Too Much Teal to Handle: Coastal Buries South Alabama in Second-Half Surge
- Saturday Night Chronicles
- Sep 29, 2024
- 20 min read
Coastal Carolina Shocks South Alabama, 42-31, in Game of the Week Thriller
In a showdown between two of the Sun Belt's elite, Coastal Carolina staged an impressive second-half comeback to defeat previously unbeaten South Alabama, 42-31, in Mobile. Coastal now stands at 8-1 (5-1 SBC), while South Alabama falls to 8-1 (4-1 SBC), setting the stage for a dramatic race for the Sun Belt crown.
A Tale of Two Halves
The game was defined by momentum swings, with South Alabama seizing control early and Coastal Carolina surging back when it mattered most. South Alabama appeared to have the upper hand at halftime, leading 24-14. Their defense looked impenetrable, and an 84-yard pick-six by Wesley Miller in the first quarter provided a huge boost to the Jaguars' energy.
But football is a game of adjustments, and Coastal Carolina made all the right ones. The second half was a different story, as Coastal outscored South Alabama 28-7, capitalizing on key turnovers and special teams plays that swung the game in their favor.
The Turnaround
Coastal quarterback Ethan Vasko led the charge, throwing for 417 yards and 3 touchdowns. While Vasko tossed 3 interceptions, he remained resilient, standing tall behind an offensive line that didn’t allow a single sack all game. The protection allowed him to find his favorite targets, including Cane Berrong, who came up big with 6 catches for 114 yards, often in crucial situations. Vasko’s calm under pressure was emblematic of Coastal’s overall poise, as they never wavered, even when trailing by double digits.
Special teams played a pivotal role in this game. Early in the fourth quarter, with South Alabama still clinging to a 24-21 lead, Coastal’s Malik Rutherford delivered a game-changing punt return, going 41 yards to set up a go-ahead touchdown that put Coastal on top 28-24. The return energized the entire team, and from that moment on, Coastal Carolina was in the driver’s seat.
The Icing on the Cake
As South Alabama attempted to mount a late comeback, the Jaguars were met with resistance from Coastal’s opportunistic defense. Coastal's Wyatt Gedeon delivered the play of the game—a 37-yard pick-six that sealed the victory late in the fourth quarter. The interception came just as South Alabama was marching down the field with hopes of retaking the lead, but Gedeon's heroics iced the game and ended South Alabama's unbeaten run.
South Alabama’s Bishop Davenport had a mixed day at the office, throwing for 211 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 costly interceptions. His connection with Keyshawn Woodyard, who had 92 yards and a touchdown on 3 catches, provided some offensive sparks, but the Coastal defense proved too stout down the stretch.
Betting Recap and Analysis
South Alabama came into this game as 7.5-point favorites, with a total set at 56.5. Coastal’s shocking second-half surge not only helped them cover the spread, but the game also went over the total thanks to the late flurry of points. Bettors who backed Coastal enjoyed a hefty payout, while the upset left South Alabama supporters reeling.
Post-Game Remarks
Coastal’s Coach Jacob was fired up in the post-game press conference: “We knew we could stand toe-to-toe with anyone in this league. Our guys fought hard, made plays when they needed to, and never backed down.”
South Alabama’s Coach Mason reflected on the loss: “This one stings. We had opportunities to put the game away, but credit to Coastal for capitalizing on our mistakes. We’ll regroup and come back stronger.”
The Road Ahead
Coastal Carolina will carry their momentum into Week 12 as they travel to face Georgia Southern, where they will be listed as 6-point favorites with an over/under set at 58.5. Meanwhile, South Alabama will look to rebound when they head to Texas State as heavy 21-point favorites, hoping to reclaim their spot atop the conference.
This game proved once again that anything can happen in the Sun Belt, and Coastal Carolina has firmly reinserted themselves into the championship conversation.
Troy Dominates Southern Miss, 52-14, Setting the Stage for a Pivotal Matchup
Troy improved to 7-3 (5-1 SBC) after dismantling Southern Miss, 52-14, in yet another lopsided victory that was over by halftime. With Troy leading 24-0 at the break, they cruised to victory, outgaining the Golden Eagles 536 to 337 while forcing five turnovers from Southern Miss QB Alex Winkler.
