A Little Late But Interest Article On W Ky Game

[OldTimer]

Digg it del.icio.us AIM Mean Green roughs it in beating Western Kentucky

By TROY PHILLIPS

Star-Telegram staff writer

DENTON -- Imagine celebrating too much in college football. Not just too much, way too much.

Western Kentucky, welcome to the big time.

A provisional Bowl Subdivision team awaiting promotion from the former Division I-AA (now Championship Subdivision) ranks, Western Kentucky pulled off a rare double unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after a touchdown Saturday night.

"You saw what happened at the end," North Texas defensive tackle Montey Stevenson said. "That's what you get."

That piled-on celebration pushed WKU back for a 28-yard extra-point attempt, which kicker Chris James missed, later providing the difference in UNT's 27-26 victory on a cold, wet Senior Night.

UNT (2-9) can close coach Todd Dodge's first season next week at winless Florida International with a two-game winning streak. WKU (7-5) finished its season literally swinging in a brief postgame brawl at midfield.

For WKU, that's where its trouble began. The Hilltoppers danced on UNT's 50-yard line before kickoff, prior to Senior Night ceremonies. The result, besides UNT's victory, was a combined nine personal fouls for either rough play, taunting or celebrating.

"That made me mad," said UNT running back Jamario Thomas, who ends his home career as the school's second-leading rusher (3,448 yards) behind Patrick Cobbs. "The bomb in the end zone. Major disrespect."

Thomas' 147 yards rushing and three touchdowns pulled UNT's fat out of the fire on a night quarterback Giovanni Vizza threw three interceptions. WKU turned two of those into touchdowns, the second on Terald Clark's 44-yard return for a 20-7 lead before halftime.

Instead of the single celebration penalty that would have been assessed on the kickoff, WKU tacked on a choreographed "bomb" routine that drew a second flag, forcing the long extra point.

Earlier in the second quarter, UNT had to re-kick its first extra point after a personal foul, but made the long attempt.

"There were things that went on that motivated our players," Dodge said.

WKU needed three plays to score off its first interception for a 7-0 lead and was in control at 14-0 until Aaron Weathers' fourth blocked punt of the season. Chris Neal recovered and scored off a short return for 14-7.

UNT's defense, led by Jeremiah Chapman and Maurice Holman, who had a combined 30 tackles, held WKU to two second-half field goals. Vizza discarded a pair of throwing gloves and saw better results bare-handed. He mixed in better throws, and Thomas cut and danced his way to scores of eight, 30 and 42 yards.

"Jamario was fabulous," Dodge said. "He was the guy."

WKU's antics came to roost on its final drive. The Hilltoppers recovered their own fumble, converted a third down and a fourth down. Eddrick Gilmore stopped WKU's K.J. Black on third-and-11 to set up a 38-yard field goal. James, who scored from 26 and 44 yards earlier in the half, missed badly.

Breakdown

Why UNT won: Senior Jamario Thomas scored three rushing touchdowns, and the defense played a solid second half.

Why Western Kentucky lost: The Hilltoppers missed a last-chance field goal and paid for some personal-foul indiscretions.

Notables

UNT held Western Kentucky to 3-of-13 on third down.

Jamario Thomas had the 13th 100-yard game of his career.

Up next: UNT at Florida International, 6 p.m. Saturday.

NORTH TEXAS 27, WESTERN KENTUCKY 26

tphillips@star-telegram.com

Troy Phillips, 817-390-7760