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Since few things in this world make me happier than the steady stream of over-reaction to losses and denigration of our victories...I figured I'd fire up a fresh thread for Thursday's inexcusable loss to a team that starts all under-classmen, or our unimpressive win against a team that starts all under-classmen. Can't wait! Probable Starters PG. Alex Tucker 5'11" 165 Soph. (5.7ppg, 3.1rpg, 4.3apg) SG. Ray Taylor 5'6" 145 Fr. (14.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 6.4apg) SF. Greg Gantt 6'2" 205 Fr. (15.8ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.1apg) PF. Sanchez Hughley 6'4" 210 Jr. (10.4ppg, 4.7rpg, 0.6apg) C. Brett Royster 6'8" 235 Jr. (9.6ppg, 7.0rpg, 68 blocks) FAU struggled out of the gate to a 4-7 non-conference record...though little more was expected from a team attempting to work 7 freshmen and 3 sophomores into the rotation. After experimenting with various line-ups, Jarvis hit on this current starting 5 on 1/7 in an 83-69 win over Troy...FAU is 7-1 with this line-up. The big move was the insertion of Tucker into the starting line-up...while Taylor is a dynamic play-maker, he was very turnover prone on the point...since becoming a starter Tucker has handed out 61 assists to just 20 turnovers...including 16 dimes in FAU's last game against FIU. While Taylor has recieved the bulk of the attention, Gantt has been the go-to freshman scorer. Gantt has scored over 20 points in 8 games this season and has been in double figures for all but 4. Off the bench FAU gets scoring from Shavar Richardson (6'3" 180 Soph.), defense from Jordan McCoy (6'6" 185 Fr.) and size from DeMonte Simpson (6'9" 270 Fr.) Much like the USA game, UNT's main advantage will be on the interior...going inside early and often and our posts staying out of foul trouble will be the major keys to this game. FAU is a talented and well-coached team, but I like the way this match-up sets up for us. If UNT can pull out a win the remaining schedule sets up very well for this team.

It's no secret I think Dodge is in way over his head and IF this team gets to 7 wins it will be due to his assistants coaching lights out. Also, I think if Riley improves substantially it will be due to a year of maturity and a real college OC putting him in good situations. With that said I have gotta tip my cap to Dodge's recruiting prowess. As it stands today we will bring in 7 three star kids...and had an 8th until he decided he'd rather spend his time in El Paso (?). No, this class is not on par with our metroplex brethren or even some SBC teams...but none of them were 2-10. We got juco help on the defense and SHOULD have the numbers and talent yo crank it up a notch in intensity. Now, a question. We should have 2 or 3 schollies left. Who do you think we will/should bring in? Do you think there are DT prospects we're keeping under wraps?

Well, I think Dodge as a CEO is probably his strongest point. If we got this thing to a stable position, Dodge would be a great face for all the non-football parts of coaching while his assistants continued to pull their weight. Plus, this would free him up to work with a QB not out of desperation to turn things around, but simply as a coach imparting his knowledge of the game. I think the best coaches are CEOS - they flow from area to area of their operation, helping where needed and managing the big picture. I just think Dodge came in not knowing how to rebuild the structure he inherited and made some well-documented gaffes, but I think he could guide a ship without 25 punctures in the hull quite gracefully. I bet he'd even leave cheese out for all the rats who jumped off - and Craig Miller.

I file this under "games I don't care about."

WTOGMT returns with a flashy new format!

Am I the only one who thinks this blame it on the offense, defense, or special teams is pointless? NT was bad in all areas. An above average offense until you consider turnovers and inability to score in the red zone. A defense who often was good early but usually failed when the game was on the line. Special teams that were improved primarily in the return games but punting and field goal attempts were dreadful plus an unreliable kick off return defense. As far as Deloach, who knows; was he successful here before because he had superior Belt players or did he recruit and develop those players? I will give him the benefit of the doubt, but another bad defensive year will tell a different story. Comparing Medoza with Deloach is IMO beyond stupid. There is no way that Medoza should have ever been hired for that position. Dodge goes into his fourth year with undoubtedly the best coaching staff and player talent he has had at NT. I hope he puts it to good use.

I read nothing negative in Emmitt's question. I've been pondering the same question since news of Chico's hiring broke. What has Todd Dodge done to merit being kept on as "CEO?" His two discernible strong suits are mentoring QBs and formulating an offense, the two duties he's now relinquished to Canales? I'm not advocating for his dismissal, just confused as hell about what he now contributes.

