ESPN College Football

Louisiana Tech University has emerged as a possible home for Tulane football for the 2005 season. A Tulane delegation will be on the Ruston, La., campus Monday afternoon to look at what facilities would be available to the staff and the 88 players, officials at both schools said.

"University administrators and football personnel will evaluate the viability of Louisiana Tech becoming the host school for Tulane football," Tulane assistant sports information director John Sudsbury said. "We're hoping to make a decision within 24 hours."

The Tulane coaches and players have been staying at the DoubleTree Hotel Campbell Center in Dallas for the last six nights.

Most of the Tulane administration has moved to Houston, and with a significant number of colleges in the area, it appeared as if the Green Wave would move down there. The number of Hurricane Katrina refugees who have moved to Houston, however, will make it difficult to find adequate housing for the Tulane players.

An Aug. 31 release on the university's Web site shows why Louisiana Tech would be appealing. First, since it operates on the quarter system, classes aren't scheduled to begin until Sept. 12. Second, housing may be available on campus. The university closed a 600-bed dorm, Caruthers Residence Hall, at the end of spring quarter. School officials have made it available for the expected influx of students.

It's also possible that Tulane could play at least some of its games at Joe Aillet Stadium. Of Tulane's six scheduled home games, Louisiana Tech will be on the road or idle for three of them.

"We have made the offer to Tulane to make Louisiana Tech University and Ruston its home for as long as is needed," said Tech Athletic Director Jim Oakes. "We will be more than happy to allow Tulane to use our facilities and enroll their student-athletes in school for the upcoming quarter. (Tech President) Dr. Dan Reneau and the entire university wants to extend whatever help we can to those who have been affected by the hurricane."

Ivan Maisel is a senior writer at ESPN.com. He can be reached at ivan.maisel@espn3.com.