MeanGreen61

Appears that CUSA & the mAC didn't fare too well either. Sun Belt 8 teams - 5 drafted CUSA 12 teams - 8 drafted MAC 12 teams - 8 drafted

Quin looking for a shot at the pros 10:48 AM CDT on Saturday, April 28, 2007 By Brett Vito/Staff Writer Most of the top prospects in the NFL draft left school months ago to head to training facilities in an effort to drop an extra tenth of a second from their 40-yard dash times or add strength that could push them up a pick or two. North Texas wide receiver Johnny Quinn couldn't work out until recently, so he did the next best thing. Quinn went to work. The Mean Green's all-time leading receiver graduated in December, landed a job selling insurance and started recovering from surgery on a dislocated tendon in his ankle that required surgery after UNT's season. "I did a lot of physical therapy on my ankle after surgery and finally got cleared," Quinn said. "It has been a long process." Quinn has been playing catch-up ever since by working out at a series of pro days, an approach he hopes pays off in the draft that begins today and concludes Sunday. Quinn and guard Dylan Lineberry are UNT's top draft prospects. "It's everyone's goal to get drafted," Quinn said. "I have heard that I might go in the later rounds, but I will take it as it comes." Quinn has signed with Stinson Morrison Hecker, which is representing 10 draft-eligible players this year. The agency sends the players it represents to a training camp, but Quinn was unable to attend because of his ankle injury. Quinn (6-0, 202) spent the last few months working out in Denton while he wasn't selling insurance. He attended pro days at UNT and UT-Arlington in addition to working out for the Dallas Cowboys at their annual event for draft-eligible players who played at area high schools. Quinn's best performance at his workouts came at UTA, where he posted a time of 4.44 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Quinn said six to eight teams have contacted him. "I don't know what my chances are of being drafted," Quinn said. "You hear everything. I am just looking for an opportunity to get into camp and show what I can do." There were few players who did more for UNT during their careers. Quinn caught 187 passes for 2,728 yards and 21 touchdowns while catching at least one pass in 47 straight games. Quinn's reception and yardage totals are both school records. The former McKinney standout set both marks despite playing in a run-based offense that produced a pair of national rushing champions in his career. UNT also had an unstable situation at quarterback his last two seasons. The Mean Green used three players at quarterback during that span, including two who played as freshmen and another who started in his first season after transferring from a junior college. While UNT's offense might have hurt Quinn's draft stock, the role he played on special teams could help him. Quinn returned kicks and punts throughout his career and was a holder on extra points and field goals. "The teams that I have talked to like that I have returned kicks and played special teams," Quinn said. "I played every position on special teams and enjoyed it." Quinn's history as a special teams ace could allow him to follow the path several other former UNT greats have followed into the NFL over the last few seasons. Miami Dolphins running back Patrick Cobbs, New York Giants defensive lineman Adrian Awasom and New York Jets linebacker Brad Kassell all found a home in the league after going to training camp as undrafted free agents. Jets linebacker Cody Spencer was selected in the sixth round by Oakland Raiders, but was later released. The Tennessee Titans picked up Spencer, who made the team. "I talked to Patrick and he echoed what everyone else has told me," Quinn said. "You have to get into camp and do what you have always done, which is play football and compete and everything will be fine." That approach paid off for Quinn at UNT, where he overcame all the shortcomings that made him one of the last players the Mean Green offered a scholarship to in its 2002 recruiting class. Quinn wasn't particularly tall for a receiver coming out of high school and lacked sprinter's speed. Working out with the track team has helped Quinn gain speed, but draft analysts have criticized his route running and ability to carry his speed through cuts. "It has been the same thing since I was recruited out of high school," Quinn said. "It's the scouts’ job to pick at you. Sometimes they find things that you need to work on." Quinn plans to watch the draft at home, but said his attention will likely turn to video games after a few picks. A few NFL scouts said they believe Quinn will get a call, either in the late rounds or after the draft when teams begin signing free agents. "Quinn is going to be in somebody's training camp, and there is no doubt he has a chance to be a late draft pick," Gil Brandt, the former Cowboys vice president for player personnel who now works as an analyst for NFL.com, said earlier this year. "You have to be doing something right to catch a pass in as many consecutive games as he has. His average of 20.9 yards a catch from his freshman year will help him." BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870. His e-mail address is bvito@dentonrc.com.

