The Tulane University Green Wave went on the road Friday night and handled one of the biggest remaining tests of its season, defeating the No. 22-ranked University of Memphis 38–32. The win moves the Green Wave to 7-2 overall and 4-1 in the American Conference. More importantly, the win against the ranked Tigers has Tulane right back in the conversation for the College Football Playoff.
Tulane came out of the gate fast. On the first offensive play from scrimmage, quarterback Jake Retzlaff delivered a 65-yard strike to Shazz Preston, the exact kind of early shot Tulane had been searching for in recent weeks, and it opened the floodgates. The Green Wave scored touchdowns on four of their first five possessions, pushing the pace, dictating the game and forcing Memphis to adjust.
Retzlaff, usually the runner, put the passing game on display. He finished 16-for-23 for 332 passing yards and three passing touchdowns, while adding 43 rushing yards and a touchdown. Retzlaff’s third-down decision making kept the chains moving and prevented Memphis from getting off the field. By halftime, Tulane led 35-17.
The receiving corps delivered its most explosive performance in weeks. Preston led the unit with three catches for 85 yards and two touchdowns, showing chemistry with Retzlaff on both vertical shots and back-shoulder timing routes. Bryce Bohanon added 101 yards on four receptions, consistently finding seams in Memphis’ zone and turning short gains into chunk plays. In total, five different receivers recorded catches of 15 yards or more.
Defensively, Tulane controlled the line of scrimmage for most of the night. Makai Williams led the team with 10 tackles, cleaning up on the perimeter and forcing Memphis into long second downs. And Sam Howard was disruptive all evening, finishing with five sacks, frequently winning his matchup on the edge.
Memphis found some rhythm in the fourth quarter and cut the deficit to six, but Tulane’s defense forced a turnover on downs at its own 35-yard line to put the final nail in the coffin.
The broader implications were always going to matter. With the win, Tulane remains firmly positioned for a spot in the AAC Championship Game. And under the new College Football Playoff system, if the Green Wave can win the AAC championship, they could have a serious chance of making the College Football Playoff. The path is still narrow — but it is clear. Win out. Win the conference. Let the resume speak.
Tulane returns home next week to face Florida Atlantic University on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 3 p.m. at Yulman Stadium.