MeanGreen61

UNT future schedules - National Champs Net http://nationalchamps.net/NCAA/future_sche...exas_future.htm

Isn't this thread about the press? Didn't you mention the press in the last paragraph of that post ? My comments are about the press and not about Saturday's occurance that you discussed at length in another thread. .........To which a poster like yourself would come on and type: Well, I called him one time to ask a question and he was nice to me? l Hmmmm. now you're also a psychic?

Football news and notes North Texas is moving its second scrimmage of fall practice up to 9 a.m. Saturday because of the oppressive heat that continues to make working out at just about any time of the day an unpleasant experience. In other news, UNT released an updated roster on Thursday that included sophomore defensive end Eddrick Gilmore, but didn't include senior quarterback Woody Wilson. Neither has practiced, but UNT head coach Todd Dodge said there is still a chance that he could have a few players return to practice in the next few days after taking care of off-the-field issues. On the injury front, sophomore tackle Robert Peachey, sophomore center Bryan Glass, freshman wide receiver Marcus King and redshirt freshman linebacker Sam Owusu-Heming all missed practice Thursday with a variety of injuries. Defensive back Robbie Gordon and linebacker Craig Robertson both made nice plays in pass coverage, deflecting balls near the goal line. Freshman wide receiver Breece Johnson caught a touchdown pass on a slant in 11-on-11 drills.

The TV rights & income could be a factor if they were both in a conference.

"If you don't want members of the press to get rubbed the wrong way, treat them with respect and be upfront with them. Otherwise your asking for it, and who in hell at North Texas can afford that?" But you don't let the press tell you how to run the show and they sometimes feel they are being rubbed the wrong way or disrespected when they can't have their way. Thus my comment "you don't let the tail wag the dog". Before TD, the press could virtually roam around at will and talk to/interview just about whomever they pleased. With TD there is a much tighter control of access/interviews, etc. There's a new sheriff in town and the free range is over. Somethin' folks need to get use to.

There's another old saying. "Don't let the tail wag the dog".

Troy got the first at large bid (2004), playing NIU in the Silicon Valley Bowl.

What's happenin' in the 'Boro ? MTSU football dismisses Robinson, Anderson MTSU sophomore receiver Jay Robinson and senior defensive lineman Chris Anderson have been dismissed from the football team. Anderson did not meet NCAA academic requirements. Robinson repeatedly violated team rules. “Chris Anderson will not play his final year after failing to meet NCAA academic requirements,” MTSU coach Rick Stockstill said. “Chris has really done well academically the past year, but he got so far behind his first three years that he simply could not make it all up. I wish Chris the best in his future endeavors.” Anderson was one of the most notable recruits in program history, but he never panned out on the field. A Jacksonville, Fla. native, Anderson originally signed with Florida State in 2002, but did not qualify academically. Anderson finally enrolled at MTSU in spring 2004, but played only two career games (both last season). Athlon Sports’ 2007 college football preview magazine revisited the 2002 signing class, where it had ranked Anderson the 37th-rated recruit in the country. A Wetumpka, Ala. native, Robinson was a talented and athletic wideout, who was converted from a high school quarterback. He enrolled early at MTSU in January 2004, but was criticized by coaches for a lack of maturity. Robinson was suspended by former MTSU coach Andy McCollum for the final three games of the 2005 season and then suspended by Stockstill for last year’s regular-season finale against Troy for violation of team rules. Robinson played in six games last season. He had two receptions, including an 11-yard touchdown grab. “We have high standards at Middle Tennessee and expect all our players to abide by our rules,” Stockstill said. MTSU has now lost as many as nine players this week — including as much as five to injury, three to dismissal and one quit.

So you're missin' the DD era ?

Media Guide has Charlie at 239.