UNT Lands Thompson 10:11 PM CDT on Friday, April 27, 2007 By Brett Vito/Staff Writer Just a few months ago, playing for North Texas wasn't even a consideration for Tristan Thompson. The 6-5 guard from Brewster Academy in New Hampshire had a half-dozen scholarship offers, and UNT was just another school in his home state he didn't know much about. UNT's memorable run to the NCAA Tournament and a meeting with head coach Johnny Jones not only put the school in Thompson's list of potential destinations, it pushed the Mean Green over the top with what one analyst called its best Texas high school recruit in years. Thompson said Friday that he has made a non-binding oral commitment to UNT and will sign a national letter of intent today. "North Texas pursued me really aggressively," Thompson said. "Coach Jones told me immediately that he wanted me to come down to UNT. My mom really liked coach Jones and he welcomed me in and introduced me to his family. … The relationship I had with coach Jones made the difference." Thompson said he chose UNT over offers from Georgia, UTEP, Wichita State, Houston, New Mexico State and Akron. UNT's coaching staff cannot comment on Thompson until it receives his letter of intent, but Mike Kunstadt of Texashoops.com said the Mean Green's latest recruit is the highest rated Texas high school player Jones has signed in at least the last five years. "Tristan is very athletic, and that is what North Texas did last year to get to the NCAA Tournament, put athletes on the floor," Kunstadt said. "Getting an athlete like Thompson will add to what they have. He is a slasher and a scorer who can get up and down the floor." Thompson showed that ability during two seasons at Angleton before he transferred to Brewster. The former Class 4A all-state selection averaged 26.7 points a game as a senior, when he led the Wildcats to the state tournament. Kunstadt ranked Thompson No. 18 among the seniors in Texas after the 2006 season. Instead of committing to a college out of high school, Thompson spent a season at Brewster, where he said he averaged about 17 points a game. Thompson helped lead the Bobcats to the finals of the New Hampshire Class A state tournament by scoring 25 points in a win over South Kent and 19 against St. Thomas More in back-to-back postseason games. Thompson appears to fit an immediate need for UNT, which lost three of its top wing players after last season -- Sun Belt Conference tournament Most Outstanding Player Calvin Watson, and fellow seniors Kendrick Davis and Rich Young. "Coach Jones told me that I could step in right away and play major minutes," Thompson said. "North Texas is also close to home. My parents will get to come and see me play. They saw me play all my games at Angleton. At Brewster my dad didn't get to see me play at all and my mom only got to see me play in two games." The addition of Thompson gives UNT three recruits for its upcoming class. Jones has also secured commitments from Midland College point guard Ryan McCoy and Mesa (Ariz.) Community College guard Adam McCoy. UNT still has one scholarship left to give in its 2007 recruiting class. BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870. His e-mail address is bvito@dentonrc.com.

Looks good. Two of three commitments being 3-star players. Wondering about the 3-star player from Boston who was considering transferring. Any late news ?

Think I'll wait on declaring the start of a basketball dynasty at NT. The Belt wasn't exactly a strong conference in '06-'07 & we didn't even win our division.

Why don't ya give 'um a call & let us know ?

