Week 2 College Football Game Preview: Tulane vs. Kansas State
The Matchup:
Week 2 of the college football season brings an intriguing clash as the Tulane Green Wave host the Kansas State Wildcats. Tulane enters the game as a 10-point home underdog (BetAnySports), with the total set at 50 points. The line movement at Circa Sportsbook, shifting from an opener of Kansas State -8 to -10, suggests early sharp action on the Wildcats.
Team Overviews:
- Tulane: The Green Wave started their season with a commanding victory over SE Louisiana, building on an impressive 11-3 record from last year. They return a significant number of starters (8 on offense, 7 on defense), providing continuity despite the transition to a new coach, Jon Sumrall. However, Tulane’s schedule last year was relatively soft, and they struggled in matchups against stronger opponents.
- Kansas State: The Wildcats also opened their season with a dominant win over Tennessee Martin. They return 8 starters on defense, a strength that contributed to their 9-4 record last season. Head coach Chris Klieman has established a consistent program, with only one losing season in his five-year tenure. However, the Wildcats lost several key players on offense, which could impact their scoring potential.
Prediction: Under 50
While the spread might be tempting, the focus of this preview is on the total. Kansas State’s offense was potent last year, but the loss of key contributors could lead to a drop in production. Tulane’s defense, while facing a weaker schedule, consistently held opponents to 28 points or less during the regular season.
Our model predicts a total of 49 points, aligning with the current posted total. However, considering the personnel changes on Kansas State’s offense, we lean towards the under. Expect a lower-scoring game than the odds suggest.