Defense leads Memphis to 38-7 win over Tulane

NEW ORLEANS -- Bobby McCain and Dontrell Nelson each had interception returns for touchdowns to help Memphis beat Tulane 38-7 on Saturday. Memphis (7-3, 5-1 American) forced a season-high five turnovers, ruining Tulane's first on-campus homecoming in four decades. McCain intercepted Tanner Lee 's first pass and returned it 15 yards for a touchdown and Memphis never looked back, taking a 31-0 into the fourth quarter. Memphis remains in contention for a conference title and its first bowl bid since 2008. Trailing 17-0 late in the third quarter, Lee hit Justyn Shackleford for a 19-yard gain, giving Tulane (3-7, 2-4) a first down near midfield. Two plays later, however, Nelson sealed Memphis' fourth consecutive win with a 58-yard interception return for a touchdown. Paxton Lynch completed 14 of 25 passes for 178 yards and a score and added a 4-yard rushing touchdown in the win.