At the start of spring practice, Tulane coach Curtis Johnson said the competition between heralded transfer quarterback Nick Montana and redshirt freshman Devin Powell was real rather than imaginary. He repeated that sentiment after the final workout.

The scrimmage on Saturday morning at the Saints facility was closed, but the battle for the starting role remained open after Powell threw a pair of touchdown passes and looked sharp according to practice observers.

"Devin Powell came back and had a great day," Johnson said. "He was on. He was hot today. He just has to learn about the blitz. He got sacked a couple of times, but he played real well. He showed he could throw it far, long and accurate."

Powell hooked up with Ryan Grant for an 80-yard touchdown that started with a short throw, connected with Wilson Van Hooser deep for a 40-yard score and found redshirt freshman Kedrick Banks for a 35-yard gain.

Johnson said Montana had his moments, too, finding Grant for a 20-yard score and making some plays with his feet in front of his dad, who attended the practice.

"I've been telling everyone since day 1 this thing is going to go on a long, long time," Johnson said. "I'm comfortable with both of them, but I just don't know who's the starter right now. We just have to get to the fall and see how it goes from there."



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