BOCA RATON, Fla.: Michael Pratt threw for three touchdowns in his South Florida homecoming to lead No. 17 Tulane to a 24-8 victory over Florida Atlantic on Saturday.
Pratt, who attended high school in Boca Raton and Deerfield Beach, completed 21 of 28 passes for 252 yards to help Tulane (10-1, 7-0, No. 24 CFP) stay atop the American Athletic Conference.
Even without injured starting wide receivers JhaQuan Jackson and Lawrence Keys, Pratt easily dissected the FAU (4-7, 3-4) defense.
Pratt and the Green Wave effectively put the game out of reach with his second touchdown connection with Chris Carter on the opening possession of the second half. The 8-yard pass play capped an 11-play, 55-yard drive, giving Tulane a 21-0 lead.
Carter, who had three catches for 26 yards, entered Saturday with only six receptions, none for touchdowns.
Pratt’s 9-yard touchdown passes, the first to Carter and the second to Chris Brazzell, sent Tulane into halftime with a 14-0 lead.
FAU’s points came on Daniel Richardson’s 4-yard pass to Khalil Brantley and a two-point conversion.
THE TAKEAWAY
Tulane: Tulane began the day among four teams still vying for a spot in the AAC championship game. The Green Wave will guarantee themselves a spot if they beat UTSA at home Friday.
Florida Atlantic: FAU won its first two AAC games but hasn’t recorded a win in November. This loss ensures that Tom Herman’s first season as coach won’t end with a bowl bid.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
The Green Wave, seeking a second straight New Year’s Six bowl game, could move up in the Top 25.
UP NEXT
Tulane: Host UTSA on Friday.
Florida Atlantic: Visits Rice next Saturday.
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AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football