TAKEAWAYS: #23 Tulane Survive North Texas Rally, Improve To 6-1

The #23 Green Wave have achieved postseason eligibility for the second season in-a-row and the fifth time under Willie Fritz. Tulane had a 28-7 lead in the

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The #23 Green Wave have achieved postseason eligibility for the second season in-a-row and the fifth time under Willie Fritz.

Tulane had a 28-7 lead in the third quarter, but North Texas stormed back to tie the game at 28-28 with under ten minutes remaining. Veteran quarterback Michael Pratt led a 13-play, 75-yard drive for the go-ahead touchdown. Tulane's defense would then force a turnover on downs with 48 seconds left to secure the win.

Here's what stood out in Tulane's sixth win of the season. 

Michael Pratt Excels, Despite Mistakes

While Pratt did throw two touchdowns in the first half, he also threw an interception and lost a fumble. The second half was a stronger performance from the four-year starter. 

Overall, his ability to stay focused in a high pressure situation allowed him to move his team down the field on the go-ahead drive. 

MICHAEL. PRATT.#AmericanFB x @GreenWaveFB pic.twitter.com/MUOorjVlAt

— The American (@American_Conf) October 21, 2023

Pratt finished the win with 15 completions on 21 attempts for 194 yards and three passing touchdowns, while also running for 70 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries.

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Makhi Hughes, In Control, Again

Saturday marked Hughes' third consecutive game with over 100 yards rushing. Tulane won each of those contests. He finished with 121 yards and a rushing touchdown. 

Hughes' running ability helped the Green Wave run the clock, as well as execute properly in the red zone. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry, which was a season high for the freshman. Hughes also broke off a 31-yard run in the first quarter, his longest of the season.

Critical Downs A Problem For North Texas

In the first half, the Mean Green converted just one third down on eight attempts. They converted one fourth down on four attempts. 

The second half was obviously better, but at that point they were in too big of a hole. North Texas finished five-for-thirteen on third down and one-for-five on fourth down. 

With a 6-1 overall record, Tulane will travel to Rice for their next game on October 28. 3-4 North Texas will host Memphis that same day.