Coach Sumrall, Darian Mensah and the Tulane University Green Wave sent a message to the rest of the American Athletic Conference this past Saturday. After two losses and a not-so-compelling win against the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Tulane destroyed the University of South Florida 45-10, dominating the football game for all 60 minutes.  

“We talked all week about how we hadn’t had a complete game in any phase and we hadn’t really played great complimentary football…We have to make a statement and play big time football,” head coach Sumrall said after the game, citing their mentality in practice and the film room the week before. 

On Saturday, complimentary football was in full effect. Starting with the offense, who scored on every drive in the first half: Mensah had his most efficient day under center, going 18/22 for 326 yards and three touchdowns. Makhi Hughes had another strong showing, rushing for 61 yards and two touchdowns. Dontae Fleming was the standout at receiver, catching seven balls for 128 yards and bringing in his first touchdown for the Green Wave. He made sure to keep the touchdown ball as well.  

After a lackluster defensive performance last week, the Tulane defense played their best game of the season, forcing either a turnover or a punt on South Florida’s first six drives. The defense also forced two fumbles, both of which led to touchdowns on the ensuing Tulane possessions — complimentary football at its finest. Tulane even had the ball for 42 out of the 60 minutes, showcasing their pure control of the game. 

The Green Wave’s dominant performance proves yet again that they can compete with just about anybody when they are at their best. They have a chance to back that up in Birmingham against the University of Alabama at Birmingham this weekend. With UAB currently being 1-3 and 0-1 in the conference, Tulane has got to come out with the same energy to put this game away before the fourth quarter. The game will be at 12 p.m. C.T. and is available on ESPN +.