The Tulane Green Wave has done it.

The Green Wave built up a big first half lead over the North Texas Mean Green and battled through a comeback attempt throughout the second half, ultimately winning by a score of 34-21. The team faced plenty of adversity in the middle of the season and looked like a long shot to be in College Football Playoff position, but it ran with the adversity and turned it into something magical.

The city of New Orleans might not sleep tonight -- or for the next week. As fans spilled onto the field at Yulman Stadium to celebrate with players and coaches, one thing was obvious: this program has risen into a powerhouse that can't be stopped. 

Tulane capitalized on the things that it's been best at all season -- running the ball and forcing turnovers -- and it was easily the difference between a big win and a crushing loss. Plus... it certainly made the game interesting.

North Texas punched first with a touchdown pass from standout freshman quarterback Drew Mestemaker, but the Green Wave was able to answer late in the frame with a short rushing touchdown from dual-threat signal-caller Jake Retzlaff. 

From there, let's just say that -- much like the steady rain falling from the sky -- Tulane poured it on. The Green Wave exploded for two rushing touchdowns and a field goal in the second quarter, capitalizing on a fumble and a muffed punt. The secondary would strike with a pick-six by Chris Rodgers, who made the play on a gutsy fourth down call by the visiting squad halfway through the third quarter. Jack Tchienchou would add an interception in the end zone on the very next drive.

The Mean Green wasn't ready to give up quite yet. Mestemaker found Miles Coleman for a 59-yard score on fourth down just before the end of the third quarter. Just minutes later, Ashton Gray added a rushing touchdown and the subsequent two-point conversion attempt to cut the deficit to 31-21.

Tulane put together a masterclass of running time off the clock on the next drive, running 13 plays for 66 yards over the span of almost seven minutes and capping things off with a 30-yard field goal by Patrick Durkin with 2:51 remaining. North Texas got one last shot, but the Green Wave defense came alive again with its third interception of the night -- this one by Jahiem Johnson. 

From raining buckets to raining confetti, Tulane celebrated as it received the championship trophy. Tchienchou was named the game's Most Valuable Player, finishing the night with a team-high nine tackles, one interception, one forced fumble and a muffed punt recovery. 

Retzlaff had a quiet night through the air, completing just 13-of-22 passes for 145 yards, but he racked up two touchdowns on 49 rushing yards. Jamauri McClure led the team with 121 yards and one touchdown on 22 carries, and Javin Gordon had 11 carries for 26 yards. 

Ultimately, the defense stole the show for the Green Wave in its best performance of the season. Aside from forcing five turnovers, the unit allowed the Mean Green to convert just four of its 12 third down tries, dropped Mestemaker for five sacks and recorded seven tackles-for-loss. 

There are even bigger goals ahead. Tulane is expected to earn its first-ever spot in the College Football Playoff, with the selection officially coming on Sunday. Head coach Jon Sumrall will remain with the program through its postseason run before taking over for the Florida Gators. 

For now, the team can celebrate. Come Monday, it will be business as usual as the Green Wave prepares to make history.