Rock

This kid got my attention ... I typically dont post here ... I read regularly. But something about this kid intrigues me. Hoping he can step up as so many before him have .. we have had some really solid MLBs over the years. Welcome to the team Blake. Enjoy the ride.

That move may look silly yet he was able to stop play while not having to take a time out. tactic used by many actually. we wold have had 12 men on the field.

Worth the watch. puts things in perspective. thanks P.

Brilliant. Thanks for posting. Our women have been quite amazing over the years. Just look at Soccer, Softball, Volleyball, improvement in Basketball ... all respect to the ladies. Each of these sports has knocked off top 20 teams on a yearly basis along with major conference wins, not just C-USA. And dont give me political crap for saying, damn good looking bunch. Go Mean Green !!

I have not logged in for a long long time, yet I have been reading this forum since it started. Following the ones prior to that actually. I dont post very often yet this one is truly an amazing accomplishment. This is the first of its kind in NCAA history .. not just C-USA, not just for North Texas. Definitely read the ESPN story along with others. North Texas has been in the public a lot this year .... and this is a fantastic example as to why.

Been monitoring North Texas chat rooms for a long long time. I dont post much anymore yet this deserves one. Always respected Johnny Jones. Anyhow, a few months back just before the end of the BBall season I was at a restaurant in Santa Clara. Johnny and the Nevada came through the door. As I walked by him I stopped to say hello. He stopped and spoke to me for at least 10 minutes .. asking me my name, when I was at North Texas, etc. Went out of his way to say hello and talk. Great guy and I wish him all the best. We all have jobs. But sometimes you meet somebody who respects the job and the relationships ... something we don't see enough. Johnny is always calm, collected and respectful ... and he put NT on the map for a while :)

Okay ... last post for a while but eppy4life really made me laugh to myself. And he didnt respond with some crap statement like some others who obviously have nothing else to do but find it easier to complain and make fun than talk about the matter at hand. Sorry for any inconvenience, but dont want others to be affected. That being said, it is somebody currently on the Florida State coaching staff. I hear there have been discussions, yet it is not a "done deal" ... something that is being discussed seriously. I promise to add more after I get some more insight and verify things. Take care.

Fair enough ... here is more. Note, that the person who told me this also confirmed that Dodge would be our coach before it was released to the pubic. Two things particularly got my attention. 1. the situation of the team, practice, environment, players complaints, etc. - of which look to have been resolved. No need to go into this more. 2. The #1 person that I have heard as a potential new coach ... I have not seen his name mentioned in the latest threads along with Leach, etc. That is all I am going to say. go ahead and knock the thread ... doesn't bother me. Hopefully it sheds some light to let others know that good times are coming ... at least we have the opportunity and that is more than we have had in a while. PS - I wouldn't bet the farm on Wade Philips ...

Okay, for those of you who have been on this forum for many years, back into the mid 90's and more, you should know that I dont write much and dont write simply to get my name up n the board. Over the years I have helped, watched, listened and read the multiple formats we have used through the years, and the latest threads covering coaching could use some intel. I spoke with a rep. from the University that will remain anonymous. You simply need to know that the person speaks from years of involvement within the University system. Following the forum I felt that I knew a great deal of what was happening and have found that I really didnt know as much as previously thought. that being said, it looks like there is a definite candidate or two in mind and one that will come with name recognition. Im not going to give out more, just want to make a statement here. We have a great deal going for us at this point. Think about it. We have an interim coach who is doing very well and has our kids on the right track. You have to appreciate his effort and affect on this team. I was somewhat taken back by some of the info. I received coming in from the players and others over the coaching staff over the course of this season. I can understand keeping info. close to one's own however. Regardless, we are looking at a great deal of potential. We also have a wonderful stadium, a growing community and dare I say a growing fan base. With wins, it will grow more of course, as any school would. So, lets not bash what has happened and look towards what we Can do. I think we will be happy in the end and see results. I see it happening already. Take care and keep the faith. Hopefully I will catch some of you soon. I tend to travel a great deal so hard to make it to games, but will definitely be at some basketball this season.