Completely wrong assumption. For that assumption to be true, then no other coach had any input, made any contribution nor could have had gained any experience during the last year. Based on your assumption, nly Coach Canales had any influence on the team with either the offense or the defense. Likewise, based on your assumption, none of the players on either side of the ball gained any experience of any kind last year. That is just not reality. Since the assumption in invalid on it’s face, the question had no basis either.

And if we win 7 games this upcoming season and Canales is scooped up as a HC someplace else then perhaps we would have set the precedent of paying decent wages for good assistant coaches and one of taking coordinators and giving them the ability to showcase their abilities as play callers and decision makers on a national stage. Perhaps then we would be able to go out a grab another quality OC. But who is to say any of that wil transpire, perhaps we win 7 and Canales decides to stay, or perhaps we lose 9 and we are all clamoring for all of them to be fired. who knows

If NT wins 7+ games next year I think most on this board will be back on the Dodge train and the idea of letting him go won't even enter our minds.

I'll admit that I only read the first post and skimmed through the rest. What I have to say is no surprise: part of the problem with the defense has been the offense (and special teams) giving the ball away resulting in short fields for the opponent - week after week after week, year in and year out. It wears on a defense to be put back on the field in bad positions all the time. If it were an occassional occurrence, that's one thing. But, turning the ball over is the most consistent thing Dodge's offense has done since he's been here. That will change under Canales. Dodge and Ford are no longer going to be calling plays. Dodge has even turned over the reigns to Canales to groom the quarterbacks. I'm not worried about that side of the ball anymore. As far as the defense, the progression has been: 2007: Nine returning starters wasted on a high school defensive coordinator, DL coach, and secondary coach from the business world 2008: Many inexperienced players under Deloach in his first season back - and the DL still being led by a high school coach 2009: An 11 point improvement under Deloach and new DL coach Nelson 2010 will be even better. The defensive side of the ball will be in its third season under Deloach. After figuring out 25 WRs on a roster doesn't help a college football program, the addition of defensive recruits in 2009 and this year will give Deloach and Nelson even more to build with. Under Dodge and Ford, the offense showed no similar 11 point jump from season-to-season. The only constant was the turnovers and failure to nail down short yardage situations. Ford's departure and Dodge's decision to step out of the picture and just "be used as a resource" as he put it ( ), combined with the addition of a bona fide BCS-level offensive coordinator will give our offense the rocket fuel to take off in 2010. We've got pros in charge now on both sides of the ball, so we don't have to worry about Todd "Resource" Dodge and Todd "I'm back at the high school level where I belong" Ford mucking up the works. Be thankful.

The rules have changed since then - in order for UTSA to even qualify to become a IA Independent - they have to have 5 FBS home games for two consecutive years. They might be able to fudge the attendance - if FAU/FIU can fudge it than anyone can get away with it... but they can't get around the scheduling requirements. I think that the reason we see schools moving up with a conference now is because that is their only way to move up. There are conferences talking about moving up as a group because there is no other way to hit that requirement. It is a strict requirement and I suppose that UTSA could buy 10 home games with Div I schools... or somehow schedule 3 for 1's over a decade to come up with 10 games (and hope that nobody breaks the contracts). I just don't see how they can move up without a conference, the rules are much different than back in the mid 90's for a reason. Oh, and there is a moratorium on schools moving up without a conference... that could be a problem, too

7 wins or he's gone says RV. That's what everyone should really be concerned about this year. Will RV stick by his ultimatum? All the statistical analysis, blame game, etc. doesn't mean a thing. His staff continues to change but the results never do. An 0-4 start should warrant a quick firing with an interim replacement.......

NT is about as close to winning 20 as they were the last three years at this time. Remember all those 20 games season came courtesy of tournament wins. NT actually has a relatively easy schedule the rest of the regular season.

Calvin Watson developed from a role player into a sure bet HOF'er.

Are you new to football ? If so that's ok , welcome aboard If those are yardlines then that means Knott had a 57yd + FG made. That's Knott the case Those are the length of the field goals made, not yardline that we got to. A standard FG atttempt is 17 yards back from the spot of the yardline. Getting to the 30 yard line would mean a 47 yd FG attempt

Just because we line someone up outside of the tackle with his hand on the ground doesn't make him Jason Witten or Dallas Clark. Tightends for the past thee years have been there to block so give that arguement a rest. We could line Cole or Outlaw up tight but wouldn't make them tight ends either. Deloach HAD to run zone 99% of the past two seasons because we simply didn't have the speed to play man. The more talent we get, the more man we will play. Why do you think we are signing so many db's and linebackers that have experience in JUCO. BTW: Dodge piled up those offensive numbers against an SBC schedule. Canales against a BCS schedule. Same letters, big difference.

