Tulane tore into Memphis for seven sacks and six takeaways, then still allowed a hefty 488 yards. The Green Wave can wreck a possession and let the next one travel the field. UTSA quarterback Owen McCown arrives at Yulman Stadium having just thrown for 359 yards and three touchdowns against Navy, including the winning 41-yard score to running back A’Marion Peterson. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for today’s college football game between the Tulane Green Wave and the UTSA Roadrunners.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
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Tulane vs. UTSA prediction, preview
Tulane coach Will Hall got defensive tackle Ed Smith IV back after he missed Army. Smith forced two fumbles against Memphis, one on a sack and another on a run, while safety Kevin Adams III intercepted two passes. UTSA guard Ben Rios played through a foot injury against Navy; McCown should expect considerably less comfort if Smith can repeatedly challenge that protection.
McCown has several established places to throw when Tulane attacks. Receiver David Amador II caught seven passes against Navy, wideout DJ Allen Jr. caught six and Peterson broke free for that late touchdown. UTSA finished touchdown drives of 75 and 87 yards before halftime and two more covering 75 in the fourth quarter. McCown repeatedly answered Navy from his own territory. Hall’s defenders have to tackle Amador, Allen and Peterson after the catch as well as reach the quarterback.
Roadrunners coach Jeff Traylor can also hand the ball to running back Will Henderson III, who gained 78 yards on 16 carries against Navy after running for 86 against South Florida. Memphis rushed for 182 yards despite Tulane’s defensive disruption. Smith’s return should spoil some possessions, but Henderson has room to contribute while McCown works through his receivers and Peterson.
Hall is giving freshman quarterback Trace Johnson another start after he completed 11 of 21 throws for 165 yards against Memphis. Receiver Destyn Hill caught four for 62 and a touchdown. Tulane finished a late 75-yard scoring drive, demonstrating that Johnson can take the offense downfield. The Green Wave also converted just four of 16 third downs and repeatedly punted from useful starting positions.
UTSA vs. Tulane pick, best bet
Running back Johnnie Daniels gained 55 yards on seven carries, including a 48-yard touchdown. Hall got a wonderful scoring burst, but Daniels did little elsewhere on the ground. UTSA conceded 294 rushing yards to Navy’s option attack; the Roadrunners previously held South Florida to 111 rushing yards on 31 attempts. Hill will have to win more catches when UTSA stops Daniels near the line.
Tulane stays home with an extra recovery day after playing Friday. Their rush deserves more weight with Smith back, particularly opposite Rios’ injured foot. McCown has nevertheless finished long drives through several receivers and his backs, while UTSA has committed only three turnovers through seven games. Hall needs Johnson to sustain catches if his defense cannot steal another afternoon. I prefer McCown to earn the extra score at even money.
Best bet: UTSA -3 (+100).
Projected score: UTSA 28, Tulane 21.
Best Bet: UTSA -3 (+100) at Tulane
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