North Texas defeats Florida Atlantic 48-41 in first FBS game this season with two 400-yard passers
Tayven Jackson and Caden Veltkamp combined for 1,167 total yards of offense in a game that saw six lead changes and a late scoring drive to decide the winner.
By Nina Patel ·
The teams combined for 1,167 yards of total offense in the first Football Bowl Subdivision contest this season to feature two players throwing for at least 400 yards. North Texas quarterback Tayven Jackson passed for 404 yards and four touchdowns to secure a 48-41 victory over Florida Atlantic on Thursday night in Denton, Texas. The win improved the Mean Green to 6-2 overall and 4-0 in the American Conference, extending their winning streak to five games.
Jackson completed 33 of 46 passes. Florida Atlantic quarterback Caden Veltkamp responded with a season-high 452 passing yards and five touchdowns on 37 of 56 attempts. Veltkamp matched his career high in passing yards. The Owls fell to 5-3 overall and 2-2 in conference play despite the offensive volume.
North Texas running back Jahiem White provided the necessary ground game, rushing for 193 yards on 26 carries and scoring two touchdowns. Florida Atlantic wide receiver Easton Messer set a school record with 16 receptions for 189 yards and three scores. Messer caught a 34-yard touchdown pass from Veltkamp with 8:26 remaining to cut the North Texas lead to three points.
The game swung back and forth throughout the contest. Florida Atlantic led 17-10 at one point in the second quarter after a 27-yard score by Messer. North Texas tied the game at 24-24 at halftime following a 12-yard touchdown pass from Veltkamp to Messer with 39 seconds left in the half. North Texas took a 34-24 lead early in the third quarter after Jackson threw a 4-yard score to Justin Stevenson following an Owls turnover.
White extended the advantage to 41-31 late in the third quarter with a 20-yard touchdown run. Jackson closed out the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Koch. Koch also caught a 3-yard score earlier in the second quarter to tie the game 10-10. The final score reflected the high volume of plays and the sustained drives from both offenses.
Florida Atlantic will host UTSA on Nov. 5. North Texas will host Rice on Nov. 7.
Source: MySA
