The Tulane University Green Wave defeated the University of North Texas Mean Green 45-37 on Saturday to remain undefeated in American Athletic Conference play. 

In the previous game against Rice University, Tulane’s offense struggled throughout, being responsible for only 17 points. A large reason for the struggle was constant miscues, particularly in the passing attack, which allowed the Owls to keep the game tied at 10 until the final few drives of the fourth. On that final drive, it appeared that a light bulb finally went off for head coach Jon Sumrall and offensive coordinator Joe Craddock, as if they finally realized, “Oh right, we have Makhi Hughes, the American Athletic Conference rookie of the year.”  

Luckily for the Green Wave, that light was shining through Craddock this past Saturday. Hughes had 30 carries, his highest volume of the year, and ran for 195 yards and a touchdown on a remarkable 6.5 yards per carry average. 

Hughes was certainly the standout, but not the only running back who flourished against a North Texas defense that gives up a ridiculous 36.9 points per game to opponents. Sophomore Arnold Barnes had one of his best games of the season as Tulane’s change-of-pace back, putting up 78 yards on 11 carries. Everybody was getting involved in the run game Saturday, with Ty Thompson contributing another rushing touchdown at the quarterback position and even wide receiver Yulkeith Brown taking a jet sweep for an 11-yard touchdown.  

Despite being undefeated, Tulane sure loves to have their opponents hang around in games. The fourth quarter was a struggle, with Tulane scoring no points and giving up two touchdowns to the Mean Green, one of which capped off a 19-play drive. As the season goes on, the matchups only get harder for the Wave, with their last two against the United States Naval Academy and the University of Tennessee at Memphis being paramount to their season, especially if there is any chance of them making the College Football Playoff. If only Boise State University didn’t have the best player in college football at running back.  

Up next is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte on Halloween night, a quick turnaround from Saturday’s game. Charlotte ranks No. 11 in points per game in the AAC, having the third-worst rushing yards per game average. They are also No. 11 in opponent rushing yards as well as total yards per game, giving up the fourth most in the conference. While it may seem like an easy victory on paper, the challenge for Tulane will be keeping its foot on the gas throughout all 60 minutes in a short week. With 28 current votes, the third most of teams not in the AP Top 25, a big win can see Tulane getting back in the rankings. The game will be broadcast on ESPN at 6:30 p.m. CST.