Tulane Wins AAC Title, Secures CFP Spot

Tulane University secured a spot in the College Football Playoff with a 34-21 victory over North Texas in the American Athletic Conference championship game Friday night at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans. The win improved Tulane's record to 11-2 and marked the Green Wave's first conference title since joining the AAC in 2014, positioning them as the highest-ranked Group of Five champion.

The game began with North Texas, known for its high-powered offense, taking an early 7-0 lead on a 15-play opening drive capped by quarterback Drew Mestemaker's 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tre Williams. Tulane responded swiftly, tying the score on a 16-play possession that featured two fourth-down conversions, the second ending with quarterback Jake Retzlaff's 2-yard touchdown run around the right end.

Tulane's defense then forced a fumble from North Texas running back Caleb Hawkins on the ensuing drive, with safety Jack Tchienchou delivering a hard hit after a short reception. Hawkins, who entered with 1,216 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, appeared to injure his right shoulder and did not return. Linebacker LJ Green recovered the loose ball at the Tulane 29-yard line and returned it to...