Gridiron Upset: Memphis Stuns No. 17 Tulane in Thanksgiving Thriller
In a stunning display of gridiron prowess, the Memphis Tigers roared to victory against the No. 17 Tulane Green Wave on Thanksgiving evening, delivering a 34-24 upset that sent shockwaves through the college football landscape.
This electrifying matchup at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans showcased Memphis’ resilience and dealt a significant blow to Tulane’s College Football Playoff aspirations.
Game Highlights
The Tigers, entering as 13.5-point underdogs, defied expectations with a dominant performance from the outset. Memphis’ offense, led by the explosive Greg Desrosiers Jr., proved unstoppable.
Desrosiers, who had battled injuries earlier in the season, returned to form spectacularly, scoring three touchdowns – two receiving and one rushing – while consistently eluding Tulane defenders.
Memphis’s ground game, a cornerstone of their strategy, was in full force. The team has consistently rushed for over 200 yards in recent games, with Mario Anderson Jr. leading the charge. Anderson’s 1,115 rushing yards rank third in the AAC, while his 18 total touchdowns place him seventh in college football.
Defensive Dominance
The Tigers’ defense was equally impressive, stifling Tulane’s usually potent offense. Memphis has been particularly adept at containing opposing run games, allowing just 3.8 yards per rush – one of the best marks in the AAC. This defensive prowess was displayed as they consistently thwarted Tulane’s attempts to establish momentum.
Implications for Both Teams
Memphis (10-2, 6-2 AAC) ‘s victory marks its second consecutive season with double-digit wins, a first in program history. While the Tigers won’t compete in the AAC Championship Game, this win solidifies their status as a formidable force in the conference.
Despite the loss, Tulane (9-3, 7-1 AAC) will still advance to the AAC Championship Game against Army. However, their hopes for a College Football Playoff berth have been severely diminished. Previously undefeated in conference play, the Green Wave must now regroup quickly to salvage their postseason aspirations.
Coaching Triumph
This game will likely be remembered as the pinnacle of Ryan Silverfield’s coaching career at Memphis. Silverfield’s strategic acumen was fully displayed as the Tigers executed a near-perfect game plan. In terms of significance, the victory rivals and perhaps surpasses Memphis’ earlier season upset of Florida State.
Looking Ahead
As the regular season concludes, both teams face different paths forward. Memphis awaits their bowl game assignment, buoyed by this impressive victory. Tulane, meanwhile, must quickly rebound for their championship clash with Army, where they’ll aim to secure the AAC title and salvage their season’s lofty goals.
In the unpredictable world of college football, this Thanksgiving showdown served as a reminder that on any given day, the underdog can rise to the occasion and rewrite the script. The Memphis Tigers did just that, leaving an indelible mark on the 2024 season and setting the stage for an exciting postseason.