College Football ATS Picks - Tulane at Navy Game Preview

Both the Tulane Green Wave and Navy Midshipmen got off to a solid start in 2017. Navy was able to handle Florida Atlantic and the weather in its season opener, while Tulane dismissed the naysayers who thought that Grambling could give them a game with a dominant performance. This will be the first conference game for both teams, but while Navy is looking to compete for a division title once again, Tulane would be happy if it just got back to a bowl game this season.

This matchup in Week 2 of the regular season will take place on Saturday, September 9, 2017,

at 3:30 p.m. ET at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland. This game will be broadcast on CBS Sports.

College Football Opening Odds at BookMaker.eu

Tulane +14
Navy -14

Odds Analysis

These two teams squared off in New Orleans last season and the Green Wave almost pulled out a victory. Tulane was able to somewhat limit Navy’s ground game, allowing them to run for just 287 yards on the evening. The Midshipmen pulled it out thanks to a late Will Worth touchdown, but it was close throughout.

Coming into this game, both teams are 1-0 SU and ATS. Some late scores helped push Tulane’s game against Grambling over the total though, while Navy’s game against FAU went under partly because of the bad weather.

Matchup to Watch

Navy and Tulane both run the triple option offense, so each knows what to expect from the other one. Tulane started running the option last year when Willie Fritz took over as the new sheriff in town. He came over from Georgia Southern and had a lot of success running that offense there, but it struggled to take hold last season.

That’s natural in the first year of the option. Tulane didn’t have the type of players that Fritz wanted, but with another year or work and another recruiting cycle, things are starting to take shape. The Green Wave carried the ball 51 times for 296 yards against Grambling last week and while they are an FCS team, it is something.

The Midshipmen have yet another fine option quarterback in Zach Abey. He ran for over 200 yards against Florida Atlantic last week behind an offensive line that is chock full of big upperclassmen.

Tulane actually has the size to match up against the offensive line. The Green Wave have a pretty decent front seven and were able to limit the Midshipmen on offense last season. Don’t be surprised to see the same thing happen again.

Player to Watch

The Green Wave finally have a quarterback. Tulane had two of the least efficient quarterbacks in the country last season and it limited what this offense could do. They combined to complete just 42.2 percent of their passes despite only facing a few tough defenses.

Enter Jonathan Banks. Banks was a Kansas State commit who spent last season at the junior college level. He wasn’t asked to toss the pill much against Grambling, but was extremely effective when he did. Banks threw for 185 yards and three touchdowns and will make Navy at least respect his passing skills.

Free ATS Pick

Make sure to get at least 14 points in this one. It would be nice to get more, but it seems like oddsmakers like Tulane’s chances in this game too. The Green Wave will be able to somewhat limit Navy’s ground game and that will lead to a Tulane cover.

Also, take a strong look at the under in this game. Both teams will look to run clock and neither team is going to erupt for a ton of big plays. Instead, both sides will slowly grind it out and move the ball in long, time-consuming drives. If the total is in the 50s, grab the under.

College Football Odds: Midshipmen 24, Green Wave 20

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