Tulane Beats Tulsa 31-14 in AAC Opener

Tulane pulled away from Tulsa for a 31-14 American Athletic Conference opener at Chapman Stadium, improving to 4-1 (1-0 AAC) while Tulsa fell to 2-3 (0-2). The Green Wave defense dominated with six sacks and roughly 12–15 tackles for loss for about 51 yards, repeatedly pressuring QB Baylor Hayes, forcing an interception and largely shutting down the run. Freshman running back Javin Gordon led Tulane with 15 carries for 78 yards and three touchdowns, including a 25-yard score, after an early pair of exchanged 75-yard drives. Jake Retzlaff passed for about 242–245 yards and had an early rushing touchdown, but Tulsa’s turnovers, penalties and inability to sustain a ground game swung the game. Standouts included Harvey Dyson III and Santana Hopper up front, and Jaheim Johnson’s fourth-quarter interception helped seal the win. Coaches cautioned about coverage lapses, fumbles and late penalties as Tulane turns its focus to upcoming AAC tests.