Eric Morris is on the way out at North Texas. But before he leads Oklahoma State’s football program in 2026, the Mean Green head coach is aiming to help his team win an American Conference Championship.
The Mean Green are 10-1 overall and 6-1 in the league standings. Since losing to South Florida, they’ve won five straight. They’ve outscored their opponents during that stretch 249-102 and scored at least 53 points all but once during that span.
With a win, North Texas would earn a spot in the American Conference Championship next week and would continue to be in the mix for a College Football Playoff berth. But UNT’s next game might not be as easy as people think.
The Mean Green are taking on Temple, which is 5-6 in KC Keeler’s first season as head coach and a win would earn the Owls bowl-eligibility. But they’ve struggled down the stretch of the season, losing their last three games against East Carolina, Army, and Tulane.
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Temple vs. North Texas Betting Odds
North Texas is a -20.5 college football betting odds favorite against Temple, with the Over/Under being 65.5 as of this writing. The moneyline for Temple is +775, while it’s -1400 for North Texas.
Temple vs. North Texas On TV
The matchup between Temple and North Texas will be televised on ESPN.
The game will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Friday, Nov. 28. The contest is taking place at DATCU Stadium in Denton, Texas.
Temple vs. North Texas Prediction
I predict North Texas will win but Temple will cover the 20.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 65.5 total points.
I just don’t think Temple has enough to slow down UNT’s offense right now. The Mean Green lead the FBS with 503.3 yards and 46.3 points per game.
UNT quarterback Drew Mestemaker leads the country with 3,469 passing yards, is tied for fifth with 26 passing touchdowns, is 12th with a 70.1% completion rate, and has thrown just four interceptions. Mean Green running back Caleb Hawkins is tied for first in the nation with 19 rushing touchdowns and is 17th with 1,030 yards on the ground.
And UNT’s defense hasn’t been bad, especially lately. The Mean Green have averaged about 20 points per game given up in their last five contests.
Still, I wonder how the news of Morris leaving for Oklahoma State – though he will finish the season out at UNT – will impact the Mean Green. And considering how Temple still has something to play for, I could see this game being decided by one or two possessions.
