BOCA RATON, FLA — In a thrilling AAC showdown in South Florida, the North Texas Mean Green pulled off a stunning late-game rally to defeat FAU, 41-37. Junior quarterback Chandler Morris led the charge, delivering a season-high performance that showcased his leadership and poise under pressure on the road.
Morris was brilliant through the air, completing 27 of 45 passes for 336 yards and four touchdowns. This marked the sixth start of his UNT career and the 15th of his collegiate journey, but it was one of his most electrifying. The game featured Morris’ third straight 300-yard passing effort, tying him for the second-longest streak in program history—just behind Mason Fine’s four-game streak in 2017. It was the fifth time in six games this season Morris has eclipsed 300 passing yards, and his seventh such outing of his career.
With UNT trailing late in the fourth quarter, it was Morris and his favorite target, junior wideout DT Sheffield, who turned the tide in dramatic fashion. Sheffield, who put together a career performance, caught two late touchdowns in a span of 1 minute and 40 seconds, stunning the home crowd. He finished the game with 11 receptions for 126 yards and the two crucial scores, marking his second career 100-yard receiving game and setting a new career high in yardage.
Sheffield wasn’t done after his two touchdown catches. His electric punt return helped set up UNT’s go-ahead score, proving that he was everywhere on the field during the game’s critical moments.
On the defensive side, senior DB Jayden Hill anchored the Mean Green with a standout performance. Hill recorded a game-high eight tackles, including six solo stops, 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack, an interception, and a pass breakup. Senior linebacker Jaylen Smith also stepped up with eight tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a pass breakup, keeping FAU’s offense from finding any late rhythm.
As UNT now sets its sights on Memphis, they’ll be looking to improve to 6-1 overall and 3-0 in AAC play. The Mean Green are on a roll, and their upcoming road test on ESPNU at 6:30 p.m. Saturday is one to watch.
