The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
Protective Life Stadium
November 15, 2025 – BIRMINGHAM - In a lopsided affair at Protective Stadium on November 15, the North Texas Mean Green dismantled the UAB Blazers 53–24, riding a historic performance from freshman running back Caleb Hawkins. The loss dropped UAB to 3–7 overall and 1–5 in American Athletic Conference play, while North Texas improved to 9–1 and solidified its position near the top of the league standings.
Hawkins' record-breaking day
The story of the game was Hawkins, who rushed for a program-record five touchdowns, four of which came in the first half. His scoring runs of 1, 4, 11, and 9 yards by the 11:07 mark of the second quarter tied the school's single-game record before he broke it with a fifth touchdown from five yards out late in the fourth. Hawkins finished with 189 yards on 27 carries, adding a 51-yard burst that showcased his breakaway speed and vision.
The freshman phenom now has 16 rushing touchdowns and 19 total scores on the season, placing him among the national leaders and making a strong case for AAC Freshman of the Year honors.
Mean Green offensive clinic
Quarterback Drew Mestemaker was nearly flawless, completing 18 of 25 passes for 298 yards and two touchdowns. His top target, Wyatt Young, hauled in eight receptions for 148 yards and a score, while Cameron Dorner added three catches for 73 yards and a touchdown. North Texas racked up 506 total yards, averaging 8.6 yards per play and converting 6 of 10 third downs.
The Mean Green entered the game ranked second nationally in scoring (44.4 points per game) and fifth in total offense (487.8 yards per game), and they lived up to the billing. Their balanced attack kept UAB's defense guessing, and their tempo wore down the Blazers' front seven.
Blazers show flashes but falter
Despite the final score, UAB had moments of promise. Running back Jevon Jackson turned in a strong performance with 163 rushing yards on 35 carries, consistently finding seams and fighting through contact. Quarterback Jalen Kitna threw for 281 yards on 26-of-45 passing, including a touchdown, but also tossed two interceptions that stalled drives and shifted momentum.
UAB's offense managed 478 total yards and 26 first downs, but their inability to finish drives and contain Hawkins proved fatal. The Blazers converted 9 of 17 third downs and 4 of 6 fourth downs, showing grit but lacking the explosive plays needed to keep pace.
Defensive breakdowns and missed opportunities
UAB's defense struggled from the outset, surrendering 21 points in the first quarter and allowing North Texas to score on eight of their 11 possessions. Missed tackles, poor gap discipline, and blown coverages plagued the Blazers, who failed to generate a turnover or meaningful pressure on Mestemaker.
The Blazers' secondary was repeatedly exposed, particularly on deep crossing routes and play-action passes. North Texas exploited mismatches and used motion to isolate defenders, a strategy that paid dividends throughout the game.
Looking ahead
With two games remaining, UAB faces an uphill battle to salvage their season and reach bowl eligibility. Interim head coach Alex Mortenson will need to rally his squad and address defensive lapses, especially as they prepare for matchups against high-powered offenses in the AAC.
For North Texas, the win keeps them in contention for the conference title and a potential New Year's Six bowl berth. Hawkins' emergence adds a dangerous dimension to an already potent offense, and the Mean Green appear poised for a deep postseason run.
Final thoughts
Saturday's game was a showcase of North Texas' offensive firepower and a sobering reminder of UAB's defensive vulnerabilities. While the Blazers showed heart and flashes of talent, they were ultimately outclassed by a team firing on all cylinders. For Birmingham fans, the hope now shifts to a strong finish and signs of growth heading into 2026.
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