Just when it looked like hope was slipping away for Tulane University football, coming off a difficult road loss to the University of Texas San Antonio and increased speculation about head coach Jon Sumrall’s future, the Green Wave responded with its most resilient stretch of the season. 

In a must-win game against a conference rival, Tulane walked into the University of Memphis and handled business, securing a huge win that brought them back into the conversation of becoming American Conference champions. 

That effort carried over into Homecoming weekend when the Green Wave delivered its most complete performance of the year — wearing their new Homecoming uniform — in a dominant win against Florida Atlantic University. The victory not only secured momentum but vaulted Tulane into the national rankings for the first time this season, re-establishing its place among the top Group of Five programs in the country.

Against FAU, Tulane showed control from the opening drive. The offense played with rhythm, mixing explosive plays with long, sustained drives that wore down the Owls’ defense. The running game consistently created manageable downs, and the passing attack capitalized on openings downfield. On the other side of the ball, the Green Wave defense set the tone early, forcing pressure on the quarterback, eliminating third-down conversions and limiting any chance of a comeback.

Quarterback Jake Retzlaff again steered the offense with poise, completing 18 of 27 passes for 241 yards and two touchdowns, plus a short rushing score. Redshirt first-year running back Jamauri McClure slashed through the Owls with 10 carries for 94 yards and a touchdown. Bryce Bohanon led Tulane in receiving with three catches for 56 yards and a touchdown, while Anthony Brown-Stephens and tight end Johnny Pascuzzi each added 52 receiving yards to keep FAU off balance. 

With the Green Wave now ranked in multiple polls, the conversation naturally shifted to what this means for the remainder of the season. Tulane has begun appearing in national projection models as a possible New Year’s Six contender, and the path is straightforward: Win out. 

Still, the ranking does not erase the areas Tulane must improve. Sumrall has remained clear about that reality. After recent games, he told reporters candidly that Tulane can look like “an average team” at times, pointing to inconsistent execution, penalties and moments when the team fails to sustain intensity. Even in wins, the team still has lapses. 

Sumrall’s message has been consistent: If Tulane wants to compete on a national level, it must raise its standard, not simply ride the high of recent success.

Yet, through injuries, pressure and outside noise, the Green Wave continues to deliver when it matters most. They have given fans a reason to believe again, and the atmosphere inside Yulman Stadium reflects that renewed energy. If results fall the right way, Tulane could even host the American Conference Championship. Tulane seniors might end up with one more Saturday at home after all.

For now, the focus shifts to a trip north. Tulane will travel to Philadelphia to face Temple University on Saturday, Nov. 22, with kickoff set for 2:45 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field. It is another road test, another chance to prove that this team is more than “average” and another step in a November stretch that could define Tulane football for years to come.