Western Kentucky 55, North Texas 28: What We Learned

Quick surge didn’t last. It wasn’t going to be easy when North Texas faced Western Kentucky Thursday night. The Mean Green played without Dan McCarney, who was fired after a 66-7 loss to FCS foe Portland State. Last weekend’s performance was an embarrassment, but the team had to suit up for the season’s final seven games. It started the stretch as a 35 point underdog, but it looked to change its fortunes late in the first quarter. The defense forced an interception, and the offense responded with a score. Former Carthage star Tee Goree recorded his first career score, and North Texas was within seven with 11 minutes to play in the half. Unfortunately, the good times didn’t last long. The offense couldn’t match seven consecutive Hilltopper scoring drives. New coach, same result. It was not a good start for interim coach Mike Canales, and the defense continued to be dismal. The Mean Green D was exposed by three players throughout the game. Brandon Doughty played two and a half quarters, but finished with 350 passing yards and four touchdowns. Anthony Wales added 193 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries, and Taywan Taylor finished with seven receptions for 134 yards. You’re not going to win many games when you allow 683 yards by night’s end. The offense is a work in progress. We don’t know how long Canales will be the interim head coach, but his impact was evident tonight. The Mean Green scored the most points in a game this season, and found a quarterback in DaMarcus Smith. Smith had a breakout performance for the offensive-minded coach, and the Mean Green scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The team continues to look for the season’s first win, but these were all good signs heading forward.