I admit that it has been a while since I made a game as I dont live in Dallas. But while on business this week I made it an important part of my schedule. Some thouhts and reflection to share: * crowd. back in the early 90's we had smaller crowds, no doubt. They made noise but only had fewer voices/butts in the seats. Last night was a good crowd. Even though it was cold out (windy) people came and brought their kids and they were wearing green which was really nice to see. The difference was that at a few important times in the game the crowd started to chant "North -- Texas" and "Defense" which definitely got everyone into the game -- and it got louder -- and their team heard it -- and it really seemed to give us an advantage. Seriously. It really made a difference and those that helped get it going should be thanked. * dunks. yeah, dunks. I remember saying, "lets see if we can get a dunk tonight". We would only see a couple a game and it was a big deal. Last night kids were dunking randomly and the level of play seemed to be a touch more exciting for the common viewer. People in the crowd seemed to notice the times when playes made mistakes and made note of them where as in the past it was part of the game. The audience has come to expect a higher level of play. That in itself says a lot. * Denver was well coached. The team moved the ball and found the open man or created space for a shot better than NT did - especially in the first half. Yet, in the second half it was NT that had the players that seemed to step up and say "this is our game" and Make it happen. The effort increased and the points resulted. With the depth we now have, if we can use the motivation for both halfs - all minutes, we will go far. I have no doubt here. Coach Jones was yelling and into the game - something I missed during what I saw last year when watching some of the football practices and games. I really liked his involvement - especially during a couple of calls that were -- well crappy calls. Surprised he didnt get a technical at one point. Bottom line, it was a great time. Students should really spread the word and notice what is happening in their own back yard. I have been to other schools and the facilities are great. The game was great (0f course we won) and the experience was one that every student should see. This is a better conference with better players (in general - no offense) and the experience is worth the trip ... its that simple. Cant wait to come back to see another. Always a Mean Green fan -- regardless of the record.

okay - so why couldnt we play at cowboy stadium --- we did so with A&M and drew a nice crowd. Just thinking out loud. I would take cowboy stadium and national exposure on thursday night. Perhaps Im just a little frustrated. I am still waiting for the Air force game and soem other teams to come to our house.

I realize taht not everyone likes the Fouts facility, but it is better than some others that are getting teams to come to their house. No reflection on FAU as I am a psuedo fan since my parents live close to the campus - down on the water - its a nice place to be. I am really pulling for FAU tonight. However, OK State is playing in florida against FAU on national TV in a stadium that is being used off campus until FAU can get a stadium built. I have been to the stadium, saw them play Colgate in the 1-AA semi finals a couple years ago. Plain and simple, Fouts is a better facility and would provide a least the same fan base - most likely bigger as OK State players could travel to north Texas fairly easily (close by). Why cant we get that type of game? Think of the $ and competition it would bring our team. I realize Im preaching to the chior - just want to see if there is some knowledgeable guys/gals out there that might have more insight. And please - I dont care to hear any Fouts bashing. Lets foucs on what we can control and the positives. RV - if u are reading this -- any news about future competition? THANKS for scheduling smu!! I love to hate that team. Thanks.

