Morris, Sheffield Lead North Texas to Thrilling 41-37 Comeback Victory Over FAU

Nick Zukauskas • October 13, 2024

Mean Green score two late touchdowns in final minutes to rally past the Owls, improving to 5-1 on the season

North Texas mounted a thrilling late-game comeback to defeat Florida Atlantic 41-37 in Boca Raton, securing their second American Athletic Conference victory of the season. Quarterback Chandler Morris led the charge, throwing four touchdown passes, including two critical strikes to DT Sheffield in the final minutes, sealing the win for the Mean Green.

Trailing 37-27 with just under three minutes left, Morris engineered an impressive eight-play, 75-yard drive, capping it off with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Sheffield. With the clock winding down and only 1:43 remaining, North Texas' defense made a stand, forcing a punt and giving Morris another chance to work his magic. The offense quickly moved down the field in five plays, with a crucial 34-yard run by Shane Porter setting up a first-and-goal at the FAU 5-yard line. Morris then connected with Sheffield for a 3-yard touchdown, putting North Texas ahead for good.

North Texas Mean Green Defense Huddles Pre Snap. Nicholas Zukauskas/Mahi Media

Morris had an outstanding performance, completing 27 of 45 passes for 336 yards, though he did throw one interception. Sheffield was his go-to target throughout the game, hauling in 11 receptions for 126 yards. The duo’s late-game heroics completed the comeback, improving North Texas’ record to 5-1 overall and 2-0 in conference play.

The Mean Green got off to a strong start in the first quarter with Morris connecting on a 19-yard touchdown pass to Dalton Carnes. They continued to apply pressure, as Morris found Nick Rempert for a 25-yard score to take a 14-7 lead.

FAU Defense Nicholas Zukauskas/Mahi Media

Florida Atlantic, however, fought back with quarterback Cam Fancher leading the Owls' offense. Fancher threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Omari Hayes in the first quarter, and followed up with two more scores in the second: a 28-yard pass to Wyatt Sullivan and a 5-yard toss to Jabari Smith. Kicker Morgan Suarez added two field goals to give the Owls a 27-17 lead at halftime. Fancher finished the game with 351 passing yards on 22 of 30 attempts, with one interception. Running back CJ Campbell Jr. contributed to the ground game with 18 carries for 89 yards and a touchdown.

Despite leading 34-27 heading into the final quarter, FAU could not hold off the surging Mean Green. North Texas' late rally secured a dramatic victory, leaving FAU still searching for their first conference win of the season. The Owls dropped to 2-4 overall and 0-2 in the AAC.

This thrilling win solidifies North Texas' place as a team to watch in the AAC as they continue their strong start to the season.

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