I was very ready to play Tulane if star QB Michael Pratt was cleared to play and honestly thought he would be -- but he will not play. So I'll play a half unit on this total blind not knowing much about his backup.

The most anticipated home game in years for Tulane could be spoiled by the absence of standout QB Michael Pratt. A knee injury has jeopardized his chances of playing. Even if he goes, Pratt's mobility could be compromised, and the Green Wave might not be able to match scores against Ole Miss's smooth offense. The Rebels usually take care of business against non-SEC lesser lights. Though Tulane has improved, here's the score of their previous meeting in 2021: 61-21.

What Michael Pratt has done for bettors in his career is something to marvel at. Pratt is 23-11 ATS as a starter and has the Green Wave on a 15-2 ATS run in their last 17 games. Home underdogs are 7-4 ATS this season. This is too many points for a team as good as Tulane is.

Tulane HC Willie Fritz is 18-6 ATS at home over the last four years. Last year, Tulane was 12-2 with wins at Kansas State (17-10), at Houston (27-24), at Cincinnati (27-24), vs UCF in the conference championship (45-28) and over USC (46-45) in the bowl game. Green Wave QB Michael Pratt was 14-of-15 for 294 yards, with four touchdowns and zero interceptions last week. Pratt is the best QB in this game, and I think a top-five QB in college football. Check out his Heisman odds. ... If Mississippi isn't prepared in any way, Tulane is winning this one straight-up.

This a Super Bowl matchup for Tulane, so I'll take the touchdown thinking the Green Wave will have a shot to win the game late. Tulane has arguably the better QB (Michael Pratt) and plenty of experience taking down P5 foes with wins against Kansas State and USC last season.