DALLAS, TEXAS — The UNT Mean Green suffered a tough loss in their first meeting with Texas State since 1994, narrowing their all-time series lead to 29-8-3. The defeat dropped UNT’s bowl record to 3-12, with their last bowl win being a 36-14 triumph over UNLV in the 2013 Heart of Dallas Bowl.
Freshman quarterback Drew Mestemaker made an impressive debut, throwing for 393 yards and two touchdowns, breaking multiple program bowl records. He also added a 70-yard rushing touchdown, the longest in UNT bowl history.
Wide receivers Damon Ward Jr. (133 yards) and Miles Coleman (104 yards) became the first UNT duo to record 100-yard receiving games in the same bowl matchup, setting several program and First Responder Bowl records.
UNT’s offense showcased its explosive potential, finishing the season with the most 70+ yard plays (8) in FBS and breaking single-season records in passing yards, completions, and attempts. However, defensive struggles continued, as opponents scored on their opening drive in 15 of the last 20 games.
Despite the loss, UNT celebrated milestones, including a sixth consecutive game with an interception and standout performances from key players like LB Chavez Brown and DL Fatafehi Vailea II.
The Mean Green aim to build on this season’s offensive highlights while addressing defensive challenges under head coach Eric Morris.
