As the college football season hits its peak, the Tulane Green Wave (9-2) is gearing up to take on the Memphis Tigers (9-2) in a crucial American Athletic Conference (AAC) battle on November 28, 2024, at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans. This exciting primetime matchup, kicking off at 7:30 PM ET, is sure to be a thrilling showdown as both teams vie for better postseason spots. Tulane, sitting pretty at second in the AAC with an unbeaten 7-0 conference record, is looking to keep their winning streak alive, while Memphis is eager to improve their position with a solid performance against their rivals.
Tulane Green Wave
Tulane is coming into this game with a strong offense, racking up an average of 434.4 yards per game. The Green Wave really shine in their running game, sitting at 9th in the nation with 227.1 rushing yards per game, thanks in large part to the dynamic play of sophomore running back Makhi Hughes. This season, Hughes has piled up 1,291 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, proving he can break tackles and pick up big yards after contact.
Quarterback Darian Mensah has proven to be a solid leader on the field, racking up 2,197 passing yards along with an impressive 18 touchdowns and only four picks. His ability to make plays with his legs adds another layer to his game, as he’s also scored a touchdown on the ground. The receiving group is led by Mario Williams, who has caught 41 catches for 701 yards and three touchdowns, making him a serious deep threat that keeps defenses on their toes.
Memphis Tigers
The Memphis Tigers are heading into this matchup with an offense that’s a bit less efficient, sitting at 7th in the AAC and averaging 441 yards per game. They’ve got a well-rounded approach, mixing a solid passing game with a decent rushing attack. Quarterback Seth Henigan is at the helm, having thrown for more than 2,600 yards this season with a completion percentage of about 63%. His connection with standout wide receiver Roc Taylor, who has over 1,000 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, will be key in putting pressure on Tulane’s secondary. Taylor’s speed and quickness make him a serious deep threat, and his performance will be vital for Memphis as they look to take advantage of any gaps in Tulane’s defense.
Memphis is counting on running back Brandon Thomas to boost their ground game, and he’s been a big part of their rushing numbers. The Tigers are racking up around 167.9 rushing yards each game and are eager to take advantage of any gaps in Tulane’s defense. On the other side, Memphis has had a tough time on defense this season, sitting near the bottom of the AAC in total defense (88th in the nation) and giving up more than 353.9 yards per game.
Key Matchups
Tulane’s Rushing Attack vs. Memphis’s Run Defense: Tulane’s main advantage is their strong ground game spearheaded by Hughes, so how effectively Memphis can keep him in check will be key.
Darian Mensah vs. Seth Henigan: The showdown between the quarterbacks is going to be crucial for the game’s result. If Mensah can make plays in the air and on the ground while steering clear of turnovers, Tulane might just have the upper hand.
Turnover Battle: Both teams have the ability to turn the ball over, so the one that can hang onto it better might just come out on top.
This game is likely to be a tight battle since both teams have strong offenses and some weaknesses on defense. Tulane’s home advantage at Yulman Stadium should really impact how they play.
Sports Betting Ace’s Final Score Prediction: Tulane Green Wave 31 – Memphis Tigers 24