The Tulane Green Wave (6-1, 3-0 AAC) visit the Rice Owls (4-3, 2-1 AAC) on Saturday. Tulane has a five-game winning streak after a 35-28 victory against North Texas. The offense has played a major role with quarterback Michael Pratt’s arm and Makhi Hughes’ ground game. However, Rice will enter this contest with an impressive win over Tulsa of 42-10 in hand following a successful passing attack spearheaded by quarterback JT Daniels. Tulane has a solid run defense, but Rice excels with its aerial assault making for an interesting contest. 

The Green Wave’s Surge: Offense and Defense in Harmony

The offense of Tulane has been exemplary with its leader Michael Pratt, who has passed for 1,121 yards, 12 TDs and just two interceptions, which displays high decision making ability for a young quarterback. The passing game is not the total equation. Tulane’s offense also has a strong running game, led by Makhi Hughes, who has amassed 619 rushing yards and scored five touchdowns. As a result, Tulane’s offense has generated an average of 398.6 total yards per game comprising 229.4 through the air and 169.1 yards on the ground.

The Green Wave’s defense has played a big role in the success they have managed in the past few games. Most notably in their rush defense permitting only 79.9 yards per game. This is very important especially against teams that base their success on running games. The Green Wave’s pass defense concedes 263.1 yards per game.

Tulane’s last five games have exhibited a trend for strong finishes, frequently outrushing the opposition in the third and fourth quarters. It may point to high fitness  and good in-game adaptations by the coaching staff. This resilience was evident in their recent game against North Texas, which they won 35-28.

Tulane Green Wave Team Facts

• Tulane has won each of its last 13 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Tulane has covered the spread in each of its last eight road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Tulane has won the first half in three of its last four road games against conference opponents.
• Tulane has won the first quarter in each of its last six games against conference opponents.
• Each of Tulane’s last six games have gone UNDER the total points line.

The Owls’ Flight Plan: Aerial Dominance and Defensive Questions

Rice’s offense can be described as flashy. The Owls average 319.9 passing yards per game, ranking 14th nationwide. Quarterback JT Daniels has passed for 2,173 yards and 17 touchdowns. Daniels’ favorite target is Luke McCaffrey who has 613 receiving yards with seven touchdowns. On the ground, the Owls average only 92.4 yards per game and rank 243th in the nation. 

There is a wide difference between the passing and running game, which may be considered an imbalance and work against Rice when playing an opponent with a strong defense against the pass. Rice has been exposed on the defensive side of the ball, particularly against the run. Rice is allowing an average of 141.3 yards per game on the ground, but is strong against the pass, yielding only 242.6 yards per game. Rice has had an up and down season alternating dominating performances and lackluster outings. In their last game they defeated Tulsa  by 42 – 10, which proves that if they are at their best they could be tough to beat. However, they were outplayed by UConn, and lost. 

Rice Owls Team Facts

• Rice has lost each of its last nine matches when playing with a rest advantage.
• Rice has covered the spread in each of its last four October games as an underdog.
• Rice has won the first half in each of its last three games against conference opponents.
• Six of Rice’s last seven games as a home underdog have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Rice rank T31st among FBS teams for points per game this season (34.0).
• Tulane rank T29th among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (19.4).

David’s Pick: Tulane Green Wave -11

Tulane is better when compared to Rice playing with a much more balanced offense. This is why their strong running game and stingy run defense might be the key factors that will determine the outcome of this game. Rice will be  tough for Tulane through the air, but the Green Wave will make the Owls beat them on the ground by loading the back seven with five to six defensive backs. Tulane can use its balanced offensive game to take advantage of Rice’s less effective run defense. Tulane possesses a balanced offensive attack and defensive strength to pull away in the second half and defeat Rice by at least 12 points to cover the current -11.