As BYU prepares to roll out a new starting quarterback in Bear Bachmeier, the Cougars’ previous QB1 put on a show in his first outing at his new school.
Jake Retzlaff made his Tulane debut Saturday against Big Ten foe Northwestern, showing off his dynamic dual threat skillset to lead the Green Wave to a 23-3 victory.
Retzlaff completed 18 of 31 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown with no turnovers, good for a 110.2 passer rating.
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He opened the afternoon by orchestrating an eight-play, 51-yard scoring drive which culminated with a sharp play action touchdown strike to receiver Justyn Reid.
Retzlaff also finished the contest as Tulane’s leading rusher, running 10 times for 113 yards and even breaking free for a 69-yard touchdown — the longest play from scrimmage of his career.
Retzlaff was quite familiar with his Northwestern counterpart, as the Wildcats started Preston Stone at quarterback, who previously faced Retzlaff with SMU a season ago in BYU’s 18-15 win over the Mustangs in Dallas. Stone threw for 161 yards, no touchdowns and four interceptions Saturday against the Green Wave.
In addition to Retzlaff’s antics, Tulane was powered by a strong defensive effort, holding Northwestern to 237 total yards, forcing five turnovers and keeping the Wildcats out of the end zone.
Retzlaff and the Green Wave will next face South Alabama on the road next Saturday. Tulane’s most intriguing nonconference game of the season is Sept. 20’s visit to No. 21 Ole Miss, where Retzlaff will attempt to make a statement in SEC territory.
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