Two teams with aspirations of earning one of the 12 College Football Playoff berths meet when Kansas State visits Tulane. Both teams are coming off lopsided wins against overmatched opponents in their season openers.
Tulane, which won the AAC title in 2022 and lost in the championship game last year to SMU, was picked third in the conference’s media preseason poll.
Kansas State, coming off a 9-4 season in the Big 12, was selected second behind Utah in the conference’s preseason media poll.
This is only the third meeting between the schools, and Tulane has won the first two.
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Kansas State-Tulane How to Watch
Kansas State at Tulane, noon ET Saturday
TV: ESPN
Records: Kansas State 1-0, Tulane 1-0
Kansas State-Tulane Betting Odds
Kansas State -10.5 (-110)
Over/Under 48.5
Kansas State-Tulane Coaches
Kansas State: Chris Klieman (40-24 at Kansas State, 109-30 overall)
Tulane: Jon Sumrall (1-0 at Tulane, 24-4 overall)
Kansas State-Tulane Last Meeting
Sept. 17, 2022; Tulane won 17-10 at Kansas State
Kansas State was a two-touchdown favorite at home, but Tulane’s Michael Pratt found Tyrick James on a 4-yard scoring pass with 4:27 left for the winning margin. Kansas State was just 1 for 5 on fourth down conversions.
It was Tulane’s first road victory over a power conference school since beating Rutgers in 2010.
Why Kansas State-Tulane Is Important
With the 12-team playoff format, the non-league games have taken on added importance. The top Group of Five team is guaranteed a slot, but adding prestigious non-league wins helps in the rankings. Conversely, a Power Four school such as Kansas State could hurt its ranking by losing to a G5 team, unless it is the Big 12 champion and thus would earn an automatic bid.
Kansas State Preview
Last year, quarterback Avery Johnson was impressive in limited time behind Will Howard, who hit the transfer portal and is now the starting quarterback at Ohio State. Johnson, a dual-threat quarterback, played in seven games behind Howard. His one start came after Howard entered the transfer portal during Kansas State’s 28-19 Pop-Tarts Bowl win over NC State. He was named the bowl game MVP after passing for 178 yards and two touchdowns and running for 71 yards and another score.
In last week’s 41-6 opening home win over UT Martin, Johnson completed 14 of 21 passes for 153 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He also rushed for 37 yards on three carries.
DJ Giddens, who rushed for 1,226 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, gained 124 yards and scored four TDs on 13 carries in the opening win. Colorado transfer Dylan Edwards had a rushing and receiving touchdown. Linebacker Desmond Purnell led Kansas State with seven tackles.
On special teams, Ty Bowman blocked a punt that Colby McCalister returned for a touchdown.
Tulane Preview
Sumrall came to Tulane after guiding Troy to consecutive Sun Belt Championships. Tulane earned a 52-0 win over Southeastern Louisiana to open the Sumrall era last week.
Darian Mensah earned the start at quarterback for Tulane and completed 10 of 12 passes for 205 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Oregon transfer Ty Thompson completed 2 of 4 throws for 17 yards. Star running back Makhi Hughes rushed for 59 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Highly-touted USC transfer Mario Williams had four receptions for 124 yards. Rayshawn Pleasant scored on a 100-yard interception return, and free safety Bailey Despanie led Tulane with eight tackles.
With the win, Tulane improved to 20-0 against FCS programs.
Kansas State-Tulane Prediction
While Kansas State has the ability to win on the road, I like taking Tulane and the points.
The key for this game will be which of the young quarterbacks will have the better performance. Tulane has game breakers in Hughes and Williams, and it feels the Green Wave can stay close with Kansas State, especially at home. For what it is worth, Tulane will be more rested since the Green Wave opened their season last Thursday and Kansas State played on Saturday.
Tulane has the ability to win the game. But if not, the Green Wave should cover.
