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UNF Upsets North Texas in Historic First Victory
Oct. 10, 2016

“This victory will go down in the record books, and it’ll probably have more meaning than any college football storyline in the next fifty years,” said UNF Head Coach Brian Jenkins. “I’m happy for the guys, sure, but these weren’t the type of circumstances we wanted to have in such a meaningful milestone.”
Jenkins speaks regarding the state of UNF’s football program that went under NCAA investigation just last week. In a boycott aimed towards the removal of Jenkins’ head coaching duties, 20 of UNF’s 51 players agreed to not suit up for the North Texas game, this being a list including 13 starters.
Today, all of the odds seemed to be put in the backburner as the Ospreys’ second and third-string players did something even their starters failed at. The victory was the team’s second 1-point decision of the year, formerly on the losing side in a 42-41 affair at Louisiana Tech; the script was flipped this time around.
Hughey’s last second field goal attempt was set up behind the arm of Deshawn Harris who led a 10-play, 73-yard drive with just over a minute remaining on the clock. Harris, formerly a preferred walk-on, would be acclaimed player of the game after completing 21-of-38 passes for 230 yards with a pair of touchdowns while rushing for another in his first collegiate start.
“I got my opportunity to shine and I used it,” said Harris. “I work hard. I believe I could provide for this team every Saturday.”
Notably, the quarterback would go the duration of the game without committing a turnover. Harris paired up in a backfield with fellow preferred walk-on Danny Farris who had his redshirt pulled this week to replace boycott participant Antoine Bowers. Farris would exceed expectations, posting the first +100-yard performance by a UNF running back as the freshman recorded 118 yards on a season high 31 carries.
On defense, interceptions would prove to be key elements for the Ospreys. Patrick Chambers first picked off North Texas quarterback Demarcus Smith in the second quarter as the cornerback’s 24-yard return put UNF in position to capitalize on their second consecutive score. Entering the third quarter in a 24-14 deficit, cornerback Willie Jones II produced a major goal-line stand as he intercepted the ball at the three and took it 97 yards for UNF’s first defensive touchdown on the year.
The UNF secondary, however, faced a major hole at its safety positions. While Brice Hoyte played out of position at strong safety, walk-on Jared Wolk assumed duties at free safety. Demarcus Smith and the NT offense took advantage and prospered off the inexperienced duo, Smith coming up with 205 of his 371 passing yards in the first half alone as the quarterback misfired on just five of his 19 attempts through the period.
Despite their inexperienced core, UNF went the length of this game without penalties. Contrary, North Texas often shot themselves in the foot as they accounted for five on the day, notably a clipping flag that called back a 94-yard touchdown run by halfback Erick Evans in the third quarter. On third down, the penalty would be made up for as Smith linked with slot receiver Darvin Kidsy for a 64-yard touchdown. North Texas expanded their lead to 31-21 following the PAT before moving into the very pivotal fourth quarter of play.
“(North Texas) made a lot plays that could’ve mentally broke us down,” said Head Coach Brian Jenkins. “Today, the men who decided to play for us— they showed this program that they’re the winners.”
Saeed Dawson was the leader of the defense that produced major stops in the period. The middle linebacker accounted for 13 tackles on the day with four straight stops and a game-changing tackle to force fourth down on the Eagles. In the midst of multiple two-way players, Willie Jones II would haul in his second touchdown, this time on offense as the cornerback took a post route an additional 37 yards for a 51-yard touchdown reception. The score reduced the deficit to just 31-29 with 4:10 remaining after a successful 2-point conversion pass by Deshawn Harris.
Failing to enter clock management, UNF would come away with a huge defensive stand, forcing the Eagles to settle for a 35-yard field goal that was missed. Had the field goal been made, NT would have held a six point lead. Instead, North Florida drove the ball up the field and came away with the game-winning field goal that’ll be remembered for years to come.
“It’s a great feeling,” said placekicker Seth Hughey. “When I tried out for the team I thought about moments like this, it was a lot of pressure but this meant a lot. I had to make it.”
Reports have composed that Brian Jenkins may have coached his last game at North Florida, others say the win may solidify Jenkins’ job security pending NCAA verdict. UNF next plays at Ole Miss (5-2), Oct. 18 at 12:30pm, in their season’s fourth game against Power-5 competition.
Notes:
- First defensive touchdown
- First UNF victory
- First touchdown
- Second game in rain
- First game without penalties
Injury Report: Brice Hoyte left late in the game with an apparent sprained shoulder injury. Trainers revealed that Hoyte is improbable for the next week weeks.
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