As the NCAAF season advances into Week 5, a captivating match awaits between the Tulsa Golden Hurricane and North Texas Mean Green. Both teams enter the contest with something to prove at DATCU Stadium in what promises to be an exciting clash, set to unfold on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET. The game, broadcast on ESPN+, presents not only a chance for the teams to bolster their records but also for savvy sports bettors to explore elite NCAAF free picks that could guide successful wagering strategies.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs. North Texas Mean Green 09/28/24 Game Info |
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| When: | Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 3:30 PM ET |
| Where: | DATCU Stadium |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Tulsa Golden Hurricane (2-2) vs. North Texas Mean Green (3-1)
The Tulsa Golden Hurricane enter this matchup with a 2-2-0 record which is typical of a team that is looking for a rhythm especially in its offensive blueprint, with regard to both rushing and receiving. An important part in the team’s affairs is given to running back Anthony Watkins, who adds 186 rushing yards on 37 attempts, which is a respectable 5 yards per carry with a good degree of chain moving. Watkins’ effectiveness is particularly helpful in balancing up the entire offense and creating the vision for play-action passes. With 25 catches for 359 yards, Kamdyn Benjamin leads the team in receptions and yardage as well. With 14.4 yards per catch and two touchdowns, he also shares similar trends witnessed in today’s Charlotte vs Rice game where great skills in the use of wide receivers can change the rate of scoring in the game.
In contrast, the North Texas Mean Green has a strong 3-1 record due to their extremely good offense. Damashja Harris, a running back, is responsible for 193 rushing yards on 22 carries only, for an impressive 8.8 yards on average per carry. He has the ability to showcase change of pace with an 80 yard run being the longest of the game. Penetreption receiver Damon Ward Jr. boasts of 288 yards from 16 catches averaging 18 yards per reception and has two touchdowns to his name. Even though these strategies do not only happen in this sports game, it remind one of the strategies used in the crucial basketball Georgia vs Alabama game today where two opposite poles ie the ground and the air pole are engaged.
Kirk Francis QB vs. Chandler Morris QB
The overall performance by the Tulsa quarterback, Kirk Francis, has been quite good given the circumstances as he has completed 77 of 125 passes for a total of 879 yards. There is also h interference and that is a pretty good point and includes six scored touchdowns against two picks for passer number 133.3. Up to this point, Francis has shown that he is able to chase opportunities that come in the form of big plays as portrayed by the maximum distance of his longest completion, which is 45 yards. At the same time, there is a need for better handling of interceptions and the passing completion percentage achieved in order to fully utilize the offensive scoring options that the team has in order to beat a very strong defense.
At the same time, The North Texas quarterback, for, he has been more effective going by the statistics with a completion percentage of 65.6% after attempting 154 passes totaling 1204 yards. Over this span, Morris has had 11 passes to score touchdowns and six interceptions. Although this figure is relatively high again, the passer rating against the North Texas offense 147, is clear that was capable of raising expectation which normally offense in this team is built around 75 yards completion longest. Morris’ test will be how he throws the ball himself since the goal will be to distribute it among all receiving players of the team effectively avoiding turnovers.
The outcome of the match will fundamentally change depending on how the quarterbacks play, with Francis and Morris needing to play to their strengths and cover their weaknesses. A primary concern for Francis will need to be the accuracy of his throws and the holding of the ball to ensure Tulsa remains in contention while for Morris, the focus will be on maintaining the same superb passing effectiveness without committing errors that would give Tulsa a chance to score. It is the effectiveness and flexibility of both quarterbacks on the field during the heat of the match that will be crucial in taking control of the game.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: North Texas Mean Green -7, Total Odds: 68
The betting odds favor North Texas by a 7-point spread, reflecting their recent performances and home advantage. The over/under is set at 68, indicating expectations of a high-scoring game. Given the offensive capabilities demonstrated by both teams, particularly North Texas’ propensity for exceeding total scores, the total over could be a compelling option for bettors seeking to leverage these offensive dynamics.
Tulsa Betting Trends
Tulsa’s recent trends reveal a pattern of inconsistency, with the team losing in 8 of their last 11 games. Nevertheless, in recent away games, they have outperformed expectations on the road with a 4-1 ATS record. Additionally, their historical success against North Texas, winning four of the last six encounters, could boost their confidence in facing this adversary.
North Texas Betting Trends
North Texas enters with stronger momentum, which is evident in their 8-3-1 ATS record over the last 12 games and winning 5 of their last 6 matchups. They have excelled at home with a dominant 10-3 SU, showcasing a formidable home-field advantage. Moreover, their impressive 6-1 ATS record against opponents within the American Athletic Conference further solidifies their status as formidable competitors in this conference matchup.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs. North Texas Mean Green 09/28/24 Betting Picks
In this intriguing clash, North Texas’ comprehensive offensive strategy, led by Morris’ efficient passing and Harris’ explosive rushing, gives them a distinguishable edge. If Tulsa aims to upset, they must rely on Watkins’ ground control and Francis’ precise passing while adapting their defenses to suppress North Texas’ multi-faceted assaults.
Ultimately, the recommendation leans towards North Texas covering the spread given their home performance and competitive statistics. Additionally, with both teams possessing offensive firepower, exploring the over on total points could yield beneficial returns, especially given North Texas’ recent trends in high-scoring games. For bettors seeking in-depth insights, handicapping top services can optimize betting strategies based on deeper statistical analysis and expert insights.