North Texas controlled the early momentum against Temple in Week 14, building a commanding lead through the first half before holding on for a 24-17 victory. The Mean Green scored 17 points in the opening quarter and added 7 more in the second to establish a 24-17 advantage by halftime, then shut out Temple in the second half.

Makenzie McGill II was instrumental in North Texas's explosive start, recording a 51-yard touchdown run in the second quarter and a 39-yard scoring run in the first quarter. Temple's Evan Simon threw for 268 yards but struggled with turnovers, including two interceptions that proved costly. Damon Ward Jr. led North Texas receivers with 7 catches, while Miles Coleman paced the rushing attack with 8 carries.

Temple's defense generated some critical plays in the second quarter, including a defensive stop that produced 4.81 EPA, but the early damage was already done. Neither team scored in the final two quarters as North Texas's defense stiffened considerably. The victory came in a lower-scoring affair, as the game finished well under the 63.5-point over-under line.