I think you're out of luck on this one; with 7 wins, Dodge would get the credit for making the right hire; also, even if Canales were to get that offer he couldn't refuse, Dodge could then be in the position of "hey, the change in management philosophy worked, we'll hire another OC to fill that role". I don't think that having assistants from an improving program move on to greener pastures is usually considered a knock on the head coach of said program. If there were points for reaching, though, I'd give you one.

Even in the face of excellent news there are those who simply refuse to be positive. Amazing.

Since the only teams with marquis wins were South Alabama & WKU ( 2 SEC wins) is our season over unless we win the tournment? Just wanted to see if you see a pattern developing in our basketball program over the last 9 years.I miss the valley- that was bb at its best. Haven't seen that in Denton in a long time. Wonder if RV is covering for his friend in JJ? One more question, has our RPI increased or decreased over the last 9 years (*for you gym rats)? Just wanted to see what you think.

I still maitain the end of the Ohio game set the tone for the rest of the season. The call on 4th and 16 must rank among the all time worst in UNT history!!!

"The coaches told me they were looking for a cover corner they can leave on an island, so that they can blitz and do a lot more things with their defense," Ford said. "That's why I accepted their scholarship. I can fill that role." other threads question the lack of blitzing last season. this seems to suggest that a safer defense was employed because of the youth in the secondary.

I don't doubt Stephens will get her full contract to turn her program around. Note, I say her program because she inherited a pretty good squad. I hope Stephens quickly succeeds for the sake of NT and there have been signs, like the tournament win in her first year and the win over USA this year, that she may be capable. I will state the reasons I have to question Stephens' hire and performance thus far. I thought there were better and certainly more experienced coaches available, and the emphasis on "94 Feet of Heat" in the hiring process was questionable. For more upsetting to me however, was her handling of her players in her first year. I read a lot of junk on this board about how she was getting rid of the malcontents and players who didn't want to work or sacrifice or players that were just not right for her system. I could only guess that most of those posters had never bothered to watch much NT girls basketball because most of those girls played hard and although many fans were dissatisfied with Slinker as a coach, I have never heard anyone complain about the overall character of her players. In year one, before the season even started one of Slinker's recruits left the school and then we saw a continuous series of suspensions of this player or another. The year ended with the suspension of what was before almost a sure NT Hall of Fame player. It is my belief that an experienced coach should have been able to work much more effectively with the players she inherited. If the players are not capable of playing one style than adapt an offense and defense that can be successful. Again this was a veteran team who was picked relatively high in pre-season conference standings. Year two begin in similar fashion. Stephen's selected MVP, only a freshman, left the team as did a number of others. Several of the recruits did not enroll and another left shortly after the beginning of the season. The end result was that NT is playing this year with 11 players or 4 under the maximum. To put that into perspective, many football fans were concerned with the APR sanctions which lowered NT's football squad by 4 to a maximum of 81 players. Play this year has been a few ups with a lot more downs. The win/loss record is disappointing; but more concerning is NT's total uncompetitiveness in a number of games. Not uncompetitiveness in the normal sense were a team is outmatched and gets beat twenty or thirty points. Way too many games have been basically decided in the first five minutes and then are completely under the opponents coach's prerogative to decide how much they want to run up the score. I think most would agree that Stephens is off to a very rocky start. Likewise, most would like to see her become a brilliant success. My personal opinion is that she was not ready and has make a lot of errors, but I like her fire and I have not given up on her ability to turn it around.

Hedlund is best bang/buck. We're lucky to have him.

As much as I love JJ, what about Hedlund? He might be the best coach we've ever had in any sport. He literally built the program from nothing.

I have always thought that Pitt had the best chance of joining the Big 10, if they expanded. I grew up as a Penn State fan and Pitt was the biggest rival for many years (until PSU joined the Big 10). I miss the Pitt/Penn St rivalry games.

for the most part you are correct with your analysis, but you lose some credibility with this post. i hate saying anything bad about players for us, but knott wasn't good and missing the two extra points that weren't blocked is proof of that(that's not easy to do). also, at least half of the blocks (xp and fg)were because he routinely kicked the ball low (like about a foot and a half above the lines head) making it easy to block. i'm also assuming you meant driving the ball to inside the 10, not 30 yardline with 10 seconds left, because his long was 41 yards which means the ball was on the 24. i trust your stats, but i can't find any other attempts of 40 or more besides the 41 yarder he made, the 2nd longest attempt he made was a 36 yarder. i think it's safe to say that dodge didn't have alot of faith in him either.

http://www.iceagenow.com/Climatologists_Who_Disagree.htm Progressives are not radicals?

