Comeback Falls Just Short, Tulane Holds Off South Alabama

South Alabama started strong and put up a heck of a fight against Tulane Saturday night, but came up just short of a great comeback against the Green Wave and coach Jon Sumrall, losing the “Battle of Mardi Gras” 33-31.

The Jaguars would open the game with the ball and started strong, with the first play from scrimmage being an 11-yard rush for Kentrell Bullock. The Jaguars would continue to running the ball effectively, and capped off their first drive with a 9-yard touchdown run by Bullock with credit to some great blocking.

Tulane would get the ball after this and proceeded to go three and out, giving the ball right back to South Alabama. However, on the next play Tulane defender Sam Howard would make a great defensive play forcing an Anthony Eager fumble. Then two plays later South would quickly return the favor, as defensive back Mike Harris would force a Jake Retzlaff fumble. This time South Alabama would capitalize, as an amazing catch and play was made by Devin Voisin following the turnover. The 65-yard touchdown gave the Jags a quick 14-0 lead over the Green Wave.

Just throw it up in his directon & he’ll go get it @Devinvoisin 😎 https://t.co/C1inZ2e1hu pic.twitter.com/9OeMzFe757

— South Alabama Football 🏈 (@SouthAlabamaFB) September 6, 2025

The tide began to turn after this though, as the rest of the first half would be all Green Wave. Jake Retzlaff in particular would look really sharp on the next drive, responsible for nearly every yard in route to a touchdown. Tulane would then force another three and out, getting the ball right back. They then drove down the field once again, scoring on a Zuberi Mobley touchdown run, evening the score at 14.

Tulane would continue dominating the second quarter and did a great job of controlling the clock. Drives of six minutes and four minutes, respectively, kept the ball away from the Jags. Both of those drives ended in scores as well, one being a Retzlaff touchdown run, the other a 50-yard field goal (the longest field goal by Tulane since 2013). South Alabama’s offense helped, stalling in the second quarter with only 3 drives. One of those being a turnover on downs, the next a quick three-and-out, and finishing by running the ball to take it into halftime, where they trailed 24-14.

Tulane received the ball to open the second half and picked back up right where they left off, running the ball well with Zuberi Mobley. They quickly drove into South Alabama territory, but were held to a field goal, extending the Tulane lead. The Jags would follow this with a good drive of their own, running the ball well before another untimely fumble would gave the Green Wave the ball right back.

Following the fumble, South Alabama would get the ball back and get inside the Tulane 1-yard line before a bad false start would back the Jags up. They then took a very strange intentional delay of game before kicking a 28-yard field goal to open the fourth quarter. After this, Tulane once again would drive right down the field, scoring a touchdown that could have put the game out of reach for the Jags, but thanks to a missed PAT attempt it would remain a 2 possession game.

Down 16, South Alabama really began to fight in the fourth quarter. Bishop Davenport moved the ball effectively through the air and Kentrell Bullock finished the drive off with a short touchdown run. South would convert the 2-point conversion cutting the Tulane lead to eight.

NOT DONE YET 😤 @BishoptheQb https://t.co/oEUt2O8sWP pic.twitter.com/DbAHxb1242

— South Alabama Football 🏈 (@SouthAlabamaFB) September 7, 2025

A huge stop was made by the defense on the next possession, giving the Jags the ball back with 2 minutes to go. South Alabama would move right it down the field, making it into the redzone before facing a 4th and 7. The 4th down pass would be incomplete, but a late flag and roughing the passer call gave the Jags new life. They would take advantage, scoring the touchdown, but missed the two point conversion to tie it.

Tulane recovered the onside kick, and while the Jags would get one last chance on a punt return, Tulane would win the game 33-31.

“I was proud of the way down 16, that the squad found a way to come back, get back in the ball game, had a chance to tie it. It’s just frustrating to get in that hole, but just made too many mistakes at the start against a good team,” said Coach Applewhite.

Offensively, despite the loss there were a lot of positives for Jaguar fans. The Jags entered as big underdogs (+13.5) and fought until the last whistle. The offense played really well, outgaining the Green Wave 421-406 yards. Bishop Davenport and Devin Voisin also had solid games. Bishop throwing for 231 yards, rushing for 69, and totaling 3 touchdowns. Voisin with 8 receptions for 152 yards and 2 touchdowns.

“Bishop hit some shots, and some wide receivers made some dadgum plays. Hopefully this is an indicator of what we can be if we take care of the ball, we can be more explosive,” said Coach Applewhite of the offense.

Ball security and the defense were the main issues for South tonight. Ball security being a recurring theme as the Jags had two fumbles against Tulane, after two last week against Morgan State.

“South can’t beat South. We have to play clean football,” said coach Applewhite.

As for the defense, while showing improvement they had issues containing the Tulane rushing attack. Tulane rushed for 241 yards in total on the night. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff in particular was able to run for 86 yards and a touchdown on 13 attempts.

South Alabama will get ready for another tough matchup next week, when they hit the road for the first time. They will travel to the eastern side of the state to take on Auburn in what will be the first ever matchup between the two teams. That game will start at 11:45 a.m. central on the SEC Network.