Bulldogs bulldoze Mean Green, 52-17

Louisiana Tech made short work of North Texas on Saturday, cruising to a 52-17 victory in Ruston.

After showing some signs of life last week against UTEP, in which Mason Fine threw seven touchdown passes, the Mean Green looked absolutely lost on Saturday and couldn’t get anything going. Fine left the game late in the first half with what was reported to be a concussion, finishing with only 48 yards on the day.

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, staked their claim for C-USA West crown as well as showing why they’ve earned those votes in the AP Poll. They’re not ranked yet, but as they rise to 8-1 (5-0), they certainly make a great case.

J’Mar Smith threw for 263 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. On the ground, four Bulldog running backs scored at least one touchdown, led by Justin Henderson and his 15 rush, 58 yards, two touchdown performance.

The game wasn’t even as close as the score would indicate, with UNT’s two touchdowns coming on their final two possessions of the game. With Fine out, backup Jason Bean finished with 94 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. Fellow backup Austin Aune managed a little better, connecting on only three of four passes, but for 123 yards and a touchdown.

The Mean Green fall to 4-6 (3-3), and will need to win their final two games against UAB and Rice to be considered for a bowl game. They have a second bye week next week, and will need the time to heal, regroup, and find out where the season went wrong. UNT has not won two games in a row all year.

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, haven’t lost since the season opener against Texas. C-USA West is theirs to lose with a one game lead over Southern Miss. At the rate they’re going, they should make quick work of Marshall next week, before finishing up the regular season against UAB and UTSA.