College football is BACK and this was an intriguing match-up that took place here in Yulman Stadium. Everything was amazing! The environment! The food! The people! The game! Both teams showed up prepared to battle and leave it all on the field. This was the first time Tulane and Grambling have met on the gridiron and I bet all 15,940 fans that were in attendance can agree that it was well worth the watch.
My personal favorite highlight from the game was Tulane’s field entrance. As the players poured onto the field in their green pants, green jerseys, and green helmets, the Wave’s number 11, Johnathan Brantley, a Houston native, held a Texas flag to display the team’s support of millions that were affected by Hurricane Harvey. Senior cornerback Parry Nickerson carried the #18 flag, representing the jersey number of Devon Walker, a former Tulane football player who was injured and paralyzed during a 2012 game. Really thoughtful gestures and noble acts from the Green Wave! 
The Green Wave defense dominated the game during the first half not allowing the Tigers to put up any points. Tulane did not allow Grambling to reach the end zone until there was 5:35 remaining in the third quarter. Tulane quarterback Jonathan Banks had an outstanding game tonight. Banks completed 10 of 15 passes for 185 yards and accounted for 4 touchdowns. Wide receiver Terren Encalade scored twice, once catching a 30 yard slant pass and rushing 58 yards for the other. Enclade had 3 receptions for 50 yards. Running back Dontrell Hilliard had 2 receptions for 77 yards and scored a touchdown for the Green Wave. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney had 2 receptions for 29 yards and scored 1 touchdown in the 3rd quarter bringing the score to 31-0. Sophomore running back Darius Bradwell, a former quarterback, scored his first career touchdown on a 27-yard run securing the final score for the Wave. Place kicker redshirt freshmen Coby Neenan successfully executed 4 of 6 field goal attempts. Junior cornerback Donnie Lewis Jr. picked up an interception. Martez Carter of Grambling State had 5 carries for 68 yards and scored both touchdowns for the Tigers. The Green Wave goes home with the 43-14 victory over the Tigers.
Tulane remains undefeated against teams in the Southwest Athletic Conference (1-0 vs. Jackson State, 3-0 vs. Southern and now 1-0 vs. Grambling).The win over Grambling also gave Tulane a victory in its opener for the first time since a 34-7 victory over Jackson State in the 2013 season opener. The Wave has held its opponent scoreless in the first half for the second straight game, dating back to the 2016 season finale at UConn. Looks like head coach Willie Fritz, known for successful second-year turnarounds, is making a statement with the Green Wave. Congratulations Coach Fritz, just 2 wins away from 200 for your coaching career!
Grambling State players Derrick Dixon, T’Kevian Rockwell, and Quintin Guice all suffered injuries while playing and did not return to the game. We are praying for their speedy recoveries. Good luck to the Green Wave as they travel next week for their American Athletic Conference opener at Navy. Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m. CT with live coverage on CBS Sports Network. Good luck to the Tigers as they take on Northwestern State next week.
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