SMU vs. Tulane Prediction, Game Preview


SMU vs. Tulane prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Mustangs and Green Wave.


SMU vs. Tulane Game Preview

When: Saturday, October 29 – 4:00 p.m. ET
Where: Yulman Stadium, New Orleans, LA
TV Broadcast: ESPNEWS

Who was this SMU team and where did they come from? The Mustangs put on a dominant performance in the 38-16 win over Houston as quarterback Ben Hicks threw three touchdowns and running back Braeden West rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown.

Tulane was shredded by the Tulsa offense for 566 yards, while Green Wave quarterback Glen Cuiellette was horrific in the 50-27 loss, completing 3-of-19 pass attempts for 37 yards.

What To Know About SMU

Hicks was good in the victory, not turning the ball over while throwing for three touchdowns, but he must get more consistent, as he completed just over 50% of his passes. Tulane is good at stopping the pass, holding offenses to 189.9 yards per game through the air. If West can get going on the ground, it will take some pressure off of Hicks.

The SMU defense must prepare to stop the run and then stop it some more, as the Green Wave love to shove the ball down defenses’ throats. If the Mustangs can make Cuiellette have to throw the ball, they will have success.

What to Know About Tulane

The passing game is not going to hurt anyone, as the Green Wave average just 99 passing yards per game. The rushing attack is powerful, though, with Dontrell Hilliard and Josh Rounds both capable of going off for 150-plus yards.

Defensively, Tulane must get pressure on Hicks and force him into mistakes. The Green Wave are No. 34 in the nation in total defense, holding opponents to 358.6 yards per game.

Advantages

Offense: SMU. The Mustangs are balanced on offense while the Green Wave are dependent on the run.

Defense: Tulane. Hicks will have another challenge against the Green Wave.

Special Teams: SMU. Kicker Josh Williams is 12-for-15 on field goal attempts this season.

Coaching: SMU. Chad Morris just earned his first big win against Houston.

Intangibles: SMU. The Mustangs are riding the wave of momentum.

Matchup To Watch

Tulane rushing attack vs. SMU rushing defense

The Mustangs have had trouble stopping the run. This will be their biggest challenge yet.

SMU vs. Tulane Betting Odds

Spread: SMU -2.5
Over/Under: 51.5

SMU vs. Tulane Prediction

SMU now knows what a big win feels like again, and must come down from the victory over Houston and concentrate on Tulane. If players lose focus all of that euphoria could quickly go away. The Mustangs will have a hard time moving the ball against the Green Wave, but with the balance they have on offense, Hicks and West will both have productive games and keep the momentum going. SMU by four.

SMU vs. Tulane Score Prediction: SMU 28, Tulane 24

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