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North Texas vs Tulsa: Mean Green survive 45-44 OT thriller

Dustin Judge
H. A. Chapman Stadium in Tulsa, where North Texas vs Tulsa ended 45-44 in overtime

North Texas vs Tulsa ended with the Mean Green on top 45-44 in overtime on Thursday night, Oct. 1, after Tulsa’s two-point try fell short at H.A. Chapman Stadium. It was the American Conference opener for both teams, and North Texas improved to 3-2 (1-0), per the conference.

How North Texas vs Tulsa was decided

Quarterback Tayven Jackson completed 24 of 39 passes for 332 yards and four touchdowns, then scored on a 1-yard run in overtime. Running back Jahiem White rushed for 219 yards and a touchdown on 32 carries. Receiver Max Reese caught five passes for 101 yards and a score.

Tulsa rallied late. Quarterback Baylor Hayes ran for a 1-yard touchdown with 31 seconds left to force overtime at 38-38. Hayes threw three touchdown passes, two of them to David Wells Jr., and ran for two scores.

Overtime and the failed two-point try

After Jackson’s overtime score, Tulsa’s Damari Alston answered with a 2-yard touchdown run. The Golden Hurricane went for two and the win, but the try came up short after a replay review upheld the call on the field, Yahoo Sports reported.

What it means for both teams

North Texas outgained Tulsa 559-352. White now has 10 touchdowns this season, second most in the FBS, according to the Associated Press. Tulsa fell to 3-2 and 0-1 in conference play.

North Texas hosts Charlotte on Oct. 10, and Tulsa visits Navy the same day. For the pregame view, read our North Texas at Tulsa preview, and for more conference coverage see our Bowling Green vs. Miami preview.

Dustin Judge is the Founder and CEO of Total Apex Media, bringing more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience to the company's growing network of digital publications. He specializes in sports, sports betting, fantasy sports, and digital publishing, with a focus on producing accurate, timely, and engaging content for readers. Dustin oversees editorial strategy, content development, and publishing operations across Total Apex Media while remaining actively involved in sports, betting, and fantasy sports coverage.