Photo By: Maro Barrera
Tulane faced off against North Texas in a crucial American Athletic Conference (AAC) matchup on Saturday. Building on a strong season, the Green Wave entered the game with momentum, while North Texas looked to rebound from recent struggles. In this clash, both teams relied heavily on their defenses, with Tulane ultimately securing a decisive 38-17 victory, thanks in large part to their balanced offensive and defensive efforts.
First Quarter: Fast Start
Tulane (6-2, 4-0 AAC) opened the game with a precise and methodical drive. Quarterback Darian Mensah threw for 175 yards, with running back Makhi Hughes contributing a 21-yard gain. Despite their drive stalling in the red zone, kicker Ethan Head nailed a 32-yard field goal to give Tulane an early 3-0 lead.
Second Quarter: North Texas Strikes Back
North Texas (5-3, 2-2 AAC) responded with a strong drive of their own, heavily leaning on their run game. Quarterback Austin Aune capped off the drive with a five-yard touchdown run, giving North Texas a 7-3 lead. However, Tulane quickly answered, as Mensah connected with Deuce Watts on a 74-yard bomb, reclaiming the lead for Tulane. Watts finished the game with 110 receiving yards on just four catches.
Dominant Defense
Tulane’s defense stepped up significantly. Senior linebacker Nick Anderson recorded eight tackles, including two sacks and a forced fumble. This dominant performance helped Tulane’s defense force four turnovers.
Second Half: Trading Blows
The second half opened with North Texas driving down the field, tying the game with a 44-yard field goal from kicker Ethan Mooney. Tulane responded immediately, with Head hitting a career-long 53-yard field goal to reclaim the lead.
Fourth Quarter: Securing the Win
Tulane’s defense made key plays in the final quarter. After a fumble recovery by senior cornerback Jarius Monroe, Tulane capitalized with a touchdown pass from Mensah to Jha'Quan Jackson. Another fumble recovery, this time by offensive lineman Caleb Thomas in the end zone, extended Tulane’s lead.
North Texas made a late push with Aune’s 26-yard touchdown pass to receiver Braylen Walker, but it wasn’t enough. Tulane sealed the win with another touchdown run from Hughes, securing the final score at 38-17.
Outlook and Next Opponent
Tulane is currently leading the AAC standings, setting the stage for an impressive finish to the season. Their next challenge will be against the UAB Blazers at Protective Stadium on Thursday, where they’ll strive to extend their winning streak and solidify their conference standing. Through their impressive performance on both offense and defense, the Green Wave are cementing their reputation as a powerhouse in the AAC. Their resilience and skill are evident as they chase a championship.
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