Tulane University football does it again.

The Green Wave rolled into a conference record fourth straight appearance in the American Conference Championship against the formidable University of North Texas. In front of over 20,000 fans in the stands, the Green Wave came out on top with a 34-21 win. A dominant rushing attack and explosive defensive plays secured the conference title and capped off another historic season under head coach Jon Sumrall, who just announced he is leaving Tulane for University of Florida. 

North Texas struck first with a 15-play, 75-yard opening drive that ended in a 10-yard touchdown pass from North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker. However, that drive would be the only points for the Mean Green in the entire half.  

Tulane responded immediately with an equally methodical 16-play, 81-yard drive of its own, capped by quarterback Jake Retzlaff’s 2-yard rushing touchdown on fourth and goal to tie the game at 7-7 late in the first quarter. 

After these opening two drives, Tulane was able to keep it rolling, while North Texas couldn’t sustain the defensive pressure from the Green Wave. 

Momentum swung permanently in the second quarter after Tulane safety Jack Tchienchou, who, postgame, was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Championship Game, forced a fumble on North Texas running back Caleb Hawkins that was returned 34 yards to the Mean Green 37-yard line. Then it only took two runs for Jamauri McClure to reach the end zone and give Tulane a 14-7 lead. 

Patrick Durkin, the conference’s Special Teams Player of the Year, added a 30-yard field goal midway through the quarter. Then, after a muffed punt from the Mean Green put Tulane in excellent field position, Retzlaff punched in another rushing score with seconds left, capping off the Green Wave’s commanding 24-7 lead at halftime.

After the intermission, Tulane’s defense took over. Early in the third quarter, Chris Rodgers intercepted Mestemaker and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown, the Green Wave’s first non-offensive score of the season. 

That play pushed the lead to 31-7 and forced North Texas into catch-up mode. While they did give a valiant last push, cutting the deficit to 31-21 in the fourth, Tulane never relinquished control. 

Tulane closed the door with another Durkin field goal and a Jahiem Johnson interception that sealed the game at 34-21. With three interceptions, a forced fumble and a defensive touchdown, the Green Wave delivered its most complete performance of the season. They held North Texas to only 21 points, their lowest total of the season. 

The offense also surged. McClure served as the leader of the Tulane offense with 121 rushing yards on 22 carries, and Retzlaff contributed 49 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Tulane’s second conference title and fourth straight appearance only reaffirm their position at the top of the American Conference.

After the game, Sumrall said, “Just excited for these guys, and selfishly grateful I get to work two jobs a little bit longer. I’m just cherishing every moment and trying to make sure I appreciate every interaction and every play.”

Next, Tulane will find out its opponent when the first round of playoff seedings is announced on Sunday, Dec. 7.