A big game in the American Athletic Conference race is on the schedule for Thursday, November 19, 2020, when the Tulane Green Wave (5-4, 2-4) visit the #25 Tulsa Golden Hurricane (4-1, 4-0). Tulsa is just half a game back of the Cincinnati Bearcats with a looming matchup the first week of December. Tulane is in the bottom half of the conference. This game will air live on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. EST.
Through nine games, the Tulane offense is averaging 36.7 points per game and 404.3 yards per game, 180.2 through the air and 224.1 on the ground. Stephon Henderson leads the team with 548 rushing yards and three touchdowns, and Duece Watts has a team high 26 receptions for 448 yards and five touchdowns. Defensively, the Green Wave are allowing 27.6 points and 418.0 yards, 275.0 passing and 143.0 rushing.
Five games into their season, the Tulsa offense is averaging 29.0 points per game and 412.0 yards per game, 250.2 through the air and 161.8 on the ground. Deneric Prince leads the team with 336 rushing yards and two touchdowns, and Keylon Stokes has a team high 28 receptions for 428 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, the Golden Hurricane are allowing 21.8 points and 370.2 yards, 237.2 passing and 133.0 rushing.
Below is my pick for the Tulane Green Wave at #25 Tulsa Golden Hurricane. All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook.
Tulane Green Wave at #25 Tulsa Golden Hurricanes (-4.5): O/U 55.5 (-112/-109)Last time out, Tulane hosted the Army Black Knights and came away with a dominating 38-12 victory. This game was on a yoyo in the first half, as Tulane jumped out to a 14-0 lead and Army made it 14-12 at the half, but Tulane won the second half 24-0 to get the win. QB Michael Pratt went 19/27 for 197 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Tulane had eight different players record a carry and combined for 171 yards and two touchdowns. The Tulane defense held Army to 303 total yards and forced three Black Knights turnovers, two interceptions and one recovered fumble.
Tulsa hosted the #19 SMU Mustangs and came away with an impressive, come from behind, 28-24 win. SMU jumped out to a 21-0 second half lead, and led 24-7 at the half, but the Tulsa defense shut down the Mustangs in the second half and the offense scored 21 points to get the win. QB Zach Smith went 26/38 for 325 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. The wide receiver duo of Keylon Stokes and Josh Johnson combined for 16 receptions for 223 yards and two touchdowns on the night. Defensively, Tulsa held SMU to 351 total yards and clinched the game with an interception.
Series History: Tulane has won three straight meetings, but Tulsa still holds an 11-5 all-time advantage.
Football ATS Predictions: I like Tulsa -4.5 Thursday night.
2020 CFB Picks Results: 34-23
