The game started off well for the Mean Green when on the opening kickoff the Red Wolves fumbled the ball out of their end zone. The result was a safety and a 2-0 lead for North Texas. For much of the first half it was a seesaw affair with both teams scoring touchdowns and field goals. By midway through the second quarter though, the Red Wolves gained momentum scoring a pair of touchdowns that UNT never really recovered from. The Mean Green found themselves trailing 30-12 at half time. They scored in the third quarter to narrow the margin to 30-19. The Red Wolves would answer with a final touchdown of their own to end the game with a 37-19 victory. In other words, the Red Wolves spoiled Homecoming and quite possibly the season for North Texas.
The turnover bug reared its ugly head again and North Texas lost the turnover battle by throwing an interception and losing a fumble while Arkansas State played error free ball. This has to be driving Coach Dan McCarney crazy. UNT managed a total of 84 yards on the ground. Antoinne Jimmerson and Brandin Byrd combined for 52 yards. This in turn created a need for the passing game to excel which resulted in QB Derek Thompson putting the ball up 47 times. The lone positive from the game was WR Darnell Smith’s 107-yard day.
With the team sitting on a 3-6 record, each game is a must win for the Mean Green if they are to go to a bowl game this season. Their last bowl appearance was in 2004. They’re looking to end a string of seven straight losing seasons.
This Saturday is the last home game for UNT this season. They’ll host South Alabama who is having a tough 2-7 season. QB Ross Metheny is a serviceable play caller who will look to WR Jereme Jones on passing downs. Demetre Baker who is a big bruising back handles the running duties. The Achilles heel of this team is their porous defense. They give up almost 30 points per game.