The Panthers are coming off a nine-win season in their second year under Butch Davis, which included an upset of Toledo in a bowl game. They have a solid returning class led by senior quarterback James Morgan. The Green Wave went 4-1 down the stretch to earn a bowl berth and finish with seven victories. But offensive consistency was an issue at times and they are replacing most of their offensive line. The Panthers should be a little more polished in Week 1 and there is some value in getting points in this spot.

Certainly not a headliner, but one of the more intriguing matchups on Thursday night. Also a game where the total is a bit too high, as neither of these offenses moves at what anybody would consider a hurried pace. I think Tulane tries to control the tempo as much as possible on offense to keep FIU and talented QB James Morgan off the field.

Willie Fritz has done an amazing job transforming Tulane into a winner and he's looking to take the next step in his fourth season, but I have some concerns early on about a new offensive coordinator coming in and only five starters returning on offense. Butch Davis starts his third season for FIU and has given them back-to-back winning seasons. It was just 2013 that they were 1-11. It's the stability of 16 starters returning, including QB James Morgan, that is attractive. FIU also plays with a heavy heart with CB Emmanuel Lubin dying in a car crash over the summer. I have FIU rated higher on a neutral field. I'm on FIU.

Tulane probably overachieved last season going 7-6, but this year it should be an improved team, and my projections have Tulane winning by nearly a full touchdown on average against FIU. That's well over the posted spread. Ride the Green Wave.