Tulane’s CFP Hopes Go Down the Drain After Loss to Memphis
An Upset Against Memphis at Home Was All It Took to End Tulane’s Playoffs Hopes
Come on Tulane, All You Had to Do Was Win
So, how was your Thanksgiving? I had some turkey, downed a couple of after-work beers, and watched some football. And, even if I didn’t get to stuff my face like Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions after beating the Chicago Bears in what could go down as one of the stupidest coaching moves in recent times from Head Coach Matt Eberflus, at least I’m not a part of the Tulane Green Wave football team.
Or, in that understanding, anybody riding Tulane’s betting odds to make it to the College Football Playoffs until last night. Seriously, what was running through those people’s minds
Me explaining to the family Tulane’s path to the College Football Playoff after Thanksgiving dinner pic.twitter.com/ahrac83sYj
— Steve Helwick (@s_helwick) November 29, 2024
Coming into their game last night against an unranked Memphis Tigers team, Tulane’s path to a potential CFP bid was pretty clear. By winning out their remaining games and finishing the season with an AAC Title game win, their spot in the final 12 CFP rankings would be secured.
But no, the Green Wave had to go and screw everybody’s Thanksgiving NCAAF picks and predictions game by losing to Memphis, thus kissing their chances to make it to the playoffs goodbye.
Seriously, all Tulane had to do was ride the wave, the Green Wave, pun intended, but no, they couldn’t do that one simple thing.
Bad look Tulane, bad, bad look.
Hey Boise State & UNLV, Tulane Just Did You a Solid
A couple of teams that were keeping a close eye on the action going down in NOLA were the Boise State Broncos and UNLV Rebels. Why?
As NCAAF news sites have reported, Tulane’s loss and dropping its CFP plans altogether opened the possibility for the Mountain West Conference to practically secure a spot in the playoff brackets for its champion, which will most likely be decided between the Broncos and Rebels.
Big news for the “Group of Five,” and especially for Boise State, who look more than ready to stomp all over UNLV in a potential MWC title game.
There it is — Memphis knocks off Tulane as a two-touchdown underdog.
No doubt about UNLV’s path now: beat UNR at home on Saturday, win at Boise State in the MWC title game and the Scarlet and Gray are in the College Football Playoff.
The stakes have never been higher. https://t.co/IIpFAHcr3i
— Mike Grimala (@MikeGrimala) November 29, 2024
Also, at the end of the day, let’s face it, what’s best for business right now is to have Boise State in the CFP. You can’t have a player like Ashton Jeanty, the Broncos’ biggest star and a fan favorite for this year’s Heisman Trophy, miss out on the biggest part of the season in favor of a team like Tulane.
Sorry Wave fans, but you know I’m not wrong here.
There’s Always Next Year
But hey, not all hope should be lost in NOLA. Tulane has proven to be a team ready to make a substantial leap next year. They have a solid quarterback prospect in Darian Mensah. They are a win away from finishing 10-3 and securing a spot in the AAC title game, plus a bowl invitation.
And if coach Jon Sumrall decides to come back next year, thus avoiding all the NCAAF rumors that put him as a top candidate to take over the North Carolina coaching gig, things could get really good for Tulane next year.
Y’all it sucks we got knocked out of the CFP, but in year 1 of a new HC, freshman QB, new staff all-around, new AD… Tulane has a chance to win the American conference and improve to 10-3 next week. We’re ahead of schedule. Let’s fucking go, we aren’t going anywhere. pic.twitter.com/jFrLbpKIDf
— The Uptown Update (@TUptownUpdate) November 29, 2024
Just ride the wave Tulane; one late-season screw-up should not deter a rather strong season.
