By Garin Turner
In a top 25 matchup to determine the American Conference Championship, #24 North Texas (11-1, 7-1 conference) faces #20 Tulane (10-2, 7-1 conference) on Friday December 5, at 8 PM EST on ABC.
What’s at stake (Besides the American Championship)
Simply put, plenty! The winner of this game likely gets a berth in the college football playoff as the Group of Five representative. A loss knocks the loser out of a potential spot. It’s a must-win for more than just the American Conference Championship.
Tulane lost week four against then #13 Ole Miss 45-10. Ole Miss is all but assured a playoff spot, having lost once. Tulane was then upset four weeks later against UTSA 48-26. North Texas only lost came week six against then #24 USF 63-36.
Last Game
North Texas defeated Temple 52-25 on November 28. Drew Mestemaker threw for 366 yards going 20/24 and three touchdowns. Wyatt Young had six catches for 127 yards and Caleb Hawkins scored four touchdowns on 25 carries and 186 yards.
Tulane won its last game, a 27-0 shutout against Charlotte on November 29. Jake Retzlaff threw two interceptions but also ran for two scores. Anthony Brown had nine catches for 98 yards. Jamauri McClure had 69 yards on 11 carries.
Keys to the game
North Texas offense. They rank first in FBS in total yards (510.1), second in passing yards (324.8), and first in scoring (46.8).
Can Tulane slow down Hawkins? Hawkins has 23 rushing touchdowns and 1,206 yards on the ground. North Texas is also 3rd in the FBS in turnover margin with +14.
What happens when either team falls behind?
Both teams have been blown out in the three combined losses this season.
North Texas Team Leaders
Drew Mestemaker, 3,825 yards with 29 touchdowns and four interceptions.
Rushing: Caleb Hawkins, 193 carries for 1,206 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Receiving: Wyatt Young, 62 catches for 1,203 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Tulane Team Leaders
Passing: Jake Retzlaff, 2,717 yards with 14 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Rushing: Jake Retzlaff, 103 carries for 561 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Receiving: Shazz Preston, 36 catches for 582 yards and four touchdowns.
Prediction
North Texas Mean Green’s offense is too much for Tulane to keep up with. North Texas jumps out to an early lead and doesn’t let off the gas. 48-17 North Texas.