Turnovers are a huge issue with a Dodge offense. Yes they are part of the game... A part of the game that has been killing us as of late. I do not understand why it is okay to turn the ball over and pass it off as "it's going to happen", and blame the defense. The offense puts up gaudy numbers in every statistical categories. Even the bad categories. I want Dodge to do well and win to the point that he gets offers from other schools. I want other schools to want our coach. Our biggest indicator and problem right now is turnovers. As you can see: defensive takeaways really aren't that much different. Dickey's offense last 3 seasons (2004-2006): Fumbles: 27 Interceptions: 36 Total: 63 Defensive Takaways: 61 Wins: 12 Dodge's offense past 3 seasons (2007-2009): Fumbles: 34 Interceptions: 64 Total: 98 Defensive Takeaways: 55 Wins: 5 To put this in other terms: - Dodge's offense is responsible for 1.1 more turnovers per game than Dickey's. That's a lot when you think about it. - Had Dodge's offense turned it over the same as Dickey's; I think Dodge's Wins would be beyond that of Dickey's - Only 5 teams in the FBS turned it over more than we did. Thanks for posting. Good discussion, and probably the most interesting conversation of the off-season.

Good Ole Kevlar Gary

Scouts, Inc. lists him as a WKU commit, last update 1/31/2009 - must've happened yesterday or today.

--We had our turf in the school colors long before EW or Boise did..... and no one thinks it is wierd ..... Green.

Many have stated thier frustration with Dodge is in keeping the best QB off the field, or being stretched too thin with calling plays and being the CEO of the team at the same time, and just plain not understanding the game at the BCS level. While I don't think Dodge himself is in over his head, I do believe he brought in some assistants who were. The hiring of coach Canales is reflective of a long line of excellent replacement hires by Dodge: He re-hired DeLoach after finding that Mendoza was utterly outcoached in every game. He pushed for a dedicated FB strength & conditioning position, then brought in one of the best in Ausmus, and a guy most of us are very happy with in Gahagan. He shifted Gandy over to Special teams where we saw many improvements last year (hope to see better kicking this season). He brought in coach Nelson to take over the D-Line. Then, he gets coach Canales... and here we are. Optimism in the form of Green KoolAid. Everyone he hired so far has the much desired skins-on-the-wall. With this hire, many of coach Dodge's fiercest critics are easing off (even praising him), and seem to think this will free him up to focus on game management. The "cupboard is bare" and "young team" arguements are no longer valid. I don't think anyone here is too concerned over the talent of the players (other than D-Line, and I think there are 100's of other schools in our boat). My question is: Do we trust Todd Dodge to drive this machine he's built to a 7-5 or better year in 2010?

I think it is the fact that you seem to enjoy rubbing it in everybody's face when we get blown out that pisses most people off.

I would rather fly into Newark it is usually cheaper and only an hour away, or so. Plus you have more flights to choose from, most non-stops and cheaper rental car rates. Also you drive right by the Giants stadium on the way up to west point and it is something to see even if it is to boo at. I used to fly into Stewart when I was working on my pilot's license. My family's airport is do west of Stewart by about 12 miles, called Wurtsboro Airport, we sold it two years ago.

I don't think one year of success here is going to get Canales an automatic job with a raise some place else. You are giving this program for to much credit right now. Also, have yet to see where our current offensive system is being thrown out the window completely. I think if we have the 5 game turn around you are talking about, I think the entire coaching staff should get the credit. We can talk about Dodge doing this, not doing that, does he call plays, does he not, etc....but if we do not have improvements on defense and special teams, it won't make any difference. What I would like to know Emmitt, and I am seriously asking, are you going to unequivocably going to support Riley Dodge if he emerges from spring ball as the starter and not believe it is just because he is the head man's son?

