Green Wave Deliver Statement Victory at Home
The Tulane Green Wave delivered an impressive performance Friday night, defeating Memphis 31-17 at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans. Tulane capitalized on six Memphis turnovers, including a 76-yard interception return for a touchdown, to earn a crucial American Athletic Conference victory.
The win improved Tulane to 3-3 overall and gave the Green Wave a much-needed response after a heartbreaking 20-17 loss to Army the previous week. Memphis fell to 5-2 after a costly performance filled with mistakes.
Tulane Takes Control Before Halftime
Memphis opened the scoring with a 44 yard field goal from Patrick LaForge, but Tulane answered with a field goal of its own from Cooper Helmke.
The Tigers then struck with a 76 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Marcus Stokes to wide receiver Sam Burnside, taking a 10-3 lead.
Tulane responded with a big play of its own. Quarterback Trace Johnson connected with Destyn Hill for a 38-yard touchdown, cutting into the deficit before Helmke added another field goal to put the Green Wave ahead 13-10.
The biggest moment came just before halftime. Stokes threw an interception, and Tulane defensive back TJ Smith returned it 76 yards for a touchdown. The score gave the Green Wave a 23-10 halftime advantage and changed the momentum of the game.
Defense Seals the Victory
Memphis struggled to recover from its mistakes after the break. The Tigers committed six turnovers, including three interceptions, while Tulane’s defense recorded seven sacks and consistently pressured Stokes.
Memphis managed to cut the deficit to 23-17 late in the fourth quarter when Stokes connected with J. Davis for a six yard touchdown.
However, Tulane answered immediately. Running back Johnnie Daniels broke free for a 48 yard touchdown run with 1:34 remaining, and the Green Wave converted the two point attempt to secure the 31-17 lead.
Tulane Builds Momentum
Johnson finished with 165 passing yards and a touchdown, while Daniels added 55 rushing yards and the decisive score.
For Tulane, the victory provides renewed confidence after a difficult start to conference play. Memphis, meanwhile, will need to address its turnover problems before its next matchup.
The Green Wave won through timely scoring and a relentless defensive effort, turning Memphis’ mistakes into a memorable home victory.