American Championship game North Texas vs. Tulane predictions, keys to game

The American Conference Championship is virtually this year's first playoff game.

This is for the Group of Five’s College Football Playoff berth. With Tulane at No. 20 and North Texas at No. 24, there’s no question whatsoever the winner lands in the bracket over James Madison (No. 25).

An added wrinkle Friday night is both teams will be led by coaches set to leave for Power Four jobs after the end of the season. Eric Morris is leaving UNT for Oklahoma State, while Tulane’s Jon Sumrall is the next coach at Florida.

Expect some fireworks in this game. North Texas averages 46.8 points per game and the nation's leading passer in Drew Mestemaker (3,835 yards). Former BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff leads Tulane in passing (2,717 yards) and rushing (561) and 28 total TDs.

American Conference Championship game: North Texas vs Tulane

Records: North Texas (11-1); Tulane (10-2)
Time/TV: Friday, 8 p.m., ABC
Where: New Orleans

American Conference Championship game predictions

North Texas 31, Tulane 30: The big question will be if Tulane can stop North Texas' Drew Mestemaker and the passing game. The Mean Green won't be airing as much as they like, but Mestemaker gets the job done late to come up with a conference title and shake up the Group of Five spot in the CFP. — Jordan Mendoza
North Texas 37, Tulane 31: Oklahoma State fans who tune in are going to like what they see from Morris' North Texas offense. His system should transition well to the Big 12. First up, solving Tulane's defense. That's doable for Mestemaker. He's on an absolute heater the past several weeks, completing 77.9% of his passes in his past five games. Mean Green to the playoff. — Blake Toppmeyer

American Conference Championship betting odds

Odds via BetMGM, as of Dec. 4