DENTON, Texas — North Texas had another big day offensively, but it took a little while for the Mean Green to get going.
After taking a 10-0 lead into halftime, UNT found another gear in the second half, scoring 42 points to pull away from Rice for a 52-23 win Saturday.
Jahiem White was the difference on the ground. He finished with 139 yards on 21 carries and found the end zone three times. White has now rushed for a touchdown in nine straight games, the longest active streak in the FBS. He also has seven 100-yard rushing games this season.
Quarterback Tayven Jackson kept the offense moving through the air and on the ground. Jackson threw for 303 yards and a touchdown, completing 18 of 31 passes without an interception. He also ran for two scores.
Justin Stevenson continued to give the Mean Green a big-play threat at receiver. He caught five passes for 117 yards, marking his fourth straight game with at least 100 receiving yards.
Rice had some opportunities to make things interesting, but North Texas came up with two turnovers that helped put the game away. Zakye Barker forced a fumble in the third quarter, which Bryce Garza recovered for the first recovery of his career. Peyton Taylor added an interception, his second in as many games.
The defense also held Rice scoreless in the first quarter and recorded two sacks.
North Texas finished 7-for-7 on scoring opportunities inside the red zone, coming away with six touchdowns and a field goal. The win also marked the sixth consecutive game the Mean Green have scored at least 40 points.
White and Jackson combined for five rushing touchdowns, giving Rice very few answers once North Texas settled into its offense.
The bottom line: North Texas is getting production from both its running game and passing attack, and the defense is finding ways to create turnovers. That’s a combination the Mean Green will need as the season moves toward its final stretch.
