Northwestern and Tulane Set to Face Off in Week 1 Clash at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans

Week 1 of the 2025 college football season features a non-conference showdown between Northwestern and Tulane at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, LA. The game is scheduled to kick off at 12:00 PM ET. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since 1956, with Tulane holding the advantage, winning three out of four encounters. The Green Wave are favored to win again, with bookies predicting a 6-point victory on their home turf with a total of 45.5 points. For more insights and NCAAF picks for Week 1, continue reading about this Wildcats vs. Green Wave prediction.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Wildcats +189 | Green Wave -225
Spread: Wildcats +6 (-110) | Green Wave -6 (-110)
Total: Over/Under 45.5 (-110)
Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Tulane will win straight-up is 69%.

Northwestern Wildcats

The Northwestern Wildcats had a disappointing 2024 season under head coach David Braun, finishing with a record of 4-8. The offense struggled significantly, ranking near the bottom nationally in points scored, passing yards, and rushing yards. In response, the Wildcats made changes in the offseason, hiring new offensive coordinator Zach Lujan and bringing in senior quarterback Preston Stone from SMU. Stone, who had a successful season two years prior before a injury cut it short, will attempt to revive his career with Northwestern. On the defensive side, the Wildcats were average overall but had weaknesses in the secondary. Moving forward, Northwestern will look to improve on both sides of the ball in hopes of better results in the upcoming season.

Tulane Green Wave

In the past three years, the Tulane Green Wave has only lost 10 games. Jon Sumrall took over from Willie Fritz in 2024 and led the team to a 9-5 record. However, Tulane struggled towards the end of the season, losing their final three games, including the AAC Championship Game and the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl. The Green Wave relied heavily on their offense last season, scoring an average of 35.1 points per game, with solid passing and rushing statistics. On defense, the team gave up an average of 20.6 points per game. Quarterback Darian Mensah had a successful season in 2024 but has since transferred to Duke. Running back Makhi Hughes also left the team after a standout season. Tulane has acquired senior QB Jake Retzlaff from BYU and running back Arnold Barnes III looks to be a key player in the upcoming season after his performance in 2024.

Northwestern and Tulane Prepare for Clash at Yulman Stadium Amid Offensive Adjustments and Defensive Changes

Northwestern's offense has the potential to perform at a higher level than it did in 2024, although it may take some time for the team to develop cohesion. With a new offensive coordinator and uncertainties surrounding Preston Stone's return from injury, there are variables to consider. Similarly, Tulane is also adjusting to the loss of key players from the previous season. Despite this, Tulane's established system, offensive line, and ground game could be influential in the upcoming game. Both teams have experienced significant changes in their defensive lineup, making their upcoming clash at Yulman Stadium pivotal in evaluating their performance. Northwestern has struggled in recent games, going 3-8 ATS in their last 11 matches, while Tulane has shown consistent performance, with a 7-3 ATS record in their previous 10 meetings. Additionally, Tulane has surpassed expectations in their last eight Week 1 games.

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