2009 Game ending/critical drives: Ball St: Offense, Defense, and Special Teams put it away!! Running on all cylinders!! V 1-10 H27 NORTH TEXAS drive start at 10:22 (4th). V 1-10 H27 Mathis, Jeremi rush for 4 yards to the BSU23 (JONES, Davyd;WOODWORTH, Sam). V 2-6 H23 Dodge, Riley pass incomplete to Dunbar, Lance (JONES, Davyd). V 3-6 H23 Dodge, Riley pass complete to Lott, Alex for 13 yards to the BSU10, 1ST DOWN NT (BURCH, Koreen). V 1-G H10 Dodge, Riley rush for 8 yards to the BSU2 (COSBY, Spain;EDDINS, Robert). V 2-G H02 Dunbar, Lance rush for no gain to the BSU2 (KNIPP, Alex;COSBY, Spain). V 3-G H02 Dodge, Riley rush for no gain to the BSU2 (DUFFIN, Drew;EDDINS, Robert). V 4-G H02 Knott, Jeremy field goal attempt from 19 GOOD, clock 07:36. ======================================= NORTH TEXAS 20, BALL STATE CARDINALS 10 ======================================= Ohio: Offense scores and defense gives it up…. Nt 1-G at Nt30 Change of possession, NT ball on OHIO25, 1st and 10. Drive: 6 plays, 20 yards, TOP 00:00 Nt 1-10 at Ohio25 NORTH TEXAS drive start at 15:00. Nt 1-10 at Ohio25 PENALTY NT false start (Santiago, E.) 5 yards to the OHIO30. Nt 1-15 at Ohio30 Tune, Nathan pass complete to Outlaw, Michael for 6 yards to the OHIO24 (KELLER, Noah). Nt 2-9 at Ohio24 Dunbar, Lance rush for loss of 3 yards to the OHIO27 (RENFRO, Lee). Nt 3-12 at Ohio27 Tune, Nathan pass incomplete to Outlaw, Michael, PENALTY OHIO roughing passer (LUCHSINGER, K.) 13 yards to the OHIO14, 1ST DOWN NT, NO PLAY. Nt 1-10 at Ohio14 Montgomery, C. rush for 7 yards to the OHIO7 (RENFRO, Lee;NOTESTINE, Dak). Nt 2-3 at Ohio07 Montgomery, C. rush for 7 yards to the OHIO0, 1ST DOWN NT, TOUCHDOWN, clock 15:00. Knott, Jeremy kick attempt good. North Texas 30, OHIO 23 Nt 1-G at Nt30 Change of possession, OHIO ball on NT25, 1st and 10. Drive: 4 plays, 25 yards, TOP 00:00 Ohio 1-10 at Nt25 OHIO drive start at 15:00. Ohio 1-10 at Nt25 PENALTY NT pass interference (Adams, Adryan) 15 yards to the NT10, 1ST DOWN OHIO. Ohio 1-G at Nt10 SCOTT, Theo rush for loss of 3 yards to the NT13 (Owusu-Hemeng, S). Ohio 2-G at Nt13 SCOTT, Theo pass complete to GARRETT, Chris for loss of 2 yards to the NT15 (Nwigwe, Tobe;Robertson, C.). Ohio 3-G at Nt15 SCOTT, Theo pass incomplete to MCCRAE, T.. Ohio 4-G at Nt15 Timeout OHIO, clock 15:00. Ohio 4-G at Nt15 SCOTT, Theo pass complete to PRICE, Taylor for 15 yards to the NT0, TOUCHDOWN, clock 15:00, PENALTY NT roughing passer (Gilmore, E.) 1 yards to the NT2. Ohio 1-G at Nt02 1st and 2. SCOTT, Theo pass attempt to PRICE, Taylor good. OHIO 31, North Texas 30 Alabama: Both sides didn’t do anything MTSU: Both sides didn’t play well ULL: Defense has 10 point cushion and gives it up Ul 1-10 at Ul42 LOUISIANA drive start at 02:26. Ul 1-10 at Ul42 Masson, Chris OL pass complete to Lee, Louis for 20 yards to the NT38, 1ST DOWN UL. Ul 1-10 at Nt38 Masson, Chris OR pass incomplete to Aubrey, Luke, QB hurry by Owusu-Hemeng, S. Ul 2-10 at Nt38 Masson, Chris middle pass incomplete to Green, Ladarius. Ul 3-10 at Nt38 Masson, Chris rush SR for 5 yards to the NT33 (Hill, Royce). Ul 4-5 at Nt33 Masson, Chris OR pass incomplete to Aubrey, Luke, PENALTY NT holding (Hill, Kylie) 10 yards to the NT23, 1ST DOWN UL, NO PLAY. Ul 1-10 at Nt23 Masson, Chris RF pass complete to Sails, Undrea for 15 yards to the NT8, 1ST DOWN UL (Smith, Ira). Ul 1-G at Nt08 Sails, Undrea rush OR for 4 yards to the NT4 (Gilmore, E.;Hill, Royce). Ul 2-G at Nt04 Masson, Chris OL pass incomplete to Green, Ladarius. Ul 3-G at Nt04 Masson, Chris OL pass complete to Miller, Marlin