The 2018 Cure Bowl showcases two in-state rivals, Tulane and Louisiana, who first played each other 125 years ago. The Green Wave owns a 22-4 series lead.
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Tulane (6-6, 5-3 AAC) and Louisiana (7-6, 5-3 Sun Belt) meet for the 27th time in the Cure Bowl on Saturday in an in-state rivalry historically favoring the Green Wave. The Ragin’ Cajuns, however, have won two of the last three meetings.
While Louisiana has participated in the New Orleans Bowl five times — most recently in 2016 — they have never played in a different bowl game. The Ragin’ Cajuns, who moved up to Division I FBS in 1996, are making a first in school history by traveling to Orlando, Fla. this weekend.
Tulane’s last bowl appearance was the 2013 New Orleans Bowl, ironically a 24-21 loss to Louisiana. That bowl trip was the Green Wave’s only postseason game since 2002, a futile 16-year stretch.
Tulane shook things up a bit offensively at the end of the regular season, hiring Will Hall to replace Doug Ruse as offensive coordinator. Hall was serving as the associate head coach and tight ends coach at Memphis. Under Ruse and head coach Willie Fritz in three season together, the Tulane offense failed to rank above eighth in the American Athletic Conference in either points or yards gained.
Louisiana enters this game following its 30-19 to Appalachian State in the inaugural Sun Belt Championship Game. The Mountaineers came up with two timely interceptions and rushed for 225 yards en route to winning their 10th game of the season.
Here’s how to watch Saturday’s game:
Date: Saturday, Dec. 15
Time: 1:30 ET
Location: Orlando, Fla.
Venue: Camping World Stadium
TV: CBS Sports
Live Stream: CBS Sports Network or FuboTV
Keys to Victory
Tulane offense vs. Louisiana defense. Green Wave senior quarterback Justin McMillan became the starter midway through the season and has thrown 1,159 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions. McMillan has also rushed for more than 50 yards twice and has scored four times on the ground. Although Tulane has a new offensive coordinator in the mix (Hall), Louisiana has struggled defensively, ranking No. 114 in the nation in yards total allowed. The Ragin’ Cajuns average giving up over 200 rushing yards per game.
Betting Odds
Courtesy of Oddshark
Line: Tulane (-3.5)
Over/Under: 59
Prediction
The Green Wave will look to establish the tone early on offense with a balanced attack behind McMillan and running back Darius Bradwell, who nearly rushed for 1,000 yards this season while averaging 5.9 yards per carry. Tulane’s rushing attack under Fritz ranks No. 30 in the nation. The Ragin’ Cajuns will also seek to rush early and often — they bring in two running backs in Trey Ragas and Elijah Mitchell who combined for more than 2,000 rushing yards in 2018. Expect this intrastate contest to be a close one that’s decided in the trenches.
Final Score: Tulane 20, Louisiana 16