Defensive Clinic from the Trojans
Troy's defense was relentless, wreaking havoc on Southern Miss all game long. Sophomore free safety Kamal Matthews led the charge with 2 interceptions and 6 tackles, while freshman free safety Cole Abreu continued his stellar play with 7 tackles and yet another pick to add to his growing collection.
The most electrifying defensive play came from senior strong safety Devin Lafayette, who scooped up a fumble and dashed 84 yards for a touchdown, cementing Troy’s dominance and leaving Southern Miss with no chance of a comeback.
Offensive Balance and Firepower
On offense, Troy QB Tucker Kilcrease was precise and effective, throwing for 306 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception. His connection with Devonte Ross was unstoppable, with Ross hauling in 163 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, including a show-stopping 78-yard score that broke the game wide open.
The rushing attack was evenly distributed, with freshman Isaiah Lanovoi carrying the ball 11 times for 53 yards and a touchdown, while Damien Taylor added 36 yards on 11 rushes. Their efforts helped Troy control the clock and keep Southern Miss at bay throughout the game.
Betting Recap and Analysis
Troy entered as 14-point favorites, easily covering the spread in their dominant showing. The game went over the total of 52.5 points, with Troy’s high-powered offense and aggressive defense leading the way. Bettors who backed Troy and the over were handsomely rewarded in this lopsided affair.
Post-Game Remarks
After the game, Coach Khail praised his team’s defensive execution: "We knew we had to be physical and make them uncomfortable. The way we created turnovers and capitalized on those opportunities was key.”
Looking ahead to their Week 12 showdown against undefeated Arkansas State, Coach Khail added: "This is what you play for. Two top teams in the conference, with everything on the line. Our guys are ready for the challenge."
The Road Ahead
Troy’s win sets up a highly anticipated clash with undefeated Arkansas State next week in a game that could decide the Sun Belt West and determine who will advance to the conference championship. Early betting lines have Arkansas State as 3-point favorites with the over/under set at 62. Expect a hard-fought battle between two powerhouse programs as the stakes reach their highest point of the season.
Texas State Ground Game Powers Through UL Monroe, 17-14, for Second Win of the Season
In a game where the Bobcats kept the ball on the ground and the scoreboard ticking, Texas State secured their second win of the season by defeating UL Monroe, 17-14. The victory moves the Bobcats to 2-7 (1-4 SBC) on the year as they continue to fight for pride in the Sun Belt Conference.
Ground and Pound: Bobcats Get It Done on the Ground
It was an old-school, smash-mouth football game for Texas State, with the passing attack nearly non-existent. PJ Hatter attempted just 7 passes, completing 3 of them for 14 yards with no touchdowns, leaving the heavy lifting to the running backs. The backfield committee delivered, with Torrance Burgess Jr. leading the way on the ground, rushing for 118 yards on 20 carries.
Not far behind was Lincoln Pare, who added 90 yards on 18 rushes, scoring the game’s first touchdown in the opening quarter. The only other score came from Jaylen Jenkins, who ran 43 yards on 6 carries and crossed the goal line in the third quarter to put the Bobcats up for good.
Offensive Line Dominates with Pancakes Galore
In a performance that would make any offensive lineman proud, Texas State's front line racked up an astonishing 36 pancake blocks. The domination in the trenches set the tone for the entire game, and with an effort like that, it wouldn't be surprising to see IHOP come calling with NIL deals for the entire Bobcats' offensive line.
Efficient Football Wins the Day
Efficiency was the name of the game for Texas State. Despite minimal offensive output in the air, the Bobcats controlled the clock with a time of possession of 16:51 compared to just 7:09 for UL Monroe. When it mattered most, Texas State capitalized, converting 100% of their red zone opportunities and an impressive 60% of their third-down attempts. While it wasn’t flashy, the Bobcats executed a game plan that wore down the Warhawks and delivered a much-needed win.
Betting Recap and Analysis
Texas State entered the game as 3.5-point underdogs, but those who bet on the Bobcats were rewarded for trusting their ground game. The under of 41.5 points easily hit as both offenses focused on grinding out the clock rather than lighting up the scoreboard.
