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I hate to see the injuries for Tulsa but...... It is about time North Texas gets a few breaks!

I know it's been a rough three weeks, but here are two reason why I'm hopeful. 1. Our team has improved every week. You can see it and with so many young players playing that is encouraging. 2. Our coaches clearly know what they are doing. So many adjustments and formations we aren't easy to gameplan for now. Now it's up to the players. Based on their effort so far I think we'll get there. It may not be a lot of wins this year, but it's looking like there is hope again. It is clear that the team is lacking playmakers more than any team since before 2001, but I like their effort and coaching to still be respectable in conference. After that it's all about recruiting.

Tyler McGuigan: Ogre from Revenge of the Nerds:

Wow. I guess nobody on here understands how much different it is to go into a game as the starter versus coming into the game in the 4th quarter as the back-up or "goal-line QB." As the starter you have all week for the pressure to build and you will get all the blame or glory depending on how your team does, and rightfully so. Im just saying when you come in during the second half of a game that is not close against a defense that is not full of starters and the emotion that they come out with to begin the game, the pressure does not even compare. Thompson is the guy for this team, this year. Even though it is a bit frustrating that he does seem to be a threat to the defense to run the ball. Our O line is not very good at all and our receiving corp is worse. Take Stradford out, who does not play anyway, and we have no deep threat. Brelan is our best WR by far and he might be the smallest of the bunch. Losing Darius Carey really hurt. Anyway, Derek is a very smart player and one of the hardest working guys on the team who has been through alot of adversity in his time and is ready to play well once the competition is on our level. Nobody understands what its like to sit back there knowing you only have about two seconds to find WR's who arent even that open. Osborn is the same type of QB as DT with maybe just a bit more elusiveness, but I do not feel his throwing motion is very solid. He has done some nice things in his short stints of PT but he is not the starter for a reason. If he were ever to start and play a whole game with that pressure of the starter I dont think as many would be so optimistic about him. As for McNulty, I've heard alot of good things about what he has done in practice and that he will be a good player in the future. Thats exciting! However, there is no way he is the guy for this team, this year, with all of our deficiencies up front and at the WR position. They need to get him experience at the end of games and in select situations as they are now. Need to be careful not to throw him in the fire right now when all he would be doing is fighting upstream all season. This can destroy a young QB's confidence and then all hope is lost. Also, take it easy on Chico. It is tough to call plays when you cannot run the ball (as it has been against the defenses we've played so far), and dont really have any deep threats. The DB's are close to the WR's and sit on routes. Our offense is MUCH more creative and much less predictable than the past few years. Coach Mac is trying to build a defensive team that can run the football with power and take our shots at the right time and we just do not have the personnel to get it done yet. It will happen and it is a recipe that has been successful time and time again.

I can't freak out over being shut out by Alabama. Watch college football. Florida State only scored 13 on Oklahoma. Why? Is Florida State's offense bad? No, they were playing one of the Top 5 defenses in the country. We were also playing one of the top five defenses in the country. We don't exactly have the horses to run like Florida State does, so we were not likely to score much on Alabama. Not many will run up and down the field on Alabama this year. I know this, though... I sat stuffing my toothy-cakehole with Sonic hot dogs and popcorn at Apogee a couple of weeks ago while our offense scored 17 in the first half against Houston. Indiana is not supposed to be as good as Houston...or, Alabama. South Carolina State rung up Indiana's defense for 161 on the ground, 19 first downs, and had a 100 yard receiver. We ought to be able to do at least that with the FCS-like talent Todd Dodge left behind. (That's sarcasm) So, unlike some of you who take our shutout to Alabama as a sign of bad on us, I wouldn't be surprised if we hang 30+ on Indiana and Tulsa as well. These are the game, plus the Sun Belt games, that I measure our growth upon. We didn't do poorly in the first half against Houston. I think putting together four quarters like that against Indiana and four more quarters like that and the first two quarters against Houston against Tulsa will give us ten good quarters of football against mid-majors we should aspire to be like, and so when Florida Atlantic props Howard Schnellenberger up on the sidelines for his farewell asskicking in Denton, we should be 2-3 going into the game and 3-3 after the game. Who among you can plausibly deny my enthusiasm?

Lets just not turn these threads into a nut kicking for Indiana fans. Come on. If we have 2 idiots from the opposition posting stupidity, rise above it? They seem to have the same type of mentality as us. They have been beaten down for some time and aren't overly confident. I like fan bases that have been grounded. You tend to have fewer idjuts, and maybe it is a little bit of misery loves company type of thing. I absolutely can not wait to meet some Indiana fans out there on Saturday.

