CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Texas rolled to a 54-20 win over Charlotte on Friday.
The Mean Green moved to 7-1 on the season and 3-1 in American Conference play.
Here are five thoughts and some notes on Friday night’s game.
Mestemaker continues to amaze
Just when you think Drew Mestemaker couldn't do anything more to impress, he reaches new heights.
The redshirt freshman threw for 608 yards, a total that set both UNT and American Conference single-game records. He threw four touchdown passes and got the ball to nine different receivers along the way.
UNT coach Eric Morris mentioned that he was impressed with the way Mestemaker moved around in the pocket, bought time and found receivers down the field.
Mestemaker has been incredible all season and was terrific on a night UNT needed him.
UNT handled the circumstances well
The Mean Green were in a tough spot in their game against Charlotte.
UNT had a short week to prepare and traveled all the way across the country. The Mean Green handled the circumstances well.
UNT did get off to a slow start and trailed by 10 early but responded well.
A winning season is a significant milestone
UNT reached a significant milestone with its seventh win of the year, a victory that secures a winning season.
The Mean Green had not posted a winning season since 2018. That mark might not sound like much, but it’s one more milestone to cross off the list for UNT.
UNT’s skill guys came through
Mestemaker had a whole lot of help on his way to his record night.
Wyatt Young was terrific while rolling up 190 receiving yards. Cameron Dorner (117) and Landon Sides (114) were also terrific.
UNT leaned on its passing game, but Kiefer Sibley did break off a 45-yard run and finish with 71 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Navy game looms large
UNT will now turn its attention to Navy and one of its bigger games in recent memory.
The Midshipmen enter the weekend 6-0 on the season and 4-0 in American Conference play. Navy will face Florida Atlantic on Saturday morning and should win that game.
UNT will host Navy at 11 a.m. next Saturday, Nov. 1.
North Texas notes
UNT plays without McGill
UNT was dealing with a host of injuries after a physical game against UTSA in its last outing and had several players who came into the day battling injuries.
UNT ruled out running back Makenzie McGill II before the game and had several other players whose status was in question.
Wide receiver Miles Coleman and offensive lineman Gabe Blair both missed the game.
Briefly ...
>> Offensive lineman Ugonna Nnanna made his first start for UNT.
>> UNT has scored 50 points in four games, a mark it has only reached one other time. The Mean Green also hit the mark in 1951. UNT has scored at least 30 points in every game this season.
>> The Mean Green rolled up 754 yards of offense, the second-highest total in program history. UNT finished with 768 yards in a game against Middle Tennessee in 2020.
>> UNT scored three rushing touchdowns, pushing its season total that ranks first among Football Bowl Subdivision teams.
>> Wyatt Young’s 190 yards are the most for a UNT receiver since Damon Ward Jr. had 230 against South Alabama to open the 2024 season.
>> Landon Sides 114 receiving yards were a career high,
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.