I will try to keep general impressions so as not to give specifics on any particular individual. First Impression: practice was well organized. Every time a whistle blew, everyone on the field knew where to go and how much time they had to get there. Inidivuals jogged to areas - didnt waste time. Facilities: Very nice. Lots of work being done to tennis pavilion. Looks to be a really nice set up with nice location. Took a quick look inside athletic center and the facilities are top notch. Everything in order, clean, put away. Very nice facility. Caught my eye: One of the offices (heard this on a thread in the past) had a series of helmets in the window. Ragin Cajuns, Southern Miss, and a North Texas. But the NT helmet used a diff. font. Cant remember if it was a previous entry or not. I like the script better. Really tired of changing the logos every couple years. Its here, its recognizable, its effecient ... i.e., leave it alone and press on. Defense: looks good. Seems to have a tad more spirit than offense did. Of course it was hot and second practice but this is what I saw. Secondary could use an inch of height. If I were an opposing coach, I would try to exploit NT in this area specifically with my tallest receiver. Let man beat them deep a couple times. Remember bend dont break? However, they looked to be on target and had more focus. Why u might ask? I say the coaching is directly related. The defensive coach was yelling his arse off and "right in the think of things" with the kids. There was more of a "Bill Cower" approach. Good or Bad, u need to get in front of the kid and guide him - even if it takes every other play of the day. Bottom line, they looked to be the better of the 2. offense: receivers seemed to run routes fine, but didnt catch the damn ball as much as they should have. Johnny seemed to put more emphasis on catching the ball where as some others simply took their eyes off the ball or thought about being hit in the back of their mind. I used to play receiver and (optional) tail back so I can relate. Bottom line, is that they will need to catch everything thrown at them when game time comes around if we want another title and some out of conf. wins. QBs looked good on some plays and not so good on others. Did not see any consistency which scared me the most. One fo them stood out more than the others, but even he had a few "crappy" plays. Note, this was not due to athletic ability. They just didnt seem to have every player with his head in the game at the same time. Now my "Bill Cower" quote earlier takes over. I know we have a great staff and things are getting better every year. BUT, I really wanted to see anothe coach with his face next to the player, taking the snap, on his knees with the kid, walking or running the route with the receiver --> on every other play if need be. Perhaps that is just my style growing up in a military family and being taught by military personnel during my youth. Okay, I wanted to see more "Bill Cower". Line: Looks to have good size and be capable. They simply need to "gel" and back one another. I saw too many holes open up on one play and plug everything on the next. We will need consistency. More practice will solve this. Running game: runners looked good but seemed to be a tad short. Didnt see Jemario or Patrick run. One particular individual looked to have good quickness and very good sight - always found a way to find another yard and not let the first man take him down. he was very elusive. Okay, he was #22. Others were running hard, but #22 stood out. I did not see any sloppy play on their side. Tight ends. A couple of quick out patterns were short and should have been a solid play, but receiver dropped ball or pass was off mark. I was probably more dissappointed in that particular play than any other. Again, I think it was more mental mistakes. Bottom line: Overall I saw more mental mistakes. Kids should gain confidence as things progress, but I would like to see it sooner. I see that as one of the big differences with a mid major and a well established team. Look at the top QBs around the country. Specifically the new QB for Lousiville for example. When he took the field, he was the general. I would like to see somebody step up and take control and right the ship. I think that will help the team to "gel" and we will play better off in the end. Let me give u an example, when kennedy was in the game, the first play saw him pacing in front of the offensive line, shouting at them, pumping up the other defensive players ... taking charge (specifically the NO bowl game). Hell,, the offsense was probably more aware of him than the snap count or antyhing else. I saw his presence on the practice field also. That is what I want to see again. *** I see potential. I dont want this to come over as a negative report. There are a lot of positives. I am simply reflecting on where things could improve. Dont count this team short. I have faith in them and look for success. *** Also, I did not see any slackers. I didnt see kids walking around deciding for themselves what they should be doing. I saw organization. well ... my 2 pents worth. Feel free to comment/debate.

I was just looking through the last mag and found that last page. And, I realize just how good looking our women's team truly is ... not just in looks mind u, but on the court. Seeing that pic made me want to see another game. But damn, they look good!

1. First thing is I noticed that UCF has now joined the MAC. Hope it works out well for them. Really interested to see how the SBC and other conferences shape up in the next several months. I was looking for a little more in the way of changes before the season begins. Anybody hear anything else ... legitimate of course. 2. I see that FIU is starting football this year. Yeah for them. 3. Anybody know how Kassel is doing? I have seen 2 other LBs sign thus far. 4. SBC on TV !! Fantastic. 5. What's the latest news on Baker?