No. 17 Tulane (9-1, 6-0 American, No. 24 CFP) at Florida Atlantic (4-6, 3-3), Saturday, Noon EST (ESPN+).
Line: Tulane by 9 ½, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Series record: Florida Atlantic leads 1-0.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Tulane can keep what seems like the inside track on another New Year’s Six berth — the Green Wave won the Cotton Bowl last year — and remain no worse than tied atop the American with a win. Florida Atlantic needs to pull off the upset to keep bowl hopes alive; a win would mean FAU plays Rice next week with a chance to finish 6-6 and become postseason-eligible.
KEY MATCHUP
Tulane secondary vs. Florida Atlantic WR LaJohntay Wester. The Owls’ speedy receiver-returner enters the week ranked No. 1 among all players at the FBS level in receptions (93) and punt return average (22.4) this season. FAU’s upset chances start with him.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Tulane: QB Michael Pratt. He’s going home to Boca Raton for this game, was revealed this week as one of this season’s top 20 quarterbacks in the nation and the Green Wave have won his last 12 starts going back to last season.
Florida Atlantic: The offensive line. The Owls are one of 11 FBS teams to enter this week having started the same unit — for them, it’s LT Marquice Robinson, LG Dorian Hinton, C Federico Maranages, RG Kamaar Bell and RT Chaz Neal — in every game this season. All are juniors or seniors, all at least 300 pounds.
FACTS & FIGURES
Tulane’s only loss this season was against Mississippi — coached by former FAU coach Lane Kiffin. … The Owls have been outscored this season by two points, 258-256. … Tulane’s last three wins have come by two, three and two points, respectively. The Green Wave are the only team in the country to have three consecutive wins by a field goal or less at any point this season. … FAU is 4-1 when it scores at least 20 points, 0-5 when it does not. … Tulane has won a school-record nine consecutive road games.
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