By Craig Fields
The University of North Texas rushed all over Florida Atlantic for 235 yards and the Mean Green won their homecoming game in blowout fashion, 31-10 over the Owls. The Mean Green were really on top of their game in this one, and the defense was very physical and dominating.
Mean Green running backs Antoinne Jimmerson and Reggie Pegram combined for 200 of the team’s 235 rushing yards. They were finding holes and exploiting a porous Owls defensive front seven.
Jimmerson found the endzone one time on a 41-yard touchdown in the first quarter that had the Mean Green faithful in a frenzy. A homecoming crowd that surpassed 20,000 people saw their team keep their season alive in impressive fashion.
Quarterback Andrew McNulty was little more than a bus driver for this one, only tossing the rock for 107 yards with one touchdown and an interception. He did, however, complete 75% of his passes and did not really try to force the issue in the game.
He knew that his offensive line and running backs were going to take center stage in this one, and he let them. Junior Carlos Harris had a relatively quiet day by his standards, making six catches for 41 yards.
Even though the offense was effective, the story of this game was the defense. They were so stifling that the starting quarterback for the Owls did not even get over 100 yards passing the ball.
Junior Jacquez Johnson is known for being a dual threat quarterback. He is one of the more dangerous quarterbacks with his legs in Conference USA. However, in this game he looked like he had no idea how to run or scramble.
He had 10 rushes for eight yards and did not ever really look comfortable in the pocket against a relentless Mean Green pass rush. He was sacked three times and hit on other numerous occasions.
The motto “Hit 6” is still alive and kicking for this Mean Green team. If they secure three more wins in their last three games, then they will have become bowl eligible for the second time in as many years.
If they continue to play this style of football then there is no reason that this team can not pull off a modern day miracle and turn around a season that looked as good as dead.
The Mean Green will play the UTEP miners this upcoming Saturday at the Sun Bowl in El Paso. You can bet that these guys will be fired up for that game and their ability to keep that “Hit 6” dream alive.
