We’re almost midway through the NCAAF season as we enter Week 6 with this American Conference clash on Saturday, October 8, and here you can get the best Pirates vs. Green Wave betting pick and odds.

Tulane is looking to improve to a 2-0 record in conference play when they host East Carolina at Yulman Stadium. The Green Wave are -2.5 favorites on MyBookie Sportsbook, while the total is set at 53 points. These conference rivals met once in 2021, and East Carolina won that game 52-29 in Greenville, NC.

Pirates didn’t have problems with the Bulls on the road

The East Carolina Pirates (3-2, 4-1 ATS) bounced back from a tight home defeat to Navy with a 48-28 road victory over the South Florida Bulls. They scored even 41 points in the first half and created a 41-7 lead at halftime, so the Pirates could afford to relax a bit in the second 30 minutes. East Carolina totaled more yards (575-455) and first downs (26-21).

Holton Ahlers displayed one of the best performances of his career and for the second time ever, he threw for six touchdowns, five of which came in the opening half. Ahlers completed 31 of 41 passes for 465 yards. Four of those TD passes went to C.J. Johnson, who had 197 yards on seven receptions. Ryan Jones and Isaiah Winstead combined for 157 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Marlon Gunn Jr. led the team in rushing yards with 61 on 15 carries. Chad Stephens and Gerard Stringer led the defense with eight tackles each.

RB Rahjai Harris suffered a knee injury and will miss the rest of the 2022 season.

Green Wave returned to winning ways against Houston

The Tulane Green Wave (4-1, 4-1 ATS) recorded their first conference win of the season as they beat the Houston Cougars 27-24 in overtime on the road. After an unlucky home defeat to the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Tulane responded as they covered a +5.5 spread in the process. This time around, the luck was on the Green Wave’s side as they were inferior in total yards (273-383), first downs (14-22), and possession (23:05-36:55), but came away with a victory.

Kai Horton, the team’s No. 3 quarterback and freshman, completed 11 of 21 passes for 132 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. Justin Ibieta had 5/5 for 57 yards before he left the game with an undisclosed injury, after which Horton stepped in. Tyjae Spears led all the receivers with 85 yards and a TD on six catches, while he added 54 rushing yards on 14 carries. Nick Anderson and Dorian Williams were rock-solid on defense with 25 combined tackles.

No. 1 QB Michael Pratt missed the previous game with a shoulder injury, and it is unclear if he will suit up for Saturday’s matchup against East Carolina. RB Cameron Carroll (leg) is also questionable to play.

Trends:

East Carolina:

  • 2-5 ATS in the last seven games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game
  • 1-3-1 ATS in the last five games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game

Tulane:

  • 6-1 ATS in the last seven games overall
  • 5-1 ATS in the last six conference games

East Carolina Pirates vs. Tulane Green Wave Pick  

Even though they were without the top two QB options in the last game, the Green Wave managed to get a win through rookie QB Horton. Now, if they are forced to start Horton, I am sure he will be highly motivated after getting a win for his team last week to lead them to another one on Saturday. Tulane allowed just 34 points in three home games this year and has the 11th-best defense in the country. The Pirates do have a high-flying offense and a top 20 pass offense in football, but I am still going with a better defense and the hosts here.

Pick: Take the Green Wave at -2.5 (-110)

The Total

Despite an excellent offense, East Carolina failed to eclipse a 20-point mark twice in five games this season, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they fail to score more than 20 on Saturday. Tulane did fare well against Houston, but with Horton under the center, I don’t expect the Green Wave to erupt offensively in this one. Under is 4-1 in the last five H2H meetings; Under is 6-1 in the Pirates’ previous seven games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game, while Under is 8-2 in the Green Wave’s last ten games overall.

Pick: Go Under 53.5 (-120)