This could certainly end up being one of the most entertaining games to watch in the American Conference this week – and potentially this year.
Tulane enters the week as a strong contender in the American. The Green Wave are 4-1 overall with two Power Four wins on their resume, a 23-3 win over Northwestern to start the year and a 34-27 victory over Duke. Their lone loss has been 45-10 against Ole Miss. The Green Wave started off conference play with a 31-14 win at Tulsa.
But will they continue winning this week? East Carolina has certainly played like one of the top teams in the American, especially after defeating Army 28-6 in its last outing. ECU is 3-2 overall, having lost to NC State 24-17 to start the year as well as 34-13 against BYU.
We will learn a lot about these teams and the competition to appear in the American Conference Championship after this matchup.
East Carolina vs. Tulane Spread & Betting Odds
Tulane is a -6.5 college football betting odds favorite against East Carolina, with the Over/Under being 53.5 as of this writing.
The moneyline for East Carolina is +185, while it’s -225 for Tulane.
East Carolina vs. Tulane On TV
The matchup between East Carolina and Tulane will be televised on ESPN.
The game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, Oct. 9. The contest is taking place at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana.
East Carolina vs. Tulane Prediction
I predict Tulane will win and cover the 6.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Under 53.5 total points.
With so much on the line, I think this game could get ugly. I anticipate both teams will make some costly mistakes, maybe even some untimely turnovers, and that this will ultimately be close.
But if that is the case, I think the Green Wave will manage to pull off the win, especially since they’re at home.
Tulane’s rushing offense has been strong this season, but I think it’ll especially shine in a matchup like this. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff has rushed for a team-high 368 yards and seven touchdowns while throwing for 820 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions on a 54% completion rate. Wide receivers Omari Hayes (18 catches for 254 yards) and Shazz Preston (13 catches for 202 yards) as well as running back Javin Gordon (235 yards and three TDs) have been impressive as well.
But based on what I’ve seen from Tulane, I think this is a matchup where the Green Wave defense will shine. Led by defensive lineman Santana Hopper, linebackers Dickson Agu and Sam Howard, and defensive backs Jack Tchienchou and Bailey Despanie, I expect Tulane’s defense to make things difficult for ECU’s offense.
If it does become more of a shootout, I think East Carolina has a better chance of winning this game. But I believe Tulane’s defense will step up to the occasion and help the Green Wave stay undefeated in league play.
