Northwestern (0-0) vs Tulane (0-0)
August 30, 2025 at 12:00 PM EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Tulane -6 — Over/Under: +46.5
In this article we will formulate a Northwestern vs Tulane prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, August 30th at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 1 matchup.
Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview
The Northwestern Wildcats went 4-8 (2-7) last year and they finished 16th in the Big Ten standings, which was only better than Maryland and Purdue. Northwestern won their first game last year against Miami (OH) by a score of 13-6, but followed that up with a loss against Duke. The Wildcats picked up wins against Miami (OH), Eastern Illinois, Maryland, and Purdue, while losing to Duke, Washington, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Ohio State, Michigan, and Illinois. Northwestern struggled down the stretch last year, as they allowed at least 31 points in four of their last five games. The Wildcats scored 17.8 points per game in 2024, which ranked 128th in the nation, while they allowed 26.3 points against per game, which was 79th.
This year, Northwestern has a lot of work to do in order to show improvement, but they did make some upgrades in the portal. The Wildcats will have a new quarterback this year, which should be Preston Stone from SMU. Northwestern will return Cam Porter at running back, who is a solid option, and their offensive line should be decent. I do like Stone at quarterback, but the lack of playmakers at the receiver position is a concern. On defense, Northwestern wasn’t awful last season and should be even better in 2025, especially with some nice additions from the portal.
Tulane Green Wave Betting Preview
The Tulane Green Wave were 9-5 (7-1) last season and they finished second in the AAC standings, only behind Army. Tulane opened their 2024 season with a blowout win over a FCS opponent, but they did lose to Kansas State and Oklahoma after that. The Green Wave picked up wins over SE Louisiana, Louisiana, South Florida, UAB, Rice, North Texas, Charlotte, Temple, and Navy, while they lost to Kansas State, Oklahoma, and Memphis. Tulane made the AAC Title game, where they lost to Army by a score of 35-14. The Green Wave also dropped the Gasparilla Bowl by a score of 33-8 against Florida. Tulane scored 35.1 points per game last year, which was 16th in the nation, while they allowed 20.6 points against per game, which was 24th.
This year, Tulane will be using a new quarterback, which will most likely be Jake Retzlaff, who is coming over from BYU. The Green Wave offense was very good at times last year, but they need to be more consistent if they want to win the AAC. The offensive line is missing some key pieces, but they should still be one of the stronger lines in the conference. I don’t love the running back or receiving options, but Retzlaff should be able to do damage with whoever is in the lineup. On defense, there are a ton of new faces, so it could take a week or two for everyone to gel.
Why Northwestern will cover against Tulane
- Northwestern has won each of its last three August games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Tulane has lost three of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
- Northwestern has covered the spread in three of its last four games in August.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Northwestern’s last four games as a road underdog have gone OVER the total points line.
- Eight of Tulane’s last 10 games against non-AP-ranked teams at Yulman Stadium have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Tulane ranked 6th among FBS teams for H2 points per game last season (17.8).
- Tulane ranked 12th among FBS teams for time of possession per game last season (32:09).
- Northwestern ranked 128th among FBS teams for points per game last season (17.8).
- Northwestern ranked T128th among FBS teams for H1 points per game last season (8.6).
Northwestern vs Tulane Prediction
Tulane finished the 2024 season on a sour note by allowing 33, 35, and 34 points in their last three games, but they are a pretty big favorite in this one. Tulane is going to have the quarterback advantage, but I actually think Northwestern will be able to compete in the trenches. I also think Stone is going to move the ball very well for Northwestern and their defense should be stingy. I don’t expect much from the Wildcats in the Big Ten, but I think they will keep this game close.