One way to combat a high-powered offense, one that ranked fourth in the nation in total yards and averaged nearly 50 points per game, is to make big plays of your own.
Tulane did that Friday (Sept. 28).
The Green Wave, facing one of the top statistical offenses in the country, scored three touchdowns on plays of 40 yards or longer and won their American Athletic Conference opener, beating Memphis 40-24 at Yulman Stadium.
But this game wasn't all about the offense. The Tulane defense also came up big, forcing a pair of three-and-outs after Memphis cut Tulane's lead to 17-14 with a touchdown early in the second half.