Tulane vs. Memphis: A Thanksgiving Clash with High Stakes
The Thanksgiving showdown between the Tulane Green Wave and Memphis Tigers was nothing short of electrifying, showcasing why college football thrives on tradition and fierce competition. This Week 14 matchup, played under the lights at Yulman Stadium, carried significant implications for both programs. While Tulane aimed to solidify home-field advantage for the AAC title game, Memphis sought to close its regular season with a statement victory.
Tulane, riding high with a 9-2 record and a perfect conference slate (7-0 AAC), was the favorite heading into the game. The Green Wave had not only secured a spot in the AAC Championship against Army but also remained in the broader College Football Playoff conversation, though as a longshot. For Memphis (9-2, 5-2 AAC), the game offered an opportunity to spoil Tulane's unbeaten conference run and secure their own double-digit win season—something achieved back-to-back for the first time in school history. Despite their impressive record, Memphis entered the game as a two-touchdown underdog, marking their steepest conference odds in over a decade.
Also Read:- New York Lottery Winning Numbers for Nov. 27 – A Quick Overview of Your Chances to Win Big
- Dybala’s Wife Speaks on Possible Move to Boca Juniors: "If Paredes Wants Him, He’ll Go"
The first half unfolded with thrilling moments. Memphis struck first with a precision-driven drive, highlighted by quarterback Seth Henigan's 43-yard bomb to Roc Taylor and a subsequent 17-yard touchdown to Greg Desrosiers. Desrosiers dazzled again later, breaking free for a jaw-dropping 25-yard touchdown, leaving Tulane's defense in his wake. At halftime, Memphis led 17-10, a surprising edge against the heavily favored Green Wave.
Tulane, however, demonstrated why they have dominated the AAC this season. Quarterback Darian Mensah orchestrated a clinical drive in the first quarter, connecting with Mario Williams for a critical touchdown. The Green Wave’s defense, ranked among the nation's top 10, stiffened as the game progressed, forcing Memphis into mistakes and containing their potent ground attack. Balanced on both sides of the ball, Tulane clawed back to take the lead in the second half, showcasing their resilience and championship mettle.
This matchup also carried a historical edge. Memphis led the all-time series 24-15-1 but hadn’t triumphed in New Orleans since 2016. Tulane's home-field advantage and their commitment to finishing the regular season undefeated in conference play loomed large. The betting lines, which favored Tulane by 14 points with an over/under of 56.5, underscored the expectations of a high-scoring affair.
Ultimately, the game served as a showcase of grit, skill, and strategic execution. For Memphis, it was a chance to compete at the national level, despite missing out on the AAC title game due to earlier losses. For Tulane, the win reinforced their position as the AAC’s powerhouse and kept their aspirations for greater accolades alive. Fans watching on ESPN or streaming via FuboTV witnessed a game that encapsulated the best of college football—passion, unpredictability, and unforgettable moments.
Read More:
0 Comments