North Texas vs UTSA A Crucial AAC Showdown in Texas
North Texas vs UTSA: Key AAC Showdown with Postseason Implications
In a critical AAC matchup, the North Texas Mean Green (5-4, 2-3 AAC) will face the UTSA Roadrunners (4-5, 2-3 AAC) this Friday in a Lone Star State rivalry game. Both teams are seeking momentum to salvage their seasons after struggles in 2023, and this contest is pivotal for each team’s postseason hopes. With North Texas looking for a bounce-back win after a tough loss to Army, and UTSA aiming to even their record, this game is set to be a thrilling encounter.
North Texas Mean Green: Desperate for a Crucial Win
The Mean Green have hit a rough patch, losing their last three games, most recently a 14-3 defeat to #25 Army. North Texas managed to take an early lead, driving 62 yards on 18 plays to go up 3-0, but they couldn’t capitalize on opportunities throughout the rest of the game. Despite a solid opening drive, North Texas failed to generate any offense after the first quarter, finishing the game with only 283 total yards—a stark contrast to Army’s 308 yards. The Mean Green also lost the time-of-possession battle, being dominated 41:45 to 18:15, and failed to score on three drives inside the Army 15-yard line, including two interceptions and a turnover on downs.
Offensively, North Texas has shown explosive potential, ranking 3rd in the nation in passing offense with 354.1 yards per game. Their passing attack is led by quarterback Chandler Rogers, who has thrown for 3,087 yards, with 26 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also contributes on the ground with 157 rushing yards and four touchdowns. The Mean Green’s rushing offense is less formidable, ranking 79th with 146.3 yards per game, but running back Shane Porter (340 yards, 2 TDs) and other backs like Damashja Harris and Makenzie McGill II provide support.
North Texas has been potent in scoring, averaging 36.6 points per game (17th in FBS), but their defense has struggled mightily, allowing 34.3 points per game (119th). The defensive unit needs to step up if the Mean Green hope to turn things around, as they’ve been porous against both the run and pass.
UTSA Roadrunners: Looking to Even Their Record
On the other side, UTSA has had its own struggles this season after being a dominant force in the AAC in recent years. The Roadrunners are currently 4-5 and are coming off a wild 44-36 victory over Memphis. Despite a less-than-ideal performance, UTSA showed resilience, rallying with 20 unanswered points in the second half to secure the win. However, their defense has been shaky, allowing 516 total yards to Memphis, and they were outgained 516-408 in total offense.
UTSA has been a pass-heavy offense, ranking 12th nationally in passing yards with an average of 291.6 yards per game. Quarterback Owen McCown has been solid, passing for 2,364 yards, with 20 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. He has also contributed 90 rushing yards and a touchdown. UTSA’s ground game has been less impressive, ranking 96th in rushing offense with 134.7 yards per game, although running backs like Brandon High Jr. (318 yards, 4 TDs) and Robert Henry (360 yards, 3 TDs) provide balance.
The Roadrunners’ defense has been a major concern, allowing an average of 32.6 points per game, ranking them 113th in FBS. They’ve struggled to stop both the run and the pass, and that will be a key factor in this matchup against North Texas’ explosive offense.
Conclusion
This game is crucial for both teams as they seek to salvage their seasons and position themselves for a potential bowl game. North Texas’ explosive offense will be tested against a UTSA defense that has been inconsistent, while the Roadrunners’ passing game will need to stay sharp to counter a Mean Green defense that has allowed big plays. The outcome of this game could hinge on which defense can step up and slow down the opposing offense.
Ultimately, this is a must-win game for both sides, with North Texas needing a bounce-back performance to keep their bowl hopes alive, while UTSA is looking to even their record and get back on track. This will be a high-stakes showdown with plenty of offensive fireworks, but defensive stops will be key in determining the winner.
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