As Week 7 of the 2025 College Football season unfolds, the East Carolina Pirates are set to travel to New Orleans, LA, to take on the Tulane Green Wave. The game will be held at Yulman Stadium, an outdoor venue that might present unpredictable elements. Both teams are American Conference members, adding an extra layer of significance to this Thursday night showdown, televised on ESPN at 7:30 PM. The East Carolina Pirates come into this game with a 3-2 record, with a balanced performance both at home and on the road. Their most recent victory was a decisive 28-6 win over the Army Black Knights. The Pirates will aim to replicate their defensive success and improve their road record against a strong Tulane team. Tulane Green Wave holds a 4-1 record, currently undefeated at home, making Yulman Stadium a challenging environment for visitors. In their latest outing, they secured a 31-14 victory over Tulsa Golden Hurricane. As they look to maintain their perfect home record, Tulane’s blend of passing and rushing capabilities will be key components in their strategy against East Carolina.
Tulane vs East Carolina At a Glance
- Game Location: Yulman Stadium, New Orleans, LA
- Game Time: Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 7:30 PM
- TV Broadcast: ESPN
- East Carolina Record: 3-2 overall, 1-0 in conference
- Tulane Record: 4-1 overall, 1-0 in conference
- Betting Odds: Tulane favored with a -7.0 spread
Tulane Green Wave: A Comprehensive Analysis for Their Upcoming Game
Team Overview
The Tulane Green Wave have shown a strong start in the 2025 season with a 3-2 record. Their recent victory over Tulsa, with a score of 31-14, highlights their capability to dominate both offensively and defensively. The Green Wave currently holds a rank of 64th in points for, with 131 points scored so far this season.
On the defensive end, Tulane ranks 68th with 120 points against, demonstrating a fairly balanced performance. Their ability to recover fumbles, with a ranking of 4th, and achieve interceptions, ranked 7th, shows a defensive unit that can create turnovers and seize opportunities.
Offensive Strengths
Tulane’s rushing attack is a major highlight, ranking 33rd nationally with 1,034 rushing yards. This ground game has been a consistent factor in their victories, as seen in their recent performances against South Alabama and Northwestern.
Quarterback Jake Retzlaff has been pivotal, ranking 101st in passing yards with 820 yards in five games. Though passing isn’t their primary strength, Tulane’s ability to execute a balanced offensive strategy provides challenges for their opponents.
Defensive Performance
Defensively, Tulane stands out with a significant sack count, ranking 13th with 11 sacks so far. Their pressure on the quarterback has been a vital component in stifling opposing offenses.
The Green Wave’s ability to intercept passes, with 6 interceptions, places them in the top 10 nationally. This aspect of their defense is crucial in turning over possession and maintaining control in games.
Key Players to Watch
Javin Gordon has been a leading force in the running game, with 235 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. His performance has been essential in Tulane’s offensive success this season.
On the receiving end, Omari Hayes leads with 254 receiving yards, providing a reliable target in the passing game. His contributions have been key in stretching the field and opening up the offense.
Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: Last 30 Games (2022–2025) → 27-3 (90.0%)
- SU – Totals ≥ 50: Last 30 Games (2022–2025) → 26-4 (86.7%)
- SU – Away Games: Last 20 Games (2022–2025) → 17-3 (85.0%)
- SU – After Win: Last 30 Games (2022–2025) → 24-6 (80.0%)
- SU – Home Games: Last 25 Games (2021–2025) → 19-6 (76.0%)
East Carolina Pirates Look to Continue Winning Ways on the Road
Offensive Overview
The East Carolina Pirates have been showing strength in their passing game, accumulating 1,575 yards, which ranks them 17th nationally. However, their rushing game has been less impressive, totaling 730 yards, placing them at 87th.
In terms of scoring, the Pirates have managed 152 points, positioning them at 48th, suggesting a need to capitalize more effectively on their yardage.
Defensive Standouts
Defensively, the Pirates have been robust, allowing just 67 points, placing them 31st in the nation. Their defense has also been opportunistic with 12 sacks and six fumbles recovered, ranking them 12th and 3rd, respectively.
Their interception tally stands at three, positioning them 4th, reflecting a keen ability to disrupt the passing lanes of opposing quarterbacks.
Key Players
Quarterback Katin Houser has been pivotal, ranking 12th in passing yards with 1,509, and leading his team in passing touchdowns. His performance is critical to maintaining the Pirates’ offensive momentum.
On the ground, London Montgomery leads with 209 rushing yards, but the team will need more support from the running game to balance their offensive attack.
Injury Concerns
The Pirates are currently dealing with several injuries and suspensions, notably affecting their depth on both sides of the ball. Defensive Lineman Xavier McIver’s status is questionable, while several other players are confirmed out, impacting the team’s defensive capabilities.
These injuries could test the Pirates’ depth and ability to adjust against a challenging opponent.
Recent Performances
East Carolina comes into this game following a convincing 28-6 victory over Army, showcasing their defensive prowess. Despite a strong start to the season, their performance against tougher opponents, like BYU, resulted in a 34-13 loss, highlighting areas for improvement.
The Pirates’ away game record includes a notable 38-0 victory against Coastal Carolina, reflecting their ability to perform on the road.
Upcoming Challenge
As the Pirates prepare to visit the Tulane Green Wave, they enter as 6.5-point underdogs. With a current total of 54.5, the Pirates will need to leverage their passing efficiency to exploit any defensive weaknesses in Tulane’s lineup.
Success will hinge on their ability to control the clock and limit turnovers, especially in a hostile environment like Yulman Stadium.
Team Betting Trends
- ATS – After Loss: Last 6 Games (2024–2025) → 6-0 (100.0%)
- SU – As Favorite: Last 25 Games (2020–2025) → 19-6 (76.0%)
- ATS – As Favorite: Last 3 Games (2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – Away Games: Last 3 Games (2024–2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – Totals ≥ 50: Last 28 Games (2022–2025) → 19-9 (67.9%)
Tulane vs East Carolina Prediction: Tulane -7.0
Tulane Green Wave, with a home record of 2-0, are looking strong as they enter Week 7 of the 2025 season. Their impressive performance as favorites, with a 27-3 record in such scenarios over their last 30 games, positions them well against the East Carolina Pirates. Additionally, Tulane’s ability to perform well in games with totals over 50 enhances their prospects.
East Carolina Pirates, at 3-2, have shown a solid defense, ranked 31st in points against. However, their road performance of 1-1 may not be enough against a Tulane team that thrives at home. Tulane’s recent victory over Tulsa with a 31-14 score further establishes their current form.
The odds favor Tulane at -7.0, and their consistent play at home gives them an edge. East Carolina’s passing game, while ranked 17th, might struggle against a Tulane defense that has been effective in containing opponents. Tulane’s balanced offense, which ranks 33rd in rushing, may exploit East Carolina’s 87th-ranked rushing defense.
Considering Tulane’s superior track record as a favorite and their consistent form at Yulman Stadium, they are likely to cover the spread. Projecting a final score, Tulane should secure a win with a margin that satisfies the spread.
- Tulane vs East Carolina Prediction: Tulane -7.0
- Tulane vs East Carolina Score: Tulane 34 – East Carolina 20
