Tulane’s starting quarterback, Michael Pratt, marked his return from injury with an outstanding performance. Pratt, with 190 passing yards and two touchdowns, led the Green Wave to a resounding 36-7 victory over Nicholls in an exciting Saturday night showdown.
Pratt etched his name in Tulane‘s record books, surpassing the previous record for career touchdown passes with a stunning 40-yard strike to Lawrence Keys III during the first quarter. This remarkable feat marked Pratt’s 73rd touchdown pass, breaking the tie with the illustrious Patrick Ramsey.
Tulane’s defense also made a significant impact on the game, intercepting the ball four times, effectively stifling Nicholls’ offensive efforts. Jesus Machado, a standout on the Tulane defense, tallied an impressive 10 total tackles and secured an interception. Shai’Keem Laister added to the excitement by returning a shanked punt 27 yards for a touchdown, igniting Tulane’s dominant 17-0 first-quarter performance. By halftime, the Green Wave had surged ahead, leading 27-7.
While the second half witnessed a more subdued scoring affair, Pratt’s 1-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter remained the sole touchdown of the half. Pat McQuaide displayed resilience for Nicholls, amassing 273 passing yards and one touchdown. However, McQuaide’s four interceptions proved costly, preventing his team from reaching the end zone except for a 13-yard TD pass to Neno Lemay during the second quarter.
Arnold Barnes III led Tulane on the ground, gaining 71 rushing yards, while Lawrence Keys dominated as the top receiver with 77 yards. Tulane’s Valentino Ambrosio showcased his kicking prowess by successfully slotting three field goals. The victory marked Tulane’s continued success, elevating their season record to an impressive 3-1, while Nicholls faced the challenge of their third consecutive loss, standing at 0-3 for the season.