Football: Mean Green gets deeper in trenches Banks, Ross expected to contribute on lines 09:24 AM CDT on Thursday, August 16, 2007 By Brett Vito / Staff Writer North Texas became a lot deeper in two key areas on Wednesday when it welcomed back two of its top young linemen. Offensive lineman Ajani Banks and defensive lineman Draylen Ross, a pair of sophomores who had missed the first nine sessions of fall practice, made their debuts during the Mean Green’s morning workout. Banks and Ross were among the Mean Green’s top recruits in its 2005 and 2006 classes, respectively, and are expected to play significant roles for UNT this season. “I told our players in the offseason that we needed them all,” UNT head coach Todd Dodge said. “We have gone seven or eight practices without them. Now they will have to get caught back up.” Banks (6-2, 328) is one of the Mean Green’s biggest players and will provide depth in an area where UNT lacks experience. UNT has two returning starters on its offensive line in senior Adam Venegas and junior Chad Rose, but is expected to have an entirely new lineup up front this season. The Mean Green has been trying to settle into that new lineup while dealing with losing several players. A lingering knee injury forced senior tackle Josh Alexander to give up the game, while redshirt freshman guard Nick Foster is no longer with the team. The addition of Banks will give the Mean Green another option at guard. “Ajani will be a big help,” Rose said. “He has a lot of talent and ability. He is a big body and has an opportunity to be a great player.” Banks was a backup last season and is one of several players UNT could end up relying on without much experience. “Every year we have a couple of young guys,” Rose said. “They are learning and doing everything they need to do. They will be ready. They might not have a lot of experience, but they are working hard.” Ross is expected to play on the Mean Green’s defensive line after spending last season as a tight end. Brown appears to have found home Charlie Brown appears to have found a home as a defensive end at UNT. Brown was one of about a half-dozen tight ends and fullbacks who were left without a position after the Mean Green changed to a spread offense under Dodge following last season. He spent some time at wide receiver in spring practice before settling in on the defensive side of the ball. “I like it a lot,” Brown said. “I am coming around, but I still have a long way to go. I have not played there since I was a senior in high school.” Brown prepared for the move by bulking up to 239 pounds. Dodge likes how Brown has responded to the change so far. “Putting Charlie at defensive end was a good move for us,” Dodge said. “He has the type of body we are looking for. His motor runs hot and he is athletic. What he lacks right now is technique. He is making up for it in athleticism.” UNT has two seniors starting at defensive end in Blake Burruss and Jeremiah Chapman, a preseason All-Sun Belt Conference selection. “I hope to help this year,” Brown said. “I am learning a lot from Jeremiah, Blake and Tye [Rexrode]. … [Defensive ends coach David] Rausch is being patient with me and teaching me a lot.” Peachey, King out with injuries Sophomore offensive lineman Robert Peachey and freshman wide receiver Marcus King both sat out practice Wednesday with injuries. Peachey, who is projected to start at right tackle, injured his hamstring and was on crutches. King hyper-extended his knee at the end of practice on Tuesday, but is only expected to be out a few days. King suffered what looked like a much more serious injury after making a catch in the back of the end zone and landing awkwardly in the grass. “He will be fine,” Dodge said. “It looked bad on video, but he checked out well. We are very fortunate. He is really coming along.” Peachey’s status will be a day-to-day decision, Dodge said. Riley alright after trip to hospital Southlake Carroll head coach Hal Wasson said Wednesday that senior quarterback and UNT recruit Riley Dodge is OK one day after he was hospitalized for dehydration. Wasson said Dodge returned to practice Wednesday, but was not allowed to participate. Wasson said Dodge finished Tuesday’s practice and an ambulance was summoned when he began feeling the effects from dehydration. He was administered intravenous fluid and was feeling fine by the time he arrived at the hospital. Wasson said he will consult with the team trainer before determining when Dodge would return to practice. David Hinojosa of The Dallas Morning News contributed to this report BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870.

B$#ching because reports can't get into practice. Before they b$#ched because they were ask to attend. (singing off key) "What a difference a year makes"

Aren't we getting more info this year than in the past on practices from the official site ?

