Memphis Miss Their Goal, Tulane Set Their Sights on AAC Championship
Memphis Tigers Miss Their AAC Championship Bid, but Aim for Strong Bowl Finish
Two of the top teams in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) are set to clash on Thursday night as the Memphis Tigers (9-2, 5-2 AAC) square off with the #20 Tulane Green Wave (9-2, 7-0 AAC). This matchup carries significant weight for Tulane, who has already secured their spot in the AAC Championship Game, while Memphis, despite a strong season, is playing for pride and a solid bowl berth. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans.
Last season, Tulane emerged victorious in their meeting with Memphis, winning 31-21 on the road. Both teams have had a week off to prepare, with Memphis coming off a dominant 53-18 win over UAB, and Tulane rolling to a 35-0 victory over Navy.
In this highly anticipated game, Tulane enters as a 14.5-point favorite.
Memphis Tigers: Strong Season, but Playoff Hopes Slip Away
The Memphis Tigers had set their sights on securing a spot in the AAC Championship Game for the first time since 2019, but they fell short due to losses against Navy and UTSA earlier in the season. Despite the disappointment, Memphis has bounced back strong, winning six of their last seven games. They now look to finish the regular season with a strong performance to enhance their bowl prospects.
Quarterback Seth Henigan has been a key contributor to the Tigers’ success. The senior signal-caller ranks second in the AAC with 2,990 passing yards, completing 63.7% of his throws with a 21-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Henigan has displayed impressive pocket presence, although he isn’t known for running, he has contributed 119 rushing yards this season. In Memphis’ recent win over UAB, Henigan threw for 299 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing his ability to command the offense.
Mario Anderson Jr., Memphis’ standout running back, leads the team with 1,115 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. Anderson has been a consistent force, rushing for over 100 yards in four of his last five games, including a season-high 183 yards against North Texas. The Tigers also rely on Brandon Thomas, a goal-line bruiser with 317 yards and eight touchdowns on the season.
Defensively, Memphis ranks 3rd in the AAC, allowing an average of 22.6 points per game. The Tigers’ defense is anchored by linebacker Chandler Martin, who leads the team with 90 tackles and also paces the squad with six sacks. The team has recorded 23 sacks and nine interceptions this season, with Davion Ross contributing two of the picks.
Tulane Green Wave: Unbeaten in AAC Play, Eyes on the Playoffs
The Tulane Green Wave enter this game already having secured their place in the AAC Championship Game. However, with an outside shot at making the College Football Playoff, Tulane cannot afford to overlook Memphis. A loss here could significantly damage their chances of securing a spot in the 12-team playoff.
Under head coach Willie Fritz, the Green Wave have put together a strong season, winning eight straight games. Tulane’s recent 35-0 shutout victory over Navy was a statement win, and they now have their eyes firmly set on continuing their success in this crucial matchup against Memphis.
Quarterback Darian Mensah has been efficient for Tulane, throwing for 2,197 yards with a 65.9% completion rate and an 18-4 TD-INT ratio. Although Mensah is not a major threat as a runner, his ability to manage the offense has been key to Tulane’s success. The freshman has shown poise in leading his team to the cusp of greatness.
In the backfield, Makhi Hughes has emerged as the AAC’s top rusher, leading the conference with 1,291 yards and 15 touchdowns. Hughes has been a workhorse, eclipsing the 100-yard mark in five of his last six games. He will be critical to Tulane’s offensive game plan, especially in controlling the tempo against Memphis.
Mario Williams, a 5’9″ junior wide receiver, is Mensah’s primary target, with 41 receptions for 701 yards and three touchdowns. Williams’ quickness and ability to make plays after the catch will be a key factor in stretching the Memphis defense.
Defensively, Tulane leads the AAC in scoring defense, giving up only 17.0 points per game. The Green Wave’s defense is led by linebacker Tyler Grubbs, who has registered 45 tackles and three sacks this season. Defensive tackle Patrick Jenkins has been a force on the line, contributing four sacks. As a unit, Tulane has 12 interceptions on the season, with Micah Robinson leading the secondary with two.
Conclusion
With both teams bringing high-powered offenses and strong defenses into this matchup, Thursday’s game promises to be a hard-fought contest. While Tulane has already clinched its spot in the AAC Championship Game, Memphis will be looking to finish the season strong and potentially play spoiler to Tulane’s playoff aspirations.
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