Tulane defeats Memphis 31-17 behind six defensive turnovers

Tulane secured a 31-17 victory over Memphis on Friday night, driven by a dominant defensive performance that forced six turnovers. The win marks Tulane’s first victory in the American Conference this season, bringing their record to 3-3.

Key defensive plays included a 76-yard interception return for a touchdown by TJ Smith at the end of the first half and a late fourth-quarter interception by Kevin Adams III. Tulane sealed the win with a 48-yard touchdown run by Johnnie Daniels on a fourth-and-1 conversion with 1:34 remaining.

Freshman quarterback Trace Johnson made his first collegiate start, completing 11 of 21 passes for 165 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Memphis, which entered the game with a 5-2 record, struggled with turnovers from quarterback Marcus Stokes, including three interceptions and two lost fumbles.