Tulane Green Wave (3-4, 1-2 AAC) at Charlotte 49ers (1-6, 1-2 AAC)

Friday, October 30, 2026 — 7:00 p.m. ET

Jerry Richardson Stadium, Charlotte, NC | ESPN2

Line: Tulane favored by roughly 8.5–10 points

Total around 47–47.5

Tulane leads the series 2-0, including a 27-0 shutout in 2025 and a 34-3 win in 2024.

This is a get-right AAC game for the Green Wave after a sloppy 42-19 home loss to UTSA (six turnovers).

Charlotte enters with rare momentum after a 38-31 win at Temple (its first win of the season, ending a long skid) and a bye week for rest and preparation.

Both teams rank near the bottom nationally in scoring offense (Tulane 20.3 PPG, Charlotte 19.1).

Charlotte's defense is one of the worst in FBS (40.6 PPG allowed). Tulane's defense is better on points (24.6) but vulnerable against the run (214 ypg allowed).

What the Tulane Offense Must Do

• Establish and sustain the run game. This is the clearest path. Tulane is 3-0 when it rushes for 130+ yards. Charlotte allows significant rushing production. Lean on Johnnie Daniels (team leader with 394 yards and 4 TDs), and get contributions from the rest of the backfield (Maurice Turner, McClure, Lucas).
• Protect the football and play clean. The UTSA loss was defined by turnovers. Freshman Trace Johnson (expected to get the nod or be the primary QB after stepping in recently; he threw for 265 yards vs. UTSA but with two interceptions) needs to manage the game, limit risky throws, avoid fumbles, and take what the defense gives.
• Navigate the offensive line issues. Tackle Ryan Mickow is out after a bad ankle injury vs. UTSA. Tulane has used different line combinations nearly every game. The group must hold up enough in run blocking and pass protection for a simplified scheme. Reese Baker has been a constant presence.
• Exploit Charlotte's defense. Once the run is established, hit Destyn Hill and other receivers off play-action. Charlotte ranks near the bottom in nearly every defensive category and has a terrible turnover margin (around -11). Red-zone execution should be a priority against a unit that struggles to finish drives defensively.

A strong ground attack protects the young quarterback, helps a patchwork offensive line, and sets up play-action.

Efficiency over explosiveness early.

If Tulane runs the ball effectively and avoids self-inflicted mistakes, it should control the game and score enough against a very leaky Charlotte defense.

What the Tulane Defense Must Do

• Limit the run and explosive plays. This is the biggest vulnerability. Charlotte's Henry Rutledge (331 yards on the year; 123 vs. Temple) and dual-threat elements can gain traction if the front isn't sound. Force Charlotte into obvious passing situations.
• Contain the quarterback. Conner Harrell (strong in the Temple win: 281 passing yards, 2 pass TDs, 2 rush TDs) brings a dual-threat element if he starts. Discipline in the run fits and edge containment is essential.
• Force turnovers and create short fields. Charlotte's offense is inefficient overall.

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3 Keys to Victory for Tulane

1. Establish and sustain the run game

Feed Johnnie Daniels and the rest of the backfield early and often. Tulane is 3-0 when it rushes for 130+ yards, and Charlotte's defense has been one of the worst in the country against the run and overall. A consistent ground game controls the clock, protects the young quarterback, and opens play-action for Destyn Hill and the receivers.

2. Protect the football

The six-turnover performance against UTSA cannot be repeated. Freshman Trace Johnson needs to manage the game, limit risky throws, avoid fumbles, and take what the defense gives. Clean possessions against a Charlotte team that ranks near the bottom nationally in turnover margin should be enough to pull away.

3. Limit explosive plays and contain the dual-threat elements

Tulane's run defense has been a clear weakness (214 yards per game allowed). Henry Rutledge and dual-threat quarterback Conner Harrell can create big plays if the front seven is inconsistent. Sound edge contain, better third-down stops, and forcing Charlotte into obvious passing situations keep the game in control.

X Factor: Trace Johnson's decision-making and ball security.

If the freshman quarterback plays with poise, avoids the interceptions that hurt him against UTSA, and operates efficiently behind a patchwork offensive line, Tulane should control the game. If he forces throws or the offense becomes one-dimensional, Charlotte's recent confidence and rest give the 49ers a real chance to keep it close.

@RollDatWave