Tulane’s task of upsetting No. 15 Georgia Tech became measurably more difficult with the suspension of safety Darion Monroe for a violation of team rules.
Monroe, a senior, has played and started all of Tulane’s 38 games over the past three seasons. Last season, he was third on the team in tackles. In the Wednesday ACC teleconference, coach Paul Johnson identified Monroe (and linebacker Nico Marley) when asked what stood out to him when watching Tulane’s game video, calling him “a very good player.” He also mentioned that Tech had recruited him out of his Louisiana high school.
Safeties typically play a key role in defending Tech’s spread-option offense, often coming down into the box to help contain the run. His experience having played Tech last year likely would have helped. On the Tulane depth chart, first-year freshman Roderick Teamer is behind Monroe.
Backup linebacker Eric Bowie is also suspended for the game.
