New Orleans Football Showdown Ends with Tulane Dominating Charlotte
New Orleans, LA – In a thrilling NCAA football match on October 19, 2024, the Tulane Green Wave secured a convincing 34-3 victory against the Charlotte 49ers at Jerry Richardson Stadium. This win contributes to Tulane’s remarkable performance this season, bringing their record to 7-2 overall and 5-0 in the American Athletic Conference.
Who Played and Key Players
The Green Wave, led by coach Jon Sumrall, showcased a dominant performance against the 49ers, who now hold a record of 3-6 for the season. Tulane’s standout player was running back Makhi Hughes, who reached a significant milestone by becoming the third player in school history to surpass 1,000 rushing yards for the second time in his career.
What Happened on the Field
Tulane adopted a ball-control strategy throughout the game, effectively managing the clock and frustrating Charlotte’s true freshman quarterback, Deshawn Purdie. Hughes put on an impressive display, accumulating 117 yards on 27 carries, marking his third straight game with over 100 rushing yards. In contrast, Purdie struggled, going 5 of 12 for 66 yards and committing multiple errors under pressure.
Game Highlights
The first half saw Tulane establish a solid lead with a lengthy opening drive that lasted nearly 11 minutes and concluded with a 34-yard field goal by Jacob Barnes. Despite their best efforts, Charlotte couldn’t find the end zone, and their only score came from a field goal at the end of the first half, making the score 13-3 at halftime.
The turning point of the game came in the third quarter when Tulane’s defensive back Micah Robinson intercepted a pass intended for Charlotte’s Kobie Campbell, returning it for a 21-yard touchdown. This interception marked Tulane’s fifth defensive touchdown of the season and pushed the score to 20-3.
Game Statistics and Performance
Tulane dominated the time of possession, controlling the ball for 21:04 compared to Charlotte’s 8:56 in the first half. They converted eight of 11 third downs, while Charlotte struggled to secure any conversions, finishing 0 for 4.
Following Robinson’s pick-six, Tulane added another score with Hughes rushing for a 1-yard touchdown, bringing the lead to 27-3. Backup quarterback Max Brown also contributed to the victory, with the final points coming from running back Shaadie Clayton-Johnson’s 5-yard touchdown run.
Looking Forward
With this win, Tulane extended their winning streak to 15 games in the regular season of the AAC. As the team prepares for future challenges, coach Sumrall expressed pride in the players’ effort and ability to adapt to a demanding schedule, facing games on both Saturday and the following Thursday.
Conclusion
The Green Wave’s performance was not just a testament to their skills on the field but also highlighted their teamwork and determination. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how they continue to build on this success and maintain their momentum in the American Athletic Conference.
