Memphis delivered a stunning blow to No. 18 Tulane's College Football Playoff aspirations with a 34-24 victory on Thursday night. The defeat ended Tulane's eight-game winning streak and dashed their hopes of making a playoff run.
The game was marked by critical mistakes on Tulane's part, including three turnovers resulting from deep passes by Darian Mensah. These turnovers proved costly for Tulane, who needed a win in their regular-season finale and the American Athletic Conference title game to have a shot at the playoff.
Memphis' Greg Desrosiers Jr. played a pivotal role in the victory, catching two scoring passes and running for a touchdown. The Tigers capitalized on Tulane's errors, with their defense causing key turnovers that shifted the momentum in their favor.
Despite facing setbacks earlier in the season, Memphis came out determined to dominate the game. Quarterback Seth Henigan led the Tigers' offense effectively, throwing for 218 yards and two touchdowns without any turnovers. Running back Mario Anderson Jr. also had a standout performance, rushing for 177 yards on 24 carries.
Tulane's coach Jon Sumrall expressed disappointment in his team's performance, citing missed opportunities and a failure to execute at their usual standard. The Green Wave struggled to contain Memphis' offense and committed costly turnovers that ultimately sealed their fate.
With this loss, Tulane's chances of making the College Football Playoff have all but vanished. Memphis, on the other hand, celebrated a significant victory that solidified their position in the conference.
Looking ahead, Memphis awaits a bowl bid, while Tulane will face Army in the American Athletic Conference championship game on December 6. The outcome of this game will be crucial for Tulane as they seek to bounce back from their defeat against Memphis.
Overall, Memphis' impressive performance and Tulane's missed opportunities defined the outcome of the game, highlighting the unpredictable nature of college football.
