Memphis football: 3 takeaways in 56-26 win against Tulane

2. Tulane has improved, but they’re not elite yet 

Tulane came into the game 3-4 overall 1-2 in the AAC, I know most might think that isn’t very impressive, but for this program this is a step up. Tulane hasn’t made a bowl game since 2013 and that was the last year they were in C-USA.

Since joining the AAC they haven’t had more than four wins in a season and with four games left in the season even with the Memphis defeat they are 3-5 overall and still have a shot to become bowl eligible. Even if they don’t become bowl eligible they have a strong shot to have a program high in wins if they can at least win two more games.

Senior running back Dontrell Hilliard is a stud and has been a contributor since he arrived in 2014. Hilliard currently leads the team in rushing yards and touchdowns with 768 yards and 9 touchdowns. He didn’t have a huge game against Memphis because of how fast the Tigers started. They held him to 67 yards which was his second lowest total this season.

Tulane is one of the best running teams in college football, but when they have to play catch up like they did on Friday night that isn’t their forte and is a main reason they didn’t look as good as some expected.