Navy vs. Tulane Prediction, Game Preview


Navy vs. Tulane prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the AAC matchup between the Midshipmen and Green Wave.


Navy vs. Tulane Game Preview

When: Saturday, September 17 – 7:00 p.m. ET

Where:
Yulman Stadium, New Orleans, LA

TV Broadcast:
ESPN3

Navy is missing its leader in quarterback Tago Smith, but Will Worth filled in admirably in his first start, a 28-24 win over UConn. Running back Chris High has rushed for 220 yards in two games this season, including three touchdowns while the Midshipmen also use several options in their attack.

The Green Wave love to run the ball as well, with running back Dontrell Hilliard rushing the ball for 139 yards and three touchdowns in the first two games. Tulane enters the matchup 1-1 after a close loss to Wake Forest to open the season and a 66-21 beating of Southern last week.

What To Know About Navy

No Smith, but Navy’s offense keeps rolling with the triple-option attack led by Worth and a plethora of running backs. While High is the main back for the Midshipmen, Dishan Romine starred in the win over Southern with 76 yards on just nine rushes.

Cornerback Tyris Wooten leads the Midshipmen in tackles with 17 this season, while defensive end Micah Thomas has been a force against opposing offense lines. Thomas and company will look to shut down the Green Wave running game and force them to have to pass the ball with Johnathan Brantley, who will be making the start at quarterback. 

What to Know About Tulane

Hilliard, along with Brantley, make up the rushing duo that must get going and move the ball to open up the passing game. Tulane is averaging 291.5 rushing yards a game compared to 73 through the air, so you know where its bread is buttered.

Linebacker Eric Thomas and the Green Wave defense will be tasked with stopping the triple-option attack of Navy, something you can prepare for but never know how you will defend until game time begins. Tulane has been solid in keeping teams out of the end zone, allowing only a combined 28 points in the first two games.

Advantages

Offense: Navy. The option threat is tough to stop even with Smith out.

Defense: Tulane. They might give up yards, but will make it extremely difficult for you to score six.

Special Teams: Navy. Punter Erik Harris has a boomer of a leg.

Coaching: Navy. Ken Niumatalolo has the Midshipmen consistently winning.

Intangibles: Navy. Extremely disciplined, they average only two penalties per game, good for No. 1 in the nation.

Matchup To Watch

Will Worth vs. Tulane linebackers

Reading the linebackers is one of the major keys of running a triple-option offense. If Worth finds one of them cheating toward one of the running backs, he will keep it for himself.

Navy vs. Tulane Betting Odds

Spread: – 6.5

Over/Under:
44.5

Navy vs. Tulane Prediction

This will be a battle of running games as both teams try to win the battle of the trenches. Navy has all the momentum heading into this one, with the triple-option attack taking just a little hit with the injury to Smith. Look for a quick game with the Midshipmen pulling away in the end. Anchors Away!

Navy vs. Tulane Score Prediction: Navy 27, Tulane 20

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