Retzlaff Runs Wild as Tulane Beats Former QB Mensah, 34-27

Photo By : TULANE ATHLETICS

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Tulane quarterback Jake Retzlaff stole the show in New Orleans on Saturday, rushing for four touchdowns and throwing for 245 yards as the Green Wave held off a late Duke rally to win 34-27 at Yulman Stadium. The matchup carried extra weight as Duke’s starting quarterback, Darian Mensah, transferred from Tulane in the offseason, returning to face his former teammates.

Fast Start for Tulane

Tulane struck first in the opening quarter. Retzlaff capped the opening drive with a 19-yard touchdown run, then added another score from six yards out late in the first to give the Green Wave a 14-0 lead. Duke’s offense showed flashes, but penalties and stalled drives kept them off the scoreboard, leaving Tulane in control after one quarter.

Duke Finds Life Before Halftime

Duke cut into the lead early in the second quarter with a 28-yard field goal from Todd Pelino. Retzlaff answered again, this time breaking free for a 20-yard touchdown run to stretch the advantage to 21-3. Tulane added a 29-yard field goal from Patrick Durkin after a key interception, but Duke responded just before halftime. Mensah connected with Sahmir Hagans on a 29-yard touchdown strike that gave the Blue Devils life heading into the break. Tulane still held a 24-9 halftime advantage.

Retzlaff’s Fourth Score Extends the Lead

The Green Wave added to their cushion in the third quarter when Retzlaff scored his fourth rushing touchdown of the night, an 11-yard dash that pushed the lead to 31-16. Mensah answered with a touchdown pass to Landen King to keep Duke within striking distance, but Tulane’s defense came up with timely stops to hold the lead heading into the final frame.

Duke’s Rally Falls Short

The fourth quarter belonged to Duke’s comeback effort. Mensah led a pair of scoring drives, including a touchdown with a two-point conversion and a long field goal, cutting the deficit to 34-27 with under three minutes remaining. The Blue Devils attempted an onside kick but failed to recover, allowing Tulane to run out the clock and secure the win.

Star Performers

Retzlaff finished the night with 111 rushing yards on 17 carries to go with his four touchdowns, while also throwing for 245 yards through the air. For Duke, Mensah completed 30 of 51 passes for 313 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception against his former team. Nate Sheppard added 75 rushing yards and a receiving score, while Que’Sean Brown led the receiving corps with 81 yards.

What the Win Means

Tulane totaled 426 yards of offense, holding the ball for more than 33 minutes and balancing its attack between 156 rushing yards and 270 passing yards. The defense contributed with five tackles for loss, multiple pass breakups, and a critical interception that set up a score before halftime.

The win moves Tulane to 3-0 on the season and validates their offensive identity with Retzlaff at the helm. For Duke, the loss drops them to 1-2 and highlights the importance of cleaner execution as they prepare for their next matchup against NC State.

In the end, Tulane’s 34-27 victory was defined by Retzlaff’s breakout performance, a balanced offensive attack, and a defense that made stops when it mattered. Duke made it close late, but Tulane defended its home field and walked away with a statement win.