Saturday’s home opener against the Northwestern University Wildcats saw the Tulane University Green Wave start their season with a dominant 23-3 win. From the jump, Tulane surged on the field with a palpable energy, flying around, hyping up the crowd and getting rowdy with the Tulane student section.
It carried over into the first drive of the game as the Green Wave’s Jahiem Johnson intercepted Wildcats’ quarterback Preston Stone to set Tulane up to march down the field quickly. New starting Tulane quarterback Jake Retzlaff took advantage and secured his first passing touchdown to Justyn Reid.
It was smooth sailing from there, as the Green Wave defense continued to shut down the Wildcats’ game plan. Safety Jack Tcheinchou led the defense with eight total tackles, including one sack, and cornerback Javion White snagged two interceptions on the day. The Green Wave ultimately generated five turnovers on the day with four interceptions.
The offense was just as potent, and it was the new transfers who really showed out. New starting running back Maurice Turner showcased incredible shiftiness and the ability to pick up some crucial yards on first and second down.
New transfer wide receiver from Florida Atlantic University, Omari Hayes, led the Green Wave, putting up 74 receiving yards, a lot coming on big third-down receptions.
Tulane capped off the half when quarterback Retzlaff unleashed a 69-yard touchdown run. It was just one aspect of his great game. Retzlaff threw for 152 yards and rushed for 113 yards. It was Retzlaff’s coming-out party; his all-around game fit in perfectly with the Tulane team. If it is any indication of the future, then the Green Wave will be a force to reckon with.
With the new transfers, it was uncertain how the team would gel on the field. However, those doubts were dispelled after the first half. The second half featured more of the same, despite some stalls on the offensive side; the defense held a scoreless second half, propelling the Green Wave to victory.
Although for Tulane, this game may have had more at stake than just a win.
Tulane was recognizing the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina by wearing no-decal helmets. However, they wanted to do more. The Wildcats reportedly denied Tulane the opportunity to wear white jerseys in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Tulane team. Head coach Jon Sumrall may have taken this personally.
“When you show disrespect to the city of New Orleans, that’s what’s going to happen to you … You’re going to run into a team like this. They had a chip on their shoulder because I wanted to wear the same uniform that the team wore 20 years ago,” Sumerall said after the game.
This win against Northwestern was not your average week one victory. It was a message to college football and the City of New Orleans that Tulane is here to be a contender. If they can carry this momentum throughout the season, the Green Wave can be a strong force in college football this year.
Tulane’s next game will be away at the University of South Alabama on Sept. 6.