North Texas football returns home for the first time in almost a month at 6 p.m. Friday for a date with conference foe Marshall that will be nationally televised on CBS Sports Network.

The Mean Green come back to Denton off their best offensive performance since the opener. Quarterback Austin Aune tallied four passing touchdowns, matching the team's total from before Saturday. He also threw for 305 yards, his highest total since Oct. 10, 2020, against Charlotte.

'Everybody Knows We're Close'

Despite a 1-4 record, the feeling in the building remains optimistic. Head coach Seth Littrell encouraged fans to stay patient as the season approaches the halfway point.

"In a football season, there's a lot of ups and downs," Littrell said. "We have seven games and a lot of football left. It's really just focusing on this week and the opportunities it presents. The mentality has been great. They're working hard. All year long this group has stuck together … and they're getting better together."

That feeling is readily apparent throughout the team.

"We are still hungry," junior defensive back John Davis Jr. said. "Everyone still wants to win. Obviously, things haven't been going the way we've wanted, but that drives and fuels us."

As the offense has started to get going, there's hope from coaches and players that the remaining teams on the schedule should start getting ready for the Mean Green.

"We have a good culture," Aune said. "Everybody knows we're close. We've just got to get everyone on the same page. We all have the belief that we're close and will get this rolling in the second half of the season."

Marshall Thunders into Denton

UNT's foe makes its way to Apogee for the first time since 2016, also the most recent time the two squads faced off. The Mean Green have the chance to tie up the series as Marshall leads it all-time 2-1. Littrell said the Thundering Herd present a tough matchup anytime they come to town.

"They're a very physical team," Littrell said. "They've always been one of the top teams in our conference. They've played for a lot of championships. They've been able to put points on the board. Defensively, they do a great job within their scheme … It's always a challenge, and we're looking forward to the challenge."

Specifically, the head coach pointed out how the Marshall running game sets up the passing game so well.

"It all starts with their run game," Littrell said. "They do a great job getting downhill. They've got very explosive receivers. I think their quarterback does a great job, and I've been very impressed with him over the past two years."

Freshman corner Upton Stout emphasized Grant Wells, Marshall's starting quarterback, as the man to pay attention to.

"He's a good quarterback," Stout said. "He can sling it all around the field. They've got playmakers all around the field, so we've got to make sure we're on our P's and Q's this week to get ready for that matchup on Friday night." 

The Lights at Night are Big and Bright

This week's game against the Thundering Herd is believed to be the program's first on a Friday. Littrell said the team will be ready despite having less preparation time than normal. 

"It's a quick turnaround, but the first couple of days have gone well," Littrell said. "Practice has gone smoothly."

Aune, expected to make his second start of the season, echoed coach's determination.

"We're going to attack it the same way as every week," Aune said. "We're still going to get the work in, and we have a good game plan, so we'll be ready to go."

The Mean Green gets its first chance to join in on the great Friday night football heritage established at the high school level. Freshman defensive back Upton Stout said it takes him back to his high school days, and Littrell said he has always appreciated what the sport has to offer any day of the week.

"I love Friday night football," Littrell said. "In the state of Texas especially, it's unbelievable. It's always been a tradition, and I love playing football whenever they tell me we're going to go out and play."