Tulane Hosts North Texas in High-Stakes AAC Championship Game Friday Night

The American Athletic Conference championship will be decided this Friday night. The Tulane Green Wave will host the North Texas Mean Green at Yulman Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET on December 5th with national television coverage on ABC.

The matchup features the conference’s two top teams from the regular season. Both squads finished with 7-1 records in AAC play. The winner claims the league title and strengthens its case for a major postseason bowl bid.

Team Momentum and Paths to the Title Game

Tulane secured its hosting rights with a decisive 27-0 victory over Charlotte to close the season. According to ESPN, the Green Wave’s defense has been a cornerstone of their success. Their 10-2 overall record earned them the nod via the College Football Playoff committee’s rankings.

North Texas arrives with an impressive 11-1 overall record and potent offense. They clinched their spot with a dominant 52-25 win over Temple. The Mean Green’s balanced attack presents a significant challenge for any opponent.

The game is a classic strength-versus-strength confrontation. Tulane’s defensive discipline will be tested by North Texas’s scoring capability. The home-field atmosphere at Yulman Stadium could play a pivotal role in a tight contest.

Key Players and Deciding Factors

Quarterback play will be under the spotlight. Tulane’s Jake Retzlaff has managed games effectively for the Green Wave. North Texas’s Drew Mestemaker has led a dynamic and high-scoring offense all season long.

Turnovers and third-down efficiency often decide championship contests. The team that protects the football and sustains drives will gain a major advantage. Special teams performance is another hidden factor that can swing momentum.

Coaching adjustments made at halftime will be crucial. Both staffs have prepared all year for this moment. The team that executes its game plan under pressure will likely hoist the trophy.

The AAC Championship game between Tulane and North Texas promises a thrilling conclusion to the conference season. The outcome will resonate through the postseason bowl selection process. Expect a hard-fought battle that showcases the best of Group of Five football.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Where is the 2025 AAC Championship game being played?

The game is at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans. Tulane earned the right to host as the highest-ranked team. ESPN and conference officials confirmed the location.

What time does the North Texas vs Tulane game start?

Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, December 5th. The game will be broadcast live on ABC. Pre-game coverage will begin earlier in the evening.

What are the records of the two teams?

Tulane enters the game with a 10-2 overall record. North Texas comes in with an 11-1 overall mark. Both teams finished 7-1 in American Athletic Conference play.

What is at stake for the winner?

The winner is crowned the American Athletic Conference champion. The victory also guarantees a prestigious spot in a New Year’s Six bowl game. It is the premier achievement of the conference season.

How did Tulane earn the right to host?

Hosting rights were determined by the College Football Playoff committee rankings. Tulane was ranked higher than North Texas in the final regular-season list. The American’s policy awards the game to the highest-ranked team.

Who are the quarterbacks to watch?

Jake Retzlaff leads the offense for the Tulane Green Wave. Drew Mestemaker is the signal-caller for the North Texas Mean Green. Both players have been instrumental to their teams’ success this year.