TJ Smith has pick-6 as Tulane forces 6 turnovers in 31-17 victory over Memphis

Tulane secured a 31-17 triumph over Memphis on Friday night, thanks to six turnovers orchestrated by the Green Wave defense. Running back Johnnie Daniels sprinted 48 yards for a score with just under a minute left in the half. Sophomore Trace Johnson, making his first collegiate start, connected for 165 yards via 11-of-21 passing, including a touchdown and an interception.

Tulane began the second half with a scoring drive, as freshman Trace Johnson found Destyn Hill on a 38-yard touchdown pass, extending their lead to 23-10. Memphis pulled ahead first with a 44-yard field goal from Philippe Laforge to start the game, before freshman Cooper Helmke's 40-yarder tied the score at 10-10. Tulane regained the lead with a 76-yard touchdown run by Daniels.

Helmke trimmed the gap to six points with a 29-yarder before Smith's crucial pick-6 at the end of the first half. Tulane's defense continued to dominate, intercepting Memphis two more times for a total of six turnovers. Over the course of the game, Johnson completed 165 yards on 21 passes, with two touchdowns and an interception.

He also lost two fumbles. Running back Jaylin Carter rushed for 135 yards, while Destyn Hill and Johnnie Daniels both scored touchdowns. Tulane's defense held strong, with a 306-yard passing game from sophomore quarterback Johnson, two scores, and four interceptions.