Tulane’s football team faced a tough night against Memphis, shaking their College Football Playoff aspirations.
Climbing the Ranks: Tulane’s Surging CFP Prospects
Tulane Green Wave had been turning heads this season. After a shaky start with back-to-back losses against Power 4 teams, things began to look up. The Green Wave kicked off their conference play strong, proving they belong among the best in the AAC and the broader Group of 5.
Their impressive performance didn’t go unnoticed. Tulane surged to No. 17 in the latest CFP rankings, trailing just behind Boise State. This positioning meant they were in the mix for an automatic playoff spot, especially if Boise stumbled in their final games or during the Mountain West Conference championship.
But, you know how it goes in college football—one game can change everything. Tulane needed to keep the momentum going by beating Memphis and then gearing up for a crucial face-off against Army for the AAC title.
Thanksgiving Turmoil: The Memphis Clash
Oh, Thanksgiving night was rough for Tulane. They fell to Memphis 34-24, marking their first loss in conference play. It wasn’t just any game; Memphis was a powerhouse, favored to snag the conference title and represent the Group of 5 in the playoffs.
Memphis got off on the right foot, scoring a touchdown right out of the gate. Tulane responded with a field goal, keeping things tight early on. Their defense held strong initially, forcing Memphis to punt. Tulane even took a brief lead, 10-7, but that’s where things started to unravel.
Halftime saw Memphis up 17-10. Coming out, Tulane fumbled, giving Memphis another touchdown and extending their lead. The Green Wave struggled to regain their footing, and despite a late push, including a deep pass from Darian Mensah to Mario Williams that ended in a fumble, Tulane couldn’t overcome the deficit.
Key Moments from the Game:
- Memphis scored first and maintained momentum.
- Tulane’s defense, usually a strong suit, couldn’t contain Memphis’ offense.
- Critical fumble by Mario Williams derailed Tulane’s comeback efforts.
Defensive Prowess vs. Offensive Hurdles
Tulane entered the game with a formidable defense, ranked 10th nationally, allowing just 17 points per game. Their pass defense was solid, ranking 14th, and they were also strong against the run, giving up only 113.3 yards.
However, Memphis had other plans. They racked up 218 passing yards, with Seth Henigan throwing for two touchdowns. Their ground game was just as impressive, gaining 236 yards.
On the flip side, Tulane’s offense couldn’t keep up. Their rushing game, usually a highlight, was stifled, managing only 57 yards. Star running back Makhi Hughes was held to 15 yards on nine carries.
| Defense Statistics | Rank |
|---|---|
| Points Allowed per Game | 10th |
| Passing Defense (Yards/Game) | 14th |
| Rushing Defense (Yards/Game) | 24th |
It’s clear that while Tulane’s defense was strong, Memphis’ balanced attack proved too much. Tulane’s offensive struggles, especially in the running game, left them vulnerable.
What Lies Ahead for the Green Wave
Despite the setback, all isn’t lost for Tulane. They still have a shot at the AAC championship under Coach Jon Sumrall. The team will need to regroup and address the offensive issues that plagued them against Memphis.
Fans are hopeful that Tulane can bounce back. The team has shown resilience throughout the season, and there’s still time to make a strong push. The upcoming showdown against Army will be pivotal in determining their fate.
Will Tulane rise to the occasion and secure their spot in the playoffs? Time will tell, but the Green Wave have the talent and determination to keep fighting until the end.
