Denton, TX -- (Sports Network) - Jamario Thomas ran for 147 yards and scored three touchdowns on just 16 carries and the North Texas Mean Green edged the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, 27-26, in a non-conference battle at Fouts Field.

North Texas (2-9) pulled out the victory despite a bad day from signal caller Giovanni Vizza, who completed 20-of-42 for 202 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions.

Tyrell Hayden ran for 97 yards and touchdown to lead Western Kentucky (7-5) and David Wolke added 77 yards on the ground with a score of his own. Wolke also completed 14-of-20 passes for 129 yards behind center for the Hilltoppers.

WKU took a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter with a 23-yard run by Hayden.

Wolke added a 10-yard run of his own early in the second quarter, putting the Hilltoppers ahead, 14-0.

North Texas found the end zone midway through the period on a five-yard blocked punt return by Chris Neal.

Terrald Clark extended the WKU lead with under a minute to play in the half with a 44-yard interception return. An extra point attempt by Chris James failed.

Thomas put the Mean Green on the board again early in the third quarter with an eight-yard scamper.

WKU responded midway through the period with a 26-yard field goal by James, giving the Hilltoppers a 23-14 lead.

Thomas found the end zone again late in the frame after a 30-yard run.

The Hilltoppers added another James field goal early in the fourth quarter, a 44-yard kick that gave WKU a 26-21 advantage.

Thomas' third touchdown of the day came midway through the period, a 42-yard run that put North Texas ahead for good, 27-26. A two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving it a one point affair.