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Green Wave Roll Past Northwestern 23–3, Retzlaff Shines in Debut

  • Writer: Bayou State Media
    Bayou State Media
  • Aug 30
  • 2 min read
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Photo By: TULANE ATHLETICS

By Bayou State Media — Game 1


Tulane launched its 2025 campaign with authority, dominating Northwestern 23–3 at Yulman Stadium. The Green Wave stifled the Wildcats with a suffocating defense and dynamic offense, showcasing why New Orleans remains a force to be reckoned with in college football


Score by Quarter

1Q: Tulane 7, Northwestern 0

2Q: Tulane 13, Northwestern 3

3Q: Tulane 3, Northwestern 0

4Q: Tulane 0, Northwestern 0

Final: Tulane 23, Northwestern 3


Game Recap

First Quarter — Wave Hits First

Tulane wasted no time. QB Jake Retzlaff, making his debut in a Green Wave uniform, capped the opening drive with a short touchdown pass, setting the tone early at Yulman Stadium.


Second Quarter — Momentum Build

The offense surged. Retzlaff added to his impact with a jaw-dropping 69-yard rushing touchdown, showcasing explosive dual-threat ability. The defense delivered too—four interceptions and a forced fumble turned the Wildcats’ drives into quick punts. Kicker Patrick Durkin booted two field goals, giving Tulane a commanding 20–3 commanding lead at the break.


Third Quarter — Ball Control Locks It In

Tulane extended its lead with an efficient field goal from Durkin, further draining Northwestern’s comeback hopes. The defense continued its dominance, holding the Wildcats scoreless and barely letting them cross midfield.


Fourth Quarter — Closing With Poise

All systems stayed on cruise control. Tulane leaned on clock management, while the defensive front kept pressure on Northwestern’s offense. The Wildcats never regained momentum, sealing a thorough 23–3 victory for the Wave


Key Performers

Tulane Green Wave

  • Jake Retzlaff (QB): 152 passing yards, 1 passing TD; 113 rushing yards, 1 long TD run, a debut to remember.

  • Defense: 4 interceptions (by Jahiem Johnson, Kevin Adams III, Javion White, Jaden Johnson) and a strip sack by Kameron Hamilton. Those turnovers underpinned the win.

  • Patrick Durkin (K): Consistent and clutch, 3-for-3 on field goals, including timely scoring from range

Northwestern Wildcats

  • Struggled throughout — turnovers piled up and drives stalled under pressure. QB Preston Stone's debut was particularly tough with multiple interceptions.


Analysis

  • Defense Fuels Offense: Tulane’s defense didn’t just stop Northwestern—they flipped field position and fueled scoring opportunities.

  • Retzlaff's Dual Impact: His arm and legs provided the blueprint for success—dynamic, decisive, and early establishing.

  • Composed Execution: With a lead on both sides of the ball, Tulane managed the park strategically—no need to force mistakes.

  • Breakthrough for the Wave: Besting a Big Ten opponent for the first time since 1970 is a notable milestone and sets an ambitious tone for the season.


What’s Next

  • Tulane (1–0): Shifts focus to a tough early test—hitting the road at South Alabama next week.

  • Northwestern (0–1): Needs to bounce back quickly at home as the program looks to fix glaring turnover issues and protect its QB.


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