There might not be a player with a better perspective on the opportunity that will come North Texas’ way Friday than Gabe Blair.

The UNT senior offensive lineman grew up in Denton, signed with the Mean Green as part of their 2021 class and has been through all the ups and downs since. UNT battled just to finish .500 in every season of his career — until now.

The Mean Green will play in the American Conference championship game Friday in New Orleans. A win would send UNT on to the College Football Playoff.

“It’s surreal,” said Blair, a former Guyer High School standout. “I never thought we’d get close to something like this. My first couple of years, we were just fighting to get into a bowl game.

“I never thought we’d get the chance to go to the College Football Playoff. I’m just blesse

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