SportsDirect Inc. staff
Nov 9, 2013
North Texas 41, Texas-El Paso 7: Brandin Byrd's 202 rushing yards outgained the visiting Miners' entire offensive output as the Mean Green won their fifth straight.
Byrd scored twice and Derek Thompson completed 10-of-24 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown for North Texas (7-3, 5-1 Conference USA). The Mean Green held Texas-El Paso to 184 yards, including just 56 on the ground.
Freshman Mack Leftwich went 14-of-20 for 128 yards, a touchdown and an interception in his first start for Texas-El Paso (1-8, 0-5). The Miners have lost seven consecutive games and have been held to seven points in three straight.
A blocked field goal set up Byrd's first touchdown run and Darvin Kidsy recovered a blocked UTEP punt in the end zone for a 14-0 lead late in the first quarter. Carlos Harris' 26-yard reverse set up Antoinne Jimmerson's 5-yard touchdown run as North Texas took a 21-0 lead into halftime.
Byrd broke free for an 82-yard score up the middle before the Miners got on the board, when Jordan Leslie grabbed a tipped ball for a 22-yard touchdown with 4:36 left in the third quarter. The Mean Green closed the game with a 42-yard touchdown pass to Harris and two Zach Paul field goals.