The Temple Owls are set to face off against the North Texas Mean Green in a highly anticipated matchup on Friday, November 28, in Denton, Texas, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Going into the game, North Texas holds a significant advantage, being favored by 19.5 points on the spread, with a moneyline of -1200. Temple, conversely, is seen as a +19.5 underdog, with a moneyline of +750. The game’s total is projected at 65.5 points.
Temple comes into this contest in search of a .500 record and bowl eligibility, but recent performances have posed challenges. After suffering three consecutive losses, including games where they allowed at least 37 points, the Owls have struggled significantly on defense. Their stats paint a troubling picture, ranking 101st overall in defense, 95th in Success Rate allowed, and notably, 117th in standard down rate allowed.
This defensive weakness has manifested particularly against the run, with Temple ranking in the bottom 10 for both Rushing Success Rate and Rushing PPA/Play allowed. In their recent matchups, they have seen stark disparities, highlighted by performances such as allowing 358 rushing yards to East Carolina and 224 to Army. With North Texas renowned for its dominant offensive unit—ranking third in PFF overall offensive grade and consistently scoring over 30 points in every game—Temple’s defense is likely to face a daunting task.
On the other hand, the North Texas Mean Green boasts a solid 10-1 record and sits in a strong position for potential College Football Playoff contention. Their potent offense has performed exceptionally, averaging over 45 points in several games. They excel at staying ahead of the chains, ranking in the top tiers for standard down rates and success. Their capability to run the ball effectively has set them up for success, leading to strong performances across the board in both passing and rushing metrics.
Looking ahead to Friday’s clash, it seems likely that North Texas will capitalize on Temple’s defensive frailties. Although Temple possesses a decent offense, its inability to control possession could hinder its chances to make a significant impact in the game, especially against a formidable opponent preparing for a critical stretch leading into playoff considerations.
However, the only potential concern for North Texas might stem from distractions, such as head coach Eric Morris’s recent departure for Oklahoma State, which could lead to a trap game if the team’s focus wavers. Nevertheless, if North Texas maintains its momentum, they are anticipated to outclass Temple, leading to predictions favoring them to cover the spread confidently.
As this matchup approaches, fans can expect an intriguing game filled with high stakes for both teams, with motivations diverging between securing bowl eligibility for Temple and playoff aspirations for North Texas.