Syracuse @ Tulane preview

THE STORY: After getting blown out by Army last week, Tulane coach Bob Toledo spent much of his press conference Tuesday denying rumors that he was preparing to leave the school. If the results keep coming back like they did last week, Tulane fans may soon want to show him the door. The Green Wave are listed as 10-point home underdogs against Syracuse. Toledo, who led UCLA to two Pac-10 titles, is 15-38 at Tulane.

TV: Cox Sports Television. LINE: Syracuse -10

ABOUT SYRACUSE (3-2): Syracuse dropped a 19-16 decision at home to Rutgers last week. The Orange managed only a field goal in two overtime sessions as quarterback Ryan Nassib struggled throwing for 169 yards with three interceptions. Running back Antwon Bailey rushed for 124 yards, but fumbled in the second overtime to seal Syracuse’s fate. Three of Syracuse’s five contests this season have gone to overtime. The Orange are 2-1 in those contests. Top defensive end Chandler Jones has been cleared to practice but won’t play against Tulane. Jones is one of the best defenders in the Big East, but hasn’t played since the season opener.

ABOUT TULANE (2-3): The Green Wave have been outscored 83-33 in its last two games, losses to Army and Duke. The timing couldn’t be any worse as Tulane was said to be among a list of teams to be considered to join the Big 12. Things got so bad after the 45-6 loss to Army that the Tulane athletic director wrote a letter to fans preaching patience and promising changes will be made at the end of the season if necessary. Sophomore running back Orleans Darkwa has been the bulk of the offense with 299 yards rushing and 11 receptions.

EXTRA POINTS

1. This is just the second road game of the season for Syracuse. It was blown out by Southern Cal 38-17 in its lone road venture.

2. Tulane is 22-28 against teams from the Big East.

3. Saturday will mark the first of three straight home games for Tulane, which played its last three on the road.

PREDICTION: Syracuse 24, Tulane 20 - The Orange won’t be awed by the Superdome as it also plays its home games in a dome. That could take away Tulane’s home-field advantage but the Green Wave should be able to hang close with the offensively challenged Orange.