DATE | Sept. 6, 2025
TIME | 3:30 PM ET
LOCATION | Kalamazoo, Mich.
VENUE | Waldo Stadium (30,000)
TV | ESPN+ 
RADIO | Bronco Media Network
LIVE STATS | WMUBroncos.com 
TICKETS   

THIS WEEK
Western Michigan (0-1) hosts North Texas (1-0) for its 2025 home-opener on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The game can be watched live on ESPN+ and heard live on the Bronco Media Network. Tickets are available at www.wmubroncos.com/tickets.

THE SERIES
This is the first match up between the Broncos and the Mean Green. 

SCOUTING THE MEAN GREEN
North Texas is in its third season under head coach Eric Morris. Morris coached the Mean Green to a bowl game last season. Falling in the Servpro First Responder Bowl 30-28 to Texas State. 

In the past two seasons, UNT has ranked in the Top 5 in total offense. In 2024, the Mean Green were third in the nation and averaged 488.8 yards per game, with 328.2 coming through the air. In 2023, North Texas was fifth in the nation at 495.8 yards per game. In its 51-0 season-opening win over Lamar, UNT put up 462 yards, with 133 on the ground and 329 through the air. 

The Mean Green got hit by the transfer portal but its young talent on the offense shined in the win over the Cardinals. Redshirt freshman quarterback Drew Mestemaker threw for 329 yards and three touchdowns. Six different players ran the ball at least five times and UNT racked up 133 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Cameron Dorner, a transfer from Shepherd University (W.V.) had a game-high seven receptions for 98 yards and one touchdown. Sophomore receiver Wyatt Young had four catches for 97 yards and two touchdowns. 

UNT's shutout against Lamar was the first for the program in 22 years. Last season the Mean Green gave up 34.2 points per game and ranked 118th in the nation. In total defense, North Texas gave up 460.5 yards per game, ranking 128th. 

SACK ATTACK
Western Michigan recorded four sacks in the season-opener against Michigan State. Sefa Saipaia Jr., James Camden and Nadame Tucker combined for the total, with Tucker leading the way with two. The Broncos also posted 10 tackles for loss. 

It was the most sacks in a game against a Power 4 opponent since WMU recorded four against Iowa Sept. 16, 2023. Tucker was also the first Bronco top record two sacks in a game against a Power 5 opponent in 20 years. The last member of the Brown & Gold to do so was Ameer Ismail against Virginia in 2005. Ismail went on to lead the nation in sacks the following year with 17. 

Four other Broncos came close with 1.5 sacks. Keion Adams and Eric Assoua each had 1.5 against Illinois in 2016. Paul Hazel had 1.5 against Notre Dame in 2010, Ismail also had 1.5 against the Cavaliers in 2006 and Zach Davidson had 1.5 that same season against Florida State. 

INSTANT IMPACT
A couple of new Broncos made an instant impact in the game against Michigan State. Graduate transfer (Georgia State) wide receiver Tailique Williams led the Broncos in receptions with six, also posting 74 yards. Redshirt sophomore transfer (San Diego State) Baylin Brooks had a game-high 85 yards receiving on three catches. 

On the defensive side of the ball, WMU's four sacks were all registered by transfers. Defensive end Nadame Tucker (Houston) had two 2.0 sacks, 3.0 tackles for loss and five total tackles, all career-highs. Linebacker James Camden (Murray State) had six tackles, 1.0 sacks and 1.5 tackles for loss. Linebacker Sefa Saipaia Jr. (Ferris State) has six total tackles, 1.0 sacks and 1.0 tackles for loss.  Cornerback Jarvarius Sims (UCONN) also had six tackles and 1.0 tackles for loss. 

GOING THE DISTANCE
Redshirt sophomore punter Ryan Millmore posted a career-best average when punting at least three times in a game, with 45.0 yards per punt against Michigan State. Millmore boomed six punts for 270 yards and a long of 51. Five of his six punts resulted in fair catches.