When you look at the schedule and see Army West Point lining up against the North Texas Mean Green, it feels like a glitch in the college football matrix. You have the Black Knights, a program built on the triple-option, military discipline, and the kind of ball-control offense that makes defensive coordinators want to retire early. Then you have North Texas, a program often associated with the "Air Raid" or high-flying offensive fireworks.
It's a weird clash. Honestly, that’s why it’s so fun to watch.
Most people assume the history here is just a few random games, but the Army football vs North Texas football matches have actually turned into one of the most unpredictable and tactically fascinating series in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). From goal-line stands in Denton to overtime thrillers at Michie Stadium, these two teams play games that feel more like chess matches played with sledgehammers.
The Epic 2025 Overtime Battle at West Point
If you want to understand why this matchup matters, you have to look at the September 20, 2025, game. It was a classic. Army was coming off a dominant 2024 season, but North Texas walked into Michie Stadium and punched them in the mouth early. The Mean Green jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter. For a team like Army, which relies on grinding out long drives, being down three touchdowns in fifteen minutes is usually a death sentence.
But the Black Knights didn't blink. They stayed with the ground war.
By the fourth quarter, the Black Knights had roared back. Quarterback Dewayne Coleman was dealing, eventually accounting for 218 total yards. He even showed some rare passing flair, hitting Brady Anderson for a 68-yard touchdown late in the game to keep the pressure on. When Dawson Jones nailed a 23-yard field goal with just nine seconds left, the game went to overtime at 38-38.
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The drama didn't stop. North Texas running back Caleb Hawkins, who was a nightmare all day, punched in a 3-yard touchdown in the extra session. It was his fourth rushing score of the game. Army couldn't answer, and North Texas escaped with a 45-38 win, snapping Army's eight-game conference winning streak.
That Time Army Bored North Texas to Death (In a Good Way)
Flip the script back to November 9, 2024. This game was the polar opposite of a high-scoring shootout. It was a masterpiece of "Army Football."
The Black Knights won 14-3. That score looks like something from the 1940s, and the way they got there was just as old-school. Army held the ball for a staggering 41 minutes and 37 seconds. Think about that. In a 60-minute game, North Texas had the ball for less than 19 minutes.
The highlight of that afternoon—if you love offensive line play and clock management—was a 21-play drive that went 94 yards. It didn't just score a touchdown; it chewed up 13 minutes and 54 seconds of game time. It basically deleted the third quarter from existence. North Texas quarterback Chandler Morris, who had been lighting up the stat sheets all year, was left sitting on the bench watching his jersey get cold.
When North Texas finally did get the ball, they were out of rhythm. Interceptions by Donavon Platt and Justin Weaver in the end zone sealed the deal. It was a clinical demonstration of how Army uses time as a weapon.
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A Look at the All-Time Series Numbers
Historically, Army has held the upper hand, though the Mean Green are catching up fast. As of early 2026, the series stands at 6-3 in favor of the Black Knights.
The first time they met back in 1996, Army won 27-10. Since then, it’s been a series of runs. North Texas had a huge 35-18 win in 2016 at West Point, which served as a wake-up call for Jeff Monken’s program. Then there was the 2017 shootout where North Texas edged out a 52-49 victory in Denton, one of the highest-scoring games in either program's history.
The series is now a regular fixture because both teams are in the AAC. This means the cultural clash—the "big-play" Texas style versus the "methodical" Hudson Valley style—happens every year now.
Key Statistical Trends
- Time of Possession: In almost every Army victory, they hold the ball for at least 35 minutes. When North Texas wins, they usually force multiple turnovers (like the 3 they forced in the 2025 OT win).
- The Run Game: Army typically averages over 300 yards on the ground against UNT. In the 2025 loss, they actually put up 387 rushing yards but still lost because of the early fumbles.
- Red Zone Efficiency: North Texas has become incredibly efficient inside the 20-yard line, which is the only way to beat a team that limits your total number of possessions.
Why This Matchup is a Betting Nightmare
If you’re a fan of the spread, these Army football vs North Texas football matches are terrifying. Army is built to win close, low-possession games. North Texas is built to score in bunches.
When North Texas is hot, they can score 21 points in six minutes. When Army is in control, they can take six minutes to gain 30 yards. This creates a volatile environment for bettors and fans alike. You’re never quite sure if you’re going to get a 14-3 grind-fest or a 52-49 track meet.
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Honestly, the "under" usually feels safe until North Texas breaks off a 70-yard touchdown on their first drive. Then all bets are off.
Actionable Insights for the Next Matchup
If you're planning to watch or follow the next chapter of this rivalry, keep an eye on these specific factors:
- First Quarter Turnovers: Army's offense is a machine, but it’s a machine that hates playing from behind. If North Texas forces a fumble in the first ten minutes, the entire dynamic of the game shifts.
- The "Middle Eight": The last four minutes of the first half and the first four minutes of the second half are where Army usually kills teams. They love to score late in the second, get the ball back to start the third, and not give it back until the fourth quarter.
- Quarterback Health: Since Army's system is so reliant on the QB making the right read on the option, any slight injury to the starter (like when Bryson Daily missed time in 2024) drastically changes their efficiency.
- Weather Conditions: A rainy day at West Point favors the Army ground game significantly. A fast, dry track at DATCU Stadium in Denton gives the Mean Green’s speed an edge.
The beauty of the Army football vs North Texas football matches is the clash of philosophies. One team wants to out-athlete you; the other wants to out-discipline you. Usually, the team that dictates the tempo in the first fifteen minutes ends up walking away with the trophy.
Make sure to check the injury reports for the Army offensive line and the North Texas secondary before the next kickoff. Those are the two units that actually decide these games, even if the quarterbacks get all the headlines.