Tulane entered Thursday’s game dreaming about what a win against Memphis football would potentially mean — hosting the AAC title game against Army next week and a legitimate shot to make the College Football Playoff.
Memphis made sure that all went away by the time the night was over.
The Tigers (10-2, 6-2 AAC) dominated Tulane 34-24 to cap the regular season with an emphatic win. Greg Desrosiers scored three touchdowns, Mario Anderson rushed for another and the Memphis defense forced three takeaways to shut down the Green Wave at Yulman Stadium.
Memphis got the ball first and immediately scored a touchdown. Tulane (9-3, 7-1) briefly took a lead, but the Tigers led for most of the night and completely shut down star Tulane running back Makhi Hughes, who had the worst game of his collegiate career. Hughes had nine carries for 15 yards.
The Tigers will have to wait a week and a half before they find out their bowl game destination.
Anderson rushed for a 47-yard touchdown to put Memphis up 34-17.
Tulane had chances to cut into the lead, but Memphis came up with back-to-back takeaways. First, Kourtlan Marsh forced a fumble and recovered it. Then Davion Ross intercepted Darian Mensah.
The Tigers gave up 45 yards on penalties (two for unnecessary roughness, one for pass interference) and Tulane
Desrosiers added to his two receiving touchdowns with a rushing touchdown on Memphis’ first drive of the second half. He rushed for a 29 yard touchdown to extend the Memphis lead.
Desrosiers caught a pass out of the backfield on third down and eluded the entire Tulane defense, speeding for a an electrifying 25-yard touchdown that gave Memphis the lead.
The Green Wave settled for a field goal on their first drive, but they cashed in with a touchdown later in the quarter. Darian Mensah drove Tulane down the field and then connected with Mario Williams for a 7-yard touchdown.
The Tigers converted two key third downs to move down the field and strike first. Seth Henigan converted the first with a 43-yard completion to Roc Taylor, then found Greg Desrosiers for a 17-yard touchdown to give the Tigers an early lead.
Memphis vs. Tulane will be broadcast on ESPN. Matt Barrie, Dan Mullen and Harry Lyles Jr. will have the call.
Tulane 34, Memphis 27. It’s a close game, because it always seems to be when Memphis is playing. But Tulane’s defense does just enough to send the Green Wave to the AAC title game with an undefeated conference record.
Game lines and odds from BetMGM as of Thursday:
The forecast in New Orleans calls for a high of 76 degrees and a low of 55 degrees. There is a 50 percent chance of rain.
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