Tulane’s once-bright College Football Playoff hopes took a major hit on Thanksgiving night. The Green Wave, ranked No. 17, fell to the Memphis Tigers in a crucial conference matchup with a final score of 34-24. This loss, their first in conference play, complicates their path to representing the Group of 5 in a major bowl game and leaves fans wondering what’s next for the team.
A Promising Season Hits a Roadblock
The Tulane Green Wave had been on an impressive run. After early-season losses to Power 4 opponents, the team found its rhythm and dominated its conference schedule. This success propelled them to No. 17 in the CFP rankings, placing them in a prime position to earn an automatic playoff spot.
They were the second-highest-ranked Group of 5 team, just behind Boise State. The path was clear: win out, and they would have a strong case for a top-tier bowl game, especially if Boise State faltered. The game against Memphis was the next big test on that journey.
A victory would have kept their momentum alive and set up a winner-take-all scenario for the AAC title against Army. Unfortunately, the high-stakes game did not go as planned.
How the Thanksgiving Game Unfolded
The matchup against Memphis was a tough one from the start. Memphis, a preseason favorite to win the conference, came out strong and scored a touchdown on their opening drive. Tulane managed to answer with a field goal and even took a temporary 10-7 lead, but the momentum quickly shifted back to the Tigers.
By halftime, Memphis had built a 17-10 lead. The second half started poorly for Tulane, with a fumble that led directly to another Memphis touchdown. The Green Wave fought to get back into the game, but critical mistakes proved costly.
- Memphis established control early and never let up.
- A late-game fumble by Mario Williams after a long pass from Darian Mensah stopped a potential comeback drive.
- Tulane’s offense struggled to find a consistent rhythm against the Memphis defense.
When a Top Defense Meets a Potent Offense
Tulane came into the game boasting one of the nation’s best defenses. They were ranked in the top 25 in several key categories, making them a formidable opponent for any team.
However, the Memphis offense proved to be too much to handle. Quarterback Seth Henigan was efficient, throwing for 218 yards and two touchdowns. The Tigers’ ground attack was equally effective, gashing Tulane’s stout run defense for 236 yards.
| Defense Statistics | Rank |
|---|---|
| Points Allowed per Game | 10th |
| Passing Defense (Yards/Game) | 14th |
| Rushing Defense (Yards/Game) | 24th |
On the other side of the ball, Tulane’s offense couldn’t get going. Their normally strong rushing attack was completely neutralized, gaining only 57 yards. Star running back Makhi Hughes was held to just 15 yards, a season-low performance that highlighted the team’s offensive woes.
What’s Next for the Green Wave?
Despite the disappointing loss, Tulane’s season is far from over. Under the guidance of Coach Jon Sumrall, the team still has a clear path to the AAC championship game. Their focus must now shift to their final regular-season opponent, Army.
The team has shown resilience all season, and they will need to regroup quickly. Addressing the offensive issues that appeared against Memphis will be the top priority. A strong finish and a conference title are still within reach, giving the Green Wave something significant to fight for as the season concludes.
