As Week 2 of the college football season approaches, the Kansas State Wildcats prepare to take on the Tulane Green Wave in a much-anticipated matchup. Both teams enter the contest with 1-0 records, eager to continue their positive momentum. This game will be played at Benson Field at Yulman Stadium and broadcast on the ACC Network, providing fans and bettors with keen insights into strategies that could influence the season’s trajectory. Dive into today’s free college football tips to enhance your understanding of this exciting matchup.
Kansas State Wildcats vs. Tulane Green Wave 9/7/24 Game Info |
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When: | Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 12:00 PM ET |
Where: | Benson Field at Yulman Stadium |
TV: | ESPN |
Stream: | Sofascore |
Kansas State Wildcats (1-0) vs. Tulane Green Wave (1-0)
The Kansas State Wildcats have built an impressive offense incorporating both the ground and receiving games. In particular, running back DJ Giddens stood out, carrying 13 times for 124, all adding up to 9.5 yards per carry. One reason he is vital to the Wildcats’ offense is his ability to make big runs, including a 48 appropriation, as mentioned in the Akron vs. Rutgers today, whereby running weapons can win or lose the game. Five wide receiver Jayce Brown added some firepower, as he managed to haul in five passes for 71 yards or an average of 14.2 yards per catch. His skill set in making catches and prolonging the possession of the ball adds variety to the existing offensive plans of Kansas State.
The Tulane Green Wave has capable players who play their roles well. Quarterback Darian Mensah stands out in the statistics sheet as he completed 10 of 12 passes for 205 yards in total, which translates to 83.3 percent. He turns out to be an offensive weapon for the Green Wave, as seen by his 68-yard long pass and 2 TDs with no turnovers. Makhi Hughes, running back, contributed to the offense with 59 rushing yards from 14 attempts and a touchdown. Nonetheless, the focus shifts to Mario Williams, their best receiver, who had 124 yards from five receptions with 31 yards per reception average. With his incredible speed and good hands, Williams poses a perennial threat deep down the play, and looking at today’s game between Arkansas vs Oklahoma State, it’s easy to see why they need to go for a balanced offensive approach.
Avery Johnson QB vs. Darian Mensah QB
As the primary quarterback for the Kansas State team, Avery Johnson took to the field this year with a decent stat line. He had productive performances with 153 passing yards with a 66.7 % completion and two touchdowns to one interception. And so Johnson’s excellent quickness and strategic expertise earned him a passer rating of 149.8. Johnson gives Kansas State the type of player who can make accurate passes and commit very few turnovers, which are crucial at the end of the game. Certain areas should be improved, like pocket awareness and making sound decisions, such as passing in the right direction against Tulane’s adjusted defense.
However, on the same note, Darian Mensah of Tulane was impressive with his passing abilities over longer distances and his tremendous passer efficiency rating of 281.8. It wasn’t for several reasons. However, despite low attempts, a high completion percentage shows Mensah’s confidence and skills, long passes into the long runs, and scored passes that change game strategy for everyone. His ability to deal with the quarterback pressure with zeros of sacks or interceptions is the most significant contributor to ensuring continuous offensive progression for the Green Wave.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Kansas State -9.5, Total Odds: 47.5
The spread slightly favors Kansas State as they are -9.5, which indicates how well their overall performance and tactics are doing. The total is pegged at 47.5, and the odds makers expect a fair number of points as defensive stands will be tested, and there will be scoring as well. When pondering these figures, one must incorporate that Kansas State started very strong, and Tulane needs home wins.
Kansas State Wildcats Betting Trends
Kansas State boasts a sturdy ATS record, covering 13 of their last 19 matchups. They are 4-1 SU in their previous five games, reinforcing their consistent delivery on-field. However, their ATS performance against American Athletic opponents, standing at 2-7, underscores challenges encountered in such matchups. However, they remain solid ATS in September games, a crucial confidence booster as they face off against Tulane.
Tulane Green Wave Betting Trends
Tulane’s betting outlook is mixed, with a 4-8 ATS record in their last 12 games. Their strength, however, is evident in their SU record of 11-2 in the previous 13 games, highlighting their winning momentum. Moreover, Tulane has shown a defensive edge at home, where the total has gone under in eight consecutive games, emphasizing their robust home-field defensive strategy. While their record against Big 12 conference opponents shows a struggle at 1-4 SU, Tulane usually performs well in keeping the scores lower, particularly in September, where the total has gone under in five of their last six games.
Kansas State Wildcats vs. Tulane Green Wave 9/7/24 Betting Picks
Given both teams’ forms and current betting trends, Kansas State enters this matchup as the favorite, owing mainly to their consistent performances and impressive start to the season. Meanwhile, Tulane’s home advantage and Mensah’s potent passing game present a credible threat that could upset the hopes for an easy victory for the Wildcats.
From the betting perspective, laying confidence in Kansas State to cover the -9.5 spread seems prudent due to their solid early-season form and ATS reliability. However, with Tulane’s defensive efficiency in home games contributing to score limits, the total might drift towards the under, aligning with their recent track record. For those interested in deeper wagers, engaging top exclusive handicappers might spotlight prop bets such as Mensah’s passing yards or DJ Giddens’ rushing totals as valuable opportunities based on each team’s strengths.