Southern Miss at Tulane: Quarterback Uncertainty Complicates the Pick
Southern Miss' rushing defense offers Tulane an opening, but the Green Wave's modest scoring production makes a large spread difficult to endorse.
Matchup outlook
The Southern Miss Golden Eagles visit the Tulane Green Wave at Yulman Stadium on Sept. 26, 2026, with both teams entering this college football matchup at 1-2. Tulane lost 31-20 at Kansas State on Sept. 19, while Southern Miss fell 48-20 to UConn.
Southern Miss also faces uncertainty at quarterback. Ethan Hampton left the UConn game after re-injuring his hand, and coach Blake Anderson said afterward that he did not know the severity. That report does not establish Hampton's availability against Tulane. The Golden Eagles committed two turnovers and allowed 436 yards in the loss.
Southern Miss' run defense gives Tulane a potential avenue to sustained offense. The Golden Eagles have allowed 220.0 rushing yards per game, ranking 131st in FBS. Maurice Turner supplied 64 yards on seven carries for Tulane against Kansas State and caught a touchdown pass. That individual performance offers encouragement, though it does not establish that Tulane can consistently exploit the matchup.
Tulane's broader production warrants caution: 17.0 points and 314.0 total yards per game, ranking 128th and 122nd in FBS. Its defense has allowed 429.0 yards per game and conversions on 56.0% of opposing third downs. Southern Miss has averaged 388.3 yards and 25.7 points, providing a counterweight to the concerns about its defense and quarterback situation.
Price and final decision
SportsJaw lists Tulane at -1,100 moneyline and -18.5 (-105) spread, with Southern Miss at +750 moneyline and +18.5 (-112) spread. Tulane's scoring average gives little reassurance about laying that spread, while Southern Miss' defensive results and unresolved quarterback availability weaken the underdog case.