North Texas Seeks First San Antonio Win Since 2018 Against UTSA
The unbeaten Mean Green face a hostile Alamodome where the Roadrunners hold a 37-5 home record since 2020.
By Adriana Abebe ·
North Texas enters Saturday’s matchup against UTSA in San Antonio with the same stakes that have defined the rivalry for years, but with a new level of urgency attached to the outcome.
The Mean Green are currently the only unbeaten team in the American Athletic Conference, holding a 5-0 record after defeating Rice on Saturday. UTSA and Memphis trail by one game at 4-1. A victory in this contest would secure a two-game lead for North Texas and provide the head-to-head tiebreaker, effectively locking in a spot in the conference title game.
Head coach Neal Brown, in his first season with the program, acknowledged the difficulty of the environment. He described the matchup as a big night game in a tough place to play. Brown said the team will use the game to fix issues on offense before turning their attention to the final two regular-season contests against Tulane and UAB.
The road ahead appears manageable compared to the immediate challenge. Tulane suffered a 60-10 loss to Tulsa this week following the departure of coach Jon Sumrall to Florida. UAB is improving but remains below the current level of play exhibited by North Texas.
The primary obstacle is the Alamodome. UTSA has compiled a 37-5 home record since 2020. North Texas has not beaten the Roadrunners in San Antonio since 2018. The Mean Green snapped a four-game losing streak in the series last season with a 55-17 win, but that result occurred in Denton.
Offensive lineman Johnny Williams IV emphasized the need for discipline. He stated that every game is a challenge and that winning requires eliminating errors and improving communication. He noted the team must avoid the mistakes made in the previous week’s game.
Defensive end Davion Rhodes focused on execution and mindset. He said the team must start fast and avoid beating themselves. Rhodes expressed confidence in the group, citing the team's identity as smart players who are capable of handling the pressure.
North Texas has won six straight games, a run that has solidified their position in the conference standings. Brown set a goal upon his arrival to return the program to the American title game and win it, a target they missed last season when Tulane claimed the championship.
The rivalry history adds weight to the evening. The 2017 “The Drive” saw North Texas travel 98 yards in the final 67 seconds to defeat UTSA. In 2022, UTSA quarterback Frank Harris drove 75 yards in the final 98 seconds to secure a win over the Mean Green. Both teams have spoiled each other’s seasons in previous years.
Saturday’s game serves as a turning point for both programs. A loss for North Texas would leave the teams tied, with UTSA holding the head-to-head advantage. A win would position the Mean Green to finish atop the conference before the postseason begins.
