Denton – The UNT Mean Green faced off against the 24th-ranked South Florida team on Friday night at a packed DATCU Stadium. Though they started strong, winning the first half, they ultimately lost 63-36, marking their first defeat of the season.
In front of a record crowd of 31,386, UNT (5-1) showcased its talent early on. The team forced three turnovers in the first quarter alone, bringing their season total to 14, which leads the nation. They held a 21-14 lead in the second quarter, but a swift change changed the game. South Florida scored 28 unanswered points in just over three minutes, turning a competitive game into a significant lead heading into the second half.
A muffed punt allowed South Florida to tie the game just before halftime, and an early interception by UNT set up another quick score for the Bulls. Despite a 54-yard touchdown catch-and-run by Miles Coleman in the third quarter, South Florida responded immediately, extending their lead once more.
As UNT prepares to host the UTSA team on October 18, it’s worth noting some interesting stats and trends from their season:
Record Performances: UNT has scored over 30 points in each of its first six games—a first in program history. This consistency is impressive for any team.
Strong Offense: The Mean Green remains one of five teams nationally with two players, Caleb Hawkins and Makenzie McGill II, each achieving five or more rushing touchdowns this season. They’ve been effective in the red zone, scoring touchdowns on 28 of their 35 trips.
Rookie Impact: Freshman RB Caleb Hawkins made his first career start and gained valuable experience, while quarterback Drew Mestemaker had a solid outing with 326 yards passing and three total touchdowns.
Defensive Turnovers: UNT is leading in takeaways this season, with 14 total—a remarkable improvement compared to last year’s total of 16.
Player highlights include:
Miles Coleman, who recorded 101 receiving yards and a touchdown, marking a significant achievement as he now has two career games with over 100 receiving yards.
Drew Mestemaker, whose dual-threat capability is notable; he’s not just a passer, but also a contributor on the ground.
As the season progresses, the Mean Green’s ability to adapt and respond to adversity will be crucial. Fans are eager to see how they bounce back in their upcoming game, aiming to regain their winning momentum.
For more insights into UNT’s sports statistics and updates, consider visiting NCAA Official Stats.
