Darian Mensah leads Tulane to 45-10 victory over South Florida

On Saturday, Tulane University began its American Athletic Conference play with a decisive victory over South Florida, winning 45-10. Redshirt freshman quarterback Darian Mensah showcased his skills by throwing for 326 yards and three touchdowns, significantly contributing to the team's strong performance. Two of those touchdowns were caught by Mario Williams, who helped establish a commanding 31-point lead in the second quarter. The Tulane defense played a crucial role, recovering fumbles on consecutive South Florida possessions, which led to quick touchdowns and a dominant 31-0 lead. South Florida's starting quarterback, Byrum Brown, had to leave the game for medical attention, which allowed backup Bryce Archie to step in. Archie managed to lead a scoring drive that resulted in a 45-yard field goal, narrowing the gap to 31-10. However, Tulane responded effectively with a lengthy drive that culminated in a touchdown by Makhi Hughes, further extending their lead. Mensah completed an impressive 18 of 22 passes, demonstrating accuracy and poise throughout the game. In addition to his passing success, Hughes contributed significantly on the ground, gaining 61 yards on 17 carries. Meanwhile, Dontae Fleming emerged as a key target for Mensah, recording seven receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown. This victory marks a strong start for Tulane in the conference, improving their record to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in the AAC, while South Florida fell to 2-3 and 0-1 in conference play.