This clash certainly has a wide range of outcomes. And that’s in part because both squads have been inconsistent.
Army is 1-1 overall this year. After winning the American in 2024, the Black Knights started off the season by losing to FCS Tarleton State. But then they dominated the trenches and time of possession en route to upsetting Kansas State 24-21 on the road.
Now the Black Knights will begin conference play against North Texas, which is 3-0 but hasn’t played like a perfect team. The Mean Green did start out with a 51-0 win over Lamar, but UNT needed overtime to beat Western Michigan.
Then the Mean Green earned a blowout victory over Washington State at home, 59-10. Considering UNT has averaged 47.7 points per game, the Mean Green’s offense will be formidable against American Conference foes.
So now it’s a clash of two different styles as Army, the No. 16 team in the HERO Sports Group of Five Top 25 media poll, and North Texas, ranked No. 9 in the G5 this week, look to begin conference play with a triumph.
North Texas vs. Army College Football Betting
Army is a +2 college football betting odds underdog against North Texas, with the Over/Under being 50.5.
The moneyline for North Texas is -125, while it’s +105 for Army.
North Texas vs. Army On TV
The matchup between North Texas and Army will be televised on CBSSN.
The game will kick off at noon ET on Saturday, Sept. 20. The contest is taking place at Michie Stadium in West Point, New York.
North Texas vs. Army Prediction
I predict North Texas will win and cover the two-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 50.5 total points.
The Mean Green have some talent on offense. There’s no doubt about that. UNT quarterback Drew Mestemaker has thrown for 764 yards, nine touchdowns, and no interceptions on a 70.2% completion rate. UNT also has three receivers who have double-digit receptions and over 100 yards through the air – Wyatt Young (10 catches for 160 yards), Cameron Dorner (10 catches for 136 yards), and Miles Coleman (11 catches for 108 yards).
But I’m making this pick because UNT has also shown some strides on defense. The Mean Green gave up just 10 points against Washington State last week and have allowed 40 points through three games.
Picking against Army, especially at home, is tough. The Black Knights are also a difficult team to figure out considering they have an FCS loss and a Power Four win.
I’m anticipating some of that inconsistency shows up in a matchup like this, and that North Texas’ offense will put up some points early. That would force Army to play catch-up, and the Black Knights are at their best when the game is close and they can control time of possession.
So I don’t know if UNT’s high-flying offense is a good matchup for Army.