Post-Game Remarks
Coach Matt praised his team’s discipline and effort: “We knew coming into this game that we had to win the battle up front. Our offensive line dominated, and our backs were able to take advantage of that. It wasn’t pretty, but we did what we needed to do to get the win.”
Looking ahead to Week 12, Coach Matt added, "We've got South Alabama coming in next week. They’re a tough team, but we're going to take this momentum and give them everything we’ve got."
The Road Ahead
Texas State will host an angry South Alabama team in Week 12, who are coming off their first loss of the season. With a chance to play spoiler in the Sun Belt, the Bobcats will be looking to disrupt South Alabama’s title hopes and continue their winning streak.
Arkansas State Dismantles Old Dominion, 91-24, Avenge Last Year’s Heartbreaking Loss
Arkansas State made a massive statement in their Week 11 demolition of Old Dominion, putting up 91 points in a dominant 91-24 victory. The win avenges the loss from last season that ended up costing the Red Wolves a spot in the College Football Playoff. With this victory, Arkansas State improves to 9-0 (5-0 SBC) and keeps their playoff hopes alive.
A Relentless Offensive Explosion
The Red Wolves offense was nearly unstoppable, racking up 760 yards of total offense in one of the most explosive performances of the season. Quarterback Jaylen Raynor led the charge with a career-high 574 passing yards and 8 touchdowns. Despite throwing 2 interceptions, Raynor was surgical, completing 72% of his passes and adding 131 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground. His dual-threat ability continues to be a nightmare for opposing defenses, and Old Dominion was no exception.
Ja'Quez Cross contributed in both the running and passing game, rushing for 55 yards on 11 carries while also catching 7 passes for 134 yards and a touchdown. Corey Rucker torched the Monarchs' secondary with 151 receiving yards and a touchdown on just 5 catches. Jayvion Showers and Malik Hornsby combined for 6 touchdowns through the air, with Showers tallying 132 receiving yards on 8 catches and 3 touchdowns, while Hornsby added 89 yards and 3 more scores.
Defensive Dominance and Special Teams Heroics
On the defensive side, Arkansas State’s secondary feasted on Old Dominion’s quarterbacks. Junior cornerback Websley Etienne had a day for the record books, intercepting 4 passes and shutting down the Monarchs' passing attack. Freshman free safety Evan Brown got in on the action as well, returning an interception 23 yards for a pick-six.
Special teams also played a massive role, with punt returner Tennel Bryant taking two punts back for touchdowns, including an electrifying 87-yard return that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Bryant’s performance capped off a day where Arkansas State could seemingly do no wrong in all phases of the game.
Betting Recap and Analysis
Arkansas State entered the game as heavy favorites, with a spread of -24.5. Those who backed the Red Wolves were treated to a blowout win as Arkansas State easily covered the spread. The total of 71.5 was obliterated as Arkansas State’s offense exploded and the final combined score reached 115 points. Bettors who took the over were smiling all the way to the bank.
Post-Game Remarks
After the game, Coach Bryan spoke passionately about the team’s performance and the importance of avenging last year’s loss: “This win meant a lot to us. Last year’s loss still stings, and today we exercised some demons. Our guys played with intensity and executed the game plan perfectly. We’re rolling now, and we’ve got a big one next week.”
The Road Ahead
Arkansas State’s emphatic victory sets the stage for a massive showdown in Week 12 when they travel to face Troy in what could decide the Sun Belt West race. The Red Wolves will need to bring the same intensity as they head into this pivotal matchup.
Wyoming Outguns Hawai'i, 63-45, Behind Tyler King's Record-Setting Day
Wyoming stormed back in the second half to claim a wild 63-45 victory over Hawai'i, moving to 6-3 (4-1 MWC). Despite trailing 17-14 at halftime, Wyoming’s offense caught fire in the second half, thanks to quarterback Evan Svoboda and receiver Tyler King, whose connection torched the Rainbow Warriors for a record-setting performance.
A Game-Changing Second Half
Wyoming’s halftime adjustments flipped the game on its head. The Cowboys, who struggled to get much going in the first half, came out with a vengeance in the final two quarters, outscoring Hawai'i 49-28 after the break. Svoboda delivered a historic performance, throwing for 652 yards and 9 touchdowns despite 3 interceptions. His ability to find King downfield repeatedly changed the course of the game.
