Duke vs. Tulane Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 13, 2025
The early-season non-conference schedule continues on Saturday, but you’re not going to want to miss this under-the-radar clash between the Duke Blue Devils (1-1) and the Tulane Green Wave (1-1). We’ve got you covered with our Duke vs. Tulane prediction. Kickoff is set for 8:00 ET from Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, LA. Don’t get penalized! Increase your bankroll with our NCAAF Betting Picks!
Blue Devils Flop in Marquee Matchup
Coach Manny Diaz is in his second season with the Duke Blue Devils, and he’s looking to build on a respectable 9-4 (5-3 ACC) mark from 2024. Duke had a huge early-season opportunity last weekend when it hosted #11 Illinois, but the team flopped and got blown out 45-19 at home. The Blue Devils were just 2.5-point home underdogs, and they didn’t cover in the 26-point smackdown. Duke is 1-1 now, as they beat Elon 45-17 in the opener. They open up ACC play next weekend at home against NC State.
In terms of personnel, it’s Darian Mensah leading the way under center this season. The Tulane transfer has thrown for 723 yards and a 5/1 TD/INT ratio this season. Cooper Barkate has emerged as the top receiver, hauling in nine passes for 205 yards. While Anderson Castle (80 yards) leads the team in rushing, Jaquez Moore is listed as the top running back. He has 74 yards and a touchdown on 13 totes (5.7 YPC).
- Duke’s updated win total is 6.5 (-140/+120), and they’re priced at +3500 to win the ACC title.
- Offensively, the Blue Devils are scoring 19.0 points per game (84th), while averaging 438.0 yards per week (30th).
- Defensively, Duke is 124th in the country this year, conceding 45.0 points per game against FBS-level opposition. They’re allowing 419.0 yards per contest, which is 93rd.
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Green Wave Evade the Jaguars
The Tulane Green Wave are one of the betting favorites to book a trip to the CFP as the Group-of-Five candidate. South Florida (+270) is ahead of them on the odds board to make the CFP, but Tulane comes in with the second-shortest odds of a G5 school at +450. The teams won’t meet during the regular season this year, but there’s a chance that they will square off in the American Conference title game. So far, Tulane is 2-0 with wins over Northwestern (23-3) and South Alabama (33-31).
It’s Jake Retzlaff, the veteran quarterback who played at BYU, leading the way for Tulane this season. He is both the team’s leading passer (277 yards, 2 TD) and rusher (177 yards, 2 TD) so far in 2025. RB Javin Gordon shares the backfield with Retzlaff, and he has 104 yards on 20 carries (5.2 YPC). Out wide, Omari Hayes has been the top receiver, catching nine passes for 74 yards.
- Heading into week 3, the Green Wave are the betting favorites (+280) to win the American Conference Championship title game.
- Tulane’s offense has been decent this season, ranking 50th in scoring (28.0 PPG), while putting up 413.5 yards per game (45th).
- On the defensive side, the Green Wave are 40th this season, allowing 17.0 points per game. In terms of yardage, they’re 56th, conceding 329.0 yards per contest.
Duke vs. Tulane Pick
Spread Pick for Duke vs. Tulane
- Tulane Green Wave -1.5 (-110) (5 units)
This is a massive game for Tulane, as they’re one of the frontrunners out of the Group-of-Five schools to make a run at the CFP. A win over a Power-Four opponent would go a long way for the Green Wave. With the home-field advantage, I’m willing to back Tulane and the experienced Jake Retzlaff in a pick ‘em spot.
Duke looked horrendous last week at home against Illinois. They turned the ball over five times and had a complete letdown performance in a marquee game. The Blue Devils got shredded for 423 yards, 296 of which came through the air. Tulane has an offense that’s littered with upperclassmen, and with a moment this big, I expect them to show up and excel. Give me Tulane, who is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games.
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Rob Vincilleti | +1,502.00 |
| 2 |  Pro Sports Picks | +1,421.00 |
| 3 |  Brick Haus Sports | +634.00 |
| 4 |  David Delano | +492.00 |
| 5 |  Michael Briggs | +355.00 |
Over/Under Pick for Duke vs. Tulane
- Over 53.5 (-110) (5 units)
I will play the over in this spot as well. Tulane has looked good offensively thus far, scoring 28.0 points per game through two weeks. With how ugly Duke’s defense looked last weekend, I expect the experienced Retzlaff to shred them again. The dual-threat QB should have a big game.
As for Duke, I think they’ll manage to keep pace offensively in this game as well. It was really just the turnovers that did them in against Illinois last weekend. Other than that, the Blue Devils racked up 438 total yards, and they’re now averaging 372.5 rushing yards per contest. Duke has also seen 10 of the last 14 road games go over the total. I think Tulane wins this game in the 31-27 range, and that would be enough to get this over.
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