The Tulane football team (1-1) faced a tough setback against Kansas State (2-0) on Saturday, September 7, losing 34-27 at Yulman Stadium in a game that saw the lead change hands multiple times in the fourth quarter.
Tulane had a shot at tying the game in the final drive, reaching the Kansas State one-yard line, but an offensive pass interference penalty derailed their momentum. Quarterback Darian Mensah’s interception in the end zone by Kansas State’s VJ Payne sealed the victory for the Wildcats.
Mensah completed 19 of 28 passes for a career-high 342 yards with two touchdown throws. Running back Makhi Hughes was a standout, rushing for 128 yards and a touchdown while also catching five passes for 37 yards. His fellow running back Arnold Barnes contributed with 18 yards on five carries. Receiver Mario Williams led the team with six receptions for 128 yards, while tight end Alex Bauman made two touchdown catches totaling 49 yards.
On defense, Rayshawn Pleasant was the leading tackler for Tulane with seven stops. Linebacker Tyler Grubbs added six tackles, and safety Kevin Adams III contributed with 1.5 tackles for loss.
Despite outgaining Kansas State in total offense with 491 yards compared to 396, Tulane struggled with turnovers, with Kansas State winning that battle 2-0, including a scoop-and-score touchdown.
Kansas State opened the scoring with a 48-yard field goal, but Tulane responded by taking a 7-3 lead after a three-yard touchdown run by Hughes. The Green Wave extended their lead, but Kansas State fought back and managed to tie the game at 20 in the third quarter.
Tulane regained the lead early in the fourth quarter before Kansas State answered, and a defensive play resulted in a 59-yard touchdown for the Wildcats, securing the final score.
Looking ahead, Tulane will face No. 13 Oklahoma on Saturday, September 14, at 2:30 p.m. in Norman.
Highlights from the game include Mensah achieving his first 300-yard passing game, Hughes recording his eighth career 100-yard rushing game, and Bauman matching his career-high in touchdown receptions. The game was also notable for Tulane’s impressive offensive yardage, marking the most since the 2023 Goodyear Cotton Bowl.