We have a fun one in store in Denton, Texas, as the Tulane Green Wave (5-2, 3-0 AAC) take on the North Texas Mean Green (5-2, 2-1).
Both teams are 5-2 on the season and have looked strong against AAC competition.
They say styles make fights, and these contrasting approaches should give us one of the most intriguing matchups on the slate. These two teams met for the first time last December, and Tulane was victorious by one score.
The Green Wave are 7.5-point favorites on the spread with a 67-point over/under. The game kicks off at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday and can be streamed live on ESPN2.
Let's look at this matchup to uncover the best betting angle in my Tulane vs North Texas prediction and college football picks for Saturday, Oct. 25.
Tulane vs North Texas Prediction, Picks
- Tulane vs North Texas picks: Over 67
I predict that this one will be a high-scoring affair and exceed the total of 67.
Tulane vs North Texas Odds, Spread, Lines
Tulane Odds | ||
---|---|---|
Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8 -110 | 70 -105o / -115u | -320 |
North Texas Odds | ||
---|---|---|
Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8 -110 | 70 -105o / -115u | +250 |
- Tulane vs North Texas Spread: Tulane -8
- Tulane vs North Texas Over/Under: 70
- Tulane vs North Texas Moneyline: Tulane -320 · North Texas +250
Tulane vs North Texas Preview
Tulane Green Wave Betting Preview: Hughes In Control
The Tulane Green Wave have played to their namesake, hitting their opposition with a title wave of rushing attempts. They have rushed the ball at the sixth-highest rate in the country and have done so effectively, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt.
The man responsible for this production is running back Makhi Hughes. Hughes has racked up 744 yards and eight touchdowns over the first seven games of the season, and there are no signs of him slowing down in this matchup.
Tulane will control the trenches, as the Green Wave rank 49th nationally in Offensive Line Yards, while the Mean Green rank 97th in Defensive Line Yards. This means that Hughes and company will see big holes and get a significant push against a defense that ranks 96th in yards per rush allowed.
However, it won't stop there. North Texas has not shown they can stop teams through the air, ranking 128th in passing yards allowed per game. There should be very little resistance here for Tulane to contend with.
North Texas Mean Green Betting Preview: Pass-Heavy Offense
The Mean Green will be a unique challenge for the Green Wave secondary. North Texas has thrown the ball at the 12th highest rate in the nation and has done so with tempo, ranking sixth in seconds per play.
This will be an offensive attack that Tulane has yet to see. Yes, 56% of the plays run against them have been pass plays, but the volume could expose a secondary that looks great on paper.
Chandler Morris has thrived in this scheme, completing 63% of his passes with 23 touchdowns to only eight inerceptions. The efficient passing attack has been bolstered by great offensive line play as the Mean Green rank ninth nationally in sack rate allowed.
So, while the Green Wave rank fifth in Pass Success Rate allowed, they will have a hard time preparing for this offensive attack, and the damage on the scoreboard will only worsen as the game goes on.
Tulane vs North Texas Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Tulane and North Texas match up statistically:
Tulane Offense vs. North Texas Defense
Offense | Defense | Edge | |
Rush Success | 73 | 87 | |
Line Yards | 49 | 97 | |
Pass Success | 24 | 102 | |
Havoc | 37 | 120 | |
Finishing Drives | 31 | 91 | |
Quality Drives | 38 | 115 |
North Texas Offense vs. Tulane Defense
Offense | Defense | Edge | |
Rush Success | 118 | 33 | |
Line Yards | 112 | 47 | |
Pass Success | 36 | 5 | |
Havoc | 54 | 22 | |
Finishing Drives | 39 | 33 | |
Quality Drives | 70 | 36 |
Pace of Play / Other
PFF Tackling | 113 | 111 |
PFF Coverage | 53 | 87 |
Special Teams SP+ | 56 | 45 |
Middle 8 | 6 | 28 |
Seconds per Play | 30.9 (130) | 22.8 (6) |
Rush Rate | 65% (6) | 42% (124) |
Tulane vs North Texas Pick & Prediction
Typically, a team with Tulane's rushing advantages should lead them to dominate both the box score and scoreboard.
However, the Mean Green can counter as their offense thrives on limited time of possession.
We should see these two teams go score for score, and it will be a war of attrition for these two defenses. The constant pounding of the Green Wave ground game versus the up-tempo air rid of the Mean Green will be entertaining.
Enjoy the offensive fireworks and take the over.
Pick: Over 67 (-110) | Play to 67.5 (-110)
Tulane vs North Texas Start Time, Channel, Streaming, How To Watch
Location: | DATCU Stadium, Denton, Texas |
Date: | Saturday, Oct. 26 |
Kickoff Time: | 12 p.m. ET |
TV / Streaming: | ESPN2 |
Tulane vs North Texas will be played at DATCU Stadium in Denton, Texas, on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 12 p.m. ET. You can stream the game live on ESPN2.