The matchup between the Tulsa Golden Hurricane and North Texas Mean Green on September 28, 2024, promises an intriguing American Athletic Conference battle. Both teams come into this contest with solid offenses, but their defensive play will be under the microscope. Tulsa, sitting at 2-2, is coming off a narrow 23-20 victory over Louisiana Tech. Their defense showed improvement in that game, particularly against the run, but the secondary remains vulnerable, allowing nearly 250 passing yards per game. Offensively, Tulsa has been steady, relying on quarterback Kirk Francis to guide the passing attack and running back Kamdyn Benjamin to provide balance on the ground.

Tulsa averages close to 30 points per game, a solid figure, but they will need to find another gear to keep pace with North Texas. The Mean Green enter this matchup with a 3-1 record, fresh off a dominant 44-17 win over Wyoming. Their offense is the driving force behind their success, ranked 16th in the nation with over 485 total yards per game. Quarterback Chandler Morris has been a standout, leading the charge with both his arm and legs. North Texas has consistently moved the ball both on the ground and through the air, averaging 159 rushing yards per game. Defensively, they’ve struggled at times, allowing 28 points per game, but their offense has been potent enough to compensate for these lapses. Expect a high-scoring affair, with both offenses capable of putting up points quickly. Tulsa’s defense will need to step up, particularly in pass defense, if they want to keep the game within reach. On the other hand, North Texas must avoid defensive breakdowns, especially against a Tulsa team that can capitalize on mistakes.