Tulane University's Forte« continues to set records

By Mike Pervel
Published on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 3:19 PM CDT



St. Tammany News

Tulane University senior running back Matt Forte«, a 2004 Slidell High graduate, continued to assault the record books Saturday as he rushed for 342 yards and four touchdowns in the Green Wave's 41-34 overtime victory over Southern Methodist University at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas.

Forte«s 342 yards established a Tulane and Conference USA record on 38 carries, including a career long 77-yard TD gallop in the second quarter.

Matt Fort/

He averaged nine yards per carry, scoring on runs of 77, 9, 5, and 9 yards, producing a title wave to carry the Greenies to victory.

Forte's nine-yard TD run, capping off the Greenies' opening possession in overtime, proved to be the game-winner.

SMU had a chance to answer on their possession, first-and-10 from the 25-yard line, but junior defensive end Reggie Scott forced a game-clinching fumble when he sacked SMU quarterback Justin Willis. The ball was recovered by Green Wave senior defensive tackle Avery Williams to secure the overtime victory.

Tulane (2-5) snapped a three-game losing streak, and is 1-2 in Conference USA play.

Forte« surpassed his previous school and C-USA rushing record of 303 yards that he established against Southeastern Louisiana University Sept. 22.

Forte« has rushed for more than 200 yards in each of his last three games.

Forte« is the NCAA Division 1-A individual leading rusher with 1,261 yards on 189 carries. He is averaging 6.7 yards per carry. His 13 rushing TDs, a Tulane school record, ties him for third in the nation. He averages 180.1 yards rushing per game.

Tulane head coach Bob Toledo praised Forte's record-breaking performance. "Matt had an unbelievable performance. The guy carries this football team on his shoulders. He had some long runs. He's physical. He scored four touchdowns, he had 342 yards rushing. What more can you say about the guy? He's a great, great football player," Toledo said.


Comments

No comments posted.

WRITE A COMMENT

Use the form below to post a brief comment to this story, or respond to other readers. Please use the word count tool to assist you in keeping your remarks to 100 words or fewer.

Comment posters are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide. We urge comment writers to treat this as a public forum where manners matter. We encourage a collegial, non-insulting tone. All readers comments must be approved by our staff before posting to the Web site. They review submitted comments periodically during the day for offensive or off-topic content before posting. Be aware, in accordance with the Communications Decency Act and provisions upheld in judicial appeal, that you are responsible for comments posted on this Web site. The St. Tammany News is not liable for messages from third parties.

DO NOT POST:
* Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.
* Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
* Personal attacks, insults or threats.
* The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity.
* Comments unrelated to the story.
* Personal Information (phone numbers, addresses, etc.)

Opinions, advice and all other information expressed in thesttammanynews.com's reader comments represent the individual's own views and not necessarily those of the St. Tammany News. The St. Tammany News does not endorse and is not responsible for statements, advice or opinions offered by anyone other than authorized St. Tammany News spokespersons.

Your thoughtful contribution to the online discussion is appreciated.

(optional)
Current Word Count: