The showdown in Denton began with a sloppy start eerily reminiscent of the Charlotte game, as USF opened with a turnover by quarterback Byrum Brown. North Texas capitalized immediately, driving down to the Bulls’ 7-yard line and converting a 4th-and-1. On the next play, the Mean Green punched it in for the game’s first score.
On the following possession, USF’s offense showed signs of life, until Byrum Brown fumbled again, marking the Bulls’ second turnover in as many drives. North Texas marched down the field again and looked poised to take full control. But, linebacker Jhalyn Shuler snuffed out the red zone threat by coming up with a clutch interception to inject some life into the Bulls.
USF responded by leaning on Byrum Brown’s legs. The quarterback capped off an 8-play, 59-yard drive with a 7-yard rushing touchdown to tie the game at 7–7.
But the momentum swung right back. North Texas sliced through the Bulls’ defense with a 6-play, 75-yard drive, ending in a 23-yard rushing touchdown by Makenzie McGill II. The Mean Green led 14–7 with just 12 seconds left in the first quarter.
Referees missed several blatant holding calls in the opening quarter, adding to USF’s frustrations.
Brown tossed USF’s third turnover at the end of the first quarter on an under-thrown deep ball intended for Keshawn Singleton that was intercepted by Dalton Carnes. Fortunately for USF, the defense came up big again, forcing a quick three-and-out.
Three early turnovers plagued the Bulls’ offense, continuing their lingering ball security issues from a week ago. On defense, the need to pressure UNT QB Drew Mestemaker was readily apparent. When given a clean pocket to operate, the Mean Green moved the ball downfield with ease.
Brown rebounded on the next drive, converting a 3rd-and-4 with a 15-yard strike to Wyatt Sullivan. After missing a would-be touchdown to Josh Porter, Brown kept the drive alive with a third-down scramble to move the chains. Brown finished the possession with a 14-yard dart to Jeremiah Koger in the back corner of the end zone, tying the game at 14 with 9:37 left in the second.
Controversial Call
A questionable pass interference penalty on an uncatchable ball moved North Texas deep into USF territory. Head coach Alex Golesh erupted at the officials, earning a sideline warning.
The Mean Green capitalized, scoring on a direct snap to Wyatt Young for an 11-yard touchdown to go up 21–14.
USF’s defense looked ready to force a stop near the two-minute warning, but North Texas converted a 3rd-and-7, only to have cornerback Jonas Duclona come up with a timely, big time interception.
After a three-and-out by USF, the special teams unit caught a break: UNT muffed the punt, and Cedrick Hawkins recovered it at the 8-yard line. But USF failed to capitalize immediately, burning valuable timeouts with poor clock management. Still, Brown hit Jonathan Echols for a 2-yard touchdown with just two seconds remaining in the half. The Bulls tied it at 21 going into the break.
Halftime Note: Attendance was officially 31,386—the largest crowd in North Texas history.
Third Quarter Explosion
I ran into former USF linebacker Sam Barrington at halftime and he said, “USF is a third quarter team” and he couldn’t have predicted the game more accurately.
On the Bulls first possession of the second half, USF pulled some trickeration when wide receiver Christian Neptune hit Keshaun Singleton for a 29 yard touchdown. USF suddenly had their first lead of the game.
Then came the avalanche.
Fred Gaskin picked off Mestemaker on the following Mean Green possession after pressure from Jhalyn Shuler, setting the Bulls up at the UNT 29. Sam Franklin took full advantage, bursting in for an 11-yard score.
Jarvis Lee Jr. delivered a bone-crushing hit on Simeon Evans, forcing a fumble that Shuler scooped up and returned for a touchdown. In just 3 minutes and 27 seconds, the Bulls exploded for 28 unanswered points and seized control of the game.
Closing the Door
Cole Skinner helped ice the game with a power run into the end zone early in the fourth. With 11 minutes to play, USF led 56–28 and had the contest firmly in hand.
The Bulls knocked off previously unbeaten North Texas in commanding fashion, 63-36 for the fifth win of 2025.
Notables
Quarterback Byrum Brown finished the contest 22 of 28 for 245 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Brown also dashed for 82 yards on 21 carries and two touchdowns. Brown notched his second consecutive game with five total touchdowns.
Wide receiver Jeremiah Koger had a monster evening, toting four catches 94 yards and touchdowns of 14 and 63-yards respectively.
Cornerback Tavin Ward shined for the Bulls under the Friday night lights. Ward was laying the wood all evening long, finishing the game with a team-high 14 total tackles (12 solo).
Linebacker Jhalyn Shuler was by far the best defensive player on the field in Denton. Shuler amassed 8 total tackles (2 solo), a TFL, QB Hurry, and an interception returned for a 34-yard touchdown.
I also want to mention defensive back Jarvis Lee, Jr. Lee collected 5 total tackles (4 solo), two TFL, and a key forced fumble.
Up Next
The Bulls host FAU for homecoming this Saturday October 18th at 7:30 PM on ESPNU.
This season has been nothing short of amazing and we believe this is the year USF wins the first conference championship in program history.
Hey, even Florida Governor Ron DeSantis chimed in.
As always, Go Bulls!
Twitter: @Mcknurkle