Game Information
When: Thanksgiving Night, Thursday, November 28, 2024, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Yulman Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana
TV: ESPN
As the Memphis Tigers prepare for their final game of the 2024 season, the stakes remain high despite being out of AAC title contention. A win against Tulane would mark the Tigers’ second consecutive 10-win season under head coach Ryan Silverfield, a significant milestone for the program. Additionally, Memphis has the opportunity to play spoiler, derailing the Green Wave’s hopes of clinching an elusive College Football Playoff berth.
Conversely, the Tulane Green Wave (9-2) have already secured their spot in the AAC title game against Army. However, a victory over Memphis is crucial for their playoff aspirations and to ensure they host the conference championship. Led by one of the most complete teams in the nation, Tulane enters this matchup as a heavy favorite, boasting a top-tier quarterback, an explosive rushing attack, and a defense ranked among the best in the country.
Tulane Scouting Report
Head Coach: Jon Sumrall
Quarterback: Darian Mensah
Record: 9-2 (7-0 AAC)
Tulane has cemented itself as one of the premier programs in the AAC this season. With a balanced offense and a stifling defense, the Green Wave has consistently demonstrated why they belong in the conversation for the Group of Five’s top team.
Offense
Quarterback Darian Mensah: The leader of the Green Wave offense, Mensah is ranked as the sixth highest-rated quarterback in the country. His dual-threat ability has been a nightmare for opposing defenses all season. Mensah has thrown for 2,197 yards, 18 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. His ability to extend plays and capitalize on broken defenses makes him one of the most dangerous players Memphis will face this year.
Running Back Makhi Hughes: Complementing Mensah is running back Makhi Hughes, who has rushed for 1,291 yards, ranking fifth in the nation. Hughes is a bruising runner with excellent vision and the ability to break tackles, making him a consistent threat on every down. Expect Hughes to be a focal point of Tulane’s offensive game plan, especially against a Memphis defense that has sometimes struggled to stop the run.
Defense
Tulane’s defense has been just as impressive as its offense, ranking 11th in the nation in total defense. The Green Wave has held opponents to an average of 18.2 points per game and excels at shutting down both the pass and the run. Led by a dominant front seven and a ball-hawking secondary, this unit will look to make life difficult for Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan and running back Mario Anderson.
Memphis Scouting Report
Head Coach: Ryan Silverfield
Quarterback: Seth Henigan
Record: 9-2 (5-2 AAC)
Despite falling short of an AAC title appearance, Memphis has had a strong season, highlighted by another bowl berth and a chance to secure double-digit wins for the second straight year. The Tigers’ offense has driven their success, but inconsistency in key games against Navy and UTSA ultimately derailed their championship hopes.
Offense
Quarterback Seth Henigan: Henigan has been the face of Memphis football over the past few years, and this game marks the end of his illustrious regular-season career. With 2,990 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and only six interceptions, Henigan has consistently been one of the AAC’s most reliable signal-callers.
Running Back Mario Anderson: The Tigers’ rushing attack is spearheaded by Mario Anderson, who has rushed for 1,115 yards and 16 touchdowns. Anderson’s blend of power and speed has been a crucial element of Memphis’ offense, and he will need to have a big game against Tulane’s stout defensive front.
Wide Receivers Roc Taylor and DeMeer Blankumsee: Memphis’ receiving corps is led by Taylor (738 yards) and Blankumsee (545 yards), capable of making game-changing plays. Their ability to win one-on-one matchups will be critical against Tulane’s secondary.
Related: Double-Digit Wins Not Enough? Memphis Fanbase Divided on Season’s Success
Defense
The Memphis defense has shown improvement this season but remains vulnerable against high-powered offenses. With Tulane’s balanced attack, the Tigers must play a near-perfect game defensively to stay competitive. Linebacker Chandler Martin (team leader in tackles and sacks) and cornerback Greg Rubin will need to step up in a big way.
Key Matchups to Watch
1. Memphis Run Defense vs. Makhi Hughes
The Tigers have struggled against top-tier rushing attacks this season, and Hughes is one of the best running backs they’ll face. Containing Hughes will be essential if Memphis wants to slow down Tulane’s offense and force them into third-and-long situations.
2. Seth Henigan vs. Tulane Secondary
Henigan will face one of his toughest tests against Tulane’s elite pass defense. The Green Wave has allowed fewer than 200 passing yards per game and has consistently forced turnovers. Henigan must protect the ball and take advantage of any opportunities downfield.
3. Darian Mensah vs. Memphis Pass Rush
Memphis’ pass rush, led by Chandler Martin, will need to pressure Mensah and prevent him from making plays with his legs. Mensah can easily pick apart the Tigers’ defense if he is given time to operate.
Score Prediction
Tulane has proven throughout the season that it is one of the best programs in the AAC. With a balanced offense and a defense that ranks among the top in the country, the Green Wave has all the tools to close out the regular season with a win and keep their playoff hopes alive. Memphis will put up a fight, and the Tigers’ offense should find ways to score, but Tulane’s consistency and overall talent will prove too much to overcome.
Prediction: Tulane 49, Memphis 38
Memphis may fall short on Thanksgiving night, but their resilience and effort in this season’s final chapter will set the stage for continued growth under Ryan Silverfield. Meanwhile, Tulane will cement its place as one of the top Group of Five programs heading into the AAC Championship Game.
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