It’s safe to say that plenty is at stake in the American Conference Championship.
Tulane and North Texas are not only competing for a league title. But with the Green Wave at No. 20 and North Texas at No. 24 in the College Football Playoff Selection Committee’s rankings this week, the winner of the American will likely clinch a spot in the CFP as well.
Tulane earned its spot at No. 20 by going 10-2 overall and 7-1 in league play. The Green Wave beat two Power Four opponents – Northwestern and Duke – while battling for wins over top-notch American teams like East Carolina, Army, and Memphis. The Green Wave lost to Ole Miss early in the season and fell 48-26 at UTSA as well, but otherwise, they’ve been a solid team on both sides of the ball.
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North Texas, on the other hand, has been an offensive juggernaut all season. The Mean Green have scored 50-plus points in seven games, including four of their last five. That’s why they’re seventh in the country with an average scoring margin of plus-20.
The Mean Green are 11-1 for the season and 7-1 against conference teams with wins over Navy, Army, Western Michigan, and Washington State standing out. They did get blown out 63-36 against South Florida earlier this year.
But UNT hopes its defense has improved and will be ready for Tulane.
North Texas vs. Tulane Betting Odds
Tulane is a -3 college football betting odds favorite against North Texas, with the Over/Under being 66.5 as of this writing. The moneyline for North Texas is -140, while it’s +115 for Tulane.
North Texas vs. Tulane On TV
The matchup between North Texas and Tulane will be televised on ABC.
The game will kick off at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, Dec. 5. The contest is taking place at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana.
North Texas vs. Tulane Prediction
I predict North Texas will win and cover the three-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 66.5 total points.
I think North Texas’ offense is going to thrive in this matchup, even if it’s on the road. Then again, UNT is undefeated away from home this season.
Mean Green quarterback Drew Mestemaker has gone from walk-on to the nation’s passing leader. He’s thrown for 3,835 yards, which is No. 1 in the FBS, and 29 touchdowns, which is tied for fourth. He’s also completed 70.9% of his passes, which is ninth among qualified quarterbacks, and he’s thrown just four interceptions.
Wyatt Young is UNT’s top receiver. He’s third in the country with 1,203 yards and tied for 10th with 10 touchdowns through the air while hauling in 62 receptions. And at running back, Caleb Hawkins leads the nation with 23 touchdowns on the ground while rushing for 1,216 yards, which ranks 13th.
I just think UNT’s offense is going to be too explosive for Tulane to keep up.
