North Texas Makes the Bigs, Bags Oregon State With Rally

Jason Mills, whose five turnovers dug an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit, lobbed a four-yard touchdown pass to Troy Redwine with nine seconds remaining to give North Texas a 30-27 victory over Oregon State on Saturday.

The Eagles (1-2), playing only their third major-college game after 13 years in Division I-AA, trailed, 27-16, and seemed destined for defeat when Mills fumbled on the Beavers’ two yard-line with 6:58 to play.

But it was the final mistake for North Texas.

On the next play, defensive end Willis Hudson tackled DeShawn Williams in the end zone for North Texas’ second safety of the game. It put the Eagles within 27-18.

North Texas’ rally gained steam when Brian Smith returned the free kick to the Oregon State 15. A face-mask penalty moved the ball to the seven and two plays later Bo Harrison ran one yard for a touchdown. When the kick failed, the Beavers (1-2) still held a 27-24 lead with 5:35 to play.

Oregon State seemed back in control as it steadily ran the ball downfield.

Then, facing fourth and two at the North Texas 29, Cameron Reynolds gained only one yard.

North Texas had 1:21 and one timeout to go 72 yards. The Eagles made it with nine seconds to spare.