Navy mulls potential conference move Aug 15, 2007 2:00 AM by Ron Snyder, The Examiner Navy coach Paul Johnson said a conference affiliation would not impact how he recruits. Annapolis (Map, News) - Navy athletics director Chet Gladchuck doesn’t want a conference affiliation for his football team, but he said he may not have a choice. Gladchuck said Navy has no bowl agreement beyond this year’s Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego, and the complex tie-in between bowl games and conferences makes it more difficult each year for Navy to schedule a postseason game. Joining a conference comes with considerable concessions for Navy, which as an independent, develops its schedule and keeps all the money it generates from broadcast rights, ticket sales and other revenue streams. “You’ve got to look at it two ways,” Gladchuck said. “Where are we today and is it working? But, you also have to be concerned about down the road. Dynamics can change in short order. We’re comfortable today because we’re filling up the stadium, we’re playing a quasi-national stadium where we can play whoever we want. We have a great television package and a quality radio network. We have had tie-ins with bowl games and it’s working. Now, will it work tomorrow, I’m not sure.” Gladchuck said since Navy’s resurgence in football four years ago, it has been fortunate to secure bowl invitations. In 2003, the Southeastern Conference’s University of South Carolina failed to qualify for the Houston Bowl, which opened a spot for Navy because the SEC didn’t have any more bowl eligible teams. In 2004, Gladchuck made a deal to get Navy into the Emerald Bowl in San Francisco. Then in 2005, the inaugural Poinsettia Bowl wanted Navy because of its large following in San Diego. Finally last year, the Meineke Car Care Bowl made a one-year agreement with Navy to play in Charlotte, N.C., instead of taking its usual Big East team. “The one area we have been able to manage, but not control, is the bowl structure,” Gladchuck said. “By managing that structure, we’ve been able to find five straight bowl games, but not being able to control it plays into us looking for a conference affiliation or trying to survive as an independent.” Navy football coach Paul Johnson said a conference affiliation would not impact how he recruits. But he is concerned a wrong move could become a detriment to the program. He cited a rumored quasi-membership into the Big East as an example. Johnson and Gladchuk refused to comment specifically which conference would be most attractive, but the Big East Conference and Conference USA are the closest fits both competitively and geographically. The Atlantic Coast Conference is filled with football teams superior to Navy’s. “You want to be able to compete and make sure the conference is the right fit,” Johnson said, “The Big East doesn’t make much sense since we don’t have a lot in common with those schools and we don’t recruit the same kind of players.” One potential short-term answer for Navy is a playing in a new bowl game in Baltimore in December of 2008. The Camden Yards Sports and Entertainment Commission considers Navy a prime candidate for the game, according to Wayne Edwards, the commission’s sports committee chairman. Edwards said he is dealing with many of the same obstacles as Navy. “Many conferences have tie-ins going seven teams deep,” Edwards said. “There just aren’t a lot of possibilities right now. Navy is a great fit, but we need an opponent for them and a backup in case they aren’t eligible.”

MTSU PRACTICE REPORT: Craddock, Walden hampered by injuries Two of MTSU’s most valuable players are sidelined by groin injuries and two reserves may be out for the season. Junior quarterback Joe Craddock and senior defensive end Erik Walden are day-to-day with groin injuries. Both dressed out for MTSU’s practice on Wednesday morning, but did not participate in drills. True freshman Dwight Dasher, fifth-year senior Patrick Jackson and sophomore Gene Delle Donne divided the quarterback reps during team session. Meanwhile, true freshman receiver D.D. Kyles is out for the season due to a previous knee injury. Redshirt freshman defensive end Andre Wicker is awaiting x-ray results and may also be out for the season with a foot injury. Junior linebacker Ivon Hickmon (knee), true freshman defensive end Sa’Coby Carter (knee) and sophomore receiver Dale Galvin (unspecified) are still out with injuries. If Wicker’s injury is season-ending, it would be MTSU’s seventh player lost for the season this week, including three starters. Defensive end Sean Mosley quit the team. Fullback Hunter Birtsch (knee), center Jake Padrick (shoulder) and linebacker Landon Givers (back) have been lost to injuries. Fullback Brodey Mann was dismissed from the team for missing multiple practices. Redshirt freshman Chris Hawkins moved to starting center Wednesday morning, and Chris Ritter played backup center. Senior Brandon Nix moved from center to guard. Redshirt freshman Gary Tucker has been moved to second-team defensive end.

