MEMPHIS – November 8, 2025
In a dramatic and emotionally charged showdown, the Tulane Green Wave delivered a monumental 38‑32 upset over the Memphis Tigers, ranked No. 22 at the time, at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. The result not only halts Memphis’ 11‑game home winning streak but also keeps Tulane firmly in the mix for a coveted Group of Five berth in the College Football Playoff conversation.
Explosive Start Sets the Tone
Tulane exploded out of the gates, hammering Memphis with precision. On the very first play from scrimmage, quarterback Jake Retzlaff unleashed a 65‑yard strike to Shazz Preston, immediately shifting momentum and igniting the Green Wave faithful. By halftime, Retzlaff had compiled 284 passing yards and three touchdowns, completing 14 of 15 attempts, and Tulane raced to a 35‑17 lead heading into the break.
Memphis Fights Back But Comes Up Short
The Tigers, led by Brendon Lewis, who threw for 317 yards and two touchdowns, mounted a valiant comeback attempt in the fourth quarter. They trimmed the deficit to six and forced a critical fourth‑and‑8 at the Tulane 35 with under two minutes remaining. However, Tulane’s defense held firm, denying the conversion and clinching the win.
Significance & Football‑Landscape Implications
For Tulane:
- The win boosts their record to 7‑2 overall and 4‑1 in the conference, resuscitating their playoff hopes and reinforcing their status as a true contender in the Group of Five tier.
- The mental resilience shown—bouncing back from a prior loss and dominating a foe on the road—signals maturity beyond their years.
For Memphis:
- The defeat drops them to 8‑2 overall and 4‑2 in the conference, snapping home‑field dominance and potentially derailing their postseason positioning.
- The inability to sustain the comeback under pressure raises questions about depth, execution and situational poise.
Tactical Takeaways & Observations
- Tulane’s opening half was surgical—364 yards of offense by halftime contrasted sharply with just 93 in the second half, yet the foundation had been firmly laid.
- Memphis’ comeback run showcased heart, but the early deficit proved too great. Time of possession skewed toward Tulane’s game‑control strategy.
- The momentum shift away from Memphis in this key matchup may reverberate through recruiting, conference perception and analytics models heading into bowl‑season projections.
Looking Ahead
- Tulane now faces a stretch of lighter opponents, providing an opportunity to solidify their record and position heading toward postseason decisions.
- Memphis returns to the road next week, where their response to this defeat will reveal whether they possess the resilience expected of a top contender.
- For analysts, marketers and content creators tracking the evolution of “next‑level” programs, Tulane’s rise and Memphis’ stumble deserve heightened attention for what they represent in the shifting terrain of college‑football competitive balance.
Credit: SportBuzzHub.com | November 8, 2025
