Tulane edges North Texas 45-37 in thrilling showdown
- Darian Mensah completed 10 of 13 passes for 175 yards and three touchdown passes.
- Makhi Hughes set a career-high with 195 rushing yards on 30 carries.
- Tulane's win improved their record to 6-2, solidifying their undefeated status in the American Athletic Conference.
In Denton, Texas, on Saturday, Darian Mensah's exceptional performance fueled Tulane's victory over North Texas, ending with a score of 45-37. Mensah threw for three touchdowns, while running back Makhi Hughes achieved a personal record with 195 rushing yards. This performance marked Hughes' most prolific game, surpassing his previous high of 166 yards from a match against Louisiana-Lafayette. The Green Wave took a commanding lead in the third quarter, significantly aided by a quick touchdown following a recovery of a fumble by North Texas quarterback Chandler Morris. In an intense matchup, North Texas attempted to close the gap with a lengthy drive, culminating in a touchdown that made the score 45-30. Despite their efforts, the Mean Green faced a formidable Tulane defense that held strong during critical moments. With just over two minutes left in the game, North Texas managed another touchdown, but Tulane’s recovery of the subsequent onside kick ensured their victory. Morris had a standout performance despite the loss, completing a high number of passes for substantial yardage, connecting with his receivers, including Damon Ward Jr., for two touchdowns. This effort illustrated Morris' strong position as the Mean Green's quarterback and the overall competitiveness of North Texas. With this victory, Tulane improved to 6-2 and maintained their undefeated record in the American Athletic Conference at 4-0, showcasing their potential as contenders in the league as the season progresses.