North Texas Mean Green Hosts Tulsa Golden Hurricane in AAC Opener: Predictions and Key Matchups

The North Texas Mean Green are set to host the Tulsa Golden Hurricane on Saturday, September 28, 2024, in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) opener for both teams. This matchup promises to be an exciting clash, with both teams coming off recent victories.

Team Records and Recent Performances

The North Texas Mean Green enter this game with a strong 3-1 record, having recently secured a convincing 44-17 win over the Wyoming Cowboys. In contrast, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane are 2-2, with their latest victory being a 23-20 overtime win against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.

Betting Odds and Predictions

Betting odds currently favor the North Texas Mean Green by 6.5 points, with a total/over-under set at 68.5 points. Experts predict that the Mean Green's strong offense, led by quarterback Chandler Morris, who has passed for 1,204 yards and 11 touchdowns this season, might be too much for the Golden Hurricane to handle.

Predictions suggest a North Texas victory, with some models projecting a score of North Texas 43, Tulsa 21. The Mean Green's ability to light up the scoreboard through their passing game, which ranks among the top 10 in the nation, is seen as a key factor in their expected success.

Key Players and Matchups

For Tulsa, quarterback Kirk Francis and wide receiver Kamdyn Benjamin are crucial players. Francis has completed 61.6% of his passes for 879 yards and 6 touchdowns, while Benjamin leads the team in receiving yards with 359 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Golden Hurricane also rely on running back Anthony Watkins, who has rushed for 186 yards and 3 touchdowns.

The North Texas defense, despite its struggles, particularly against the pass where they rank 124th in the nation, will face a balanced Tulsa offense that combines both the run and pass effectively. The Mean Green's defense has allowed 285.5 yards per game through the air and 129.5 yards per game on the ground.

Defensive Strategies and Challenges

Tulsa's defense, which ranks 112th in the nation against the pass, will need to improve its coverage and communication to counter the Mean Green's potent passing attack. The Golden Hurricane plan to focus on a strong front line to pressure North Texas's quarterback and employ zone coverage schemes to prevent big plays downfield.

The game is expected to be a high-scoring affair, given the defensive issues on both sides. The total points prediction is leaning towards the over 68.5 points, as both teams are likely to capitalize on each other's defensive vulnerabilities.

Game Details

The game will be played at DATCU Stadium in Denton, TX, and will be broadcast on ESPN+. With both teams looking to make a strong start in the AAC, this matchup promises to be an intense and exciting contest.