Tulane Survives Overtime to Take Down Charlotte, 38-31
· Yahoo Sports
It took a late-minute scoring drive and one period of overtime, but the Tulane Green Wave (4-4, 2-2) managed to fight back for a 38-31 road victory over the Charlotte 49ers (1-7, 1-3).
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It wasn't the most beautiful, proud victory for the Green Wave. Yet, it was obviously much more desirable than the alternative, and a handful of players had their chance to shine.
Down by a touchdown with 10 seconds left, freshman quarterback Trace Johnson found Bredell Richardson for an 11-yard score, and Cooper Helmke tied the game at 31 points apiece on a successful extra-point.
Tulane would then get the ball first in overtime, with Dagan Bruno scoring the go-ahead touchdown on a one-yard run on fourth down. The Olive Green and Sky Blue defense managed to hold firm on the 49ers ensuing drive, ending the game by forcing an incomplete pass.
Johnson went 28-for-36 on the night for 284 yards, one touchdown and one interception while also rushing seven times for 22 yards. Statistically, it was his best performance of the season.
The Green Wave struck first in the matchup with just over five minutes left in the first quarter, as running back Johnnie Daniels added a two-yard rushing touchdown to put his team on top. Charlotte tied things up early in the second quarter on a 44-yard rushing touchdown, then took its first lead of the night less than two minutes later on a 48-yard field goal.
Down but not out, Tulane would manage to bounce back in an explosive way, as TJ Smith brought a kick return back 95 yards for a massive touchdown to put his team back in front. However, Charlotte would add a pair of touchdown passes in the final four minutes of the half to carry a 24-14 lead into the locker room.
Daniels added his second rushing touchdown of the night in the third quarter, cutting the deficit down to just 24-21. The standout rusher finished the night with a team-high 99 yards on 13 carries.
The 49ers would push the lead back to 10 on a one-yard rushing touchdown early in the fourth quarter, but that would be the final points on the board for the home team. With 6:29 left, Helmke added his second touchdown of the night to make it a 31-27 game, and Tulane would ultimately secure the victory on that aforementioned last-second touchdown and overtime score.
11 wideouts were able to get involved throughout the contest as part of Tulane's widespread offensive attack. Destyn Hill hauled in six catches for 51 yards, while Zycarl Lewis Jr. had a team-high 55 yards on three receptions. Anthony Brown-Stephens added five catches for 49 yards. As a whole, the offense went 8-for-13 on third down, and the o-line didn't allow any sacks or tackles-for-loss.
Meanwhile, Tulane's defense had some very rough patches, but it made the plays when it mattered late in the game. The group gave up 455 total yards, but it also managed to pick up seven tackles-for-loss and three sacks.
Up next, the Green Wave will welcome the Tulsa Golden Hurricane to Uptown. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 7th, at Yulman Stadium.