Just when things looked bleak for Tulane in terms of the College Football Playoff and the American Conference Championship race, the Green Wave pulled off a massive win last week.
Tulane started off the season with a 6-1 overall record. The Green Wave beat Northwestern and Duke, their only loss was at Ole Miss, and they were one of the highly-regarded teams in the Group of Five. But that changed after Tulane lost in a lopsided contest at UTSA 48-26.
But Tulane responded right away in resounding fashion. The Green Wave won at Memphis, which was the highest-ranked G5 team by the College Football Playoff Selection Committee, 38-32. Now Tulane (7-1, 4-1 American) could very well appear in the conference championship.
But the Green Wave probably can’t afford any more unexpected losses, including this week. They take on FAU, which is still hoping to earn bowl-eligibility at 4-5 overall. The Owls are 2-3 in American Conference play.
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FAU vs. Tulane Betting Odds
FAU is a +16.5 college football betting odds underdog against Tulane, with the Over/Under being 60.5 as of this writing.
The moneyline for Tulane is -800, while it’s +550 for FAU.
FAU vs. Tulane On TV
The matchup between Tulane and FAU will be televised on ESPN+.
The game will kick off at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov. 15. The contest is taking place at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana.
FAU vs. Tulane Prediction
I predict Tulane will win but FAU will cover the 16.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 60.5 total points.
After what we saw last week, Tulane still has the talent of a top-notch G5 team. And considering the winner of the American Conference has a very good chance of making it to the CFP, the Green Wave have plenty to play for but have very little room for error. I expect they will play with a sense of urgency at home.
But this also might not be a great matchup for Tulane. The Green Wave are 12th out of 14 teams in the American in passing defense with 257.9 yards per game given up and are 10th in passing defense efficiency. FAU, led by quarterback Caden Veltkamp, is first in the conference in passing offense with 323.8 yards per game.
Now, Veltkamp was limited in practice and questionable to play due to injury this week. His availability could impact how this game unfolds.
But even if Veltkamp is healthy, I think Tulane will find a way to win.
Jake Retzlaff hasn’t been spectacular every single game, but the Green Wave quarterback has proven he can lead his team to wins. He’s thrown for 1,954 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three interceptions on a 61% completion rate and leads the team with 556 yards and 10 TDs rushing. Shazz Preston leads Tulane with 414 yards and three TDs on 25 catches, while Omari Hayes has caught 25 passes for 376 yards and one TD and Bryce Bohanon has 361 yards and one TD on a team-best 28 receptions.
I also think Tulane’s defensive front will give FAU’s offensive line issues. And if the Green Wave play well on both sides of the ball again, I think they can win by multiple possessions, even if it’s not a blowout.
