TULANE GREEN WAVE vs CINCINNATI BEARCATS
#19 #24
27 24
Nippert Stadium 11/26/22 Cincinnati, OH.
Photos By: Toby Clark
In a thrilling and pivotal matchup on Friday, Michael Pratt orchestrated a remarkable play that will surely be etched into Tulane's history books. With only 5 minutes remaining on the clock, Pratt unleashed a precisely executed 30-yard touchdown pass that found its mark in the hands of Duece Watts. This exceptional display of skill not only secured a 27-24 triumph for No. 19 Tulane over No. 24 Cincinnati, but it also thrust the Green Wave into the coveted role of hosts for the forthcoming American Conference Championship game.
The victory was a result of a collective effort that showcased the undeniable prowess of Tulane's football team. Tyjae Spears, a force to be reckoned with on the field, contributed to the cause by notching two powerful touchdowns and amassing an impressive 181 yards. These staggering numbers propelled Tulane (10-2, 7-1 AAC) forward, breaking their five-game losing streak against Cincinnati (9-3, 6-2) and elevating them to a level of dominance previously unattained.
This triumph was no small feat, as Tulane managed to halt Cincinnati's impressive 32-game home streak. The Bearcats (9-3, 6-2), who had reigned supreme on their home turf, were dethroned in the face of Tulane's unwavering determination and skill. Now, Cincinnati finds itself in a state of anticipation, waiting for the outcome of Saturday's UCF game to determine their fate in the conference championship.
Amidst this triumphant narrative, the spotlight shines on Pratt, whose strategic prowess and precision were on full display. His stat line of 13-for-22 passing for 162 yards, accompanied by the game-winning touchdown, solidified his role as a linchpin in Tulane's victory. Notably, Pratt's brilliance was further underscored by his ability to rush for 30 yards on nine carries, a true testament to his all-around capabilities.
Tulane's head coach, Willie Fritz, expressed his admiration for Pratt's performance, noting the quarterback's remarkable composure during the pivotal moments of the game. It is particularly striking to consider that Pratt had persevered through an injury sustained in the first game of the previous season, yet he remained resolute and demonstrated exceptional skill in leading his team to this significant triumph.
The contest also featured a change in Cincinnati's quarterback position, with redshirt sophomore Evan Prater stepping up to the challenge. Prater admirably embraced his role, completing 10 out of 26 passes for 102 yards and showcasing his prowess on the field. However, an interception by Dorian Williams, resulting from a tipped pass to Devean Deal, shifted the momentum in Tulane's favor. Prater's performance, underscored by his 83 rushing yards on 18 carries, displayed resilience and a determined spirit in the face of adversity.
While the battle on the field was intense, it was Tulane's halftime lead of 13-10 that set the stage for the thrilling conclusion. This lead was punctuated by a 47-yard field goal by Valentino Ambrosio, a moment that stirred the crowd and further solidified Tulane's position of strength.
In the aftermath of this captivating showdown, Cincinnati's coach, Luke Fickell, was candid about the challenges his team faced and their collective desire to send their seniors off on a high note. He acknowledged the striking similarities between his team and Tulane's aggressive and relentless style of play, conceding that the Green Wave outperformed his team in certain critical aspects of the game.
As the dust settles on this monumental clash, the takeaways are clear. Tulane's rising star, Tyjae Spears, shone brightly, surpassing the 1,000-yard mark for the season and leading the AAC in touchdowns with an impressive tally of 16. Cincinnati, on the other hand, faced the reality of missing out on a third consecutive AAC regular-season championship as their journey in the conference comes to an end. A transition to the Big 12 Conference awaits the Bearcats in the upcoming season.
In the realm of rankings, the Green Wave is poised to ascend following this resounding victory, a testament to their exceptional performance on the field. With the championship game on the horizon, Tulane is primed to assert their dominance once again.
Looking ahead, Tulane eagerly anticipates their role as hosts for the AAC Championship game on December 3rd, a fitting reward for their dedication and determination. Meanwhile, Cincinnati's fate hangs in the balance, contingent upon the outcome of the UCF-South Florida game. The looming question remains: will UCF's victory forge a tie with Cincinnati in the conference standings, potentially reshaping the championship landscape?
In the tapestry of this enthralling narrative, it's important to acknowledge that the corrected version highlights Duece Watts' pivotal role in securing the victory with his fourth-quarter touchdown catch. This detail serves as a reminder of the intricate web of events that led to Tulane's triumph, encapsulating the spirit of the game and the indomitable will of its players.