Introduction
When the Tulane Green Wave (Tulane) take on the Memphis Tigers (Memphis) in the gridiron matchup often billed as Tulane vs Memphis (or Memphis vs Tulane), college-football fans get to witness a rivalry steeped in history, conference implications and ever-evolving team storylines. In this article we’ll explore the matchup, the teams (Tulane football & Memphis football), their histories, key players — and yes, even touch on the curious case of Jake Retzlaff.
Tulane vs Memphis: Rivalry and Head-to-Head
The history between Tulane and Memphis shows that Memphis has held the upper hand for much of the modern era. According to the records:
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Since 2000, Memphis has won 14 of the 19 matchups while Tulane has won 5.
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Overall, Tulane vs Memphis meetings go back to September 25, 1954.
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The average points per game when these two meet: Memphis ~34.3, Tulane ~22.4 (since 2000).
That dominance by Memphis sets the stage: when Tulane heads into a game against Memphis, they know the odds are tilted — but rivalry games often bring surprises.
Memphis Tigers Football: Profile & Momentum
The Memphis Tigers football program has been on an upward trajectory in recent years. A few highlights:
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Memphis’ history page notes that a key win over Tulane in 2024 helped clinch a 10-win season and a milestone for the program.
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For the upcoming matchup (Nov 7, 2025), Memphis (ranked No. 22) enters with an 8-1 record, hosting Tulane at home.
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The prediction board shows Memphis as a favourite in the matchup: for example a recent preview lists Memphis hosting Tulane and being the edge.
So in the “Memphis Tigers football” world, expecting aggressiveness, home-advantage, and momentum is fair.
Tulane Football: Profile & Challenge
On the flip side with the Tulane Green Wave:
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Tulane’s football program in the 2023 season was 11-3 with a perfect 8-0 conference record in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) before falling in the championship.
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When Tulane faces Memphis, they often do so as underdogs but with potential to upset. The H2H data confirms they have pulled wins — albeit fewer — and can surprise if they bring it.
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For the upcoming game, Tulane is listed around a 3-point underdog in one preview.
Thus, when it’s Tulane football vs Memphis, the narrative is often about Tulane rising to meet the challenge against a tougher opponent, trying to flip the script.
Key Matchup: Tulane vs Memphis (2025 Outlook)
In the most recent scheduled game:
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Tulane (6-2, 3-1 AAC) visits Memphis (8-1, 4-1 AAC) on Nov 7, 2025.
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Memphis vs Tulane history (as noted above) favours Memphis heavily.
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The prediction: Memphis holds the edge — a preview lists them as favourites.
Key things to watch:
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Whether Tulane can improve its away-record (they are weak historically away vs Memphis: 2-15 away record according to one source).
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Whether Memphis can leverage home advantage and sustain momentum.
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The implications: With both teams in the AAC, conference standings and title-race implications could hang on the outcome.
The Curious Case of Jake Retzlaff
You also requested the keyword “jake retzlaff”. While he is less directly tied to the Tulane vs Memphis rivalry, here is a summary:
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Jake Retzlaff is an American college-football quarterback who played for the BYU Cougars.
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He announced his intention to transfer, with major programs reportedly evaluating him.
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The reason: A civil lawsuit originally accusing him of sexual assault was dismissed.
While interesting, for a Tulane vs Memphis article, he represents an adjacent storyline rather than central to this game. Unless Tulane or Memphis specifically recruit him or he becomes involved, his relevance is limited.
Why This Game Matters
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Conference ramifications: The American Athletic Conference (AAC) standings can shift based on who wins this matchup.
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Momentum & recruiting: For Tulane, an upset would signal “we’re back”; for Memphis, a win cements their status.
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Fan interest and rivalry: Matches between Tulane and Memphis draw attention, especially because the underdog factor is strong.
Prediction & Outlook
Given the historical edge, home advantage, and momentum, the projection leans toward Memphis winning the game. But if Tulane can execute better in away conditions, reduce miscues, and control the tempo, an upset is possible. For Tulane to succeed, they’ll likely need to:
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Improve on the road vs Memphis (break that 2-15 away slump).
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Force Memphis into mistakes (turnovers, penalties).
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Control time of possession and temper Memphis’s run/physical attack.
For Memphis, they’ll want to:
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Use home crowd and familiarity to their advantage.
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Play disciplined football and avoid letting Tulane disrupt their game plan.
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Execute in the red zone and protect their lead.
Conclusion
The “Tulane vs Memphis” (or “Memphis vs Tulane”) matchup is a compelling one within college football — combining history, conference stakes, and contrasting trajectories of “Tulane football” and “Memphis football”. While Memphis holds the statistical and momentum edge, Tulane always carries the potential for the upset. And while “Jake Retzlaff” is an interesting figure in the broader landscape, his connection to this specific game remains peripheral unless his path intersects with one of these programs more directly.
