In a nerve-wracking homecoming weekend showdown, No. 23 Tulane Green Wave exhibited exceptional grit by holding onto a narrow victory against the North Texas Mean Green, winning 35-28. Tulane’s Michael Pratt, the star quarterback, was instrumental in their triumph. Pratt showcased his impressive throwing capabilities, recording three touchdown passes. His agility came to the fore when he rushed 19 yards for a crucial touchdown, bringing the Green Wave back into the lead with a mere 2:34 left in the game.
The drama didn’t end there. North Texas, not ready to accept defeat, attempted a retaliatory move, but Tulane’s defense was up to the task. Linebacker Tyler Grubbs‘ pivotal sack on North Texas’ Chandler Rogers and the subsequent incomplete pass ensured Tulane’s triumph remained intact.
The game began with Tulane seemingly having a straightforward path to victory. They held a comfortable 28-7 lead in the third quarter, courtesy of Alex Bauman‘s second touchdown catch of the game. But North Texas, silenced in the first half, came roaring back with three consecutive touchdowns, equalizing the score at 28 each, with Landon Sides‘ 6-yard catch being the game-tying score.
Despite this impressive comeback, North Texas coach Eric Morris expressed, “I’m not into moral victories, but I’m proud of the way we fought back after an awful start.”
Tulane’s subsequent possession showcased their resilience. Orchestrating a 75-yard march in 13 plays, Pratt’s scoring run emerged as the game’s decisive moment. He’d intended to pass, but seeing an opening in the defense, Pratt cleverly navigated his way into the end zone, delighting the home fans.
Tulane’s defense, even with a challenging second half, managed to limit a North Texas offense, renowned for its high yardage per game. The game was a testament to Tulane’s determination and their knack for pulling through in clutch moments, setting them up positively for their next encounter against Rice.
