After forcing six turnovers in a 31–17 victory, Tulane hosts UTSA on Saturday, October 24, at Yulman Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Central on ESPNU. The Green Wave enter 3–3 overall and 1–1 in the American, while the Roadrunners arrive 6–1 and 3–0.
The matchup brings together a Tulane team that just found a defensive breakthrough and a UTSA team that has repeatedly found ways to finish close games.
Adams headlines an aggressive defense
Kevin Adams III earned American Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors after recording nine tackles, two interceptions and a fumble recovery against Memphis.
Tulane combined its six takeaways with seven sacks. The school reported that the Green Wave became the first FBS team to reach both figures in one game since Louisville did so against Wake Forest in October 2022.
Repeating those totals is a demanding target. Repeating the work behind them is a more useful one: create pressure, rally to the football and finish opportunities when the ball becomes available.
That distinction matters against UTSA. A defense cannot let the search for a turnover pull it out of position or turn a modest gain into an explosive play.
The offense needs to help carry the night
Trace Johnson completed 11 of 21 passes for 165 yards, one touchdown and one interception against Memphis. Destyn Hill caught four passes for 62 yards and a score.
The decisive offensive moment came late, when Johnnie Daniels broke a fourth-and-one run for a 48-yard touchdown. Tulane had been protecting a six-point lead before that finish.
Against UTSA, the offense should aim to supply useful possessions even when the defense does not hand it the ball. Converting manageable third downs and making progress on early downs can keep the burden from falling entirely on another exceptional defensive effort.
UTSA is comfortable in a close finish
Quarterback Owen McCown led a late winning drive in UTSA’s 38–34 victory over Navy last week. It was his third game-winning drive of the season, according to the San Antonio Express-News.
That makes the closing possessions a particularly important part of Tulane’s preparation. A narrow lead will require purposeful offense, disciplined coverage and tackles that keep the clock and the field working in the Green Wave’s favor.
Tulane has won 10 straight home games, including all three at Yulman this season. Saturday offers a chance to extend that strength against an opponent near the top of the conference race.
The Memphis game showed how disruptive Tulane can be. UTSA will test whether the Green Wave can combine that disruption with enough consistency to control another finish.
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