In a game that left fans buzzing, the North Texas Mean Green delivered a stunning performance against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, securing a commanding 52-20 win. The showdown took place on September 29, 2024, in the heart of the NCAA football season, marking a major moment for North Texas as they continued their impressive run.
From the start, it was clear that North Texas came ready to play, showing exceptional skill and control on both sides of the ball. With a solid defensive effort and explosive offensive plays, they took the game in stride and never looked back. Tulsa, despite moments of promise, struggled to keep up with the relentless pace set by North Texas.
Let’s break down the game and highlight the moments that made this matchup unforgettable.
A First Half of Momentum Building
The first quarter was a slow burner, as both teams failed to score, ending the quarter in a 0-0 deadlock. But the lack of points didn’t reflect the intensity on the field. Each team tested the other’s defense, probing for weaknesses while keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Then came the second quarter, and North Texas found their rhythm. The game exploded into life when Brandon Conwright scored the first touchdown at 10:13, putting the Mean Green on the board. Their kicker, Kabu Nguma, followed up with a successful extra point, setting the tone for what would be a dominant quarter.
Nguma later added a field goal, extending the lead. Willie Young also played a pivotal role, scoring two back-to-back touchdowns. Both of Young’s touchdowns were converted successfully by Nguma’s extra points. By the end of the second quarter, North Texas had built a 24-3 lead, leaving Tulsa scrambling for answers.
Tulsa’s only points in the first half came from a field goal by Steven Morgan, a glimmer of hope that briefly cut into North Texas’ lead. However, it wasn’t enough to shift the momentum.
Third Quarter: North Texas Takes Full Control
As the teams returned from halftime, North Texas shifted gears once again, pushing their lead even further. The third quarter was where the game was decisively put out of Tulsa’s reach.
At 2:55 into the quarter, Daylan Sheffield, the man of the match, made a spectacular play, scoring a touchdown that ignited the crowd. His athleticism and ability to find gaps in the Tulsa defense were on full display. Sheffield’s outstanding performance wasn’t limited to this touchdown alone; he was a constant threat, making crucial plays throughout the game.
Following Sheffield’s touchdown, Nguma once again added the extra point, continuing his flawless kicking performance. North Texas wasn’t done yet—Devin Carnes and Kylin Sibley also found their way into the end zone, adding two more touchdowns to the board. With every touchdown, Nguma’s reliable foot converted the extra points, maintaining North Texas’ dominance.
By the end of the third quarter, the scoreboard read 45-3 in favor of North Texas, and the game was all but decided.
Tulsa Fights Back in the Fourth Quarter, But Too Late
To their credit, Tulsa didn’t give up. In the fourth quarter, they showed some resilience and managed to outscore North Texas, 17-7, but it was too little, too late.
Steven Morgan, who had already scored Tulsa’s lone field goal in the first half, added another one early in the fourth quarter. Tulsa then scored a pair of touchdowns—Malik McGill powered his way into the end zone at 2:25, followed by a touchdown from Joshua Wright at 7:31.
Although Tulsa had finally found their footing, North Texas quickly responded with one last touchdown from Caden Vaughn, sealing the final score at 52-20.
Man of the Match: Daylan Sheffield
While several North Texas players made significant contributions, Daylan Sheffield stood out as the undisputed man of the match. Sheffield’s speed, agility, and football intelligence were a nightmare for Tulsa’s defense. His touchdown in the third quarter effectively put the game out of reach for Tulsa, and he was a constant presence in both offense and defense, making plays that set the tone for North Texas’ dominance.
Sheffield’s contributions went beyond his stats—he was the emotional spark plug for his team, bringing energy and leadership that elevated his teammates’ performances. Whether catching critical passes or making crucial tackles, Sheffield was the difference-maker in this matchup.
Key Moments and Turning Points
Brandon Conwright’s First Touchdown (2nd Quarter): This was the play that opened the floodgates for North Texas. After a tense first quarter with no points, Conwright’s touchdown sent a clear message that North Texas was ready to take over.
Willie Young’s Back-to-Back Touchdowns: Young’s touchdowns late in the second quarter further broke Tulsa’s defense, showing North Texas’ versatility and depth on offense.
Daylan Sheffield’s Third Quarter Touchdown: Sheffield’s score at 2:55 into the third quarter was arguably the play of the game. It not only added to the lead but also demoralized Tulsa, who were unable to recover from the onslaught.
Post-Game Reflections
For North Texas, this victory marked their fourth win of the season, bringing their record to 4-1. Their only loss came against Texas Tech earlier in the season, but they have since bounced back with commanding wins over Wyoming and Stephen F. Austin.
Coach Eric Miller expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting their discipline and execution on both sides of the ball. “We knew Tulsa would be a tough opponent, but the guys stuck to the game plan. Daylan [Sheffield] had an outstanding game, but it was really a team effort,” Miller said in a post-game interview.
On the other side, Tulsa will have to go back to the drawing board after a second consecutive tough loss. With a 2-3 record, Coach Greg Riley admitted there were “a lot of things to work on,” especially when it came to defending against high-powered offenses like North Texas’.
Looking Ahead
For North Texas, this victory further solidifies their standing in the NCAA and builds confidence as they move deeper into the season. Their next challenge comes against UTSA, another formidable opponent, but if they can maintain the form they displayed against Tulsa, North Texas fans have plenty to be excited about.
Tulsa, meanwhile, will aim to regroup and fix the defensive lapses that allowed North Texas to run up the score. Their upcoming match against Rice provides an opportunity to bounce back and regain some momentum in their season.
Conclusion
The 52-20 victory for North Texas over Tulsa was a game that showcased the strength, speed, and cohesion of the Mean Green. With Daylan Sheffield leading the way as the man of the match, North Texas demonstrated why they are a team to watch this season. Fans will undoubtedly be looking forward to their next game, while Tulsa will be hoping to turn things around quickly.
For now, North Texas can celebrate a job well done—a performance that will go down as one of the season’s most dominant displays.
