Tulane was clearly looking like the No. 1 team in the Group of Five through the first three weeks of the season.
The Green Wave defeated Northwestern and Duke, two Power Four schools, while also winning on the road at South Alabama in Week 2. Some thought – myself included – that Tulane was even poised for an upset at Ole Miss.
But the Green Wave were never that competitive against the Rebels, losing 45-10.
But now that Tulane has those two P4 wins, it still has a great case to be considered for a College Football Playoff berth in a couple months. But the Green Wave will likely need to win the American Conference for that to happen, and they start league play this week against Tulsa.
The Golden Hurricane didn’t enter the year with high expectations, especially with it being Tre Lamb’s first year as head coach. But they’re 2-2 thus far, including a stunning victory at Oklahoma State last week, the first time Tulsa has won at OSU since 1951.
The Green Wave may be favored in this game, but Tulsa may be a tougher opponent than some people realize.
Tulane vs. Tulsa Betting Odds
Tulane is a -14.5 college football betting odds favorite against Tulsa, with the Over/Under being 52.5 as of this writing.
The moneyline for Tulane is -700, while it’s +500 for Tulsa.
Tulane vs. Tulsa On TV
The matchup between Tulane and Tulsa will be televised on ESPNU.
The game will kick off at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 27. The contest is taking place at Chapman Stadium in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Tulane vs. Tulsa Prediction
I predict Tulane will win and cover the 14.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 52.5 total points.
The Green Wave are talented, and they have great players who could step up in any given moment, especially on offense.
Jake Retzlaff has proven to be a key addition for them at quarterback. He’s thrown for 578 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions while completing 54% of his passes. He’s also leading the team with 339 yards and six touchdowns rushing.
Omari Hayes has been Tulane’s leading receiver, as he’s caught 14 passes for 165 yards. But Shazz Preston, who’s caught eight passes for 148 yards, and Bryce Bohanon, who’s added 118 yards on 11 receptions, have made some impressive plays as well.
But I think this is especially a game where Tulane’s defense shines. Led by stars like linebackers Sam Howard and Dickson Agu as well as defensive backs Jack Tchienchou and Bailey Despanie, the Green Wave defense was allowing about 20 points per game before playing Ole Miss.
I think Tulane’s defense will get back on track on the road and will make things difficult for Tulsa.
