North Texas ends five-game losing streak and secures bowl eligibility

In the United States, on November 30, 2024, North Texas achieved bowl eligibility after defeating Temple 24-17 in Philadelphia. The win marked the end of a frustrating five-game losing streak for North Texas, with their last victory occurring on October 12 against Florida Atlantic. This significant win allowed North Texas to finish the season with a record of 6-6 and was particularly meaningful as it clinched a bowl berth for the 15th time in the program's history and the eighth time since 2013. Eric Morris, in his first season as head coach, celebrated this success as it was the program's first bowl qualification under his leadership. The game was intense, and the scoring was largely determined by a strong first half from North Texas. The Mean Green opened the game with a swift 7-0 lead, courtesy of a 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Chandler Morris to DT Sheffield. Following a turnover by Temple, kicker Kali Nguma added a 36-yard field goal, making it 10-0 early in the game. Temple managed to respond with a 44-yard field goal by Maddux Trujillo, but North Texas maintained control with running back Makenzie McGill II scoring on a 39-yard run and then following up with another exceptional play, a 51-yard run for a touchdown, extending their lead to 24-3 early in the second quarter. Despite a strong start for North Texas, Temple did mount a comeback, scoring two touchdowns before halftime. Joquez Smith and Evan Simon each scored from the 1-yard line, narrowing the gap to 24-17. The second half saw no additional points scored, as both defenses held firm, and North Texas managed to maintain their lead for the remainder of the game. The resilient performance by the Mean Green underscored their determination and strategic execution under pressure, particularly after struggling through a challenging stretch late in the season. As the game concluded, North Texas celebrated a milestone that holds significant prestige for the program and its followers. The team's expertise and perseverance were spotlighted as they navigated a difficult season. Meanwhile, Temple ended their season at 3-9, marking their fourth consecutive season finishing with a losing record. Without a winning season since 2019, the Owls find themselves needing a significant overhaul to regain competitiveness moving forward. This outcome highlights the disparities in progress between the two programs, with North Texas on an upward trajectory while Temple faces challenges that may require considerable changes as they reassess their approach for the next season.