BY BRIAN GOSSET
After beating UAB 53-24, the UNT Mean Green football team improved their record to 9-1 this season and won their fourth straight game.
Then they received the #22 ranking in the AP Top 25 – history for North Texas.
The last time UNT was in the AP Top 25, you have to go all the way back to 1959.
66 years ago.
UNT didn’t crack the college football playoff rankings, unfortunately, but there’s still time. Their only loss came on Oct. 10, 63-36 against South Florida. But USF has since gone to 7-3 and 4-2 in conference play. UNT is 5-1 in conference.
The Mean Green play at Rice on Saturday and then wrap up the regular season at home against Temple on Black Friday. The game against Temple is schedule for a 2:30 pm kickoff.
Against UAB, quarterback Drew Mestemaker threw for 298 yards and two touchdowns.
Caleb Hawkins rushed for 189 yards and five touchdowns.
UNT led 21-0 after the first quarter and 31-7 at halftime.
On Wednesday, UNT coach Eric Morris was named one of 24 coaches to the George Munger College Coach Of The Year semifinalist list.
Their 9-1 start is also a first since that 1959 season.
**Rice is trying to get more fans on Saturday. The stadium is offering free beer and food to their students in hopes they attend their home finale**
