North Texas completed step one of a three part process by defeating South Alabama last Saturday. Entering the game with a 3-6 overall record and their back against the wall, the Mean Green have kept their bowl bid dream alive. After falling behind 7-0 in the first quarter, the Mean Green scored on a 51-yard rushing touchdown from Jeremy Brown. The Jaguars answered with another score to take the lead before UNT tied it up 14 all at halftime. In the third quarter UNT scored on an 85-yard run from Brandin Byrd followed by a field goal from Zach Olen to give the Mean Green a 24-14 lead. This would be the score at the end of the game as the defense pitched a shutout in the second half. Head Coach Dan McCarney said after the game, “This is a big step. We opened Apogee a year ago and we’re 7-4 at home. If you’re going to turn a program around – which we are – it starts at home.”
QB Derek Thompson went 12 of 28 for 106 yards and a TD while being intercepted once. His streak of seven consecutive games with over 200 yards passing came to an end, however he now ranks sixth all-time on the Mean Green career passing-yard list. Thompson spread the wealth though by hitting seven different receivers for the day. Byrd’s 85-yard run was his longest of the season and ended the game with 109 yards rushing.
Next up is a road trip to take on the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks. They’re bowl bound with a 6-4 record and are still in the mix for the conference title. They are coming off of consecutive losses and looking to right the ship. They are led by a potent passing attack, but QB Kolton Browning might miss the rest of the season with a foot injury. If that’s the case then Senior QB Cody Wells will step in. With the offense putting up lots of points, the defense has been able to keep their opponents one dimensional. That might not be the case this Saturday and UNT will have to take advantage of this opportunity.
Game Info:
UNT vs LA-MONROE
SAT. NOV. 17 – 3PM
MALONE STADIUM