The SMU Mustangs are set to face the Tulane Green Wave on Thursday night. Follow along for the best SMU-Tulane prediction in this one.
SMU comes in with a 6-4 record and has become one of the most exciting offenses in the country. Tulane has been one of the surprises this college football season, but they have to get back on track after a 38-31 loss against UCF last weekend. With the season winding down, this has become a very important game for both teams climb up the American Athletic Conference standings.
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CFB Odds: SMU-Tulane Prediction & Odds
SMU: +3.5 (-115)
Tulane: -3.5 (-105)
Over/under: 65 (-110)
Explosive SMU offense heads to New Orleans
When you check college football scores and look at the SMU game it can sometimes look like a basketball score. The Mustangs are not going to be making too many national headlines, but they have become one of the most exciting programs in college football. Regardless of the lack of national attention, they’ve definitely opened some eyes this season.
Quarterback Tanner Mordecai is a big reason why the Mustangs have become so dynamic. He has has tossed 28 touchdowns, which is good for 8th in the FBS. His turnovers have been kept to a minimum, as well. Mordecai has thrown just seven interceptions in ten games, which is quite efficient considering how often the Mustangs like to pass the football. Mordecai will need to keep up the strong play against Tulane’s defense.
SMU loves to throw the ball, but don’t be surprised to see them run a little more on Thursday. Tulane showed that their run defense was vulnerable last week, giving up 336 yards on the ground to UCF. Look for SMU to try exploiting that weakness. They should come out with a more balanced attack this week to keep Tulane’s defense guessing.
Tulane looks to bounce back
The Green Wave have gotten out to an 8-2 start. They have overcome a tremendous amount of adversity this season and are hoping to finish strong after a tough loss last week.
This is a team that loves to run the ball. Tulane ranks 4th in the conference with over 177 rush yards per game (YPG). They are going to need to take advantage of an SMU defense that is one of the worst in the conference.
Defensively, Tulane is elite. This defense has carried them through a season that will be unforgettable for this program. The Green Wave rank 20th in the entire FBS in total defense. That is going to be a major key to victory against an offense like SMU that can light up the scoreboard.
Final SMU-Tulane Prediction & Pick
This will without a doubt be one of the best Group of 5 matchups of the week and may even go down as one of the best this season. SMU is coming in off of a three-game win streak and they have been looking like one of the strongest teams in the conference. Tulane is a 3.5-point home favorite and is 8-2 against the spread on the year. Although Tulane suffered a heartbreaking loss last week, look for them to bounce back and cover this 3.5-point spread. Tulane is still a good football team with a conference championship still to play for.
This is going to be a great football game with between two very strong programs. Expect a lot of points on Thursday night. SMU has scored 40 points or more in four of their last five games. Tulane is primarily known for their stifling defense, but they can keep with opponents on the scoreboard when they need to. With a point total at 65 in this game, the best SMU-Tulane prediction would be for this game to go over that number. It should be a hard-fought, close game that makes for some exciting Thursday night college football.
Final SMU-Tulane Pick: Tulane -3.5 (-105), Game Total OVER 65 Points (-110)
