NEW ORLEANS, La. — Several teams in the American Conference have played some good football year, but it's Tulane Green Wave that's the last one standing.

No. 20 Tulane upset No. 24 North Texas on Friday night, winning 34-21 at Yulman Field in New Orleans. It was their second American title (2022), and they've played in four straight title games.

This one is special, because they likely locked up a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff as the highest ranked non Power-4 champion. Tulane running back Jamauii McClure rushed for 121 yards and a score and quarterback Jake Retzlaff added 49 yards rushing and two touchdowns. He also threw for 145 yards and the Tulane defense throttled the powerful North Texas offense, forcing five turnovers 

"It's an incredible opportunity we have in front of us," Retzlaff said. "And that's all you can ask for, frankly, in life. It's about opportunities and what you do with those opportunities. So, I'm excited for this team. I'm excited for the way we show up."

Here's the game story from Tulane Roundtable writer Elizabeth Keen.

Tulane Battles Back From Midseason Adversity, Wins First American Conference Championship Since 2022 The Green Wave took down the North Texas Mean Green by a score of 34-21 on Friday night and are expected to receive their first College Football Playoff berth on Sunday.

Tulane coach Jon Sumrall has been hired to be the next coach at Florida, but he's staying at Tulane throughout the playoffs. He won't mind the double dip. Tulane's fate will announced on Sunday at Noon ET when the CFP selection committee announces the 12-team field.

"I think just as important, if not more important, than how you start at a place, it's very important how you finish," Sumrall said. "I'm grateful for the Tulane administration for allowing me to finish this job the right way and be here for these guys. I'm grateful for them to allow me to do it, too."

Tulane and North Texas both finish the season with 11-2 records. Before Friday, North Texas' lone loss to was South Florida back on Oct. 10. Tulane's two regular season losses were to No. 6 Ole Miss and UT-San Antonio. It's possible they could see Ole Miss again in the playoffs.

Conference Championship Tracker

Friday's results

CONFERENCE USA: Kennesaw State Owls 19, Jacksonville State Gamecocks 15 at AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, Ala. Jacksonville State did not cover as a 1.5-point favorite according to the Fanduel.com gambling website. The total score (34) went under the 58.5-point total.

SUN BELT:  James Madison Dukes 31, Troy Trojans 14 at Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg, Va.  James Madison did not cover as a 21.5-point favorite. The total score (45) went under the 47.5-point total.

AMERICAN: No. 20 Tulane Green Wave 34, No. 24 North Texas Mean 21 at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, La. North Texas did not cover as a 2.5-point favorite. The total score (55) went under the  67.5-point total.

MOUNTAIN WEST: Boise State Broncos 38, UNLV Rebels 21 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Boise State covered as a 2.5-point favorite. The total score (59) went over the 56.5-point total.

Saturday's games

Big 12

Who: No. 5 Texas Tech Red Raiders (11-1, 8-1 in Big 12) vs. No. 11 BYU Cougars (11-1, 8-1 in C-USA)
What: Big 12 Championship Game
When: Saturday, Noon ET
Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
TV: ABC
Point spread: Texas Tech is a 12.5-point favorite according to the Fanduel gambling website. The over/under is 49.5 points, down one point from the 50.5-point opening line.

Mid-American

Who: Miami of Ohio (7-5, 6-2 in MAC) vs. Western Michigan Broncos (8-4, 7-1 in MAC)
What: Mid-American Conference Championship Game
When: Saturday, Noon ET
Where: Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
TV: ESPN
Point spread: Western Michigan is a 1.5-point favorite, down one point from the 2.5-point opening line. The over/under is 43.5 points.

SEC

Who: No. 4 Georgia Bulldogs (11-1, 7-1 in SEC) vs. No. 10 Alabama Crimson Tide (10-2, 7-1 in SEC)
What: SEC Championship Game
When: Saturday, 4 p.m. ET
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.  
TV: ABC
Point spread: Georgia is a 2.5-point favorite, up one point from the 1.5-point opening line. The over/under is 48.5 points, up one point from the 47.5-point opening line.

ACC

Who: No. 18 Virginia Cavaliers (10-2, 7-1 in ACC) vs. Duke Blue Devils (7-5, 6-2 in C-USA)
What: Atlantic Coast Conference Championship Game
When: Saturday, 8 p.m. ET
Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.
TV: ABC
Point spread: Virginia is a 3.5-point favorite, up one point from the 2.5-point opening line. The over/under is 57.5 points, down one point from the opening line.

Big Ten

Who: No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes (12-0, 9-0 in Big Ten) vs. No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers (12-0, 9-0 in Big Ten)
What: Big Ten Conference Championship Game
When: Saturday, 8 p.m. ET
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Ind. 
TV: CBS
Point spread: Ohio State is a 4.5-point favorite, down one point from the 5.5-point opening line. The over/under is 46.5 points, down two points from the 48.5-point opening line.