Fresh off of last Tuesday night’s primetime exposure on ESPN with a victory Coach McCarney knows that he still has a long way to go. The 30-23 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette could be the turning point that McCarney has been looking for. The Mean Green trailed at halftime 13-6 and had three unsuccessful trips in the red zone resulting in a pair of field goals and a turnover on downs. A few minutes into the third quarter UNT found themselves down 20-6. UNT rallied behind big scoring plays from RB Antoinne Jimmerson and WR Brelan Chancellor to knot the score at 20 a piece at the end of the quarter. UNT would take the lead on a Zach Olen field goal only to watch the Ragin’ Cajuns even the score with three minutes left in the game. Jimmerson stepped up and delivered a 78-yard touchdown catch and run for the game winning score moments later. It was a memorable night for Jimmerson who has become a difference maker for UNT.
It was an old school victory for McCarney by playing ball control offense without any turnovers. They lined up and rushed the ball on 52 offensive plays. This opened up the passing game for the offense. QB Derek Thompson connected on 17 of his 28 attempts for 282 yards and a pair of TDs. WR Ivan Delgado led the team with five receptions and some key first downs. Antoinne Jimmerson performed well as an outlet receiver with two receptions for two TDs and 106 yards. The running game has morphed into a three-headed beast with Brandin Byrd getting the bulk of the carries. However Jeremy Brown also had significant carries while Jimmerson is emerging as a nice third down back.
This week UNT goes on the road to take on the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders who are coming off a 45-3 beat down from Mississippi State. Prior to that loss their offense had put up some nice numbers. Logan Kilgore at QB, who has a rifle for an arm, leads them. Look for RB Jordan Parker to get the bulk of the carries. WR Anthony Amos is definitely Kilgore’s favorite target. This one could easily become a shootout.
Game Info:
UNT vs. MIDDLE TENNESSEE
SAT. OCT. 27 – 2:30PM
FLOYD STADIUM