What We Learned From Tulane's Slugfest Win Over UAB

Based on the sample size we have of both Tulane and UAB, we knew this contest would be a physical one from the start. Fumbles were forced, ground games were

Based on the sample size we have of both Tulane and UAB, we knew this contest would be a physical one from the start. Fumbles were forced, ground games were utilized well, short yardage situations for both sides made us lean forward with anticipation.

When the final whistle blew, Tulane had earned a 35-23 win on their home turf. After their Week Two loss to Ole Miss, Tulane have now rattled off three straight victories to bring them to a 4-1 record.

Here were the most important takeaways from the Green Wave's win that gave them a 1-0 start to AAC play.

It's How You Finish

While the Blazers led 20-14 at halftime of Saturday's game, the Green Wave outscored UAB 21-3 in the last 30 minutes of Saturday's game for a final score of 35-23. It took a goal-line stand and a few deep shots, that worked out, but Tulane executed significantly better in the second half than they did in the first half. 

Ball security was an issue in both halves, but they got the breaks they needed in the closing frames. 

Michael Pratt Hits The Century Mark

Michael Pratt scored the 100th and 101st touchdown of his Tulane career on Saturday. Last weekend, Pratt broke the school's record passing touchdowns, passing Patrick Ramsey in that category. He finished this win 14-for-23 for 184 yards, and two TDs. Despite missing two games this season with knee injury, Pratt indicated postgame that he feels good about where his knee is in the healing process. 

Don't Count This Team Out Yet For The NY6

Tulane started the season in the AP Top 25, but fell out after that aforementioned Ole Miss loss. That being said, they're still within shouting distance of the Top 25 after receiving 11 votes in the most recent poll. They should be somewhere similar when Sunday's poll is released. At this point, they'll need help from the Mountain West devolving into chaos, but a return to the New Year's Six is possible if they play the way that they did (in the second half) on Saturday.

Willie Fritz knows that when his team is fully healthy, it's just a matter of playing a complete game.

"We didn't play real good in the first half,"Fritz said postgame. "We had some untimely turnovers...We don't do that, we're probably able to score a couple more touchdowns, and put the game out of reach a heck of a lot earlier than we did."

Tulane's next test will be a significant one: October 24 at Memphis.