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The Tulane Green Wave and SMU Mustangs open up AAC college football action on Thursday night. With that said, it's a good time to check out our college football series, which includes our Tulane-SMU prediction, odds, and pick we have laid out below.
Last week, the Green Wave were on a bye after coming off a 40-22 loss to Houston Cougars in their previous matchup. They sit in last place in the conference standings while enduring a four-game losing streak. As for the Mustangs, they lead the AAC in total offense and have an undefeated record. They defeated Navy last week 31-24.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the Tulane-SMU odds:
College Football Odds: Tulane-SMU Odds
Tulane: +14 (-110)
SMU: -14 (-110)
Over: 70.5 (-110)
Under: 70.5 (-110)
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Why Tulane Could Cover the Spread
The Green Wave is having a rough start to its 2020 campaign. Over their last three games, Tulane has given up 40 points and has lost by an average of 16 points. The bye week was much needed for Tulane, who has not produced as well as last season on the offensive side of the ball. The Green Wave are averaging 25.6 points per game and 361.6 yards per game.
The offense will need to produce on Friday if they want any chance of keeping up with SMU's explosive unit. Quarterback Michael Pratt has thrown for 1,364 yards, 13 touchdowns on 60% passing through six games. He is on pace to surpass last year's total of 20 touchdowns. They average 252.2 passing yards per game on 6.9 yards per pass.
Defensively, the Green Wave yield 44.2 points to opponents and 524.6 yards per game. Safety Macon Clark leads the defense with 40 total tackles. SMU tends to e in bunches, so the defense will need to get stops so that the Tulane offense can use the clock efficiently. As an underdog, the over is 6-1 in Tulane's last seven games, so slowing the game down will benefit Tulane immensely in this matchup.
Why SMU Could Cover the Spread
The SMU Mustangs have shocked many people this year with an undefeated record through six games this season. The offensive has been clicking on all cylinders, averaging 37.6 points per game and 515.4 yards per game. Quarterback Tanner Mordecai has thrown for 1,893 yards, 26 touchdowns on 71% passing. His touchdown total is tied for first in the country.
Ulysses Bentley and Tre Siggers have combined for 797 rushing yards and four touchdowns to lead SMU's rushing attack. The wide receivers on SMU are one of the best wide receiver corps in the country, combining for 64 percent of the team's production and 17 total touchdowns.
The defense has been pretty solid, too, giving up just 24.8 points on 402.4 yards per game. They held Navy to 31 points and USF to 17 points over their last two games.
SMU is 4-0 against the spread in their last four home games, averaging 44 points per game.
Final Tulane-SMU Prediction & pick
Tulane is coming off a bye week which should be an advantage as they had time to prepare for this matchup. The SMU Mustangs offense is rolling, and they will be home in this matchup. I have trouble believing that Tulane will be able to keep up the scoring with the Mustangs.
The high total implies that many points will be scored, and SMU should outscore the Green Wave by at least two touchdowns. Lay the points with the Mustangs at home.
FINAL TULANE-SMU PREDICTION & PICK: SMU -14
