Summary
- Tulane won 31-17 despite being outgained.
- The Green Wave forced six turnovers.
- TJ Smith’s pick-six on the final play of the first half changed the game.
The final result
Tulane defeated Memphis 31-17 in New Orleans, using six takeaways to overcome a substantial difference in offensive yardage. The Green Wave improved to 3-3 and 1-1 in American Conference play, while Memphis fell to 5-2 and 2-1. The final score reflected Tulane’s ability to turn mistakes into points rather than steady control of every possession. [1] [2]
Who drove the outcome
TJ Smith made the defining defensive play, returning an interception 76 yards for a touchdown on the final snap of the first half. Johnnie Daniels later broke a 48-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-1 with 1:34 remaining. Memphis quarterback Marcus Stokes threw for 306 yards, and Jaylin Carter rushed for 135, but that production could not offset repeated turnovers. [1] [2]
The decisive stretch
Tulane scored 23 points in the second quarter after trailing 3-0. Smith’s pick-six at the half was especially damaging because Memphis went from a possible late scoring opportunity to a larger deficit without receiving another offensive snap. The Tigers stayed within reach after halftime, but Daniels’ fourth-down run punished an aggressive defensive alignment and ended the comeback attempt. [1] [2]
What the result changes
The win gives Tulane a needed conference result and a model for how its defense can compensate when the offense is uneven. Memphis remains above .500 but must fix ball security immediately; six turnovers are difficult to survive against any opponent. The box score also warns Tulane that takeaways can be volatile, so future wins will require more consistent yardage and possession control. [1] [2]
What to watch next
Schedules, rankings, injury information and roster roles can change after publication. The score and statistics above were checked against the listed official or major-news game coverage, while forward-looking implications are analysis based on the current standings. Readers following the next matchup should confirm kickoff times, availability reports and broadcast details with the league or team on game day. [1] [2]
Reporting sources
- American Athletic Conference · Tulane vs Memphis box score ↗October 16, 2026
- CBS Sports · Tulane forces six turnovers in win over Memphis ↗October 16, 2026
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