North Texas is turning out to be a legitimate contender in the American Conference.
The Mean Green are 4-0 and 1-0 in league play. Not only are they undefeated, but two of those games weren’t even close. They opened the season with a 51-0 win over Lamar then also won at home 59-10 over Washington State.
But UNT is also battle tested, as the Mean Green have now won two games in overtime, both on the road. They defeated Western Michigan 33-30 and then last week earned their first American win, 45-38 at Army.
If UNT keeps winning like this, it could be one of the Group of Five teams in the College Football Playoff discussion.
The Mean Green play their last non-conference contest of the regular season this week when they take on South Alabama. The Jaguars are 1-3, but don’t let that record fool you. Two of those losses, against Tulane and Auburn, were against solid programs and were decided by a collective 18 points.
So it’s possible South Alabama gives UNT some issues as well.
South Alabama vs. North Texas Betting Odds
North Texas is a -12.5 college football betting odds favorite against South Alabama, with the Over/Under being 63.5 as of this writing.
The moneyline for South Alabama is +375, while it’s -500 for North Texas.
South Alabama vs. North Texas On TV
The matchup between South Alabama and North Texas will be televised on ESPNU.
The game will kick off at noon ET on Saturday, Sept. 27. The contest is taking place at DATCU Stadium in Denton, Texas.
South Alabama vs. North Texas Prediction
I predict North Texas will win and cover the 12.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 63.5 total points.
The Mean Green are ninth in the FBS and are first among Group of Five teams in scoring offense, as they average 47 points per game through four contests this year.
And I don’t expect this offensive unit to struggle against South Alabama, especially with UNT being at home.
UNT quarterback Drew Mestemaker has thrown for 1,013 yards, 10 touchdowns, and no interceptions on a 71% completion rate. He’s also rushed for 69 yards and a touchdown.
The Mean Green have two players who have over 100 rushing yards, and both average over 5 yards per carry. Makenzie McGill II has rushed for 271 yards and four touchdowns, while Caleb Hawkins has 167 yards and five scores on the ground.
UNT also has four wide receivers who have at least 10 catches and 100 yards. Miles Coleman is the leader among them with 19 receptions for 182 yards. Wyatt Young (12 catches, 179 yards, and three touchdowns), Cameron Dorner (13 catches, 178 yards, and two TDs), and Landon Sides (11 catches, 146 yards, and one TD) have been impressive as well.
I think UNT’s offense continues to thrive and helps the Mean Green stay undefeated.
