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Tulane vs. Houston Prediction, Odds, Spread and Over/Under for College Football Week 5

By Reed Wallach

Houston Cougars quarterback Clayton Tune.
Houston Cougars quarterback Clayton Tune. / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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Things haven't gone as expected for Houston so far this season, but can they open up conference play with a victory?

The team is a small home favorite against Tulane, who has had an up-and-down season, beating Big 12 foe Kansas State but then losing to Southern Mississippi last week. How should we treat both teams as they attempt to make an impact in the AAC race this season.

Here are the odds from FanDuel Sportbsook:

Houston vs. Tulane Odds, Spread and Total

Houston vs. Tulane Betting Trends

  • Tulane is 8-10 against the spread (ATS) as a conference underdog under Willie Fritz
  • Houston is 4-2 ATS as a home conference favorite under Dana Holgorsen
  • Tulane is 3-1 ATS this season
  • Houston has gone OVER in all four games this season

Houston vs. Tulane Prediction and Pick

Houston has been one of the most underwhelming teams this season. The team has fallen off a cliff defensively, allowing 27 or more points in every game this season while Clayton Tune hasn't kept up his fine play at the end of last season.

Houston's defensive line continues to be a terror for the opposition, but if they aren't in the backfield, they are bleeding yards. The team is 16th in the country in tackles for loss, but is 92nd in yards per play allowed , including 96th in explosive rush defense. Houston has showcased poor tackling and has the most penalty yards in the country.

The Cougars now run into a highly efficient Tulane offense. Even in the loss to Southern Mississippi last week, the Green Wave outgained their opponent by more than 200 yards. The team is averaging more than nine yards per pass attempt, top 25 in the country and are top 25 in tackles for loss allowed.

I like Tulane's offense to put up points against this undisciplined Houston defense, but the tempo should send this game over. The Cougars are playing at a top 30 tempo in the country and Tulane hasn't been challenged by a vertical passing game like Houston.

I expect plenty of possessions in this one and the game to push towards the high 20's. Last season these two played a 40-22 game with a total of 60 and I think Houston's defensive setbacks are going to send this game over the discounted total.

PICK: OVER 54.5

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