Navy-North Texas is seemingly always an offensive affair. In 2007 the famous 74-62 was the first meeting between the two. Then in 2023, Navy won 27-24 in a game that saw big runs from Ayo Adeyi. Last year NT won in Denton 31-17 in a battle of unbeatens. Today, Navy and North Texas combined for 900+ yards. Its never simple and that is fine with me. We want entertainment, after all.
North Texas never trailed in this game, and though Navy got within three points North Texas was never really challenged. Although if you ask Neal Brown, that wasn’t the case. He was quoted this week praising Navy’s program, coaching staff, players, and atmosphere.
“Offensively, we played ok. Defensively, we bent, but we got a key takeaway and we bowed up at a couple of opportune times. Special teams, we played really sound and had the punt-return touchdown, which was huge because it allowed us to keep momentum and we never trailed. It was a three-phase win. We made them have to play from behind and that’s not something they like to do.”
North Texas scored on offense, defense, and special teams — a first for Navy allowing this since a Notre Dame game. For NT, this was the first time they did this since Arkansas in 2018. Coincidently, it was also the first time North Texas returned a punt for a score since that game.
It was a game that looked as if North Texas could score whenever they wanted. It might have been too good, as Navy dominated the time of possession. Starting the second half with the ball, Neal Brown said “we just wanted to get Jahiem White the ball” and began feeding him. That first drive ended with a sack on third down and a punt. “That was my fault,” said Brown.
Jahiem White finished with 20 carries for 174 yards and four grabs for 58 yards including a game-sealing 7-yard grab under 2-minutes on 4th and 1. “We knew that would win us the game.”
Add to that Justin Stevenson’s 209 yard, 2 score game and you have a monster offense. “[Stevenson] wasn’t our number one guy to start the year but the work he’s put in has got him there.” Asked what kind of work went into a clutch 3rd-and-15 conversion from Jackson to Stevenson, “just the mindset and work we put in.” Brown said “We were up by 10 but if we don’t get it, we have to punt and Navy still has a chance.”
North Texas converted then, and the 4th and 1 and killed the game, using up the final 6-plus minutes.
Let’s get into some reactions:
1. Neal Brown’s Offense Is Cooking
Tayven Jackson is statistically the best QB in the league in a good number of measures. He put up 3 scores, 300+ yards, and 77+ completion percentage. Justin Stevenson is stepping into the number one wideout role. We mentioned on the show that Wyatt Young was not at this pace last year, and he finished with 1200 yards and 10 scores. Justin Stevenson is taking the top off secondaries and grabbing super-important chain-movers.
Of course Jahiem White is a cheat code. He looks like he’s running at a different speed. As teams are focusing on him, its opening up the pass game even more. Today North Texas opened the game up with the pass and closed it with the run. White found paydirt with an ankle-breaking 59-yard run. He closed the game out with crucial first down runs, and a big 4th down grab. He’s the best player in the league. He wears Mean Green.
2. The Defense Got Huge Stops Even Though The Numbers Are Bad
507 yards allowed. 363 yards rushing allowed. 39 points allowed. But huge stops when it mattered (the punt) and a defensive score.
The Air Raid for years was criticized for being a number-compiling te1am but not necessarily an offense that could get a yard, or a point when it mattered. There are plenty of defenses that do the same. The North Texas defense did a great job getting stops early to allow the offense to get up big, and came up when it mattered to seal the victory. They were scored upon, but added 6-points of their own. It’s like a pitcher that could get a bat on the ball and help his own cause.
As the secondary improves, we should see a more coherent team. Navy is a unique proposition and MGN thinks they were starting slow this season as they adjusted to life without Blake Horvath. Now that Jackson Gutierrez has firmly established himself as a weapon, we should see more Navy touchdowns the rest of the season. The academies are always difficult and any win is a good win, no matter how achieved.
It was great to see and hear the NT defense hit hard and tackle. Navy was able to find new gaps and different blocks — Aaron Alexander said they started “running counter late, and had more movement” — but North Texas never looked overwhelmed or lost. There were mistakes — Pat Taylor had 3 defensive penalties — but in the end, it was effective enough to win.
3. The Special Teams Was Good
Keegan Brewer is now a firefighter but his claim to fame was returning the “Peter Pan” play to the house vs Arkansas, as North Texas scored in all three phases in 2018. Today, Dalton Carnes scored on a play called “Oscar”
“We saw on film that Air Force didn’t return the kick. We knew the ball was going to the right. We lined me up as a vice guy on the right. The team pushed their guys to the left.”
Was that the easiest PR he’s ever had? “Yeah they made it easy for me (smiles)”
The offense doesn’t have to be perfect when the special teams and defense add to the scoreboard tally. I think it is very possible NT scores the ball anyway, but its good not to have to put it to chance. Jeff Crosby came over from App State and so far his group’s performance has been underwhelming. He moved opinion in the other direction with this.
4. Neal Brown Is Coach-in’
MGN loved the consistent messaging about the situation. Presented with an opportunity to simply enjoy being in 2nd place in the league, Neal Brown had consistently down played it “its just two games,” and focused attention on the task ahead. It is coaching cliché, sure, but it has worked.
The biggest slip up was in San Marcos this year but recent events have shown a Bobcat team that is very difficult to stop, and North Texas being tied in the top of the 4th quarter on the road is more impressive every day.
Every team evolves as the season progresses, and Neal Brown’s comments suggest a guy that understands that. This week he mentioned the things that contribute to progressing positively — “lifting the right way, practicing.” They are common sense, but haven’t been expressed around here.
Eric Morris is rightly regarded as a coaching rising star, but Neal Brown should not be considered a coaching has-been. He won at Troy, in some difficult circumstances and is winning in Denton. He took a difficult situation — a blank slate with high expectations — and has found a QB, built a tough defense that gives his high-powered offense a chance. Oh and he has the best player in the league in the backfield.
Whatever you want to say about non-conference, he has his team undefeated through three games in the league.
So is Rico Bussey.