What had the makings of a trap game instead turned into another statement win for 24th-ranked Tulane on Saturday.
Quarterback Jake Retzlaff threw a pair of touchdowns and ran for another score and freshman Patrick Durkin made all five of his field-goal attempts as the Green Wave smashed the Temple Owls 37-13 in Philadelphia, staying on track for a conference title game and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
A win at home next Saturday against Charlotte would put Tulane in the American Conference championship game on Dec. 5. A win there would most likely put the Green Wave into the CFP as the top-ranked Group of 5 team.
But before all of that could come into play, Tulane (9-2, 6-1) had to first visit the Owls, who entered Saturday 5-5 overall and 3-3 in conference play but having lost two straight.
Every part of the Green Wave attack made sure there would be no letdown, as the defense complemented the offense and special teams by holding Temple to 20 rushing yards on 20 carries, allowing just 167 yards total, and forcing the game’s only turnover.
It didn’t take long for Tulane to strike on offense. After Temple opened with a three-and-out, Javin Gordon ran for three yards and Retzlaff hit Shazz Preston for a 69-yard touchdown on the Green Wave’s second play on offense.
After another forced punt, Tulane went 52 yards on 11 plays with Durkin connecting from 50 yards out to make it 10-0.
Temple’s Evan Simon connected with Peter Clarke for a 3-yard score on the ensuing possession, but Tulane took over from there. The Green Wave score the next 16 points, holding the Owls to four punts and the drive that ended the half, where Temple tried a series of laterals but fumbled, with Tulane defensive back Javion White picking the ball up and falling eight yards short of a touchdown with no time on the clock.
Retzlaff was 17 of 28 for 231 yards through the air. Jamauri McClure led the ground game with 122 yards on 17 carries while Preston finished with 96 yards on five receptions.
Simon threw for 168 yards and a pair of scores but the Owls’ top rusher — Jay Ducker – finished with 17 yards on seven carries.
