Mean Green Survive Historic Shootout As Mestemaker, Hawkins Outlast McCown’s nine-TD Night

By Brad Wilson | The Stateline Gazette

DENTON, Texas — There are shootouts, there are track meets, and then there was whatever unfolded Saturday night at Apogee Stadium.

North Texas scored touchdowns on five straight possessions across the middle quarters, built a commanding lead, then held on for dear life as UTSA quarterback Owen McCown authored one of the most prolific passing performances in conference history.

When the final horn sounded, it was the Mean Green standing — barely — after a 73–63 victory that closed Week 5 and instantly entered Stateline lore.

“This was one of those nights where you just keep telling your guys, ‘Finish the drive. Finish the game,’” North Texas head coach Matt Cummings said. “We’re confident we can score on every possession.”

A GAME THAT NEVER SLOWED DOWN

North Texas struck first behind quarterback Drew Mestemaker, who capped an opening-quarter drive with a touchdown pass to Wyatt Young. UTSA answered quickly, but the Mean Green seized control as the game moved into the second quarter.

By halftime, North Texas had built a 35–21 lead, fueled by an offense that was nearly flawless. Mestemaker carved up UTSA’s secondary with precision, while Caleb Hawkins punished the Roadrunners on the ground, allowing North Texas to dictate tempo even in a game that refused to breathe.

The lead grew to 49–35 after three quarters, and for a moment it appeared the Mean Green might finally put distance between themselves and UTSA.

It never happened.

UTSA exploded for 28 points in the fourth quarter, throwing haymaker after haymaker behind McCown’s right arm. Each time the Roadrunners closed the gap, North Texas answered — often immediately — trading scores until the clock finally ran out.

MEAN GREEN STARS SHINE BRIGHT

Mestemaker was surgical from start to finish, completing 25 of 30 passes for 410 yards and five touchdowns, while adding a rushing score. He spread the ball effortlessly and never appeared rattled despite the relentless pace.

“You can’t panic in a game like this,” Mestemaker said. “You just trust the read, trust your guys.”

Hawkins provided the physical edge North Texas needed, rushing 21 times for 150 yards and three touchdowns. His downhill running helped stabilize the offense whenever the shootout threatened to spiral completely out of control.

Young was nearly unstoppable on the perimeter, finishing with 10 receptions for 158 yards and three touchdowns. Tre Williams III and Miles Coleman added scoring receptions as North Texas piled up 602 total yards and 10 offensive touchdowns.

McCOWN’S NIGHT FOR THE AGES

Lost only because someone had to lose was a historic performance from McCown.

The UTSA quarterback threw for an astonishing 693 yards and nine touchdowns, completing 33 of 45 passes while relentlessly attacking downfield.

“Proud of the fight,” UTSA head coach Mark Hammerstone said. “Our quarterback was phenomenal. Our guys never quit. We just couldn’t get the one stop we needed.”

Wide receiver Devin McCuin delivered one of the greatest receiving performances in conference history, hauling in 12 catches for 300 yards and three touchdowns. David Amador II, Willie McCoy, Houston Thomas, and Patrick Overmyer all found the end zone as UTSA finished with 746 total yards — including 688 through the air — and still walked off on the wrong side of the scoreboard.

WHAT IT MEANS

North Texas improves to 4–1, further cementing itself as one of the league’s most dangerous teams and doing nothing to quiet championship buzz.

UTSA drops to 2–3, but leaves Denton with proof it can score with anyone, anywhere.

“This league doesn’t let you breathe,” Cummings said. “Tonight showed that.”

On a night that will live deep in Stateline history, defense took a back seat — and offense stole everything else. North Texas 73, UTSA 63

Scoring Summary: North Texas 14 21 14 24 — 73 UTSA 7 14 14 28 — 63

Team Statistics: North Texas—602 total yards, 192 rushing, 410 passing. UTSA—746 total yards, 58 rushing, 688 passing.

Passing: North Texas—Mestemaker 25-30-410, 5 TD. UTSA—McCown 33-45-693, 9 TD.

Rushing: North Texas—Hawkins 21-150, 3 TD; Jackson 5-16, TD; Mestemaker 4-26, TD. UTSA—Henry Jr. 5-38; Peterson 1-8; Emery Jr. 1-(minus 1); McCown 2-13.

Receiving: North Texas—Young 10-158, 3 TD; Dorner 6-95; Williams III 4-87, TD; Coleman 4-54, TD; Jackson 1-16. UTSA—McCuin 12-300, 3 TD; Amador II 8-115, TD; Henry Jr. 7-106, TD; McCoy 4-84, TD; Thomas 3-58, TD; Overmyer 2-25, 2 TD.