Tulane maintains 17-game winning streak as they face Memphis

In a highly competitive college football environment, the Tulane Green Wave team, under first-year coach Jon Sumrall, finds itself ranked 18th and on the verge of a historic season. The team is approaching the weekend's crucial match against Memphis with a current record of 9-2. The upcoming game on Thursday night is particularly important for both teams; while Tulane aims to secure their spot in the College Football Playoff, Memphis is equally determined to achieve back-to-back 10-win seasons, a feat never accomplished in their long history. The Green Wave has demonstrated dominant performances, having achieved a remarkable streak of 17 consecutive American Athletic Conference (AAC) regular season victories dating back to 2022, the longest active winning streak in the nation. Their defensive prowess is characterized by a recent trend where they allowed only nine points in their last three games against Charlotte, Temple, and Navy, sealing two shutouts during this stretch. As they prepare for the challenge posed by Memphis, their assertive defense will face a formidable adversary in Seth Henigan, the Tigers' seasoned quarterback, who has rewritten records in the team’s history. Memphis currently boasts a strong offense, averaging over 440 yards and over 35 points per game despite their struggles this season. The coaching staff, led by Ryan Silverfield, is focused on capitalizing on their existing talent and overcoming underachievement. Silverfield acknowledges the emotional significance of the game and its capacity to enhance the season's narrative, hinting that a victory for Memphis could significantly reframe their season narrative and aspirations. The setting of this pivotal matchup falls on Thanksgiving evening, highlighting not only a critical game in the context of college football but also an opportunity for local fans to turn out and support their teams during a holiday where attendance may be affected by students leaving town. Coach Sumrall has actively called for the local community to rally around the team, emphasizing that this game, marking the only college football matchup in the country on that day, deserves the fanfare and atmosphere that reflects the players' dedication and hard work.