SMU vs Tulane Prediction
The SMU Mustangs will play the Tulane Green Wave on Saturday afternoon in the AAC Championship Game at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana. SMU comes into this game undefeated in conference play, but with two overall losses, while Tulane is also undefeated in the AAC and only has one overall loss. Let's take a look at the betting matchup and the SMU vs Tulane Prediction.
SMU Preview
The SMU Mustangs are 10-2 (8-0) this year after they defeated Navy by a score of 59-14 in their last game. SMU scored 28 points in the first quarter and 52 points in the first half, so they were able to cruise to the easy victory. The Mustangs out gained Navy by a total of 487-253 and forced two turnovers in the game. SMU’s two losses so far this season came against Oklahoma (28-11) and TCU (34-17). The SMU offense is scoring 41.3 points per game with 291.9 passing yards per game and 180.1 rushing yards per game, while going 43.5% on third downs. SMU quarterback Preston Stone was hurt in their last game and is out for the season. Kevin Jennings has thrown for 224 yards and three touchdowns for the Mustangs this year. Jaylan Knighton (questionable) has rushed for 645 yards and six scores, while RJ Maryland has caught 29 passes for 462 yards and seven touchdowns. The SMU defense is allowing 17.7 points against per game this season.
Tulane Preview
The Tulane Green Wave are 11-1 (8-0) this season after they defeated UTSA by a score of 29-16 in their last game. Tulane trailed 10-7 early in the second quarter, but they finished the half on a 16-0 run to pull away for the win. The Green Wave were out gained by a total of 375-352 and forced five turnovers in the game. Tulane’s only loss this season came against Ole Miss by a score of 37-20 in Week 2. The Tulane offense is averaging 27.8 points per game with 221.1 passing yards per game and 167.3 rushing yards per game, while going 41.2% on third downs. Michael Pratt has thrown for 2,168 yards, 21 touchdowns, and four interceptions for the Green Wave this season. Makhi Hughes has rushed for 1,246 yards and seven scores, while Chris Brazzell II has caught 41 passes for 670 yards and five touchdowns. The Tulane defense is giving up 18.3 points against per game this year.
Tulane Green Wave Team Facts
- Tulane has won each of its last 11 games against conference opponents.
- Tulane has covered the spread in 11 of its last 13 home matches when playing with a rest advantage.
- Tulane has won the first quarter in five of its last six games against conference opponents at Yulman Stadium.
- Tulane has won the first half in five of its last six home games against conference opponents.
- Each of Tulane's last six home games have gone UNDER the total points line.
SMU Mustangs Team Facts
- SMU has won each of its last eight games.
- SMU has failed to cover the spread in seven of its last eight games as an underdog.
- SMU has won the first quarter in six of its last eight road games against conference opponents.
- SMU has won the first half in each of its last four road games against conference opponents.
- Five of SMU's last six games as a road underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- The SMU are one of only 14 FBS teams undefeated in home games this season ((6-0)).
- SMU has recorded the equal-most home wins by a margin of 10+ points of any FBS team this season (6).
SMU vs Tulane Betting Prediction
Tulane comes into this game ranked in the top-25 and will have the home field advantage, while SMU is on a backup quarterback after Stone was injured in their last game. I think SMU had a great chance to win this game with Stone, but I think losing him is going to be too much to overcome. Both teams have very good offensive attacks and great defenses, but I trust Pratt for Tulane much more than Jennings for SMU. I think SMU will have a chance to stick around in the first half, but Tulane will capitalize on some mistakes and pull away in the second half. Take the Green Wave here.
