Once again, the Green Wave delivered an outstanding performance on the field this past Saturday, Nov. 9, against Temple University. With a decisive 52-6 victory in the Yulman Stadium, this win continued the impressive Tulane season with an 8-2 record overall, and 6-0 in the American Athletic Conference, leaving Temple with a 2-7 overall and 1-4 in the AAC.  

Tulane set the tone early and powerfully with a 75-yard touchdown drive, capped with a 15-yard pass from quarterback Darian Mensah to wide receiver Mario Williams. The Green Wave defense also showcased its dominance from the outset by forcing a three-and-out on Temple’s first possession. Some of the first-half key performances were seen from running back Makhi Hughes, who broke free for a 45-yard touchdown, giving Tulane a 14-0 lead by the end of the first quarter, and Mensah, who set up a quick touchdown pass to tight end Alex Bauman, pushing the lead to 21-0.  

Throughout the second half, the Green Wave continued to put offensive pressure on the Temple Owls, with Hughes having another rushing touchdown early in the third quarter. Linebacker Tyler Grubbs made an impressive performance, intercepting a pass from Temples’ quarterback Evan Simon and returning it 30 yards for a Green Wave touchdown. Temple’s only points scored in the fourth quarter by running back Terrez Worthy with a 5-yard touchdown run. Tulane closed the game with a field goal and a late rushing touchdown by backup running back Rayshawn Pleasant, ending the victory with a score of 52-6.  

The Tulane offense had an outstanding performance, amassing 589 total yards, with 327 rushing and 262 passing. Tulane also converted eight of 12 third-down attempts, an increase in third-down efficiency. The Green Wave defense also deserves praise for leaving Temple scoreless until the fourth quarter. It must have been a nightmare game for Temple’s quarterback, who was sacked six times in one game.  

Mensah had a pretty good game. He threw for 262 yards and two touchdowns, completing 14 of 21 passes. Additionally, Hughes continues to have an impressive season. He ran for 153 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. This marks Hughes’ fifth game this season with at least two touchdowns.  

This win marks seven in a row for head coach Jon Sumrall, building momentum for a real chance to be the top contender in the AAC, just trailing behind the United States Military Academy Black Knights. Additionally, on Nov. 12, the Green Wave earned a No. 25 in the College Football Playoff rankings. Tulane shows no signs of slowing down and has an unwavering drive to win another AAC championship and make the College Football Playoff.   

Be sure to watch Tulane’s next game against the United States Naval Academy Midshipmen this Saturday, Nov. 16, at 11 a.m. CST or stream it on ESPNU.