(BCSNN) - No. 20 Tulane captured its second straight American Conference Championship with a 34–21 victory over No. 24 North Texas Friday night at Yulman Stadium.

The Green Wave (11–2) overcame an early deficit and used a dominant defensive performance to secure the title. North Texas (11–2) struck first on Drew Mestemaker’s 11-yard touchdown pass to Tre Williams, capping a 15-play drive midway through the opening quarter.

Tulane answered with a 16-play march of its own, capped by Jake Retzlaff’s two-yard scoring run on fourth down. The Green Wave defense then forced a fumble, setting up Jamauri McClure’s seven-yard touchdown run for a 14–7 lead early in the second quarter.

Patrick Durkin added a 30-yard field goal, tying the school single-season record with his 23rd, before Retzlaff scored again on a one-yard run as time expired in the first half. Tulane led 24–7 at the break.

The defense extended the margin when Chris Rodgers intercepted a pass and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown, making it 31–7. North Texas responded with a 59-yard touchdown strike from Mestemaker to Miles Colman late in the third quarter, then added a nine-yard scoring run by Ashton Gray with a two-point conversion to cut the deficit to 31–21.

Durkin sealed the win with a career-long 52-yard field goal, his fifth of the game, tying the school record. Jahiem Johnson’s interception on the Mean Green’s final drive secured Tulane’s championship.

Safety Jack Tchienchou was named Most Outstanding Player after recording nine tackles, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and an interception. Tulane outgained North Texas 463–140, including a 175–20 edge in rushing yards, while forcing five sacks, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries.

Retzlaff finished 13-of-22 for 145 yards with two passing touchdowns and one rushing score. McClure rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown. Durkin set a school record with 24 field goals on the season.

Tulane now awaits its College Football Playoff opponent, with seedings to be announced Sunday.