Tyler King’s Career Day
The true standout of the night was Tyler King, who carried Wyoming’s offense to victory with an unprecedented 574 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns on 17 catches. King’s performance was nothing short of remarkable, setting records left and right as he torched Hawai'i’s secondary all game long. Every time Wyoming needed a play, King delivered, showcasing his elite speed, hands, and game-breaking ability.
While Svoboda and King stole the show, running back Sam Scott contributed on the ground with 63 rushing yards on 17 carries, helping to keep the defense honest and providing balance to the Cowboys' offensive attack.
Betting Recap and Analysis
Wyoming entered the game as 13.5-point favorites, and despite a sluggish first half, they managed to cover the spread in what turned into a shootout. The over/under of 76.5 points was easily surpassed, with the two teams combining for 108 points. Bettors who backed Wyoming and the over had plenty to celebrate.
Post-Game Remarks
Coach Joey was proud of his team’s resilience in the second half: “We knew we had to make adjustments at halftime, and our guys responded. Evan and Tyler were unstoppable tonight, and that’s what we needed to pull off this win.”
The Road Ahead
With this win, Wyoming remains in contention for the Mountain West title as they prepare to host Utah State next week. Rumors are swirling that Utah State may forfeit the game, potentially handing Wyoming an automatic win without having to take the field. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
UNLV Eviscerates Boise State, 100-13, Extending Their Dominance in MWC Play
UNLV moved to 8-1 (5-0 MWC) after utterly dismantling Boise State in a historic 100-13 blowout. The Rebels put the game out of reach early, leading 58-6 at halftime and never looking back. The overwhelming performance showcased UNLV's offensive firepower and defensive stinginess, firmly cementing their dominance in the Mountain West Conference.
Offensive Fireworks From Santi Melendez and the Rebels
UNLV quarterback Santi Melendez delivered an extraordinary performance, throwing for 696 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions while adding 117 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns. Melendez was practically unstoppable, and Boise State's defense had no answer for the Rebels' high-octane offense.
Senior receiver Jeremiah Noga had a career day, hauling in 11 catches for 204 yards and 5 touchdowns. Corey Thompson contributed with 155 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, as UNLV’s air attack dismantled Boise’s secondary.
A Defensive Clinic
On defense, the Rebels suffocated Boise State’s offense, holding them to an abysmal -15 rushing yards on 29 attempts. Boise State’s quarterbacks were under siege all game, combining for 7 interceptions—Maddux Madsen threw 3, and backup Malachi Nelson tossed 4.
Sophomore middle linebacker Donavyn Pellot added to the defensive dominance with a 28-yard pick-six, while senior linebacker Mani Powell recorded an astounding 15 tackles and 2 interceptions. Boise State’s offense was overwhelmed from start to finish.
Freshman return man Josh Gomes contributed to the scoring frenzy with a dazzling 61-yard punt return touchdown, putting an exclamation point on UNLV’s special teams' excellence.
Betting Recap and Analysis
UNLV entered the game as heavy favorites, with a 23.5-point spread, and they covered that and more in the blowout. The total for the game was set at 65.5 points, but the combined final score of 113 obliterated the over/under line. Bettors who backed UNLV and took the over were richly rewarded in this matchup.
Post-Game Remarks
Coach Hayden spoke to the media after the game: “Our team executed perfectly today. Offense, defense, special teams—every phase was on point. We’re playing at a high level right now, and we have to keep this momentum going.”
The Road Ahead
Next week, UNLV will face Air Force in another critical Mountain West matchup. Early betting lines favor UNLV by 18.5 points, with the over/under set at 58.5 points. The Rebels will look to continue their impressive run as they push toward a potential conference title.
Nevada Falls to Fresno State, 41-36, in a Turnover-Plagued Heartbreaker
Nevada dropped to 3-6 (2-3 MWC) after a gut-wrenching 41-36 loss to Fresno State. The Wolf Pack had opportunities to win but were undone by costly turnovers, losing the turnover battle 3 to 0. Despite outgaining Fresno State by a margin of 515 to 440, Nevada couldn't overcome their mistakes, allowing Fresno State to sneak away with the victory.
