The North Texas Mean Green are headed back to the “Denton Desert” this weekend with a chance to make history. A win over South Alabama would move UNT to 5-0 for the first time since 1977, a milestone nearly five decades in the making.

Through four weeks, the Mean Green have shown two very different versions of themselves depending on the venue. At home, UNT has looked untouchable, outscoring Lamar and Washington State by a combined 110-10. On the road, however, it’s been survival mode. Both wins at Western Michigan and Army needed overtime, but as the saying goes, they all count the same in the win column.

The biggest reason for UNT’s hot start — and one of the best stories in college football that hasn’t gotten nearly enough national attention — is quarterback Drew Mestemaker. The freshman has been nearly flawless, completing 70 percent of his passes with 10 touchdowns and zero interceptions. In an offense that already boasted firepower, another star emerged in last week’s Army win. Freshman running back Caleb Hawkins announced himself to the college football world with 99 rushing yards and four touchdowns, providing another dimension to Eric Morris’ attack.

But perhaps the most surprising turnaround has come on the other side of the ball. Under new defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity, UNT’s defense looks like a completely different unit. After forcing just 16 turnovers in 13 games last year, the Mean Green already have 10 takeaways through four contests. That opportunistic approach has been a difference-maker in close games and could be the key to sustaining success in conference play.

This week’s opponent, South Alabama, enters at 1-3, but the record doesn’t tell the full story. The Jaguars pushed American Conference front-runner Tulane to the brink in Week 2, falling 33-31. The challenge for head coach Major Applewhite has been consistency at quarterback. Since last year’s starter Gio Lopez transferred to North Carolina, Spring, Texas, native Bishop Davenport has taken over. While talented, he has thrown three interceptions in the past two games. Despite outside speculation, Applewhite confirmed this week that Davenport remains the starter.

The Jaguars’ offensive hopes rest on senior running back Kentrel Bullock and wide receiver Devin Vosil, the team’s two highest-graded players according to Pro Football Focus. They’ll be the top weapons that UNT’s surging defense must contain.

History favors the Mean Green, who are 2-0 all-time against South Alabama, including last year’s 52-38 shootout. This time, however, points may be harder to come by. UNT’s defense has made one of the best transformations in the country, while South Alabama’s offense has taken a step back.

Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. at DATCU Stadium, with perfect early fall football weather expected — sunny skies and a high of 87 degrees. The Mean Green faithful will be ready, knowing they might be watching a season that hasn’t been matched since the Carter administration.