The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) delivered a decisive performance against Tulane University, resulting in a 48-26 victory. This game was crucial for Tulane, as it likely extinguished their hopes of reaching the College Football Playoff. After twelve days of preparation, the Green Wave struggled to execute against a team with a losing record.
Game Overview
UTSA dominated Tulane across all aspects of the game. The Green Wave’s performance was marred by numerous mistakes, including turnovers and penalties. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff faced significant scrutiny for his performance throughout the season, particularly during this pivotal matchup.
Tulane’s Struggles
- Poor quarterback play from Jake Retzlaff
- Overlooked key injuries, including linebackers Dickson Agu and Sam Howard
- Failure to adjust on defense, allowing 370 passing yards and four touchdowns
Retzlaff’s earlier struggles were understandable, given his late arrival. However, with nearly two months into the season, his underperformance raised serious concerns. He missed crucial throws and displayed inconsistent timing, which hampered the team’s offensive capabilities.
Coach’s Challenges
Head coach Jon Sumrall faced rumors about potential coaching vacancies, which added pressure throughout the season. Despite claiming his focus was on the game against UTSA, his team appeared unprepared and unfocused. The Roadrunners exploited Tulane’s defensive weaknesses, showcasing a lack of strategic adjustments.
Looking Ahead
With this loss, Tulane’s chances of winning the American Conference seem bleak. The team faces a challenging road game against the No. 22-ranked University of Memphis next week. Coach Sumrall and the Green Wave must rally to prove that they can turn their season around following this Halloween football showdown.
