The Tulane Green Wave (3-3, 1-1) faces another tough test this weekend, as the American Conference-leading UTSA Roadrunners (6-1, 3-0) head to Yulman Stadium.

Tulane enters the matchup off of a tough win over the Memphis Tigers, but that resume isn't quite as impressive as what UTSA has done so far in the league: gritty wins over the Rice Owls, South Florida Bulls and Navy Midshipmen. I,,t's going to be an incredibly tough matchup for the Green Wave.

Yet, the program had some major breakthroughs against Memphis, especially on the defensive side of the ball. If Tulane can manage to keep that up, then things could get quite interesting in Uptown. 

Here are three big keys to success for the Olive Green and Sky Blue as it looks to add another defining win to its resume. 

The Green Wave is coming off an unprecedented defensive performance in which it forced six turnovers and had 16 tackles-for-loss and sacks combined.

Those numbers aren't going to happen every week, and while the occasional big takedown and interception is expected, it's not normal. Tulane has to focus on its roots -- tackling, dominating the trenches, posting strong coverage downfield -- to have a chance against the Roadrunners.

That's something that the Green Wave has had a hard time with, and it can't afford to do that this weekend. 

Believe it or not, the UTSA rushing defense has struggled almost as much as Tulane's.

The Roadrunners rank 122nd out 138 teams with an average of 191.7 rushing yards given up per game. That's something that the Green Wave can capitalize on, especially with a plethora of running backs at its disposal.

Johnnie Daniels and Maurice Turner have been somewhat consistent contributors, and Jamauri McClure is getting back to full strength with every passing week. If those three, plus Jaylin Lucas, can rotate in and out throughout the contest, then they'll keep the Roadrunners on their toes. 

Johnson made his first start against Memphis, and it was quite the game for the true freshman.

Though he didn't have the strongest stats, he did just what his team needed in the win. Ideally, you'd like to see him make a bit of a jump this week; nothing too crazy, of course, but a few extra yards and more completions would be nice.

Johnson needs to show everyone that he can consistently be the starter and give his team a chance against just about anyone. He's got the potential, and now it's time to put that into action.