FUTURE WKU FOOTBALL OPPONENTS ANNOUNCED Bowling Green, Ky. -- Numerous future Western Kentucky University football opponents were revealed Friday at the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce's monthly breakfast, including home-and-home deals that will see a pair of schools from Bowl Championship Series (BCS) leagues visit L.T. Smith Stadium/Jimmy Feix Field. "I am thrilled with the quality home-and-home non-conference football schedule we have been able to so quickly solidify since the Board of Regents took action in November 2006 to transition WKU football to the highest level of intercollegiate football competition," Dr. Wood Selig, the school's Director of Athletics, stated. "We have some of the biggest and most storied names in college football history coming to Bowling Green and the renovated Smith Stadium. I would dare say fall Saturday's in South Central Kentucky will never be the same again given the line-up of non- conference and conference opponents scheduled to visit WKU during the next decade." The Hilltoppers will play host to Indiana in September 2010 while Iowa State is slated to visit in September 2015. WKU will also have non-Sun Belt Conference home games against Ball State in 2008, Bowling Green in 2010, Miami (Ohio) in 2011, Navy in 2013, and Army in 2014 and '16. In addition to beginning the 2007 campaign at defending national champion Florida, WKU will also play contests at Alabama (2008 and '12) and Nebraska (2010). Other non-league road games include trips to IU in 2008 and '10, Iowa State in 2012 and '14, Miami (Ohio) in 2008, Army in 2013 and '15, and Navy in 2014. With eight Sun Belt contests every fall beginning in 2009 -- four at home and four on the road -- WKU will play four non-conference games each season under the NCAA's 12-game limit. Beginning in '09, the goal will be to schedule six home and six away contests, including two non-conference home and two non-conference road games rounding out each season's league schedule. "It is exciting for our players and staff to see the energy and interest in WKU Football continue to grow," said Hilltopper head coach David Elson. "Scheduling is just another example of how I-A football is going to have a tremendous impact on our program, school and community." "Our scheduling philosophy will continue to be aggressive," added WKU President Dr. Gary Ransdell. "We are scheduling with the intent of winning and becoming bowl eligible in any given year." The 2008 schedule, which currently includes 11 games, has the Toppers playing six SBC opponents -- Florida Atlantic, Middle Tennessee and North Texas will visit Bowling Green while WKU will travel to Arkansas State, Florida International and Troy. Beginning in 2009, when WKU is eligible to win the Sun Belt championship and compete in a bowl game, it will have league home games against ASU, FIU, Louisiana-Lafayette and Troy in odd years and will face FAU, Louisiana-Monroe, Middle Tennessee and North Texas in home conference contests in odd years. "Our fans share this sense of excitement and enthusiasm for our future given their purchase and commitment to date of over 3,000 new football season tickets for 2007," Selig said. "This figure is exceptionally strong given the fact it is so early in our 2007 sales process and without the knowledge of these future non-conference opponents. We anticipate this strong growth in sales to only increase throughout the spring and fall. Ticket information for WKU football can be obtained by contacting the athletic ticket office at 270-745-5222 or 1-800-5-BIG-RED. Individuals interested in club seats or reserved seats in the new West grandstand currently under construction can contact the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation at 270-745-8880. Of the 800 Club Level seats scheduled to be available beginning in 2008, over 100 have been sold as the HAF begins the sales process for these premium seats.

FIU Finalizes On-Campus Stadium Deal With Odebrecht Construction, Inc. Courtesy: FIUSports.com Release: 04/25/2007 A rendering of FIU's new football stadium following constuction. MIAMI (www.fiusports.com) – Florida International University’s dream of a state-of-the-art, on-campus stadium is one step closer to reality after FIU and Coral Gables-based company Odebrecht Construction, Inc. signed a contract to begin construction, it was announced today. “I am pleased that we have reached an agreement that allows us to get started on the stadium expansion," said FIU President Modesto A. Maidique. "The new stadium will become a landmark and a gathering place for the FIU community.” The first phase of construction will bring the stadium’s capacity to approximately 18,000 and will feature 1,400 club seats, a 6,500 square-foot Panther Club, an upper concourse and 19 suites. Seating will include chairback seats and bench seating, all with backrests for fan convenience. Additional phases of construction will include a student support complex and will bring the stadium’s seating capacity to approximately 45,000. “This will be the crown jewel of FIU’s athletic department,” Athletic Director Pete Garcia said. “The stadium will be the vehicle that will take the athletic department to the next level.” “We look forward to building an excellent facility; one that will enhance the campus environment and contribute measurably to FIU athletics, student life and the broader community,” said Gilberto Neves, CEO of Odebrecht Construction, Inc. The company, which has been operating in Florida for 16 years, is responsible for building two of Miami’s most important architectural icons – the American Airlines Arena and Carnival Center for the Performing Arts – as well as the expansion of Miami International Airport’s North and South Terminals. The new stadium is set to open for FIU’s 2008 football season and will be the only Division I on-campus football stadium south of Orlando in Florida. “This puts FIU on an even playing field, in terms of facilities,” head football coach Mario Cristobal said of the deal. “Now local athletes have one more reason to stay home and build a championship program, and athletes from all over the state and country will have one more reason to come here. This will have a huge impact on recruiting and will give our students and fans something to rally around. It is a great foundation to build on.”

