North Texas continues to emphasize the run. Over their last three games, they have had their two best running games. North Texas has covered six of their eight games this season by at least 9.5.

Rice starting nose tackle Stuart Mouchantaf is out. Owls are thin at the defensive line with Cody Bauer (knee) expected to be a game-time decision.That means the Owls will rely on reserves Zach Patt, Dylan Klare, Cody Henessee and Bobby Kiesewtter.

That means the Mean Green can stick to what they have done to get this far, run the ball down the Owls throat and wear down their defensive line.