Tulane University quarterback Michael Pratt threw for 234 yards and tied a career high with three touchdowns, but it was not enough, as the Green Wave suffered a 55-26 setback Thursday night at Gerald Ford Stadium.
With the loss, Tulane suffered its seventh straight loss to the Mustangs. The loss also served as the Green Wave's fifth straight this season, marking the first time Tulane has suffered five straight losses since the 2016 campaign.
As a team, Tulane was outgained 612-428. The Green Wave win the rushing battle, as they totaled 194 yards on the ground. Tulane's 194 rushing output was the Green Wave's second-highest total on the ground this season and its highest league play this year.
Redshirt freshman Tyjae Spears led the way for the Green Wave with a season-high 85 yards rushing. He also found the endzone for his team-best third rushing touchdown of the season.
Tulane's air attack also proved to be effective, as Pratt completed passes to eight different receivers. Junior Shae Wyatt led the team for the second straight week in receptions, as he hauled in four catches for 42 yards. Redshirt sophomore Jha'Quan Jackson also chipped in offensively with a career-high 93 yards receiving.
Defensively for Tulane, senior JoJo Dorceus tallied a sack. He became just the second player all season to sack SMU quarterback Tanner Mordecai. In addition, linebacker Nick Anderson returned to the lineup for the first time since Tulane's trip to Ole Miss and recorded a team-best 11 tackles.
SMU scored on each of its first five possessions to open up a 31-7 lead. The Green Wave did fight back, as it outscored the Mustangs 12-7 in the third quarter and trailed 38-19, heading into the fourth quarter.
Tulane was able to trim SMU's lead to 15 midway through the fourth quarter, but it did not get any closer, as the Mustangs went on to score touchdowns on each of their final two drives.
Tulane returns to action on Saturday, as it welcomes No. 2-ranked Cincinnati to Yulman Stadium. The two teams will kickoff at 11 a.m. CT.