-QB G.J. Kinne out 2-4 weeks with an MCL tear -WR Damaris Johnson out indefinitely with pending felony -WR Thomas Roberson out with since OU game injury -CB Lowell Rose out since OU game with concussion -CB John Flanders declared academically ineligible -LB DeAundre Brown out after foot surgery And, next up for Tulsa, a trip to Boise State. That should be good times for the Broncos. If we can pull out a win over Indiana, we could realistically roll up to Tulsa and win, then head into Sun Belt with a 2-3 record. I'm trying to make some positives out of Tulsa's negatives.

I totally agree with #2. I have full faith and confidence in this staff. I think the second guessing on this board so far is unwarranted. I get it as fans, but unwarranted nonetheless. This staff is full of coaches with big skins on the wall. They know what they are doing and I am confident in them. When I see DM speak I feel reassured about the direction of the program. This man has already done this once before and I know he will do it again.

Dylan Veatch: Banjo boy from Deliverance:

Jake Reed: Sippy Cup: Hey, I'm a new father, I see things a little differently now.

Justin Pagan: Cheech:

Chris Adkins Jim Jackson Not very funny, but the dude does look like him.

it's family weekend...great stadium...winnable game...great weather....29,919

Finally, the SBC can get to 12.

From what I read on their board, looks like a pretty friendly group. If any wonder over this way...please "play nice". Looks like a great group heading this way Saturday, and they know what we feel like the last few years. But, one poster didn't seem to realize that UNT has a new HC and pretty much a new staff....save for Chico! From what i have read, I like these folks...please be nice. Not everyone "understands" the humor and sarcasm of some on this board. All said and done, I think the Mean Green win this weekend. Something like 38-35. Close, but the cigar goes to the Mean Green!

I don't know how you can say it is unwarranted. Maybe not DM, but Chico was here all last year. A lot of the offensive players have had time, stemming from last year, to work with him and his offense. I don't know why you go with a freshmen at the goal line. I think you go with the guy that just drove you down the field. But hey, I'm no coach. That being said, I can see that this team is improving and I have faith in DM. GMG!

I hate to see any player get injured. We know too well what that feels like. JRock

Rod Smith (QBCoach Co-Off.Coord.): Bald Bull from Mike Tyson's Punch Out:

Greg Frey: Bill Dauterive:

There were a few minor complaints at the first game regarding fans not caring for the no re-entry rule, and their inability to grab a beer during halftime. I had pitched out the idea of having a huge Alumni Association Beer Garden by reconfiguring the fencing around the alumni pavilion from pre-game activities to halftime festivities. Here's the idea, roughly based on what another college with the no reentry rule currently does. The North Texas Alumni Association Pavilion would have a very large fenced area with lots of tables only open to the outside during pregame, and with access only to and from the stadium during halftime. During halftime Alumni Association members are admitted for free and receive one complimentary beer ticket, all others (21 and over) pay $5.00 for entry and receive one complimentary beer ticket. Additional beer tickets are sold at a very reasonable price to entice people to want to keep coming back and to hopefully join the alumni association. We need to grow our alumni association for the university's efforts to attain Tier 1 status, and this is just one idea on how to attain that goal.

Here are some things that I took away from the game... The GOOD: 1) O-Line didn't give up any sacks against a really, really good defense. 2) No interceptions or fumbles on our part. 3) Defense looked more confident and poised at times in this game than I have seen them in the past 3-4 years. 4) Defense never gave up and managed to make plays late in the game. My favorite part about it was that you could tell they were still excited and fighting to get the job done. Haven't seen that in a long time. 5) Came out healthy as far as we all know 6) Lots of different players got playing time and experience. Facing the situations in that atmosphere is an experience that should certainly make you stronger. The BAD: 1) The offense hasn't scored a single point in the 2 out of 3 games we've played...scary. I know that they were facing great defenses, but opportunities to score were presented and we couldn't seal the deal. I hope we can change that against Indiana this weekend. The CONTROVERSIAL: 1) Rotating key players at crucial points of the game. I'm okay with it and think Mac was smart for doing that towards the end of the game. There's no shot at coming back. Put some of the younger players in a high stress situation and see what they can do with it. If they do something, awesome. If they don't, they gain great experience and know you aren't kidding when you say "Be ready to make plays when your number is called." 2) Lance Dunbar is supposed to be the Keystone of this offense and he hasn't done much yet (compared to what he did last year). I think he's still getting his groove back after this concussion. I think Indiana's run defense is weaker than the three we've faced so far and he'll have a break out game this upcoming weekend. 3) QB rotation. Hey, competition has heated up as all three have been put in game situations and rotated frequently. I'm betting that Mac and Chico will start to rotate less now that the games are more winnable and they have a better idea as to who can do what. 4) Offensive play calling. Some have called it boring and non sensical, but it seems that there is a sound theory behind the madness - keep the ball as long as possible to keep it out of the opponent's hands. Fair enough IMO. Overview Thoughts Through Alabama: We look to improve in one fashion or another every game that we play. My biggest observation is that there have been moments where we look like a team that is going in for the kill whereas other times we've looked like we're just dabbling and experimenting. I think these first 3 games have been a platform for Mac & Co. to test the waters and see what works, what doesn't, who's going to step up, and who isn't. After these three games, there's no doubt in my mind that the coaches have a full understanding of what they're working with now and will be able to play to the strengths and mask the weaknesses. I'm betting that we will see a much more structured and to-the-point game plan from here on out. The BEST: 1) Toughest part of the season is behind us. We have a fighting and clawing chance at winning every game from here on out. GO MEAN GREEN! BEAT INDIANA!!!!

