Army battles but falls in OT to North Texas

After a stunning win over Kansas State two weeks ago, the Army Black Knights began conference play when they hosted American Conference foe North Texas on Saturday.

Unfortunately, Army started slow and had a 21-point deficit in the first quarter, but to their credit, the Black Knights fought back.

In the fourth quarter, after North Texas recovered Army’s failed onside kick attempt, the Black Knights, who trailed 38-35 and had no timeouts, would force North Texas RB Makenzie McGill II to fumble, which was recovered by linebacker Kalib Fortner with 2:49 left.

Army quarterback Dewayne Coleman, who replaced an ineffective Cale Hellums in the second quarter, would lead the Army all the way down to the North Texas six-yard line, but they couldn’t get a touchdown; Army had to settle for a 23-yard field goal from Dawson Jones with nine seconds remaining, which sent the game to overtime.

However, in overtime, North Texas freshman RB Caleb Hawkins three-yard touchdown run put the Mean Green up for good; Army(1-2) had one more chance, but Hellums, who replaced an injured Coleman, pass would fall incomplete in the end zone, and North Texas(4-0) would defeat the Black Knights 45-38 in OT at Michie Stadium in West Point, NY.

This season, Army has lost both of its home games in overtime.

Following North Texas’ impressive opening drive, which ended with a four-yard touchdown run from Hawkins, who finished the game with a career-high four rushing touchdowns. 

Army’s offense struggled out of the gate. The Black Knights had fumbled on each of their first two possessions, both of which ended in touchdowns for the Mean Green, and before you know it, North Texas led 21-0 in the first quarter.

The Black Knights finally got a jolt near the end of the first when freshman RB Briggs Bartosh ripped off a 75-yard touchdown run, the first of his career. However, the turnover bug would hit the Black Knights once again when North Texas CB Da’Veawn Armstead picked off Hellums, and he returned it 35 yards to the Army 10-yard line. North Texas would capitalize on that turnover, taking a 28-7 lead. 

After Hellums’ interception in the second quarter, his second of turnover of the game, Coleman would replace him. The senior quarterback, who completed 6-of-11 passes for 101 and two touchdowns and rushed for 117 yards and another touchdown, would lead Army on three straight touchdown scoring drives, and they would cut the lead to 31-28 in the fourth.

On their next possession, North Texas would increase its lead to 38-28 in the fourth following a Hawkins 27-yard rushing touchdown.

From there, the game appeared over after Army was stopped on a fourth down in their territory with just over six minutes to go. However, Army’s defense would get a stop, and their next possession, Coleman would connect with Brady Anderson on an improbable 68-yard touchdown pass on fourth down.

Army fought hard, but they couldn’t get over the hump.

Bottom Line:

The Black Knights showed a lot of heart in this game, but it’s hard to overcome three turnovers and a 21-point deficit. If Army doesn’t turn the ball over, they may have won this game. In football, most likely, if you win the turnover battle, you win the game; Army had three turnovers, while North Texas only had one. 

Looking ahead, Army won’t have to wait long to redeem itself as it hits the road Thursday night to face East Carolina. Meanwhile, North Texas will look to continue its winning streak as it hosts South Alabama next Saturday.

By the numbers:

-Army RB Hayden Reed’s impressive performance saw him rush for 113 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown, while Bartosh added to the team’s tally with 99 yards rushing on eight carries and a touchdown. Army rushed for a season-high 387 rushing yards.

-Coleman had his first multi-touchdown passing game of his career. In addition, this was his first game with a rushing and a passing touchdown. Conversely, Hellums(0/2, interception) did not complete a pass in this game.

-North Texas had a season-high 229 yards rushing on Saturday. McGill II led the way with 101 yards on 10 carries and touchdown, while Hawkins added 99 yards on 13 carries and the four touchdowns.

-Mean Green quarterback Drew Mestemaker was solid, as he completed 25-of-36 passes for 249 yards and a touchdown. This season, Mestemaker has thrown 10 touchdown passes with no interceptions.

-Both teams combined for almost 1,000 total yards. Army had a season-high 488 total yards, while North Texas finished with 466 total yards.