The 17th-ranked Kansas State Wildcats head to Yulman Stadium to face the Tulane Green Wave.
Both of these programs handily came out on top in Week 1, with KSU dominating UT Martin, 41-6, while Tulane pulverized Southeastern Louisiana 52-0.
These teams last faced off in 2022, with the Green Wave winning in close fashion, 17-10.
Despite losing Will Howard to the transfer portal, Kansas State’s outlook looks promising. It’s looking to build off a solid 9-4 season with the 46th-hardest schedule in the FBS and will compete in the Big 12.
Tulane was dominant last season, but lost Michael Pratt and Jha’Quan Jackson to the NFL, along with Chris Brazzell to Tennessee. The Green Wave are looking different in 2024, but you wouldn’t think so after the Week 1 domination.
Let's dive into this matchup. Read below for my Kansas State vs. Tulane prediction, pick and college football Week 2 odds for Saturday, September 7.
Kansas State vs Tulane Prediction
- Kansas State vs Tulane Pick: Under 49.5 or bettter
My Kansas State-Tulane best bet is on the under, with the best line currently available at Caesars, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Kansas State vs Tulane Odds
| Kansas State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8.5 -110 | 46.5 -110o / -110u | -350 |
| Tulane Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8.5 -110 | 46.5 -110o / -110u | +275 |
- Kansas State vs Tulane Point Spread: Kansas State -8.5 (-110) · Tulane +8.5 (-110)
- Kansas State vs Tulane Total: Over/Under 46.5 (-110o/-110u)
- Kansas State vs Tulane Moneyline: Kansas State -350 · Tulane +275
Kansas State vs Tulane Preview
Kansas State Wildcats Betting Preview: Is Johnson the Answer?
With Howard moving onto Ohio State, this has become Avery Johnson’s team. Regardless of who K-State played last week, Johnson seemed to fare well in his second career start, going 14-for-21 with 153 yards and two passing touchdowns.
However, the competition will only get tougher. In his first start, the 2023 Pop-Tarts Bowl against NC State – despite winning – Johnson didn’t seem comfortable throwing the ball and completed just 45% of his passes.
To go with him in the backfield, running back DJ Giddens is as electric as they come. Giddens, who rushed for over 1,200 yards last season and 128 yards in Week 1, helped the Wildcats have the 17th-best rushing Success Rate in the country last season.
Through the air, the Wildcats are looking a little different, with the expectation that Keagan Johnson and Dante Cephas will lead the charge. Johnson pulled in one catch for six yards and Cephas didn’t register a catch in the opener.
That game was all about Jayce Brown, who hauled five catches for 71 yards, as well as tight end Brayden Loftin, who has shown to be a solid replacement for Ben Sinnott.
K-State was an elite team last season on the defensive end, ranking 19th in Success Rate and 36th in Havoc. The Wildcats get back defensive backs Desmond Purnell and Jacob Parrish, who will serve as critical members of this group. Parrish led the team with four interceptions a season ago and Purnell led the Wildcats in tackles during Week 1 with seven total tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.
Tulane Green Wave Betting Preview: What To Make of this Run Game?
With Pratt gone, there was a competition at quarterback. During Week 1, redshirt freshman Darian Mensah took the keys and ran with the top spot. He completed 83% of his passes and threw for 205 yards and two passing touchdowns.
The run game, well it can’t get any worse. Makhi Hughes returns after getting run into the ground a season ago. He’s a stout and skilled back who averaged five yards per carry last season, but was the only runner who did any legit damage on the ground. Tulane’s run game ranked in the bottom of the FBS last season in PPA, Success Rate and explosiveness.
I think coach Willie Fritz recognizes that he needs more out of his depth. With the game getting into blowout territory, the Green Wave ran out Trey Cornist and Jamauri McClure.
Receiver Mario Williams comes in from USC and made his presence felt instantly in New Orleans. The senior transfer went for 124 yards on four receptions, including a 68-yard play that eventually led to six points, in Week 1.
The defense is where the money is made, as Tulane was ranked 59th in Success Rate and 28th in Havoc generated last season.
Defensive end Kameron Hamilton wreaked havoc with four tackles, one tackle for loss, a sack and a forced fumble against SLU.
In the secondary, Bailey Despanie was critical to Tulane’s defensive success last week as he registered eight solo tackles and a TFL.
Kansas State vs Tulane Pick & Prediction
I consider Week 1 to have been a primer for both of these programs. While I was encouraged by what I saw, they each played teams way below their levels.
Week 2 is where the test comes. BetMGM has the total listed at 49.5 and I can confidently see this game going under. Both of these programs lacked explosiveness on offense and can hold their own defensively.
It’s not saying much given who they played, but they let up a combined six points last week. Tulane also ended its ‘23 season by hitting the under in three of its finals four games. KSU, on the other hand, hit the under twice it its final four games last season.
Our PRO insights show that the majority of bettors (74%, 85% of money) are picking the over, likely due to what they saw in Week 1. However, I wouldn't put any credence to it. The better the competition gets, the tighter the games will be.
Pick: Under 49.5 or better
How to Watch Kansas State vs Tulane Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Yulman Stadium, New Orleans, LA |
| Date: | Saturday, Sept. 7 |
| Kickoff Time: | 12 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ESPN |
Kansas State vs Tulane Betting Trends
- 49% of bettors and 52% of the money have ticketed Kansas State to cover.
- 74% of bettors and 85% of the money bet the Over.
- 92% of bettors and 80% of the money picked Kansas State moneyline.
