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North Texas Picks Up First Win Against UTSA 30-23

UTSA and North Texas meet again in what many are beginning to consider a rivalry game. A blocked PAT gives the Mean Green the momentum they need to pick up their first win of the season.

Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

North Texas and UTSA finished within one score of each other for the third year straight in tonight's game at Apogee Stadium. Each team had their share of the momentum, but turnovers and missed opportunities got the best of UTSA by the end of the game.

UTSA held the lead and the momentum throughout most of the first half. Quarterback Dalton Sturm seemed to have minimal issues throwing on the Mean Green secondary but only finished the game with 245 yards and one touchdown. The Roadrunners ran the ball for two touchdowns while sharing the ball with a number of different running backs.

UTSA ended the game out-gaining the Mean Green in yards, holding almost a fifteen-minute possession advantage, and gaining eleven more first downs than North Texas. It wasn't enough, however, as the special teams and rushing attack of North Texas proved too much for UTSA to handle.

Two key plays determined a large part of the outcome for North Texas. In the third quarter, safety Kishawn McClain returned a fumble for 45 yards to give the team their first lead of the night at 14-10. After trading touchdowns, UTSA had their extra point attempt blocked by the Mean Green while attempting to take a 24-21 lead.

The blocked kick was returned all the way to the end zone by North Texas' Chad Davis to tie the game at 23. North Texas took a hold of their momentum and immediately drove 75 yards in under two minutes to give the Mean Green their final score of 30-23. Quarterback DaMarcus Smith finished the game with 137 yards rushing and a touchdown. Running back Jeffrey Wilson added another 127 rushing yards and his own touchdown.

The Mean Green pick up their first win against UTSA in a series that is becoming known as a rivalry to both fan bases. The win is also the first of a chaotic season for North Texas. After the removal of head coach, Dan McCarney, will North Texas possibly look toward interim head coach, Mike Canales, as the new face of the Mean Green?