SMU Mustangs (10-2) vs. Tulane Green Wave (11-1)
SMU Mustangs vs. Tulane Green Wave December 2, 2023 – The SMU Mustangs (10-2) take on the Tulane Green Wave (11-1) in a crucial AAC matchup to close out NCAAF regular season play. This critical conference showdown features two of the nation’s most prolific offenses and could majorly impact the college football playoff picture. With championship hopes and bowl positioning on the line, let’s dive into the odds and analysis to deliver the NCAAF best betting picks. For NCAAF best betting picks, explore options on the gambling platform for college football insights.
SMU Mustangs vs. Tulane Green Wave December 2, 2023 Game Info
When: | Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 4:00 PM ET |
Where: | Benson Field at Yulman Stadium |
TV: | ABC |
Stream: | Sofascore |
Preston Stone QB vs. Michael Pratt QB
Preston Stone has rapidly developed into an elite quarterback in his first year starting for the Mustangs. He’s passed for over 3,100 yards with 28 touchdowns and just 6 interceptions, exhibiting precision accuracy and MASTERFUL decision-making. While he doesn’t have the strongest arm, Stone thrives in distributing the ball quickly to playmakers in space. However, his smaller frame leaves him vulnerable against aggressive pass rushes.
Michael Pratt pilots an efficient, well-balanced Tulane offense with over 2,100 passing yards, 21 touchdowns to just 4 picks, and a sterling 66.4% completion mark. He displays sound instincts and touch in the short to intermediate zones but can struggle with deep shots downfield. Pratt has also chipped in over 300 rushing yards and handles pressure well. His dual-threat ability poses a unique challenge for defenses.
Powerhouse Mustang Offense Takes On Stingy Tulane Defense
The Mustangs unleash a high-powered aerial attack led by Preston Stone’s pinpoint distribution and abundant offensive weapons at the skill spots. Top target RJ Maryland has hauled in 7 touchdowns, using his size and length to win contested catches. Agile scatback Jaylan Knight rivals Maryland’s production, while four other receivers have notched 20+ receptions in Stone’s quick-trigger system. However, turnovers have hindered continuity at times.
Defensively, Tulane fields an athletic, aggressive unit allowing just 16 points per game. The Green Wave fluster quarterbacks with disguised coverages and exotic blitz packages. Linebacker Dorian Williams keys the defense with his play recognition, blitz timing and sideline-to-sideline range. Tulane boasts a +12 turnover margin on the season but can surrender chunk plays versus up-tempo attacks.
Tulane Offense Collides With Havoc-Causing Mustang Defense
Brilliant tactician Willie Fritz deploys a ground-and-pound rushing offense for the Green Wave keyed by workhorse back Tyjae Spears. The offense cleverly probes for weaknesses, drains clock and limits mistakes while still generating explosive plays. Dual threat QB Michael Pratt pilots the scheme masterfully, while receivers Shae Wyatt and Dea Dea McDougle boast big-play potential when Tulane takes shots downfield.
SMU defensive coordinator Stefan McClure counters with an ultra-aggressive unit that creates confusion and chaos for opponents. The Mustangs have compiled 35 sacks and 17 interceptions on the season, spearheaded by Samu Taumanupepe’s 8.5 sacks. Linebackers Jimmy Phillips and Delano Robinson clean up versus the run and provide timely blitz pressure. However, SMU’s secondary remains vulnerable to breakdowns in zone coverage.
NCAAF Betting Odds: Tulane Green Wave -175, Over/Under: 48
Despite being on the road, Tulane enters as 4-point favorites, a nod to their sterling 11-1 record and perfect 6-0 mark in conference play. However, the betting value lies with explosive SMU and the 4 points as they continue their late-season surge. The Mustangs also claim a decisive 7-1 edge in the recent series history. Meanwhile, the low point total signals confidence in Tulane’s defense and ball-control offense. But the 48-point barrier remains attainable for both talented offenses.
SMU Mustangs Betting Trends
Southern Methodist are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Southern Methodist’s last 6 games.
Southern Methodist are 8-0 SU in their last 8 games.
SMU are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games against Tulane.
Southern Methodist are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Southern Methodist’s last 5 games when playing on the road against Tulane.
Tulane Green Wave Betting Trends
Tulane are 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Tulane’s last 11 games.
Tulane are 10-0 SU in their last 10 games.
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Tulane’s last 10 games against Southern Methodist.
Total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tulane’s last 5 games at home.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tulane’s last 5 games when playing at home against Southern Methodist.
SMU Mustangs vs. Tulane Green Wave Betting Picks
This marquee matchup will likely come down to the wire with conference title hopes and bowl positioning at stake. SMU boasts the offensive firepower to challenge Tulane’s stingy defense and put up points at home. Meanwhile, the Green Wave offense faces their toughest test yet against the Mustangs’ havoc-wreaking defense. In the end, grab the points and back red-hot SMU in a thrilling contest that exceeds the total.
For bettors exploring USA sportsbook online options, prop bets on individual performances, particularly quarterbacks Stone and Pratt, could be intriguing. The over/under, given the offensive strengths of both teams, might lean towards OVER.