Dylan Vetch Mac (from Mac and me)

Isnt half time just 20 minutes? How would you get that many people through the hellacious line, slam their beer, and force them back into the stadium in that amount of time. Maybe I'm overestimating what the turnout would be like, but it seems like it would be a chaotic mess with a lot of ticked off people at the back of the line. Plus I'll bet it would backfire some because folks would miss part of the 2nd quarter trying to get a spot in line early.

Fair enough. #2 is probably a little knee-jerk reaction to what we've seen for the last several years. As for this Sat., depends on the crowd bring the noise and the team believing they can win. Ok, it's not that simple, but the teams are fairly even so want-to is very important.

And I agree with this. I know I am setting myself up for disappointment here, but I really think we win this week.

I agree with #1 and that is a good sign. Way too early to agree with #2.

+1

I like how you think MeanGreenHoops!

So, does Baylor sue itself now, for abandoning Texas football?

Exactly, it's about money. The superconferences are going to get a shitload of it. The rest of us have to form conferences that are close enough to generate interest with opposing teams and whose fans can travel. And those SWC and Big 12 "rejects" are all actually decent teams.

RV needs to be on the phones yesterday with Baylor, TTU, ISU, Kstate, and anyone else who may get left out, and start forming a conference covering the Central Time Zone. Maybe get Ark St, one of the New Mexico schools, Tulsa, Houston, SMU, Rice and TCU if the Big East gets raided. That has the makings of a decent md major.

NOAA extended forecast for Denton is: Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 83. You can't ask for much better than this? I can't wait to get started. I am looking at my menu now. Next Saturday is setting up to be a great day in Mean Green Land!

I agree with you that that level of play should be our goal, but considering we have not won more than 3 games since 2004, I am 100% satisfied to just see a step forward this year (hopefully to 4 wins or more), especially considering we have a very young team. I can't wait for this Saturday!

No, it's actually quite easy to judge the true talent we have, based exactly on these three games. If we want to be an Alabama, a UH... or even just an FIU, we know we have a lot of work to do. We'd like to get back to the days of winning the Belt, but that alone isn't enough. We didn't build that stadium to go back to 2001-2004. We built that stadium and brought in McCarney to one day be able to square off against the UH's of the world, playing competitve games against the Alabama's of the world, and to be favored against the FIU's of the world.

cliche time: if you have 3 quarterbacks... you have no quarterbacks.

Yes, my friend, you have heard of this. Do you remember young Timmy Tebow at Florida?

Are they going to come out before the game and hold a tape measure up to the goal posts?

OK, I have tried to get some of my old fraternity brothers out for the Indiana game. Most of these guys have not been to a game for a long time. Some maybe since early 80's. So this is a great chance for me to see some old friends and do my part in bringing back some alums to see what our program is doing. I live in the Houston area but most of these guys are in Dallas. So far I have 80 people coming and hope for a great day and a good game to impress. I went to the Houston and was impressed with the hill. We are a few old guys but still want to be around the buzz but certainly too old to be with actives and we have families if you know what I mean. So somewhere in that area but far enough away that we can play our clasic rock from the 70 and 80 without hearing any rap. Hey, we got our own atmoshere to create. I am going to have Metzgers BBQ and just set up some tents. I do not want to cook for tht many or have them cook. The plan is for them to show up and just have a fun and relaxing time. Metzgers is doing 10.00 a head including a few beers each. I will bring some pop ups but may need to rent one big one with some tables and chairs. open to any ideas to make this an optimum experiance. not sure what to do about bathrooms after 4:30. We will not be able to get into the pavillion this week. Walk the kids over to Victory?