Translation. "I want to open the season with a sure win".

Memories, memories. A great group ! Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass. Saw them perform years ago at, of all places, the SMU auditorium.

Mama mia ! It seems that we've always got some type of perceived issue going on this board. Should everyone should sit quieting on their hands during games so as not to come off as offending someone? Maybe there should be a 101 Lighten Up class for Mean Green fans? Geeze.

Football: Vizza sees stock rise with UNT Dodge says freshman in hunt to start against OU 11:46 PM CDT on Tuesday, August 14, 2007 By Brett Vito / Staff Writer Todd Dodge was walking off the field at the Alamodome last December following Southlake Carroll's win over Austin Westlake in the Class 5A Division I state title game when one of his best friends in coaching, Lee Bridges, handed him a piece of paper with two names scribbled on it. One of the names was Giovanni Vizza, a standout quarterback from San Antonio Alamo Heights. Eight months later, the recruiting tip is paying off for Dodge. Dodge is seriously considering starting Vizza at quarterback Sept. 1 at Oklahoma. "The players competing for the job knew all along that we were going to evaluate Giovanni," Dodge said. "I have been pleased with how he has responded. The game is starting to slow down for him, which is important. He is definitely in the hunt." Vizza (pronounced Vee-za) and junior Daniel Meager split time with the first team in UNT's initial scrimmage of fall practice Saturday, and they have continued to share time with the first team in practice this week. Vizza said he knew playing at the college level would be an adjustment, but he still set his sights on starting. "Being in the mix for the starting job has been a part of my thought process all along," he said. "I didn't come in with the mind-set that I was going to redshirt." Competing with a host of veterans hasn't bothered Vizza, who moved to Denton over the summer to work with his wide receivers and adapt to playing at the college level. UNT started fall practice with several quarterbacks, including redshirt freshman Nathan Tune and junior Matt Phillips, who started three games last season. Todd Dodge's son Riley, a senior at Southlake Carroll, committed to Texas shortly after Vizza signed with UNT, but he changed his mind and decided to follow his father to UNT in late June. Riley is the reigning Class 5A offensive player of the year and one of the top recruits in the state. Despite the tough competition Vizza faces this season and next, his former coaches at Alamo Heights are sure he will be able to compete for the starting job. "There was no doubt that we thought he would have a chance to start at North Texas," Alamo Heights quarterbacks coach Kelly Parker said. "He has a lot of drive to be the best he can be. He is never satisfied with where he is. He always wants to get better." Parker said Vizza spent several Sundays throwing passes to his father at Alamo Heights, long after the rest of his teammates had gone home. Vizza threw for 3,278 yards and rushed for another 667 yards as a senior while leading the Mules to the Class 4A Division I state title. "Giovanni is a great leader on the field and knows where everyone is going to be all the time," said Sam Dibrell, the other name scribbled on the paper. "He knows all the receiver positions like the back of his hand. If the first option is covered, he knows where the second and third options are going to be." Dodge saw those qualities shortly after receiving the tip to recruit Vizza, who originally committed to Nevada. "Coach Dodge played a big role in my decision to come here instead of Nevada," Vizza said. "North Texas was also a lot closer to home." Dodge counts landing Vizza was one of his biggest coups in recruiting since arriving at UNT. "I don't know if we had the entire year to recruit the state of Texas that we could have found a better fit for what we like to do than Giovanni," Dodge said. After the first few days of spring practice, it appears that Vizza might have a chance to show what he can do as a freshman. "When everyone else is going out, he is in his room studying plays and getting better," Dibrell said. "I knew he would have a chance to start right away." Dodge happy with two-a-days Dodge said he was happy with the way his team performed during the first day of two-a-day practices. UNT worked out just once a day for the first seven days of fall practice before practicing once in the morning and once in the afternoon on Tuesday. "It went really well for the first two-a-days of the fall," Dodge said. "We got what we needed to done." Fitzgerald in line to start Former walk-on Casey Fitzgerald is in line to start for the Mean Green, despite competing with six freshman wide receivers and a host of other veterans, Dodge said. The junior caught just five passes for 92 yards in two seasons before making an impression on Dodge in spring practice. "Casey will be a one all the way," Dodge said. "He has played a lot of football and has been out there under the lights." Briefly … The Sun Belt Conference announced a new set of academic and athletic expectation standards on Tuesday. The standards include playing a minimum of 11 home football games in a two-year period, having all men's and women's basketball teams to play all of their games against Division I opponents and establishes attendance requirements in football and men's and women's basketball. … Dodge said that he was happy with the way senior running back Deavin Cox performed in his first practice in pads on Tuesday after missing several days of workouts. … Sophomore defensive lineman Draylen Ross is among the players who have not practiced with the Mean Green yet this fall. BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870. His e-mail address is bvito@dentonrc.com.

