Denton, Texas – In a commanding performance under the bright lights of DATCU Stadium, the North Texas Mean Green rolled over the Wyoming Cowboys with a convincing 44-17 win. The Mean Green, now 3-1 on the season, showcased their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity, leaving Wyoming still searching for their first win at 0-4.
First Quarter: Slow Start for Both Teams
The game began with both teams feeling each other out. Wyoming struck first with a 30-yard field goal by John Hoyland after an 11-play, 62-yard drive, giving the Cowboys an early 3-0 lead. However, North Texas quickly responded with a seven-play, 75-yard drive capped by a 29-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Chandler Morris to wide receiver DT Sheffield, putting the Mean Green ahead 7-3.
Wyoming’s offense struggled to find rhythm after their initial drive, punting on their next possession. North Texas, meanwhile, found success in their ground game, particularly through Shane Porter, who broke off a 40-yard run that set the tone for the game.
Second Quarter: North Texas Takes Control
The second quarter saw North Texas begin to assert their dominance. Kicker Kali Nguma extended the lead to 10-3 with a 23-yard field goal early in the quarter. The Mean Green then capitalized on a methodical eight-play, 75-yard drive, with Blair Conwright hauling in a 19-yard touchdown pass from Morris, increasing their lead to 17-3.
Wyoming attempted to respond, and quarterback Evan Svoboda connected with Sam Scott on a 41-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the deficit to 17-10. However, North Texas quickly retaliated with a seven-play, 76-yard drive, punctuated by Makenzie McGill’s four-yard touchdown run, pushing the score to 24-10.
Just as it seemed Wyoming was gaining some momentum, Tyler King electrified the crowd with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, bringing Wyoming back within seven points at 24-17. However, a 45-yard field goal by Nguma as time expired in the half gave North Texas a 27-17 lead going into the locker room.
Third Quarter: Mean Green Domination
The third quarter was all North Texas as they put the game out of reach. Wyoming’s first drive of the second half went backward, and after a poor punt, North Texas took advantage of the short field. McGill struck again with a two-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 34-17.
Wyoming’s offensive woes continued as they failed to muster any significant drives. North Texas, on the other hand, marched down the field again, with McGill capping a 92-yard drive with a 24-yard touchdown run, his third of the game, making it 41-17.
Fourth Quarter: Sealing the Victory
The fourth quarter was largely academic as North Texas focused on running out the clock. Nguma added a 34-yard field goal midway through the quarter, bringing the final score to 44-17.
Wyoming’s offense was stymied by a relentless North Texas defense, which held them to just 69 rushing yards on 32 attempts. Svoboda finished with 175 passing yards and one touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to overcome North Texas’ balanced attack.
Key Performances
- Chandler Morris (UNT): The North Texas quarterback had a standout performance, completing 28 of 41 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns. He consistently found his receivers, particularly DT Sheffield, who led all receivers with 109 yards and a touchdown on eight catches.
- Makenzie McGill (UNT): McGill was a force on the ground, rushing for 38 yards and three touchdowns, providing the power running game that allowed North Texas to control the clock and tempo.
- Tyler King (WYO): Despite the loss, King provided a highlight with his 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, which momentarily gave Wyoming a spark.
Game Summary
North Texas dominated in nearly every statistical category. They outgained Wyoming 534 yards to 244, including a significant advantage in rushing yards (216 to 69). The Mean Green’s ability to convert on key downs (4-for-4 on fourth down conversions) and their disciplined play (only eight penalties for 70 yards) kept them in control throughout the game.
Wyoming, meanwhile, struggled to sustain drives, converting only 4 of 14 third-down attempts and 1 of 3 on fourth down. Their inability to establish the run or protect their quarterback led to a long night for the Cowboys.
Conclusion
The victory propels North Texas to a strong position early in the season, showcasing their potential to compete at a high level. Wyoming, on the other hand, will need to regroup and address their offensive inconsistencies as they continue to search for their first win of the season. The Mean Green’s balanced attack and solid defensive play made them the clear victors in this contest, setting them up well for the challenges ahead.