for 4 yards to the NT0, TOUCHDOWN, clock 00:27. Albrecht, Tyler kick attempt good. Louisiana 38, North Texas 34 FAU: Offense scores to go on top then D blows it… NORTH TEXAS drive start at 12:06. Nt 1-10 at Nt35 Tune, Nathan pass complete to Outlaw, Michael for 46 yards to the FAU19, 1ST DOWN NT (Bartels, Marcus), PENALTY FAU roughing passer (Colley, Jimmie) 10 yards to the FAU9, 1ST DOWN NT. Nt 1-G at Fau09 1st and 9. Nt 1-G at Fau09 Dunbar, Lance rush for 9 yards to the FAU0, TOUCHDOWN, clock 11:38. Knott, Jeremy kick attempt good. North Texas 40, Florida Atlantic 37 Drive: 2 plays, 65 yards, TOP 00:28 Knott, Jeremy kickoff 61 yards to the FAU9, Polo, Tavious return 24 yards to the FAU33 (Gordon, Robby), PENALTY FAU holding (Morgan, Y.) 10 yards to the FAU23, 1st and 10, FAU ball on FAU23. Fau 1-10 at Fau23 FLORIDA ATLANTIC drive start at 11:38. Fau 1-10 at Fau23 Morris, Alfred rush for 5 yards to the FAU28 (Atkinson, S.). Fau 2-5 at Fau28 Morris, Alfred rush for 3 yards to the FAU31 (Nwigwe, Tobe;Robertson, C.). Fau 3-2 at Fau31 Smith, Rusty pass incomplete to Bonner, Chris. Fau 4-2 at Fau31 Groody, Mickey punt 5 yards to the FAU36 (blocked by Gilmore, E.). Drive: 3 plays, 8 yards, TOP 01:31 Nt 1-10 at Fau36 NORTH TEXAS drive start at 10:07. Nt 1-10 at Fau36 Tune, Nathan rush for 5 yards to the FAU31 (Bradwell, E.). Nt 2-5 at Fau31 Tune, Nathan rush for loss of 5 yards to the FAU36 (Bradwell, E.). Nt 3-10 at Fau36 Tune, Nathan pass complete to Jackson, Jamaal for 7 yards to the FAU29 (Alexander, Ed). Nt 4-3 at Fau29 Timeout North Texas, clock 08:14. Nt 4-3 at Fau29 Tune, Nathan pass incomplete to Carey, Darius. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, TOP 02:01 Fau 1-10 at Fau29 FLORIDA ATLANTIC drive start at 08:06. Fau 1-10 at Fau29 Smith, Rusty pass incomplete to Jean, Lester. Fau 2-10 at Fau29 Smith, Rusty pass complete to Bonner, Chris for 51 yards to the NT20, 1ST DOWN FAU (Smith, Ira). Fau 1-10 at Nt20 Morris, Alfred rush for 3 yards to the NT17 (Hill, Kylie). Fau 2-7 at Nt17 Smith, Rusty pass complete to Harmon, Jason for 16 yards to the NT1, 1ST DOWN FAU (Adams, Adryan). Fau 1-G at Nt01 Morris, Alfred rush for no gain to the NT1 (Adams, Adryan). Fau 2-G at Nt01 Smith, Rusty rush for no gain to the NT1 (Atkinson, S.). Fau 3-G at Nt01 Morris, Alfred rush for 1 yard to the NT0, TOUCHDOWN, clock 04:55. Gornall, Ross kick attempt good. Florida Atlantic 44, North Texas 40 Troy: The entire team didn’t do anything… Western Kentucky: Defense made the game close until the end when it finally stepped up: Riley had the college career high. ULM: Same as Troy both sides didn’t do anything. FIU: Offense didn’t keep them in the game with a dropped pass in the end zone. Army: Offense didn’t drive down to win with 1:30 left on the clock. Ark St: Offense didn’t roll until 2nd half but could be tied if not for late touchdown by Ark St along with the defense giving up 27 in the first half. After looking at the season again: Defense gave up 4 games that if they made the one stop to the opponent’s offense in the final drive we win four games. Offensively if we had not dropped a pass in the end zone and not throwing a pick on the last drive we tie up one game and try to win in OT and with Army drive down to win that game. To me this team could have been 6 – 6 but without our D making a stop when we need it we are 2 -10. If the offense makes its plays in the two games FIU and Army this team is still only 4 – 8 this season compared to having a 6 – 6 season with a solid defense. So which side needs more improvement…

