Duke Blue Devils vs. Tulane Green Wave Picks and Predictions: Revenge Spot Central

The Duke Blue Devils are trying to bounce back after a bad home loss at the hands of the No. 11 Illinois Fighting Illini, and now have to go to New Orleans where their quarterback has some history. Darian Mensah, former member of the Tulane Green Wave returns to his first school, where he led them to a 9-4 record as a true freshman last season. Mensah jumped into the transfer portal and is reportedly making upwards of 3.6 million to play QB for the Blue Devils this season. Will that money be enough to distract him from his unwelcome homecoming? Let’s get into this matchup and find our best picks.

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Duke Blue Devils vs. Tulane Green Wave NCAA Football Insights

This is a classic revenge spot for the entire Tulane team. This guy was supposed to be the dude at Tulane for the next several years, and he jumped ship for greener grasses in North Carolina. Tulane has looked good in both of their games already this season, beating Northwestern at home, allowing only a field goal in Week 1. They had a little more trouble last week against South Alabama on the road, as a failed two point conversion is all that separated the teams in the end. However perhaps they were just looking ahead to this spot that every returning player has had circled since the calendar dropped and Mensah signed elsewhere.

Duke started slow against Elon in Week 1, and didn’t show up offensively against Illinois at home. They had far too many turnovers as well, which clearly won’t help you win any games. We faded the Blue Devils last week, doubling down on our Illini win total bet in the process, and succeeded in fading Mensah’s personal look ahead spot.

Will it matter? Can he come to play on the road against his former team?

Matchup Information – Duke vs. Tulane – September 13

• Venue & Location: Yulman Stadium (New Orleans, LA)
• Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
• Kick Off: 7:30 p.m. Eastern
• Broadcast: ESPN2

Duke vs. Tulane Betting Odds

Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, one of our favorite online sportsbooks, as of September 11, 2025 at 2:31 p.m. eastern. Sign up today with Promo Code BNBOL55 for a 55% deposit bonus up.

Spread

• Duke +1.5 (-110)
• Tulane -1.5 (-110)

Moneyline

• Duke +102
• Tulane -122

Total

• Over 54 (-110)
• Under 54 (-110)

I jumped the gun and got a bad number, but I encourage you all to double down on my Tulane future this Saturday. Darian Mensah was in a personal look ahead spot last weekend, and didn’t look very focused. Now he is in a hostile environment where everyone will be booing directly at him.

This is a tough spot for any 20 year old, let alone one getting paid close to four million bucks to try and win this game in enemy territory. Can he do it? I don’t think so, but clearly someone does with this line movement.

Duke vs. Tulane NCAA Football Picks and Predictions

Duke vs. Tulane Prediction: Tulane Wins and Covers, Under 54

Best Bet: Tulane ML (-122) BetOnline

You can get a far better number than I did, because I clearly jumped the gun. Earlier this week I booked -2.5 for the same odds that are being offered for a straight up win currently. Just take the Green Wave to win and say thank you.

This team has had this game on their calendar, ready to go since Mensah made the move. Sam Howard and company are looking forward to the first opportunity to take Mensah’s head off, and they won’t let it slip away. I think the Green Wave defense is primed to have their best defensive outing in a while this weekend.

For starters, Mensah hasn’t been impressive this year, starting insanely slow against Elon and not producing much against Illinois. The Blue Devils had five total turnovers and struggled to maintain possession of the ball. While only one was an interception, do not be surprised when the Green Wave force Mensah to make some mistakes outside the pocket. Tulane’s full focus will be on making his life uncomfortable in this start back in the NOLA.

I’ve talked plenty about “look ahead spots” in my other pieces this week, and Tulane does have to go to Ole Miss next week. But given the personal attachment to the Duke Blue Devils, I do not see the Green Wave making light work of this game at hand. Getting a chance to beat up on the guy who essentially thought he was too good for the team is a chance nobody can overlook. Tulane runs away with this one.

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