK

— matthew bruening (@SportsfanaticMB) July 19, 2021

Pratt finished the 2020 regular season with 1,806 yards passing and 20 touchdowns to go along with 229 yards rushing on 8 touchdowns. His 20 passing touchdowns led all true freshman quarterbacks in the nation.

AAC QB Spotlight: Tulane QB Michael Pratt @FearTheWaveBlog

*Audio on if interested

*One of the best young QB's in CFB Last Year
*Ability to use legs as well as push the ball downfield

Expect a good 2021 during his second year starting. Any thoughts are welcome pic.twitter.com/21Jj1M4nm4

— QB Spotlight (@QBspotlight) June 21, 2021

In two games this season, Pratt has totaled 420 yards through the air on 35 completions with five touchdowns and no interceptions. On the ground, he has accumulated 45 yards on 18 carries with two touchdowns.

The Tulane offense ranks third nationally in points per game with 52.0 this season. Comparatively, the Rebels are tied for fifth at 48.5.

Prior to enrolling at Tulane, Pratt was ranked as a three-star, pro-style quarterback by both 247sports.com and Rivals.com. He did hold an offer from his hometown school, Florida Atlantic, whose head coach at the time was none other than current Rebels’ head coach Lane Kiffin.

He led his Deerfield Beach team to the Florida High School Class 8A semifinals in the 2019 season where he threw for 158 yards and two touchdowns passing and one rushing touchdown in the Class 8A regional semifinal. Pratt transferred from Boca Raton High School before the 2019 school year.

Pratt vs. the Rebels

There is no doubt Pratt is much improved from a season ago. Today it will be paramount for the Rebels’ defense to put constant pressure on the young QB and make him move out of the pocket where he has been prone to putting the ball on the ground.

Pratt has not been intercepted yet this season, but the Rebels will be looking to change that as they have plenty of athletes on the back end that can make plays.

Nick Filipich

Nick Filipich was born and raised in Biloxi, MS. He is an Ole Miss alum with a degree in Sports and Recreation Administration. A sports junkie with a great passion for all things Ole Miss, Nick played baseball and football in high school — which is where he discovered his love for sports. He is an avid Braves and Saints fan, and in his free time enjoys spending time with family, friends and his black lab, Dixie.