From the muts board. Tuesday, 08/14/07 MTSU's Mosley leaves the team By ADAM SPARKS Staff Writer MURFREESBORO — Middle Tennessee State senior defensive end Sean Mosley has quit the football team. A starter for most of his career, Mosley was one of the standouts on MTSU’s dominant defensive line last season. Mosley had started 27 career games, including all 13 last season. He recorded career highs of 40 tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss last season as a junior. Mosley had participated in spring practice, offseason workouts, fall camp and the team picture Sunday before deciding to quit the team today. MTSU Coach Rick Stockstill will release a statement about the situation following tonight’s practice. It is the fifth MTSU player and third starter to be lost in two days. Starting fullback Hunter Birtsch (knee), starting center Jake Padrick (shoulder) and true freshman linebacker Landon Givers (back) will miss the season due to injury. Reserve fullback Brodey Mann was dismissed from the team Monday for missing multiple practices. MUTS COACH NOT HAPPY (Replies to Mosley's quitting the team) ...coach Rick Stockstill showed disappointment over the quitting of senior defensive end Sean Mosley Tuesday. “I despise quitting because all we teach at Middle Tennessee is finishing everything you do in life,” Stockstill said in a statement after the team's afternoon practice. “It really bothers me when a kid tells me he has been thinking about quitting for a long time. You really wish they would tell you right away because it really puts the team and coaching staff in a difficult position, especially when you are just two weeks from game week.” "But we will not talk about this anymore and we will not dwell on it. This is a great opportunity for someone else to step up."....

Football Practice Updates To Start Back Tomorrow Courtesy: University of North Texas Release: 08/14/2007 DENTON, Texas (8/14/07) - For the next two weeks, fall practice notes will be posted every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The Mean Green football team will participate in two-a-days this coming Thursday, next Monday, Wednesday and Friday. North Texas opens its season at No. 8/11 Oklahoma.

Dr. Gretchen Bataille – President, North Texas I served on the Wyatt Committee and am very pleased by the cooperative spirit that led to these recommendations to strengthen all the athletic programs at Sun Belt schools. The members reviewed the practices in other conferences, looked at our own numbers, and determined to find goals that would emphasize the importance of both academic and athletic successes. I believe that the Wyatt Report sets out realistic goals for our institutions to improve our athletic programs. Football 1. Schools will play a minimum of 11 home games over a two-year period. 2. Schools may schedule not more than two games annually that do not include a return game provision at the institutions home field. 3. Schools may not play more than one I-AA opponent each year and that must be at home. 4. Schools must increase “average home attendance” annually until the school reaches 75% of the stadium capacity. 5. Schools must increase “season ticket” sales annually until the school reaches 25% of the stadium capacity. 6. The Conference Office will produce a weekly “Game of The Week” beginning in mid-September 2007. 7. The Conference Office shall secure a minimum of two guaranteed berths in post season bowl games. FULL ARTICLE/RELEASE http://www.sunbeltsports.org/ViewArticle.d...;ATCLID=1151032

Athletic budgets for all Division 1 schools. http://www.midmajority.com/info.php?a=schools-budget

People scream for changes & when they get them they scream because there are changes !