Red Zone: Rank Team 2009 Last 3 Last 1 Home Away 2008 43 North Texas (2-10) 80.4% 71.4% 100.0% 79.3% 82.4% 81.8% <-- Actually not too bad. Sacks given up: Rank Team 2009 Last 3 Last 1 Home Away 2008 8 North Texas (2-10) 1.0 1.3 1.0 1.2 0.8 2.3 <-- With a TE staying in a blocking we didn't do bad at all. RECEIVING GP No. Yds Avg TD Long Avg/G Seidle, Bryant 11 2 14 7.0 0 8 1.3 <-- Blocks 98% of the time he played. Agreed, but with one TE in, the QB still has 3 WRs to throw to and I noticed Coach Dodges offense uses its RB as the check down. The TE position is for blocking in this scheme.However in the previous season we only rushed when #83 was in, but this year we threw the ball out of TE formations and rushed out of the spread formations that we typically passed out of last season. So the offense made itself more diverse this season. We were not just running the ball out of TE formations and vice versa. Also the TE still has enhanced our Rushing Games since Coach Dodge has used the TE position: RUSHING GP Att Gain Loss Net Avg TD Long Avg/G Total.......... 12 420 2470 247 2223 5.3 27 71 185.2 <----2009 With 5 or 6 TE formations and a fast QB the rushing treat has been better. Total.......... 12 370 1840 312 1528 4.1 14 42 127.3 <----2008 Had couple TE formations and no threat for our QB to rush from the Zone read. Total.......... 12 381 1830 405 1425 3.7 16 77 118.8 <----2007 Threw most of the time there first year.

