The Green Wave just keeps on rolling.

In one of the biggest games on their schedule, Tulane University football came out and delivered an electrifying win against the Duke Blue Devils and former Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah. Under the lights at Yulman Stadium, it was Tulane quarterback Jake Retzlaff’s four rushing touchdowns — a school record — that carried the Wave to a 34-27 victory and a 3-0 start to the season.

Tulane wasted no time setting the tone. Fueled by the energy of the crowd, the defense forced a quick three-and-out, and Retzlaff capped the opening drive with his first rushing touchdown of the night. The Wave rode that momentum through the first half, building a two-touchdown lead before halftime and keeping Duke off balance with a mix of pressure on defense and efficiency on offense.

But the second half told a different story. Mensah and the Blue Devils found their rhythm after an early Tulane turnover, and the Duke quarterback took advantage, connecting with tight end Landen King for a score that cut the deficit to 24-16. The game suddenly felt up for grabs, and Duke looked poised to mount a comeback.

Retzlaff, however, made sure that didn’t happen. On Tulane’s ensuing drive, he found the end zone for the fourth time, putting the Wave back in control. It was the kind of response that defined the night: every time Duke threatened, Retzlaff answered. He finished with 356 total yards, going 15-for-23 passing for 245 yards while adding 111 yards on 17 carries.

For Mensah, his return to Uptown was a night to forget. The former Tulane quarterback was greeted with constant boos from the crowd and spent most of the game under siege from the Green Wave’s defensive line. He threw for 313 yards on 30 completions but managed just one touchdown and one interception. While the numbers looked solid on paper, they weren’t enough to overcome Tulane’s balance.

The Green Wave’s defense was relentless. Defensive back Javion White came up with a crucial interception, halting a promising Duke drive, while linebacker Dickson Agu racked up ten tackles to lead the team. The defensive front disrupted Duke’s rhythm all night, and even when the Blue Devils threatened late, the Wave’s defense held firm.

The victory was a statement. Retzlaff proved he could take over a game in multiple ways, while the defense showed the kind of toughness that can carry Tulane through close battles.

Now, Tulane faces an even bigger challenge: a road matchup with the University of Mississippi. A win in Oxford next week would do more than just keep the Wave undefeated — it could redefine the season and vault Tulane into the national conversation as a legitimate contender. With Retzlaff in rhythm and the defense gaining confidence, the stage is set for a game that could change everything.