Turnovers Prove Costly
Brendon Lewis had an up-and-down game, throwing for an impressive 496 yards and 4 touchdowns but also tossing 3 critical interceptions that shifted momentum in Fresno State's favor. Nevada was in control for stretches of the game but couldn’t capitalize on their yardage advantage due to the turnovers.
Tyrone Howell had a standout performance, hauling in 10 receptions for 222 yards and 2 touchdowns. The twos were wild for Howell, as he consistently found himself open deep downfield, but it wasn’t enough to lift Nevada to victory. Gerick Robinson contributed 93 receiving yards, while Dominik Ball added 31 rushing yards and a touchdown, but Nevada's offensive firepower couldn’t overcome their critical mistakes.
Betting Recap and Analysis
Fresno State entered the game as 6.5-point favorites and managed to cover the spread thanks to the turnovers that hampered Nevada's comeback attempts. The over/under was set at 62.5 points, and the combined score of 77 easily went over, providing an exciting and high-scoring affair for bettors who took the over.
Post-Game Remarks
Coach Joey expressed his frustration in the post-game press conference: “We outgained them, we had our chances, but turnovers killed us today. You can’t win when you give the ball away three times. Our guys fought hard, but we have to be better protecting the football.”
The Road Ahead
Nevada will look to bounce back in Week 12 as they travel to face Colorado State. The early betting line has Nevada as a 7.5-point underdog, with the over/under set at 60.5 points. Nevada needs a win to keep their slim bowl hopes alive as they look to avoid elimination from postseason contention.
USF Survives Charlotte, 28-23, to Improve to 6-3 (3-2 AAC)
In a tightly contested matchup, USF edged out Charlotte 28-23 to improve their record to 6-3 (3-2 AAC). Despite being evenly matched on the stat sheet—USF gained 368 total yards compared to Charlotte's 343—the Bulls' red zone inefficiency kept the game closer than it should have been. With a red zone efficiency of only 16%, USF missed several opportunities to pull away but managed to secure the victory.
Offensive Struggles in the Red Zone
Byrum Brown had another rollercoaster game, throwing for 285 yards and 3 touchdowns, but also tossing 2 interceptions. His dual-threat ability shone once again as he added 59 rushing yards. Jaden Alexis led the Bulls’ receiving corps with 100 yards and a touchdown, while Jeyquan Smith added 94 yards on 7 catches, providing solid support through the air.
Although USF moved the ball well throughout the game, their inability to finish drives in the red zone made the game much closer than expected. Coach Doctor Bryans will undoubtedly focus on red zone efficiency as the Bulls prepare for their next matchup.
Defensive Spark
The turning point for USF came courtesy of their defense. Senior cornerback Marin Hurst provided a crucial spark with a 39-yard pick-six, giving USF the momentum they needed to hold off Charlotte’s late-game surge. The defense also limited Charlotte's offensive production, keeping the game manageable despite the Bulls' offensive miscues.
Betting Recap and Analysis
USF entered the game as 9-point favorites but failed to cover the spread due to their struggles in the red zone. The over/under was set at 52.5 points, and the total score of 51 came just under, disappointing over bettors.
Post-Game Remarks
Coach Doctor Bryans was candid in his post-game press conference: “We got the win, but we have to execute better in the red zone. We made it harder on ourselves than it needed to be. Credit to the defense for stepping up when we needed it, especially Marin with that pick-six.”
The Road Ahead
USF will travel to face FAU next week, where they will look to continue their push for a strong finish to the season. The early betting line has USF as a 5.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 54.5 points. This game will be a crucial test for USF as they aim to stay competitive in the AAC.
UNT Scrapes Past Tulsa 49-42, But Defensive Woes Continue to Haunt the Mean Green
Despite improving to 8-1 (5-0 AAC) after a 49-42 victory over Tulsa, UNT's performance was anything but impressive. The defense, once again, allowed an opponent to stick around far too long, and General Booty's inconsistency almost cost the Mean Green this game. Coach Jake is now under scrutiny as questions about his defensive coordinator grow louder, and if he doesn't make adjustments soon, it could cost him his job down the line.
General Booty’s Reckless Play Almost Sinks UNT
General Booty threw for 382 yards and 3 touchdowns, but his erratic decision-making led to 3 costly interceptions, one of which was returned 37 yards for a pick-six by Tulsa’s senior cornerback Keuan Parker. Booty’s penchant for throwing the ball to the wrong team continues to be a glaring issue that Coach Jake refuses to address, and his refusal to hold Booty accountable may come back to bite the Mean Green in the future.
