Tulane Green Wave Face Charlotte 49ers in American Athletic Conference Clash

The Tulane Green Wave visit the Charlotte 49ers for an American Athletic Conference matchup on Friday evening at Jerry Richardson Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast nationally on ESPN2.

Tulane enters the contest with an overall record of 3-4 and a 1-2 mark in conference play, looking to regain momentum following a loss to conference leader UTSA. Meanwhile, Charlotte sits at 1-6 overall and 1-2 in the AAC, aiming to build upon the momentum of a 38-31 victory over Temple before its bye week, which marked the team's first win of the season.

The Green Wave underwent significant roster and coaching changes following a successful 2025 campaign that featured 11 wins and a College Football Playoff appearance. Former head coach Jon Sumrall departed for Florida, and new head coach Will Hall has navigated a challenging start to the 2026 season. Tulane's offense has experienced struggles, averaging 20.3 points per game, which places the unit near the bottom tier nationally in scoring.

Charlotte has likewise encountered offensive hurdles throughout the season, averaging 19.1 points per contest. The 49ers defense has struggled heavily, conceding an average of 40.6 points per game. Despite these challenges, Charlotte hopes that running back Henry Rutledge can generate explosive plays and help sustain drives against the Green Wave.

Betting markets have listed Tulane as a favorite, with point spreads ranging between 8.5 and 9.5 points, while the over/under for total points sits around 47.5. Predictive models and analysts point toward a low-scoring affair, noting that both programs have experienced difficulties converting drives into touchdowns over the course of the season.

For Tulane, keys to victory include establishing a rhythm through the passing game to counter a struggling Charlotte secondary that surrenders significant yardage through the air. Defensively, the Green Wave will look to contain the 49ers' rushing attack and limit third-down conversions to secure a crucial road victory.

As both programs fight to establish themselves in the middle of the American Athletic Conference standings, Friday night's contest offers a vital opportunity for either team to change the trajectory of their season.