Tulane’s faint College Football Playoff hopes came to an abrupt end as Memphis triumphed 34-24 on Thursday night, with Greg Desrosiers Jr. shining by catching two touchdown passes and rushing for another. This defeat dashed the Green Wave’s aspirations for a playoff spot, marking a significant shift in their season’s trajectory.
The Green Wave, sporting a record of 9-3 and a strong 7-1 in the American Athletic Conference, needed to secure a win in their regular-season finale and the upcoming conference championship to keep their playoff dreams alive. However, the loss to Memphis proved to be a stumbling block.
Tulane struggled with turnovers, committing three deep in Memphis territory, which ultimately ended their impressive 17-game regular-season conference victory streak. These mistakes proved costly as the team failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Two of Tulane’s turnovers occurred following significant receptions inside the Memphis 10-yard line. Tigers defensive back Kourtlan Marsh was instrumental in forcing these fumbles; his first hit on Yulkeith Brown after a 40-yard catch led to a turnover that Memphis converted into a 29-yard touchdown run by Desrosiers, extending their lead to 27-10.
In a pivotal moment during the fourth quarter, with Tulane trailing 27-17, Mario Williams fumbled at the Memphis 9-yard line after a 55-yard reception, allowing Marsh to recover again. This turnover was a key moment that shifted momentum firmly in favor of Memphis.
Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah faced further challenges when he was intercepted by Davion Ross at the Memphis 2-yard line. The Tigers capitalized on this opportunity, driving 98 yards for a touchdown, capped by Mario Anderson Jr.’s impressive 47-yard run.
Seth Henigan showcased his skills by completing 22 of 29 passes for 218 yards and two touchdowns, maintaining a clean sheet without turnovers. Memphis amassed a total of 454 yards against a Tulane defense that had previously allowed only nine points in their last three games combined. Anderson’s contribution was significant, rushing for 177 yards on 24 carries.
On the other hand, Mensah threw for 317 yards and two touchdowns, while Arnold Barnes added a 2-yard rushing touchdown to the Green Wave’s tally.
The game began with a setback for Tulane as they allowed a touchdown on Memphis’ opening drive, where Henigan connected with Desrosiers for a 17-yard touchdown grab in tight coverage. Tulane briefly led the game 10-7 when Williams scored a 7-yard touchdown late in the first quarter, but Desrosiers’ 25-yard catch and run restored the Tigers’ lead for good in the second quarter.
The Takeaway
Memphis demonstrated strong motivation and focus despite not being in contention for the conference title. The Tigers converted 10 of 16 third downs, surpassing the 20-point mark for the 39th consecutive game, while their defense proved disruptive and opportunistic.
Conversely, Tulane appeared tense early in the game. Receivers dropped several passes, and their usually effective run scheme struggled against Memphis’ 18th-ranked run defense. Missed tackles and challenges in stopping third downs contributed to a difficult night for the Green Wave.
Poll Implications
With this loss, Tulane may fall out of the AP Top 25, diminishing the significance of their upcoming AAC championship game.
Up Next
Memphis now awaits a bowl bid, while Tulane prepares to face Army on December 6 in the American Athletic Conference championship game, with the venue yet to be determined.
