Dan Collins went 11-for-25 for 131-yards through the air and added seven yards and a score on the ground. Nigel Beckford paced Maine's rushing attack with 58-yards on 13 attempts while Micah Wright set career highs in receptions (8) and total yards (107).
Tulane held the edge in total yards, 497-296, despite Maine's defense now allowing the Green Wave to gain a yard in the fourth quarter. Tulane was highly effective on third down, converting 10 of 17 attempts while the Black Bears were just 3-for-15 in the situation.
Randy Samuels led the Black Bears' defense with seven tackles, a sack and his third career
interception. Senior Trevor Bates led all defensive players with eight total tackles.
The Black Bears struck first, wasting no time as they marched down the field 75-yards on their opening drive and cashed in on an early touchdown. Beckford's first carry of the year went for 16-yards up to midfield. Collins followed the big rush with a 35-yard connection to Micah Wright down to the Tulane 15-yard line. Maine faced a third and goal but converted on a 5-yard pass to Beckford before Collins rushed in for the score, putting Maine on top 7-0 just 3:04 into the game.
Tulane answered Maine with a field goal on its first drive. The Green Wave moved into Maine territory and down to the 9-yard line. The Black Hole defense held its own as Patrick Ricard was able to tip the third down pass effort as Maine held Tulane to a 23-yard field goal.
The Green Wave captured the lead early in the second quarter when Lazedrick Thompson capped an 8-yard drive by scampering in from 1-yard out, putting Tulane on top 10-7 with 11:55 left in the half.
Tulane continued its success running the football as Sherman Badie broke free for a 56-yard touchdown, extending the Green Wave lead to 17-7, midway through the second quarter.
Tanner Lee and the Green Wave offense padded their lead when Lee hit Teddy Veal for a 39-yard touchdown strike to build the first half advantage to 24-7 at the break.
Tulane's lead swelled to 31-7 early in the second half when it finished off a 12-play, 94-yard drive with a five yard rushing score from Dontrell Hilliard.
A short time later, Hilliard broke free again, rushing 85-yards to give Tulane a 38-7 advantage with 1:29 left in the third quarter.
Maine returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 26 when it hosts Rhode Island in the home opener at 3:30 PM. For tickets, visit GoBlackBears.com