Tulane prepares defensive strategy to contain Duke running back Nate Sheppard

Tulane coaches and players have identified limiting Duke running back Nate Sheppard as the focal point of their defensive game plan for the upcoming meeting between the two schools. Sheppard, a Mandeville native who earned freshman All-American honors last season, became the first 1,000-yard rookie rusher in Duke program history. In their previous matchup, Sheppard recorded 75 rushing yards on five carries, including a touchdown during the final minutes of the game. Tulane head coach Will Hall expressed respect for the running back's balance and low center of gravity. Linebacker Dickson Agu stated that the defense intends to force Sheppard to move laterally to keep him from reaching high yardage totals. Tulane aims to execute individual assignments to stop the Duke rushing attack during the opening contest of the season.

• 10:24 PMYahoo Sports — “Stop 20”, Tulane keyed in on game plan to limit Duke running back Nate Sheppard