North Texaswon its first conference game of the season in a match up with the Florida Atlantic Owls this past Saturday while on the road. An improved special teams effort and defensive play was the difference in the 20-14 victory. Kicker Zach Olen successfully made two field goals attempts and PATs while the defense forced three turnovers. Things got a little scary once the Owls scored their second TD at the start of the fourth quarter to make the score 17-14. However Olen calmly hit his second FG attempt midway through the fourth to extend the Mean Green lead to six. It was a game in whichNorth Texasnever trailed.
QB Derek Thompson went 18 of 30 for 251 yards with a pair of TDs and an interception. The workhorses (Jimmerson and Byrd) combined for 23 carries for a paltry 46 yards against the stingy Owl run defense. Brelan Chancellor was the “go-to” receiver once again nabbing six receptions for 135 yards and a TD. That TD was a big one as he reeled in a 68-yard pass to put the first points of the game on the board. This was his third game this season with over 100 yards receiving and his second straight. The defense did its job forcing a fumble and two interceptions while holding the Owl aerial attack to 142 yards and RB Damian Fortner to 63 yards rushing and a TD. The UNT defense did not allow a single fourth down conversion in three attempts.
The Houston Cougars are nothing like the team they were last season. Gone are head coach Kevin Sumlin, QB Case Keenum and the high scoring offense. They’ve had trouble scoring and their defense is one of the worst in the country. Sophomore QB David Piland (Southlake) has as many touchdowns as he does interceptions. He’s also been sacked six times due to a weak offensive line. WRs Daniel Spencer and Dewayne Peace are his favorite targets. They’ve been recipients of about half of Piland’s attempts. The ground game will be handled by Charles Sims who is a big back with some speed. The Cougars won’t generate enough offense and their defense will give up some big plays. Look for UNT to even its season record with a victory this week.
Game Info:
UNT vs.HOUSTON
SAT. OCT 6 – 6PM
ROBERTSON STADIUM