Key Plays Late, Tough Defense Help UNT Pull Out Landmark Win At Minnesota

Late-Game Heroics, Stingy Defense Secure Historic Victory

DENTON – A last-minute field goal and a stingy defensive effort lifted the Mean Green to a thrilling 31-28 victory at Minnesota on Saturday in front of a raucous crowd at Huntington Bank Stadium.

The win marked UNT's first-ever victory over a Power Five conference opponent and its first win over a Big Ten team since 1956.

Explosive Offense, Clutch Plays Lead the Way

The Mean Green offense was explosive throughout the game, racking up 531 yards of total offense.

Quarterback Austin Aune threw for 347 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Ayo Adeyi rushed for 118 yards and a touchdown.

In the fourth quarter, with the game tied at 28-28, Aune led the Mean Green on a 10-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in a 22-yard field goal by Ethan Mooney with just 22 seconds remaining.

Defense Shines in Crunch Time

The Mean Green defense came up with several big plays in the fourth quarter to preserve the win.

Linebacker KD Davis intercepted a pass in the end zone with just over two minutes remaining to halt a potential Minnesota scoring drive.

The defense also forced a fumble on Minnesota's final possession to seal the victory.

Historic Win for UNT

The win is a major milestone for the Mean Green program.

It is the first time UNT has defeated a Power Five opponent since 2010, and it is the first time the Mean Green have won a road game against a Power Five opponent since 1993.

The victory is also a testament to the progress that the Mean Green have made under head coach Seth Littrell.