NT football adds 26 walk-ons Monica C. Mendez Issue date: 4/26/07 Section: SPORTS NT football added 26 walk-ons to the team at the end of the spring football season, said special teams coach Robert Drake. More walk-ons are expected to join as the fall semester approaches. "Most of our players who are walk-ons do not have any other offers," Drake said. Walk-on players are players that were not asked by the NT coaching staff to immediately join the team, Drake said. Some of them are the athletes who asked the coaches if they could try out, in hopes of joining the Mean Green football program. "These guys that approach them have it a little more stringent," Drake said. Linebacker Derek Mendoza, Houston senior, said the athletes in the tryout program have to workout harder than other players already on scholarship and have to put in the extra effort for about six months prior to joining the team. If NT coaches are in need of a few more players, they will ask local high school coaches for their recommended players, Drake said. He said he also asks other coaches for tips on good players. These players may attend tryouts as well. "These are the guys that other coaches have overlooked," Drake said. Drake said completing the tryout stage is no easy task. He also said most of the athletes will report for tryouts in poor condition. "It is a wake-up call for them," Drake said. "It is a lot more demanding." The walk-on process is a long and tedious one, Drake said. Technically speaking, there are three types of walk-ons and keeping track of them is a chore in itself, Drake said. First, the preferred walk-ons begin their tryouts in August. Next, the invited athletes begin their tryouts in September. Finally, the unsought players begin the second or third week of the fall semester. These players will work for the entire fall season toward making the roster. In addition to the rigorous tryout process, roster hopefuls must maintain a 2.5 grade-point average or higher, the same as the players who are on the team. "Walk-ons have to be invited to two-a-days," Mendoza said. If the athletes do well and prove themselves during the tryout phase, they will be asked to attend two-a-day practices, Mendoza said. If the athlete is successful in two-a-day practices and during the football season, the player might then be added to the roster, Drake said. "Once they make the roster, they become a part of the team," Drake said. Wide receiver Casey Fitzgerald, Red Oak junior, said he joined the tryout program his freshman year of college. The following spring, he was asked to come back, Fitzgerald said. Now he is part of the team. "The hardest part of being a walk-on was not actually being on the team and still having to workout," Fitzgerald said. Some athletes will have their names added to the Mean Green list at the end of the spring season. Other potentials will have to wait longer and push harder for the fall, Drake said. "They may never make it to the team," Drake said. Some athletes never make the roster. Those who do have the opportunity to be placed on scholarship, Drake said. Wide receiver Isaiah Smith, Denton junior, has yet to gain a scholarship but said he wants to eventually achieve one. "It is my goal," Smith said. Mendoza said the other players already on scholarship were very accepting of his coming onto the team as a walk-on. He said he was one of the preferred walk-ons and is currently on scholarship. According to NCAA rules, 85 scholarship players are allowed on the team in the fall. Drake said 20 walk-ons would be added as of Aug. 5, giving NT 105 players. Once the school year begins, the team will cap off at 120 players, Drake said. "I'm just trying to stay with it," Fitzgerald said.

