Memphis Upsets Tulane, Puts Green Wave Hopes For College Football Playoff Berth In Serious Jeopardy
Memphis Upsets Tulane, Puts Green Wave Hopes For College Football Playoff Berth In Serious Jeopardy
Memphis, Tenn. - The Memphis Tigers upset the No. 9-ranked Tulane Green Wave 34-27 on Saturday, putting the Green Wave's hopes for a College Football Playoff berth in serious jeopardy.
Tigers Defense Shines
Memphis' defense held Tulane to just 295 yards of offense, including only 102 yards rushing. The Tigers also forced two turnovers, including a fumble and an interception.
"Our defense played lights out today," said Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield. "We knew Tulane had a lot of weapons on offense, but our guys did a great job of containing them."
Memphis Offense Paces Comeback
The Memphis offense, led by quarterback Seth Henigan, rallied from a 17-10 deficit in the second quarter to take the lead for good in the fourth quarter.
Henigan threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning touchdown pass to receiver Eddie Lewis with just over two minutes remaining.
Green Wave Playoff Hopes Dwindle
The loss is a major setback for Tulane, who entered the game with a 9-2 record and were ranked No. 9 in the College Football Playoff rankings.
"This is a tough loss," said Tulane coach Willie Fritz. "We didn't play our best game today, and Memphis deserved to win. Our playoff hopes are still alive, but we have a lot of work to do."
Outlook for Memphis and Tulane
The win improves Memphis' record to 7-5 and keeps the Tigers in the running for a bowl game. Tulane, meanwhile, falls to 9-3 and will need to win out in order to have any chance at making the College Football Playoff.