Saturday presents a non-conference matchup between the American Conference and the Sun Belt as South Alabama strolls into Denton, TX to face North Texas.
North Texas and South Alabama started their seasons
in different fashion as the Mean Green jumped to 4-0 last Saturday while the Jaguars dropped to 1-3 — remaining winless against FBS competition. This weekend presents an opportunity for either both streaks to persist or both to snap. The two non-conference foes met one year ago in Mobile, AL where North Texas produced a high-flying 52-38 shootout victory.
The follow-up matchup will kick off Saturday, Sept. 27 at 12 p.m. ET on ESPNU. Here are key numbers to internalize heading into the showdown from DATCU Stadium:
1959
The last time North Texas started 5-0. North Texas is one of 30 remaining undefeated teams in the FBS and one of three in the American. The Mean Green earned several signature victories already, pummeling Washington State by 49 points and outlasting reigning American Conference champion Army 45-38. Starting 4-0 was attained as recently as 2018, but North Texas hasn’t strung together five-straight wins to open a season since 1959. The 1959 North Texas State Eagles started 8-0 and finished 9-2, dropping the Sun Bowl to New Mexico State, 28-8. If the Mean Green defend home turf Saturday, it’ll be a winning 66 years in the making.
0-6
South Alabama’s record vs. the American Conference. South Alabama just hasn’t been able to solve the American Conference. The Jaguars received an opportunity three weeks ago, establishing a 14-0 lead vs. Tulane, falling behind 33-17, and ending a two-point conversion away from tying in a 33-31 defeat. South Alabama is 0-3 against Memphis, 0-2 against Tulane, and 0-1 against North Texas — falling 52-38 to the Mean Green in the 2024 opener. The Jaguars are 0-6 against the American with all matchups transpiring 2018 or later, and Saturday presents an opportunity to reverse the trend.
2-0
North Texas’ overtime record in 2025. North Texas is 4-0 for the first time since 2018, but not all four wins were as comfortable as the 59-10 pulverization of Washington State. The Mean Green caught themselves in two overtime contests this year — both on the road — and prevailed each time. In Week 2, North Texas erased a 14-point second half deficit and walked off Western Michigan in overtime on a Makenzie McGill II touchdown run. In Week 4, an opposite storyline unfolded as the Mean Green squandered a significant lead, allowing Army to storm back from 21 down. North Texas still got the last laugh in overtime to remain unblemished. However, the home games have been completely uncontested and North Texas hopes to keep it that way as South Alabama strides into town.
60
The number of times Devin Voisin will have suited up for South Alabama after Saturday. College football’s ultimate veteran has sworn loyalty to USA. Wide receiver Devin Voisin is in his seventh season with the Jaguars, and his 2025 campaign looks to be his most productive yet. Voisin endured a season-ending injury in 2023 and spent 2024 getting back to form while playing all 13 games for South Alabama. But the fully recovered version of the longtime Jaguar is lethal. Voisin’s 360 receiving yards check in at 13th in the FBS and second in the Sun Belt, and he averages one touchdown through four contests. With 27 receptions, Voisin is the premier target on South Alabama’s offense and stopping him will be an emphasis for a vastly-improved Mean Green pass defense.
26-of-27
North Texas’ red zone conversion rate. The Mean Green offense moved exceptionally well last year, but they often struggled upon invading in the red zone, scoring on just 75.5 percent of attempts. This year, Eric Morris’ offense has cleaned up significantly inside the opposing 20-yard line and is almost a guarantee to walk away with something. North Texas attained points on 26-of-27 red zone trips through four games. Its 26 red zone scores rank first in the FBS and its 21 red zone touchdowns only trail Indiana’s 22. North Texas hasn’t been an explosive, big-play producing offense this year, rather, it has been methodical and routinely generates points from close range.
6
Ty Goodwill’s pass deflection total. The South Alabama strong safety has been one of the best players in the Sun Belt at flying to the ball. Only Louisiana Tech’s Jhamal Shelby Jr. currently has more pass breakups to his name at seven. Goodwill is the leader of a sharp Jaguar pass defense which ranks second in the Sun Belt and 17th in the FBS in fewest passing yards allowed at 144.5 per contest. Goodwill and this element of the defense need to step up as North Texas presents a dynamic passing attack led by Drew Mestemaker, racking up 262.3 yards per game on a 70.8 completion rate.
