By: Anthony Miller
After racking up two straight wins, the North Texas Mean Green look for a third straight win against Navy.
North Texas is coming off a 45-31 win over Abilene Christian to move to 2-2 on the season. Quarterback Chandler Rogers records a second win as starter throwing for 321 yards and three scores in the win.
After losing their first two games of the season, the Mean Green have found new life with winning their last two games. A key to that has been the change at quarterback with Rogers that has led to the offense scoring 40 or more points in the last two games.
Navy trying to bounce back as they have started the season 1-3 on the year losing their last two games as they have lost two conference games.
It’s an important conference-opening game for North Texas as they look to continue their winning ways.
Game Notes
Betting Lines: Navy -6.5, O/U 61
Time/Date: Saturday, October 7 at 2:30 pm CST
Location: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, MD
Weather: 65 degrees, 90% chance of rain, wind 10 mph
How to Watch: CBS Sports Network
Key Storylines for North Texas
Chandler Rogers Continues Hot Streak
Since Chandler Rogers stepped in the second half of the 46-39 loss to Florida International, it’s been clear he’s the best quarterback for the team.
As already mentioned, he has won both of his starts the last two games leading the offense to over 40 points in each game. Rogers has thrown for 845 yards and seven touchdowns to only one interception. He’s also ran for 103 yards and two scores on the season.
Rogers has shown the veteran maturity North Texas’ offense was needing especially after their blowout loss to California at the beginning of the season. While being a strong passer in the pocket, he’s been able to show his mobility to make plays with his legs as well.
The offense has been different with Rogers thanks to him protecting the football better and scoring more consistently. North Texas head coach Eric Morris has clear intentions to stay with Rogers and should pay off dividend during AAC season.
Offense Must Score 40
This is a good news, bad news situation where there are two elements to 40 points being the magic number.
Offensively, North Texas is ranked first in the AAC in total offense (466.3), second in points (36.3), and third in passing (279.8) as well as rushing (186.5). When this offense doesn’t score 40 points, they are 0-2 this season. When they do score at least 40 points, they are 2-0. That’s a recipe for success.
On the flip side, the Mean Green have one for the worst defenses statically in the conference. They are dead last in total defense (503), rush defense (241.3), and points per game (43). This unit gives up a lot of points and a lot of big plays so they lean a lot on the offense to carry them during games.
Can Mean Green Defense Stop Navy Ground Game?
Staying on the topic of defense, they are the worst against the run which is bad news as they face a Midshipmen team that is the best running team in the conference averaging 227.5 yards per game.
North Texas’ challenge is can their front seven make a stop on the ground against Navy. Historically, the Midshipmen pound the ball often and smell blood in the water against North Texas.
If the Mean Green hold Navy under 200 yards rushing, there is a strong chance North Texas gets the win. Should the front seven struggle, it could be a long day for the Mean Green.
Prediction: Navy 38, North Texas 34
Featured Image via X (@MeanGreenFB)