PHOTO BY: SCOTT THRELKELD
Tulane faced off against Rice in a crucial American Athletic Conference (AAC) matchup on Saturday. Building on a strong season, the Green Wave entered the game with momentum, while Rice 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 (5-2, 3-0 AAC) opened the game with a precise and methodical drive. Quarterback Michael Pratt threw for 65 yards, with running back Tyjae Spears 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: Tulane Strikes Back
Rice (2-5, 1-3 AAC) responded with a strong drive of their own, heavily leaning on their run game. Quarterback TJ McMahon capped off the drive with a five-yard touchdown run, giving Rice a 7-3 lead. However, Tulane quickly answered as Pratt 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 Rice driving down the field, tying the game with a 44-yard field goal from kicker Chris Barnes. 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 Pratt to Jha’Quan Jackson. Another fumble recovery, this time by offensive lineman Caleb Thomas in the end zone, extended Tulane’s lead.
Rice made a late push with McMahon’s 26-yard touchdown pass to receiver Braylen Walker, but it wasn’t enough. Tulane sealed the win with another touchdown run from Spears, securing the final score at 38-17.
Outlook and Next Opponent
Tulane currently sits at the top of the AAC standings and looks poised for a strong finish to the season. Next up, they face the UAB Blazers at Protective Stadium, aiming to continue their winning streak and strengthen their position in the conference. With a dominant performance on both sides of the ball, the Green Wave are proving to be a force in the AAC, showing resilience and skill as they push toward their ultimate goal.
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