Thanksgiving Preview: Memphis Tigers at Tulane Green Wave
The Memphis Tigers and Tulane Green Wave are set to face off this Thanksgiving weekend in a pivotal American Athletic Conference (AAC) matchup. The game, which will take place on Friday, November 29th, is not only important for the teams’ positioning within the conference but also for their prospects heading into bowl season. With both teams sporting impressive records and a lot to play for, this contest promises to be a thrilling spectacle for college football fans.
Memphis Tigers: Looking to Bounce Back
Memphis enters the Thanksgiving weekend with an 8-3 overall record and a 5-2 mark in AAC play. After a slow start to the season, the Tigers have found their rhythm under head coach Ryan Silverfield, winning six of their last seven games. Their offense, which is ranked among the best in the conference, has been led by junior quarterback Seth Henigan, who has thrown for over 2,800 yards and 22 touchdowns. Henigan’s ability to connect with his top receiving targets—like wide receiver Gabriel Rogers and tight end Caden Prieskorn—has been a major factor in the Tigers’ success this season.
Memphis’ offense is also bolstered by a strong running game featuring sophomore running back Sutton Smith, who has been a steady contributor in both rushing and receiving situations. Smith’s versatility has made him a crucial part of the Tigers’ game plan, as he can break through defenses with his speed or serve as a reliable pass-catching option out of the backfield.
However, Memphis’ defense has been somewhat inconsistent this season, and that is something they will need to address heading into their matchup with Tulane. The Tigers have struggled at times to stop opposing offenses, especially in high-scoring games, where they’ve allowed over 30 points in a few contests. Memphis’ defensive line, anchored by senior defensive tackle John Tate, will need to step up against Tulane’s powerful ground game and dual-threat quarterback Michael Pratt.
In their last game, a dominant 38-17 victory over the Charlotte 49ers, Memphis showed that they could both score and stop opponents when needed. However, facing a well-rounded team like Tulane will test their resolve.
Tulane Green Wave: The Cinderella Story
On the other side of the field, Tulane has been one of the biggest surprises of the 2023 college football season. With an 8-3 overall record and a 6-1 AAC mark, the Green Wave has played their way into national recognition, with a strong blend of offensive and defensive prowess. After a breakout 2022 season that saw Tulane earn a spot in the prestigious Cotton Bowl, the Green Wave has managed to keep the momentum going, despite some early-season challenges.
The Green Wave offense is anchored by quarterback Michael Pratt, who has continued to be a dual-threat quarterback throughout the season. Pratt has passed for over 2,200 yards and 18 touchdowns while also showcasing his ability to make plays with his legs. His versatility and ability to evade pressure will be a key factor in keeping Memphis’ defense off balance.
The Green Wave’s running game, led by standout back Tyjae Spears, has been one of the most explosive in the AAC. Spears has rushed for over 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns this season, and his physical style of running has been crucial to Tulane’s offensive balance. The Tigers will need to be at their best defensively to contain Spears and prevent Pratt from finding open lanes in the ground game.
Tulane’s defense has also been a point of strength. With standout players like defensive lineman alen WilliamsJ and linebacker Dorian Williams, the Green Wave have consistently gotten pressure on opposing quarterbacks and have been effective at limiting big plays. Tulane’s defense ranks among the best in the AAC in points allowed per game, and they’ve demonstrated a knack for forcing turnovers when the game is on the line.
In their most recent victory, Tulane defeated the Tulsa Golden Hurricane 31-10, showing their ability to control the tempo of the game both offensively and defensively. Now, the Green Wave will look to continue their strong play as they prepare for their toughest challenge of the season in Memphis.
Keys to the Game: Memphis vs. Tulane
As these two high-powered teams meet in a game that will likely have major implications on the AAC standings, several key factors will determine the outcome:
- Quarterback Play: Seth Henigan and Michael Pratt are the two best quarterbacks in the AAC, and both have the ability to control the game. Henigan’s ability to make accurate passes and manage the tempo will be crucial for Memphis, while Pratt’s ability to be a dual-threat with both his arm and his legs will be a key weapon for Tulane.
- Running Game: Both teams feature dynamic running backs, with Sutton Smith for Memphis and Tyjae Spears for Tulane. Whichever team can establish the ground game and dominate time of possession will have a distinct advantage. Tulane has a slight edge in this area, but Memphis’ defensive front will need to disrupt the Green Wave’s rushing attack.
- Defensive Pressure: Memphis has shown vulnerability on defense, especially when facing mobile quarterbacks, while Tulane has a stout defense that can create turnovers. Memphis’ ability to protect Henigan from pressure will be key to keeping the offense on track, while Tulane will look to take advantage of any mistakes the Tigers make in the passing game.
- Turnovers: As in any high-stakes college football game, turnovers could be the deciding factor. Both teams have the ability to force takeaways, and mistakes in critical moments could shift the momentum of the game. The team that can take care of the ball while capitalizing on the other’s mistakes will have the upper hand.
Conclusion
This Thanksgiving matchup between Memphis and Tulane is shaping up to be a high-stakes, thrilling contest that will have major implications for the American Athletic Conference. Both teams are playing some of their best football of the season, and both have the talent to make a statement on the national stage. As the Memphis Tigers travel to Tulane’s Yulman Stadium for this crucial game, fans can expect an exciting clash between two of the AAC’s most potent teams, as they fight for postseason positioning and a chance to make noise in the college football playoff race.
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