As many have said in this thread it will come back to Dodge and not Canales, because to win 7+ next season it will take a team effort. I am hoping between everyone our practices are turned up several notches to start with. But almost every area of the team needs to improve to make 7+ a reality: Kicking, Defense, special teams, offense, play calling, and heart to win. I do hope we are paying Mike Canales, I kept hearing last season we do have deeper pockets for coaches salaries these days.

Always good to see you are available to "monitor" and comment on my posts. It's about the only time you do not post something negative about Coach Dodge or the UNT football program. I'll take it as a public service to the rest of the posters on GMG.com who don't have to read the same stuff over and over.

Based on the writing style, length, emotion, and multiple uses of emoticons, my guess is that the writer is female. Based on the football knowledge I'm guessing a current or former offensive coach's wife.

Yes, I think this sounds like a terrible idea. When USF made this move, they spent two years as a D-1 independent (just like WKU did during their provisional D-1 period) while maintaining a non-football membership in a conference that sponsored D-1A football: C-USA. USF had been a C-USA member since 1995, two years before their football program was even launched and 5 years before they made their transitional move to D-1A. Connecticut did a stint as an independent during their provisional period, and two years afterwards. But they made their move up at the invitation of the Big East, which they already belonged to in all other sports. The Big East asked them and Villanova to decide by 1997 whether they'd move up to D-1A football, with a conference entry year of 2005. Because of realignment, the Big East brought them in in 2004, so Connecticut only spent two years as a non-provisional Independent rather than three. But the whole time, they were guaranteed a spot in the Big East. Around the same time that Connecticut and USF did their independent years, there were a lot more independent 1-A teams out there. I think La Tech was still independent in 2000 (not sure). I know a lot of the teams that founded Sun Belt football (MTSU, ULM, and others) were independent at the time, because that's what led to the expedited Sun Belt football process. Now, there are only 3 other independents- Navy, Army, and Notre Dame. Notre Dame gets a special deal in the BCS contract, while Navy has it's own bowl tie-in contract. All of them have unique advantages that allow them to schedule games throughout the season. It's no coincidence that those are the only teams that have managed to survive as D-1A football independents. And it's also no coincidence that they all belong to a conference to provide a home for their other sports. UTSA will have no conference mates, which means no conference schedule. They'll probably have no trouble filling their schedule in the first 4-6 weeks of the year, before everyone else is locked into their conference slate... But they'll have a terrible time getting games (especially home games) in the last 6-8 weeks of the year. Look at USF... Back in 2001, they scheduled fellow independent Connecticut, C-USA member Houston, and 3 D-1AA teams in Oct/Nov just to fill out their schedule. In 2002, they played 4 C-USA teams (they were scheduled to join full conference play the next year, I'm sure that helped) and a D-1AA to fill out October and November. Even if they do manage to find enough D-1A teams to schedule them during open weeks to ensure a full 11 D-1A games (with one 1-AA that could still count towards postseason eligibility)... UTSA will have no bowl tie-ins. That means that no game could/would take them unless all existing primary and secondary contractual deals with the conferences and independents are not able to be met. So if they do somehow manage to fill out a schedule, and they do manage to get a winning record... The odds are very, very slim that there would even be a possible home for them. Some might argue that the Alamo Bowl would offer a secondary deal to them as a show of San Antonio support... But in the past 15 years, neither the Big 10 nor the Big 12 has ever failed to meet their contractual obligation and send an eligible team to the game. Considering that the main value a bowl brings to a city is the tourist money spent on hotels, restaurants, bars, and so forth... I can't see UTSA getting a bid there. Not when half the teams that play in that bowl are nationally ranked, and all of them have national recognition for TV ratings and fan bases that travel in huge numbers. So, they'll have a near impossible task setting a schedule and nothing to show for it even if they manage to schedule and win. Throw in the fact that they're alienating the Southland, their home for all other sports, and this could be a potential catastrophe for their entire athletics program. Going independent in football is hard enough; so hard that everyone else besides Notre Dame and 2 of the service academies gave it up. Going independent across the board is madness. That's why there's a New Jersey school in the Great West Conference- Because teaming up with anyone, no matter how geographically or ideologically unsuitable the arrangement may seem, is almost always better than going it alone. It's why only seven schools out of the 347 that play D-1 basketball do it as independents. Of those seven, Savannah State and Seattle are desperately seeking admission to the MEAC and WCC, respectively. Winston-Salem is a former MEAC member in the process of dropping down to D-2. Longwood is in the process of dropping down to D-III (like UNO). Cal-State Bakersfield is still in transition up from D-2, and trying for Big West membership in 2011. North Carolina Central just finished moving up from D-2, and they'll join the MEAC on July 1st. SIU-Edwardsville just moved up from D-2, they compete in the OVC starting next school year. Even those guys are all either still transitioning up, down, or begging to join pretty much anyone. If UTSA's football hubris gets the school kicked out of the Southland like the article hints may be happening... They'd better have a backup plan for their other sports. Or they may find themselves stuck in the Great West with Houston Baptist (and no NCAA basketball auto-bid, either). And anyone who thinks this sort of attitude towards the conference might not permanently sour their relationship with the Southland should remember two words: Louisiana Tech. Mention their name to longtime Sun Belt members and see how much their attitude towards the conference back during their member days continues to alienate people, even a decade later. Arkstfan can speak to the lingering hard feelings a lot better than I can, because I just hear/read the old stories and fan complaints. If he sees this, I hope he'll chime in on this angle of the UTSA story. --------- UTSA is taking a far riskier chance than USF (or anyone else in the past 10 years) took in transitioning to D-1A football. They don't have the affiliation or relationship in place like Connecticut or USF did. They don't have the scheduling support/opportunities or postseason options that independent teams did at the beginning of the decade. Throw in the fact that they run the risk of alienating their conference mates and losing their home for all other sports (something Texas State and Lamar have managed to avoid as they aspire to take the same step up to D-1A football), and this could be a disaster. Best case, they're adding the most expensive sport with a near-zero chance of postseason play and few resources to even set a schedule. Worst case, they have to find a new, less geographically friendly home for their other sports, and their athletics expenses rise across the board. Given that they aren't exactly powerhouses in the other sports they sponsor, it won't necessarily be easy to get into another conference from the outside if they get themselves kicked out of the SLC. Unless someone winds up in a desperate situation (the WAC collapse/raid scenario), it may be hard for them to get an offer to join any conference that sponsors D-1A football at all. All in all... It seems like a very bizarre move. If this is their attempt to wave a hankie at the WAC in hopes that they get an invite sooner than later, they'd better hope the gamble works.

Part of handing over the reigns to Canales may have been Canales idea. In negotiating the position comes salary and job description requirements. I'm sure Canales didn't want to just come in to be a fall guy if this goes south without having some say in how it goes down.

Trust is there, but still question whether there is a true spring competition @ QB. If Riley wins out fine; but if Coach Canales sees like many of us that he is too short, too brittle, and unable to throw long, will TD allow him to be put at WR where every other coach including Mack Brown saw him as an athlete and not a D-1 QB?

Did you not read this? Every step towards higher taxes, less income and mostly, control the government gains over you and I, the more freedoms we lose. Listen tonight when Obama brings up his plan to nationalize the student loan program. This falls right in line with his want to have total, absolute control. Control the auto industry, control the banks, control the health care industry, control the oil, gas and coal industry and all that will be touched by Cap and Trade, and now even more control of the educational system. Rick

Who do you think pays the majority of the taxes that pays for salaries, training and equipment? Rick

I don't know, I think Saul Alinsky would be very proud of him. Alinsky's own son admits he would be? The past 11 months has convinced me of that, and more importantly, has convinced many democrats and moderates as well. What I don't understand is why some of you liberals who work for a living and earn every penny you make STILL support his efforts to destroy the freedoms and opportunities that this nation affords you? Rick

It's Karl Marx, plain and simple. Tomorrow night during his State of Confusion Address we will here more of the "class warfare" Obama has planned for this country. I set the over/under on how many times he refers to the "middle class" at 30. Rick

He's probably not desperate to find a job. He will be a head coach again. Hopefully, here!!!

I love it! genius! Jim Mora was hilarious!