Former President George W. Bush was on hand to watch the SMU Mustangs defeat the University of North Texas Mean Green 31-13 on Saturday night at Ford Stadium. It was a game characterized by turnovers and mistakes on both sides.
SMU punter Josh Williams fumbled the snap on the game’s first possession, giving UNT the ball in the red zone. UNT went three and out and was forced to settle for a field goal. SMU responded with a 75-yard drive that ended in a 27-yard touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton, his third of the season.
The rest of the first half was marked by poor execution on both sides. SMU quarterback Matt Davis fumbled the ball into the endzone on first and goal early in the second, costing SMU at least three points. Kick returner Braeden West muffed a punt later in the second quarter, setting UNT up on the 30-yard line for a drive that ended in a field goal.
Then, the Mean Green had a turnover of their own. Wide receiver Tee Goree fumbled and SMU’s David Johnson returned the fumble to the UNT 31. SMU failed to take advantage, coughing up the ball on yet another fumble.
UNT took over on their own 13-yard line but came up empty just before the half when kicker Trevor Moore missed a 48-yard field goal. The game went to the half with SMU leading 7-6.
The second half started with an interception by SMU cornerback Horace Richardson on the second play from scrimmage. SMU eventually had a first and goal on the 2-yard line but turned the ball over on downs after four straight runs up the middle. UNT went three and out and SMU returned the punt to the Mean Green’s 30-yard line. The Mustangs managed to get a field goal, making it 10-6.
UNT responded on the next drive with a 25-yard touchdown run by Antoine Jimmerson, putting the Mean Green up 13-10. An incomplete pass earlier in the drive should have set up a punt but a defensive holding call on SMU prolonged the attack.
On the next possession, SMU put together a 71-yard drive capped off by tight end Jeremiah Gaines’ first touchdown catch of the season. Then, just as it looked like UNT was driving, running back Andrew Tucker fumbled and SMU recovered.
The turnover led to an SMU score when quarterback Matt Davis ran for a 50-yard touchdown, making it 24-13 in favor of the Mustangs. UNT could not answer, punting it back to SMU. SMU took advantage of the momentum as Matt Davis scrambled for another touchdown, putting the Mustangs up 31-13.
The Mean Green tried to respond with a deep pass but it was intercepted by cornerback David Johnson. SMU was able to run out the clock after that, winning their first home game since 2013.
Quarterback Matt Davis was the key player for the Mustangs, going 17-24 for 171 yards and two touchdown passes as well as rushing for 135 yards and 2 more touchdowns. Running back Xavier Jones also had a solid game totaling 109 yards of offense that included 7.2 yards per carry.
UNT quarterback Andrew McNulty was unable to get the Mean Green offense going. He was 16-34 for 128 yards and two interceptions. Mean Green Head Coach Dan McCarney said McNulty was “Not good enough.” UNT managed just 240 yards of offense compared to SMU’s 444 yards.
SMU Head Coach Chad Morris commented on his team’s defensive effort after the game. “From last week to this week, they made incredible strides. They played with a lot of guys; they tackled well; they covered well; they created some turnovers, they played with a lot of confidence. It was truly a team effort.”
As for the win, Coach Morris said “It was fun. It was neat. It was something I want our guys to get used to.” When asked about Coach Morris’ dance moves in the locker room, quarterback Matt Davis said “He’s a better coach.”
Regardless, SMU is excited to have a win early in the season. The Mustangs will take on rival TCU next weekend in the Battle for the Iron Skillet at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
