Houston vs. Tulane Prediction, Game Preview


Houston vs. Tulane prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Cougars and Green Wave.


Houston vs. Tulane Game Preview

When: Saturday, November 12 – 3:300 p.m. ET
Where: TDECU Stadium, Houston, TX
TV Broadcast: CBSSN

Houston responded to its second loss of the season with a close 31-24 victory over UCF before having a bye week this past Saturday. Quarterback Greg Ward Jr. struggled, throwing three interceptions to go along with his 240 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for two touchdowns.

Tulane dropped its fourth game of the year, a 37-6 loss, to that same UCF team. Quarterback Glen Cuiellette had a bad day, throwing three interceptions while completing just 5-of-21 passing attempts. The running game will always be there, but Cuiellette has to be better for the Green Wave to be a threat.

What To Know About Houston

Is Houston not as good as they were at the beginning of the season, or are they just playing down to competition as of late? Ward Jr. has not been as explosive as usual, and the three interceptions nearly cost the Cougars against UCF. He and the offense will go up against a Tulane defense that has been stout this season.

Stopping the run and making Cuiellette throw the ball will win this game for Houston, but it isn’t easy to stop the Green Wave on the ground. If anyone can do it the Cougars can, as they allow just 92 yards rushing per game.

What to Know About Tulane

Cuillette might take every snap, but it is the running backs Dontrell Hilliard and Josh Rounds that make the engine run for the Green Wave. To beat Houston, Cuillette will have to throw though, as the Cougars are excellent at stopping the run.

Defensively, the Green Wave are No. 27 in the nation for total defense, allowing just 360.7 yards per game. Their hands will be full with Ward Jr., who is Mr. Do-It-All for the Cougars.

Advantages

Offense: Houston. The Cougars average 38.4 points per game.

Defense: Tulane. Yards are hard to come by against this defensive unit.

Special Teams: Houston. The kick return game is dynamic.

Coaching: Houston. Where, oh where, is Tom Herman going to end up?

Intangibles: Tulane. The Green Wave need to win out to have a chance at a bowl.

Matchup To Watch

Glen Cuiellette vs. Houston defense

How will Cuiellette react if the game is put on his arm? It’s a realistic possibility, given Houston’s stout run defense (No. 3 nationally).

Houston vs. Tulane Betting Odds

Spread: Houston -23.5
Over/Under: 51

Houston vs. Tulane Prediction

Houston still has an outside shot at winning the AAC West, but it has to win out. This is a game where Cuillette will have to throw the ball accurately and effectively. Can he do it? I highly doubt it. The Cougars will be able to contain the Green Wave rushing game, Ward Jr. will make plays, and Houston stays in the AAC race.

Houston vs. Tulane Score Prediction: Houston 45, Tulane 23

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