No. 20 Green Wave ride dominant defense, record-setting special teams performance, and Jake Retzlaff’s dual-threat leadership to clinch back-to-back AAC championships and await playoff seeding.
NEW ORLEANS | The Tulane Green Wave proved once again why they’ve become one of the nation's most resilient and ascending programs. Behind a decisive defensive surge, timely quarterback play from Jake Retzlaff, and a historic night from kicker Patrick Durkin, No. 20 Tulane (11–2) defeated No. 24 North Texas (11–2), 34–21, on Friday night at Yulman Stadium to capture its second consecutive American Conference Championship.
The win secured Tulane’s place among the nation’s most consistent programs and positioned the Green Wave for a strong showing when College Football Playoff first-round seedings are revealed on Sunday.
Green Wave Weather Early Storm, Then Take Control
North Texas opened fast, marching 15 plays downfield before quarterback Drew Mestemaker hit Tre Williams on an 11-yard touchdown, giving the Mean Green an early 7–0 advantage.
Tulane answered with a methodical, equally emphatic 16-play drive, capped by Retzlaff’s gritty 2-yard fourth-down touchdown run, tying the game at 7 with 30 seconds left in the first quarter.
Momentum swung sharply on the next possession. Tulane’s defense forced a crucial fumble, setting up a short field that running back Jamauri McClure converted into a 7-yard scoring run just two plays later. The Green Wave never trailed again.
Durkin’s Record Night Extends the Lead
Following a defensive stop, Tulane added a 30-yard field goal from Patrick Durkin—his 23rd of the season, tying the school single-season record—to extend the lead to 17–7.
Minutes later, a muffed punt off a North Texas player set Tulane up deep in Mean Green territory. Retzlaff struck again, punching in a one-yard touchdown run at the halftime horn, sending Tulane into the break with a commanding 24–7 lead.
Defense Puts It Away
Tulane’s defense delivered its signature play of the night midway through the third quarter. Safety Chris Rodgers jumped a fourth-down pass, racing 35 yards for a touchdown—the Green Wave’s first non-offensive score of the season—and pushing the lead to 31–7.
North Texas responded with explosive plays, including a 59-yard touchdown strike from Mestemaker to Miles Colman late in the third, followed by a fourth-quarter rushing score and two-point conversion from Ashton Gray, trimming the margin to 31–21. But Tulane’s defense tightened down the stretch, with Jahiem Johnson intercepting a late pass to halt the comeback bid.
Durkin Makes History as Tulane Closes it Out
Durkin, already matching school records earlier in the night, drilled a career-long 52-yard field goal with 2:51 remaining—Tulane’s longest since Brad Palazzo’s kick in 1997. The kick also tied the school record for most field goals in a game (five), punctuating a championship-worthy performance.
Safety Jack Tchienchou earned Most Outstanding Player honors for his consistency, tackling efficiency, and leadership in Tulane’s defensive backfield.
What’s Next
Tulane now turns its focus to Sunday, Dec. 7, when the College Football Playoff Selection Committee reveals the first-round playoff matchups. With consecutive double-digit win seasons and back-to-back AAC titles, the Green Wave are expected to draw strong national consideration.
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-- By Andre Leday
Letitia Jacobs contributed to this report
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