2007 Navy vs. North Texas football game

Before the game the Midshipmen had a 5–4 record, most recently defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to break a streak of 43 consecutive losses to that team.

The Mean Green held a 1–7 record, and could not become bowl eligible by winning its remaining games, but the team's offense had improved over the course of the season.

The Midshipmen, using a triple option offensive scheme under head coach Paul Johnson, had gained the most rushing yards of any team in the nation and had a record of 4–4 through the first eight games of the season.

Sponsors had arranged for Navy (which was unaffiliated with any college football conference) to play in the Poinsettia Bowl if they won six games.

In a rivalry game against SMU on September 8 Mean Green quarterback Daniel Meager threw for over 600 yards (one of the top 20 single-game performances in FBS history),[5] but defensive errors and an interception returned for a touchdown during the fourth quarter led to another loss.

[1] Before the opening kickoff, the Green Brigade Marching Band performed "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" and "The Star-Spangled Banner".

At the conclusion of the national anthem, four United States Navy F/A-18 Hornet aircraft performed a flyover past the stadium.

After the Midshipmen kicked a field goal on their first possession, North Texas added another touchdown, giving them a 21–3 lead.

In the final two minutes of the half the Midshipmen forced the Mean Green to punt after three plays, and Navy quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada threw a 47-yard pass to running back Reggie Campbell.

Three plays later, Navy running back Zerbin Singleton ran 65 yards for another touchdown, making the score 58–49.

After the ensuing drive stalled at midfield, the Midshipmen downed a punt at the North Texas two-yard line.

Running back Micah Mosley scored another touchdown for the Mean Green, but their two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving them down 74–62.

"[14] The win guaranteed the Midshipmen a spot in the 2007 Poinsettia Bowl, held in San Diego, California on December 20, 2007; Navy lost the game to the Utah Utes, 35–32.

[16] After the final game of the season, Dodge fired defensive coordinator Ron Mendoza, who was replaced by Gary DeLoach.