Tulane Green Wave

Tulane clinched a spot in the championship game following its defeat of Cincinnati on November 25. The win also ensured it would host the game.^[4] The Green Wave finished with a regular season record of 10–2 (7–1 in AAC), their best record since 1998. Running back Tyjae Spears was named AAC Offensive Player of the Year, and head coach Willie Fritz was named AAC Coach of the Year.^[5] This was Tulane's first appearance in the AAC Championship Game. It was seeking its first football conference championship since 1998, when it was part of C-USA.^{[lower-alpha 1]} The Green Wave's season was highlighted by its first rankings since 1998, and first victory over a ranked team since 1984.

UCF Knights

UCF defeated two-time defending American Athletic Conference champions Cincinnati on October 29, then beat Tulane 38–31 on November 12. UCF was in position to host the conference championship until an upset 17–14 loss to Navy on November 19. Going into the final day of American Conference play (November 26), UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston were in contention to play Tulane in the game.^[4] UCF would clinch a spot in the championship game outright with a win over South Florida and a Houston loss to Tulsa.^[6] Cincinnati, which had lost to Tulane the previous night, needed a UCF loss and a Houston loss. In the case that both South Florida and Houston had won, the higher-ranked team in an average of major selector computer rankings (Anderson & Hester, Billingsley Report, Colley Matrix, Wolfe) between Cincinnati and Houston would have claimed the berth.^[7]

Ultimately, UCF secured its place in the title game with a 46–39 win at South Florida, coupled with a 37–30 Houston loss to Tulsa. The Knights finished the regular season with a record of 9–3 (6–2 in AAC). This was UCF's third appearance in the AAC Championship Game. It was seeking its fifth American Conference title after winning previously in 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2018 (The American held no championship game in 2013 and 2014). This was also UCF's final intra-conference game as a member of The American, as the Knights are set to join the Big 12 Conference in 2023.

First quarter

Tulane took a 10–0 lead in the first quarter. Quarterback Michael Pratt and running back Tyjae Spears put up big numbers, respectively. Pratt found Shae Wyatt for a 10-yard touchdown, then connected with Duece Watts for a 54-yard gain. The latter set up a field goal by Valentino Ambrosio. Meanwhile, quarterback John Rhys Plumlee started for UCF and aggravated a hamstring injury. He left the game and third-string quarterback Thomas Castellanos began taking most of the snaps. Back-up quarterback Mikey Keene elected not to dress for the game, in order to preserve his redshirt.

Second quarter

UCF was driving into Tulane territory to start the second quarter. On 4th & 1 at the Tulane 23, the Knights turned the ball over on downs. They held Tulane to a three-and-out, at which time they elected to go for it themselves on a 4th & 1. The Knights defense stuffed Tulane for no gain, and shockingly got the ball right back. Xavier Townsend's 5-yard jet sweep touchdown run made the score 10–7. Tulane, answered, going 75 yards in four plays. Lawrence Keys III burned the defense on a 43-yard catch and run touchdown, and made the score 17–7 with 5 minutes left. Thomas Castellanos was unable to spark much on offense, going three-and-out two times. With 18 seconds left in the half, Pratt was hit as he threw, and put up a wobbly pass which was intercepted by Davonte Brown, snuffing out a Tulane scoring opportunity. The Green Wave held a 17–7 lead going into halftime.

Third quarter

Tulane got the ball to start the second half. UCF had them in a 3rd & 8 at their own 26, but Alex Bauman converted on third down. Two plays later, Tyjae Spears knifed his way through the defense, all the way for a 60-yard touchdown run. On their next drive, Spears again blasted for a huge gain, this time a 56-yard run down to the UCF 26. The drive came up empty, however, as UCF forced a fumble at the 3 yard line. Trailing 24–7, Plumlee came back in the game for UCF late in the third quarter. He swiftly drove the Knights 80 yards in 8 plays. A 17-yard touchdown throw to Kobe Hudson cut the deficit to 24–14.

Fourth quarter

UCF, trailing by 10, punted to Tulane at the start of the fourth quarter. Michael Pratt found Duece Watts up the middle on a busted coverage. In one play, Tulane went 73 yards for a touchdown, and was back up by 17. The Knights were not ready to give up yet. With Plumlee back in the game, UCF faced a 3rd & 1 just past midfield. Plumlee took a shotgun snap, then lateralled to R.J. Harvey, who threw deep down field to a wide-open Hudson. The 49-yard touchdown put the Knights back in the game. Two plays later, Tulane fumbled away the ball at their own 30. Jason Johnson ripped the ball away from Tyjae Spears. Isaiah Bowser's powering 10-yard touchdown run made the score 31–28 with 9:48 to go.

The Knights got within 3 points, and seemingly had momentum, but Tulane continued to gas the UCF defense. The Green Wave answered with two more touchdowns on big plays, and put the game out reach. Tulane won their first AAC championship by the score of 45–28.

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