North Texas (3-7, 3-4) dumped last year's Sun Belt Conference Runner-up and New Orleans Bowl Champion Middle Tennessee State at their place to the tune of 23-17.

Interim Head Coach Mike Canales was excited about the win and stated it was a “compliment to our coaching staff and the great job they did in preparing our kids for this weekends game.” He was proud of the way the team practiced all week and “it was evident on the way we played” during the game.

The coach said “I had to pinch myself to make sure we were here” when North Texas went up 14-0 in the first quarter. North Texas has not been in that situation in years and it was uncharted territory.

In preparing for the game “I always thought we could run the football against these guys.” The MTSU defense practiced everyday against the spread because it was the type of offense they employ. With a great running back like Lance Dunbar, Canales felt the running game would work against the Blue Raiders. “Don't get me wrong” the coach said about the MTSU defense “they did a great job” in preparing for North Texas but the difference was the running game.

With seconds on the clock before half, Defensive Back John Shorter intercepted a pass and returned it to the 47 yard line. A Riley Dodge to Tyler Stradford pass gave North Texas a chance for a 53 yard field goal with 2 seconds left. In making the decision to try the field goal the interim coach said Kicker Zach Olen “had been hitting them all week.” Before going out to try the field goal, he said he told Olen “he was the best player on the field, he was the best kicker on the field and now go out and make it happen.” The coach pointed out to Olen he hit these field goals all week and he can do it again. The result was Olen nailed the 53 yarder with a few feet to spare.

Punter Trent Deans was another special team player that performed well. MTSU is a great punt return team and could break one for a big gainer or a touchdown. Deans was able to kick the ball in such a way they were not able to get any big returns.

Canales said he told the kids at halftime he wants to be their next full time head coach and the team was going to have to step up to make that happen. They were going to “have to make a statement” in the classroom, on the practice and the playing field if they want him to be around.

“I want this job. I love it here.”