What's Happening?
Tulane University secured a significant victory against No. 22 Memphis with a 38-32 win, maintaining their position in the race for the Group of Five's spot in the College Football Playoff. The game, held in Memphis, Tennessee, saw Tulane quarterback
Jake Retzlaff throw for 332 yards and three touchdowns. Despite Memphis's strong fourth-quarter comeback attempt, Tulane held their ground, ending Memphis's 11-game home winning streak. Tulane's coach Jon Sumrall praised his team's resilience, especially after their previous loss to Texas-San Antonio. Memphis quarterback Brendon Lewis contributed 317 yards and two touchdowns, but the team fell short in the final minutes.
Why It's Important?
This victory is crucial for Tulane as it keeps them in contention for a spot in the College Football Playoff, a significant achievement for a Group of Five team. The win also highlights Tulane's ability to bounce back from setbacks, demonstrating their potential to compete at a high level. For Memphis, the loss is a setback in their playoff aspirations, affecting their standing among non-Power Five programs. The outcome of this game could influence the rankings and playoff selections, impacting the broader college football landscape.
What's Next?
Tulane will face Florida Atlantic next, with a favorable schedule ahead that could bolster their playoff chances. Memphis will play against East Carolina, aiming to recover from this loss and improve their standing. Both teams will need to strategize and perform well in their upcoming games to maintain or improve their positions in the playoff race.
Beyond the Headlines
The game underscores the competitive nature of college football, where teams from smaller conferences can challenge and potentially disrupt the dominance of Power Five programs. Tulane's victory may inspire other Group of Five teams to strive for playoff contention, potentially leading to a more diverse and inclusive playoff selection process in the future.