The author of the write-up is a notorious Mean Green hater (PineapqleWiley). Anything he posts about the Mean Green is negative in capitol letters.

Their attorney has advised them to remain silent

New hoops prospect A new name has emerged on the UNT men's basketball recruiting front following the news that shooting guard Kevin Goffney has committed to Chattanooga. Adam McCoy, a 6-4 shooting guard from Mesa Community College in Arizona, is on the Mean Green's radar, according to a source close to the situation. McCoy averaged 18.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals a game last year for Mesa and is from the area. He played for Arlington Oakridge. McCoy was a second team All-Arizona Community College Athletic Conference selection last season and appears as if he would fit the Mean Green's needs. UNT is still looking for someone who can play the small forward spot and fill the role left by Calvin Watson. South Florida transfer Collin Dennis seems destined to take Kendrick Davis' spot at shooting guard. In other basketball news, UNT women's coach Tina Slinker said Tuesday that Ashley Vation has left the program. Vation was a highly regarded recruit when she arrived at UNT, but never really developed and played sparingly the last two seasons. The following is a link to McCoy's page on the Mesa Web site: http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/athletics/athle...sket/mccoy.html

Don't exactly agree with you. Their football attendance sure doesn't reflect it.

FULL ARTICLE http://media.www.ntdaily.com/media/storage...e-2876628.shtml The Mean Green football team introduced its new spread offense at the annual Green vs. White spring game Sunday in Fouts Field. The white team, made up of the offensive players, defeated the green team, made up of the defensive players, 48-29, using a modified point system to keep score, such as a point for an explosive play and three points for the defense with a three-and-out series. A spring game-record crowd of 5,194 saw the four Mean Green quarterbacks throw for more than 400 combined passing yards and sophomore walk-on Casey Fitzgerald catch two touchdowns to go along with 166 receiving yards. Wide receiver Evan Fentriss, a transfer from Rice University finished with five catches for 93 receiving yards. Fentriss will sit out this year because of NCAA transfer rules.

Thread from the Frog board. http://www.killerfrogs.com/msgboard/index....showtopic=68893

A little fan appreciation.