Defensive Collapse Continues
UNT outgained Tulsa 632 to 453 yards, but the defense once again proved to be a liability, allowing 180 rushing yards to an inferior Tulsa team. Week after week, the defense has been gashed on the ground, and the lack of adjustments is baffling. UNT's defense gave up critical big plays, making Tulsa look much better than they are, and it's becoming increasingly clear that Coach Jake may need to consider a change at defensive coordinator before it's too late.
Offense Bails Out the Defense... Again
While Booty was far from flawless, the UNT offense managed to pull through thanks to stellar performances from the supporting cast. Zach Evans rushed for 140 yards and a touchdown on just 10 carries, adding another 39 yards and a touchdown through the air. Freshman standout Nick Coffey had a monstrous day, catching 7 passes for 247 yards and 2 touchdowns, saving UNT from a potential disaster. Ikaika Ragsdale also chipped in with 96 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns.
But relying on offensive heroics each week is unsustainable, especially as the competition intensifies in the closing stretch of the season.
Betting Recap and Analysis
UNT entered the game as 16-point favorites but failed to cover the spread due to their porous defense and Booty’s erratic play. The over/under was set at 63.5, and the final score easily surpassed that, thanks to the back-and-forth nature of the game. UNT backers may have left frustrated, while Tulsa bettors enjoyed an unexpected payday.
Post-Game Remarks
After the game, Coach Jake deflected questions about his defense but admitted, “We have to be better on that side of the ball. We can’t keep letting teams hang around like this.”
With mounting pressure, Coach Jake faces a critical decision about the defensive staff, and if changes aren't made soon, the Mean Green's success could unravel quickly.
The Road Ahead
UNT will face a much tougher test next week when they travel to Tulane, a team poised to expose their defensive vulnerabilities. Tulane enters as heavy favorites, laying 10.5 points, with the over/under set at 78.5. UNT will need to clean up their mistakes if they want to keep their AAC title hopes alive in this pivotal showdown.
East Carolina Falls to Navy 31-24, Slips to 3-6 on the Season
East Carolina’s struggles continued as they dropped a hard-fought game to Navy, 31-24, falling to 3-6 (0-5 AAC) on the season. A devastating 21-point third quarter from Navy was the difference-maker, as ECU simply couldn’t claw their way back into the game after falling behind.
Navy’s Third-Quarter Surge Dooms the Pirates
Navy capitalized on ECU’s defensive lapses in the third quarter, outscoring the Pirates 21-0 in that pivotal stretch. Despite a strong rushing performance from Javious Bond, who had 91 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 11 carries, ECU’s offense couldn’t muster enough firepower to overcome Navy’s surge.
Jake Garcia struggled once again at quarterback, throwing for only 139 yards, with 1 touchdown and 2 costly interceptions. His lone highlight was a 76-yard bomb to Chase Sowell, who finished with 2 catches for 77 yards and a touchdown. Kylo Hurst added 81 yards on 4 catches, but the passing game remained largely inefficient and inconsistent.
Betting Recap and Analysis
ECU entered the game as 3.5-point underdogs and unfortunately fell short of the spread. The total closed at 52, and the final score of 31-24 narrowly pushed the game over. ECU's bettors were left frustrated once again by a lackluster second-half performance, while Navy backers came away satisfied.
Post-Game Remarks
Coach Mike Peach addressed the media after the game: “We had our opportunities, but those turnovers in key moments really hurt us. We’ve got to be better in the second half, and it starts with me. We’ll regroup and look ahead to Charlotte next week.”
Looking Ahead to Week 12
ECU will face off against Charlotte in Week 12 as they desperately try to salvage what’s left of their season. Charlotte opens as a 6.5-point favorite, with the total set at 54. The Pirates will need to turn things around quickly if they want to avoid slipping further into the AAC basement.
Tulane Crushes Memphis 77-27, Dominates AAC with 7-2 Record
Tulane continued their impressive AAC campaign with a massive 77-27 victory over Memphis, improving to 7-2 (5-0 AAC). This was a dominant showing from start to finish, as the Green Wave overwhelmed Memphis in all phases of the game.
