Tulane vs Duke Prediction 9/5/2026 Today’s College Football Picks

The Tulane Green Wave and the Duke Blue Devils meet in week 1 college football action from Wallace Wade Stadium on Saturday. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Tulane Green Wave vs. Duke Blue Devils Prediction.

Tulane Green Wave Team Preview

The Tulane Green Wave come into the 2026 season looking to replicate their success from 2025 after going 11-3 overall including 7-1 in AAC conference play. The Green Wave would knock off North Texas, 34-21, in the AAC title game and go to the college football playoff where they would be ousted in the first round by Ole Miss, 41-10. Jon Sumrall took the Florida job as a result, leaving Will Hall to take over head coaching duties. Kadin Semonza is expected to lead the charge under center while Zeon Chriss-Gremillion is hot on his tail for reps. The good news is that the backfield remains intact, with Jamauri McClure back after logging 540 rushing yards and 6.5 yards per carry and Jaylin Lucas transferring in from Florida State to help with depth. Anthony Brown-Stephens is also back in Tulane’s receiving group after logging 41 catches while Destyn Hill also transfers in from LSU to help on the outside. On defense, Jack Tchienchou is back after logging 83 tackles to lead Tulane’s secondary while Kejuan Banks and Marquez Stevenson transfer in to help the corners.

Duke Blue Devils Team Preview

The Duke Blue Devils come into the 2026 campaign looking to build on 2025’s success, finishing the year at 9-5 overall including 6-2 in ACC conference play. The Blue Devils would knock off Virginia, 27-20, in the ACC title game, before taking down Arizona State in the Sun Bowl. Darian Mensah’s gone to Miami so it’s up to San Jose State transfer Walker Eget to carry on and take over the reins at QB for Duke. Nate Sheppard’s back after recording 1,132 rushing yards and 11 TDs last year, but the Blue Devils have a ton of retooling to do in the receiving corps and on the offensive line. On defense, Luke Mergott and Kendall Johnson make up a formidable pair of linebackers in Duke’s 4-2-5 after combining for 127 tackles and 10 TFLs. 

Tulane Green Wave @ Duke Blue Devils Betting Trends: Week 1

Why the Duke Blue Devils will win

• Duke has won each of its last 15 games against non-AP-ranked teams at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium.
• Tulane has lost seven of its last eight road openers as an underdog.
• Tulane has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Duke has covered the spread in five of its last six games against non-AP-ranked teams at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium.
• Duke has won the first half in each of its last nine September games as a favorite.
• Duke has won the first quarter in four of its last five games against non-AP-ranked teams at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium.

Why the Tulane Green Wave will win

• Tulane has won each of its last 10 September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Duke has lost three of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
• Duke has failed to cover the spread in each of its last six games against non-conference opponents.
• Tulane has covered the spread in nine of its last 10 season openers.
• Tulane has won the first half eight of its last nine September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• The underdog has won the first quarter in six of Duke’s last nine games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Tulane’s last eight September games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
• Each of Duke’s last seven games against non-conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.

Duke Blue Devils Player Prop Facts

• Walker Eget ranked 1st amongst qualified players for sack percentage (1.5%) last season.

Tulane Green Wave Player Prop Facts

• Jamauri McClure was one of only 17 players in the FBS to record 500 rushing yards with less than 100 attempts last season.

Matchup/League Facts

• Duke ranked 135th among FBS teams for 1st downs against last season (314).
• Duke ranked 134th among FBS teams for passing yards allowed per game last season (276.8).
• Tulane ranked 133rd among FBS teams for 1st downs against last season (310).
• Tulane ranked 126th among FBS teams for passing yards allowed per game last season (261.6).

Tulane Green Wave vs. Duke Blue Devils Prediction

I’m leaning towards the under in this game. I think this is a matchup between two teams whose strength is running the football, and I can see this game having a constantly moving clock. This feels like a first to 24 wins kind of game that barely cracks the 40s if it does, so give me the under here.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: Tulane +7.5