TheTastyGreek

Say what you will about Focus on the Family... At least they promote the proper "see your target" tackling technique. Safer for the tackler, and safer for the tackled. Fewer head, neck, and spine injuries, and fewer helmet-to-helmet hits. It reminds me of the video tutorial on two-gap defensive tackle techniques released by Operation Rescue. Or the NOW pamphlet on how to play shut down defense when you're one-on-one with Kobe Bryant. Not silly/tasteless enough? How about this one: Tim Tebow's mom? He'd hit it.

I really, really don't want any part of this conversation. But "teabagging" is not a homosexual act. Just like wherever my rolling stone papa laid his hat was his home, anyone or anything that serves as a resting place for a nutsac is getting teabagged. Male, female, coffee mug... It's all teabagging. Carry on. Terrorist fist jabs for all of you.

What's ASU's? Tennessee-Martin? Southeastern Missouri State? Their losses to Indiana State and Lamar? The highest RPI team they've beaten is... Us. 2nd is... Us. 3rd is Denver.

The section directly behind each team's bench is reserved for fans with that team's stamp on a first come, first seated basis. But not even WKU completely filled their section last year, and they travel better than any other team in the conference. If you're an ASU or UALR fan, that may be a situation where there's a line and they check ticket stubs. But as long as you're wearing a North Texas shirt, I'll be amazed if anyone even blinks when you go sit in our section. Generally, as long as you're not trying to snag the premium seat right behind the bench, it's almost totally open seating and I've never had a problem sitting a few rows behind a bench either in Mobile or in Hot Springs. We sat with MTSU and UNO fans behind their bench in Mobile, and we sat behind the USA bench during their semifinal game last year in Hot Springs. Even if that gets a lot stricter than it's been the past 3 years, then there's still going to be great seating elsewhere in the arena. Last year, we watched our quarterfinal game against MTSU from the opposite side of the floor just because we already had great seats 4 or 5 rows up from the floor. Baseline seats are usually very open, too... We sat on the first row of the baseline with the Denver band and spirit section during their Sunday night game against UALR, which was probably the most crowded the arena got all night. I'm not trying to discourage anyone from buying through North Texas, just saying that it's highly unlikely that sitting in the behind-the-team section is going to be a problem whether you buy a tournament passbook with the NT stamp on it, or if you buy an individual session ticket, or if you come with a student ID and get a general admission seat ticket.

I didn't realize it was a 1:00 game... I get to listen! If something bizarre happens (or if you need some sort of context), I'll be listening and I can explain. Will you be in chat?

Different athletic departments are charging significantly different prices for the ticket packages. There's only one school selling them for a price that's lower than buying individual session tickets for all the men's games. We bought the session package in Mobile, but wound up spending more money than we would have on individual tickets because we didn't go to most of the women's games. Last year, we decided against it and planned on going with individual session tickets. This year, we'll probably buy from the cheapest school with tickets remaining. If we start feeling guilty about buying from elsewhere, maybe we'll donate $75 to the NT athletics department. As for seating behind benches... The ushers only check tickets if you're not in school apparel. So if you buy a walk-up ticket or if you buy a package from, say, MTSU... They won't even look at it unless you're in generic clothes. Also- I'm not sure if you're still a grad student, Flyer. Even if you're not, there's probably a student reading this who might be coming. Anyone with an NT student ID (or one from any other SBC school) gets free tickets, just like at home games. You just go up to the ticket window before the session you want to see and show them your ID for a ticket. It's what my brother did last year.

I'm not sure where in appropriate tradition it says you're supposed to urinate on the flags before and after burning, but I'll trust your expertise in the area and give you credit for doing it the right way.

That would pretty well derail the program... I'd hate to see the Panthers lose the recruiting class they've managed to put together so far.

Now THAT was some high quality slander. Bravo, sir. I think the last time I was that impressed with your focus and dedication was when you hosted the world's largest American Flag Burning at your heavily armed compound near Waco. I can't say I agree with your outlandish, hateful political ideology... But I do recognize the passion behind your convictions.

Yes. That's one I've been on board with almost since the beginning. Primary tone is the opening from "Casting Agents and Cowgirls" by Busdriver. On my old phones, it was "Suits are Picking Up the Bill" by Squirrel Nut Zippers and "Another Wasted Night" by Bishop Allen. I don't mean to turn this conversation into the Tasty's Cell Phone Biography thread. Everyone remember: Watch or listen to the FIU game on Saturday. It's important.

I agree that it's the longest of long shots... But if UNO can knock off ASU, that could be the start of the death spiral. Starting 8-2 in conference, then dropping two in a row against the bottom two teams in the conference (UALR and UNO)... Could be a death blow to the confidence of such a young team.

I am a very, very reluctant adopter of phone technology. VERY reluctant. I didn't start carrying/using a cell phone until the end of 2005, and only then because I was practically forced to. I didn't start using text messaging until earlier this week, because it generally annoys the hell out of me. My girlfriend and brother both have iphones, so they generally handle any mobile internetting needs. I'll probably take that step sometime after 2013.

Another issue they faced was playing some stout competition during a stretch when they had 7 games in 14 days. Considering their issues with injuries are similar to ours, taking on who they played, when they played them, all stacked up on each other... Each game kept getting harder and more taxing than the last. The 5 game streak that really killed their record was in the heart of that run, with games against Southern Illinois, Troy, us, and two against MTSU, all in a 10 day stretch, 3 of them being on the road.

He moved WAY up the all-time leaderboard. If we play FAU in the tournament and then 2 or 3 times next year... Josh might very well block a couple more.

Finally had to cave in and bump up to unlimited text messages. Fought that for years, but recent developments (working with/for a 60-something guy who just discovered texts... and LOVES THEM) forced me to drop the extra $5 and deal with the nuisance. So now, you can text your little 14-year-old-girl heart out. Doesn't cost me any extra money anymore.

To keep things on topic... Yes. Will we?

I need a volunteer to send me text message updates. I'll be at a formal function for my girlfriend's company, and I won't be able to listen anywhere. If anyone out there with my phone number knows they'll be listening and is willing to help me out... I'd really appreciate it.

Don't trust this man. He still owes me $5 for a foot long I provided him several months ago.

Josh White blocked a shot. JOSH WHITE BLOCKED A SHOT! I could watch him play one-on-one with Ray Taylor all night. That was a very, very fun game.

I'm not having any trouble. I guess you guys haven't completed the 17 day waiting period. Or you're not using the far right option near the buttons to insert pictures or links, the one for "Insert Media".

Not sure I agree completely, but it's an interesting point to consider. I wish we had them both. I'm sure you do, too. I miss all the complaining about height issues in our backcourt. Of all the injury-replacement point guards playing through serious hand injuries for two years and counting... I'd say Josh White is one of the better ones out there.

It wasn't meant to be a dissection of Fry. I like Fry (learned about him primarily as a little kid who spent two stints growing up in Iowa) and I have nothing but respect and awe for what he was able to accomplish at North Texas. It was more about perspective in the standard complaints and knocks we constantly heard during and after the Dickey era. Here's the link to the original story on TY Sports. Remember... Hayden Fry = Good. It's a rhetorical technique.

The trouble is that after this year, most of them are gone.

I'm a Major now, buddy. It's been a very productive day. People love it when you slander a gentleman and throw out murder accusations. And share interesting etymological information and slag on the fanciness of our basketball arena.