Offensive Clinic from Tulane
Tulane's high-powered offense was on full display, racking up 77 points in a game that saw them score seemingly at will. Quarterback Ty Thompson threw for 601 yards and 8 touchdowns, carving up Memphis' defense with ease. Mario Williams was unstoppable with 303 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, while Shazz Preston added 178 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. Shaadie Clayton-Johnson provided balance on the ground, rushing for 114 yards and a touchdown.
Tulane’s offensive line was a fortress, giving Thompson all the time he needed to pick apart Memphis’ secondary. With this performance, the Green Wave firmly solidified themselves as one of the most dangerous offensive units in the conference.
Betting Recap and Analysis
Tulane entered the game as 17.5-point favorites and covered the spread with ease in their 50-point blowout win. The total for the game was set at 63.5, and Tulane nearly eclipsed that by themselves, as the final score flew past the number. Bettors who backed Tulane and the over were rewarded handsomely.
Post-Game Remarks
After the game, Coach Fran praised his team’s execution: “Our offense was clicking on all cylinders today. We’ve been building momentum, and it’s showing on the field. We’ve got a big one next week against UNT, and we’ll be ready.”
Looking Ahead
The Green Wave will host a surging UNT team next week in a pivotal AAC clash. Tulane opens as 10.5-point favorites with a total of 78.5, and with both teams vying for AAC supremacy, this is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the season.
Week 11 Power Rankings
Arkansas State (9-0, 5-0 SBC)
Still perfect, coming off a dominant 91-24 win over Old Dominion. Jaylen Raynor is in full control, despite the occasional turnover issues.
Coastal Carolina (8-1, 5-1 SBC)
Huge win over previously undefeated South Alabama. Ethan Vasko and the offense came through when it mattered most, and the defense stepped up in key moments.
South Alabama (8-1, 4-1 SBC)
First loss of the season in a tough battle against Coastal Carolina. Still a top team in the Sun Belt, but questions remain after falling short in a big game.
UNLV (8-1, 5-0 MWC)
UNLV’s offense is firing on all cylinders after a 100-13 dismantling of Boise State. Santi Melendez continues to put up video game numbers.
Tulane (7-2, 5-0 AAC)
Ty Thompson and Mario Williams look unstoppable as Tulane rolls Memphis 77-27. Their offense continues to dominate as they march toward the AAC title game.
UNT (8-1, 5-0 AAC)
Despite the win over Tulsa, General Booty’s turnover issues and a shaky defense raise concerns. UNT’s success could be derailed if changes aren’t made.
Wyoming (6-3, 4-1 MWC)
A shootout win over Hawai'i keeps Wyoming in the hunt, but defensive breakdowns are becoming a concern. Tyler King is practically carrying the offense single-handedly.
USF (6-3, 3-2 AAC)
Narrow win over Charlotte, but Byrum Brown’s inconsistency continues to be a worry. The Bulls will need to sharpen up if they want to contend in the AAC.
Troy (7-3, 5-1 SBC)
Dominant win over Southern Miss with the defense forcing five turnovers. Setting up a critical matchup with Arkansas State next week that could decide the SBC West.
Nevada (3-6, 2-3 MWC)
Close loss to Fresno State, but the team continues to show fight. Brendon Lewis keeps the offense competitive, but turnovers and inconsistency continue to hurt.
East Carolina (3-6, 0-5 AAC)
Another loss in conference play, falling short against Navy. The season is slipping away fast as ECU can’t seem to find their rhythm on either side of the ball.
Texas State (2-7, 1-4 SBC)
Narrow victory over UL Monroe with a heavy emphasis on the run game. Still a tough season, but at least they have a win in conference play.
Utah State (5-4, 3-2 MWC)
Despite recent wins, Utah State continues to underperform, leaving fans uninspired. There are real doubts about the team’s direction moving forward.
CFP Top 25
#8 Arkansas State 9-0 (5-0)
#12 UNT 8-1 (5-0)
#13 Tulane 7-2 (5-0)
#14 UNLV 8-1 (5-0)
#19 South Alabama 8-1 (4-1)
#20 Coastal Carolina 8-1 (5-1)
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