Until we actually win a game I'll just be cautiously optimistic. I do see some areas of improvement but there are some positions and players that have been disappointing so far. Alabama is so big and talented that it's hard to take anything from this game. I thought that our offense was as predictable as the Dickey days (without the draws). Dunbar was wasted trying to run him through the middle of that line. The offensive line didn't allow a sack which was amazing but pass-blocking effectively needs to result in completions. The defense did well except for giving up big plays and continue to show improvement. Few had hopes of winning any of the first three but from here on, with the exception of Troy, it's becoming a more even matchup. Tulsa, without Kinne, may even be possible. This team needs the home field advantage. We need crowds above 25,000 and loud. It's good for team morale, recruiting and it can't hurt realignment chances. The more students involved the better. We will improve; hopefully this year.

FIU got 11 votes in the coaches poll and 4 in the AP. A win next week would get them close to top 25 material. A win against Duke in week 5 (at home) will get them in the top 25. Just goes to show you that the conference isn't holding any of our teams back...our brutal OOC schedules are. I am going to be cheering for FIU all year. This might sound crazy but they could be a BCS buster with a little luck and a Boise loss.

I like FIU's OOC scheduling much better than our's historically. I'll take Louisville, Duke, Central Fla., etc... over Bama, LSU, UT, etc... I do like our scheduling against Indiana, Tulsa and Houston, but wouldn't mind seeing us dump the games against Top Five opponents. I know it is tough to project where teams will be ranked when the contracts are signed, but we know some of these will always be up there.

Agree KingDL1, just posted as much on a new thread, before I saw your post. I'm not even concerned with records this year though because of that, except for the fact I know it would help with recruiting.

Depending upon what you mean by this, I might agree or disagree with you. As a true freshman, there is no way he can be as ready for the college game as either. On the other hand, he has (according to those who know him best) those tangibles that you look for in a QB...mostly the ability to move the sticks and win games....something neither Thompson nor Osborn have PROVEN (not saying they don't or won't have it) to have yet. From what I have read, McNulty has a big upside in terms of being a real field leader. Not saying he will actualize that or even be our starter someday, but it is something I take VERY SERIOUSLY in rating QB's. I've seen too many QB's over my too long period of following football who had all the talent, but who just could not get the job done when push came to shove. And, I've seen lots of QB's, who on paper shouldn't even be playing, who were big time winners. QB is far more than just being able to throw a good pass. So, I say. Let's wait awhile before we make a final judgement on Thompson, Osborn or McNulty. As far as I am concerned, any of them could turn out to be what we are looking for....or turn into disappointments.

I am a little POed that I am in the Mean Green Club and yet I am excluded from buying beer becuase I did not purchase club seats.

Agree. It seems Tyler Stratford has been absent all season? We had no turnovers and gave up no sacks, and had 4 sacks. I thought that was really positive. The team seemed to make adjustments in the second half. We have sorely missed that the last few years. No major injuries. Despite the big loss, the team CAN get a little confidence out of this game. That is something they desperately need after the past 3 years. Ok, I know that's not ideal but this team DOES need some moral victories at this point. I think we're going to see a focused, confident team next week at home. Taking the opponents and scores out of it, I feel the team has improved every week which means they're buying in and starting to come together. Mac said last night he didn't want to hear about their youth anymore. They're 3 weeks in and not young anymore. I love the attitude and I think the team will start to take that attitude on as well. When young teams start to gain confidence....you really start to see their potential. I'm excited about the Indiana game. What a gauntlet this team has had to go through the first 3 weeks. Combined 9-0 record and may be a combined 36-0 when the season's over. I'm glad it's behind us.

I thought Osborne had a real nice drive and didn't make the bad decisions he did against FIU. However, he only completed 2 out of 6 passes and was going against more second stringers than Thompson. Thompson did go 11-22 with no intercepts and no sacks and I thought he got much better as did the whole offense in the second half.

My God. What did mcnulty do that made him deserve this thread? Not a knock on mcnulty, but it's game 3and you think a guy that has made 1 or 2 plays should take over?

First play, from the Alabama 2... fumbled snap. Oops. (strange place to introduce him, but maybe that's his role this year.) His second snap - illegal formation. Let's hope the third is a TD.

As far as the front four, we re not where we need to be, but I think they have played much better this season than last...and like very other unit on this team, getting better each week