Charlotte at Tulane Preview

Game: Charlotte 49ers vs. Tulane Green Wave

Date: November 29th at 7:30 PM ET

Where to Watch: ESPNU

Today marks the final game of what has been a long season for the Charlotte 49ers, as they head on the road to face the Tulane Green Wave. Charlotte enters this matchup at 1–10 and hasn’t picked up a win since Week 3. The 49ers have struggled across the board — offensively, they’re averaging just 272.7 yards per game (133rd in FBS) and 13 points per game (134th in FBS). Defensively, things haven’t been much better, as they’ve surrendered 474.4 yards per game (133rd in FBS) and 37.4 points per game (131st in FBS).

Tulane, meanwhile, still has playoff aspirations and rides into this one on a three-game winning streak with a 9–2 record. They’re just one win away from securing a spot in the American Championship. Offensively, the Green Wave has been strong, averaging 412.2 yards per game (37th in FBS) and 28.8 points per game (49th in FBS). Defensively they’ve been more middle-of-the-pack, allowing 393.4 yards per game (75th in FBS) and 24.8 points per game (59th in FBS).

This has all the makings of a game where Tulane simply takes care of business at home to close out the regular season.

Weather

New Orleans will offer pleasant conditions this time of year, with temperatures in the low 60s throughout the game and a 0% chance of rain. Winds could play a slight factor, averaging around 8 mph with gusts up to 10 mph.

Betting Overview

This game opened with Tulane favored by 28.5 points, but the line has since shifted to between -29.5 and -30.5. The moneyline remains unchanged, with Charlotte at +2500 and Tulane at -8000. The total has also been steady, with some books holding at the original 52.5 while others have moved to 53 or 53.5.

Power Ratings 

• ESPN FPI: Tulane finds themselves at 55th in this model giving 3.4 points to the FBS average.  Charlotte is now in the 134th slot receiving 21.7 points from the FBS average.  Based on this Tulane would be 25 point favorites on a neutral sight, lending credibility to the current line with Tulane at home.
• SP+: In this model, we see Tulane in the 53rd slot giving 5.8 points to the FBS average.  Charlotte is 135th here, receiving 25.5 points from the field average.  SP+ would actually have Tulane as stronger favorites in this one.

Betting Trends

Charlotte enters this matchup 3-6-2 ATS, including a 2-0-2 mark on the road—all as underdogs—but just 1-4-2 in American Conference play. Totals have leaned toward the over, hitting in 6 of 11 games, splitting 2–2 on the road, and hitting in 5 of 7 conference contests.

Tulane sits at an even 5-5-1 ATS this season, with a 2-2-1 record at home—all as favorites—and a 3-3-1 mark in conference play. Totals have leaned heavily toward the under, which has hit in 7 of 11 games, including 4 of 5 at home and 5 of 7 in the conference.

Final Thoughts

With Tulane still having plenty to play for, I expect them to come into this game with purpose and take control early. I think they can cover the large spread, though I still lean toward the under hitting.