Dodge Ball set for debut 10:13 AM CDT on Sunday, April 22, 2007 By Brett Vito/Staff Writer Sometime later in his tenure at North Texas, head coach Todd Dodge might have a spring game where he worries about fine-tuning his offense and putting on a show for the fans on the stands. Dodge has much bigger concerns heading into today's 3 p.m. Green and White Game at Fouts Field, including sorting out his quarterback situation and seeing if his offensive line can hold up in game-like conditions. "This will be as close to a game as we can make it, but it's just our 15 th practice," Dodge said. "Some programs are in a position that they can try to get through healthy and put on a dog and pony show for the fans. For us, it's a chance to get more video and reps." The format for the scrimmage, which is open to the public, might turn out to be even more interesting than a typical spring game because so much is at stake. Several position battles are still in progress and Dodge's staff needs every snap it can get to continue installing a new offensive system. UNT will get that critical time when the Mean Green's offense faces off against the squad's defense in a competition that will use a modified scoring system. UNT's offense will earn points for touchdowns, long plays, and series with at least three first downs. The Mean Green's defense will score points for turnovers forced, quarterback sacks, defensive touchdowns and series where it limits UNT's offense to three plays. UNT spring game was held on a weeknight the last few seasons, but will now be part of an afternoon of events, including tailgating and live music beginning at 1 p.m. The scrimmage is scheduled to conclude at 4:30 p.m. "I hope a lot of people come out," UNT senior wide receiver Brandon Jackson said. "We want people at North Texas to believe in the Green and coach Dodge's system. Hopefully, it will be a good time and we can get things rolling." Jackson is expected to be a key cog in an offense that has undergone a dramatic change in spring workouts. UNT switched from a run-based attack to a spread offense that emphasizes the passing game. UNT's defense also switched back to a 4-3 alignment after spending last year in the 3-4. "The fans will see some of what we are going to do and what we have to offer," UNT senior linebacker Brandon Monroe said. "I am excited about it." Monroe and the rest of the Mean Green's defense have provided most of the highlights in spring practice thus far. UNT returns 10 defensive starters who dominated the Mean Green's last scrimmage, holding its counterparts on offense without a touchdown for more than 100 plays. UNT will have one last chance to show some life offensively in the spring today. "We have to be more consistent," Dodge said. "But even though we have been inconsistent, we are starting to get the feel of putting the ball in a lot of different hands. It's really important for them to understand how our offense works." Perhaps the most intriguing aspect to the spring game will be the progress of the Mean Green's quarterbacks. Junior Daniel Meager has been the most consistent quarterback in spring practice and is looking to tighten his grip on the starting job. Redshirt freshman Nathan Tune and juniors Matt Phillips and Woody Wilson are also competing for playing time. Dodge has said he will settle on a starting quarterback before the Mean Green's season opener against Oklahoma on Sept. 1, but the competition for the starting job is expected to last into fall workouts. "We have got to stop having the unforced errors offensively with procedure penalties and that type of thing," Dodge said. UNT will look to reach that goal while simulating what Dodge wants in game-like conditions. "In the first year with a team you want to paint a picture of what the expectations are," Dodge said. "You want to show your players what you want." BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870. His e-mail address is bvito@dentonrc.com. UNT storylines The following are five of the key issues UNT will look to address in its Green and White Game today. How does the arms race progress? Daniel Meager has separated himself from the competition in the race for the starting quarterback job. A good showing today would solidify his standing on the depth chart. Redshirt freshman Nathan Tune and juniors Matt Phillips and Woody Wilson will look to make up ground. Can UNT's line hold it together? The Mean Green's offensive line has struggled at times during spring practice and will face a key test today against the Mean Green's defense, which features a solid pass rusher in senior defensive end Jeremiah Chapman. Sophomore Kelvin Drake and junior Chad Rose have both played center and guard in the spring. The spring game could show how Dodge will use both. Is Jamario back to form? Senior Jamario Thomas has looked better in spring practice than he has in a while and appears as if he might be ready to overcome the injury bug that has plagued him the last two seasons. UNT needs Thomas to be at his best next season. He still appears to be the best running back on the team and can show that he is ready to go. Who will start at linebacker? UNT has an abundance of experienced linebackers and will have one less starting spot in the 4-3 this year as opposed to last season's 3-4. Senior Maurice Holman will start. The question is who will join him in UNT's lineup. Who will start at cornerback? UNT returns all four of the cornerbacks from its two-deep depth chart from last year, but Baylor walk-on Latif Nurudeen quickly worked his way into the starting lineup before suffering an injury that will keep him out of the spring game. If Nurudeen holds on to a starting job, Antoine Bush, Desmon Chatman and Dominique Green will be left to compete for one job. Korey Washington has moved to wide receiver. Print E-mail this article Forums

FIU FOOTBALL 2,400 attend FIU intrasquad game as spring practices end By PETE PELEGRIN ppelegrin@MiamiHerald.com 2,400 attend FIU intrasquad game as spring practices end Florida International football coach Mario Cristobal wants his players to believe that the Golden Panthers are entering a new era. So before FIU's annual Blue/Gold Game took place at FIU Stadium on Friday night, the first-year head coach gathered his players in the locker room and showed them an empty picture frame with the words ''2007 Sun Belt Champs'' written on the bottom. Cristobal told the Golden Panthers: ``Somebody's picture is going to go in there, so why not us?'' The players erupted. Then before running onto the FIU Stadium field, the players expressed some concern, that like years before, they would be playing in front of a sparse gathering of fans. Instead, an electric crowd of more than 2,400 greeted the 2007 Golden Panthers as they performed for the last time this spring in a game in which the FIU offense defeated the defense 28-17. ''Tonight's crowd gives you an idea of what it could be like around here,'' said Cristobal, who gave an impassioned halftime speech to the fans. ``Everyone knows what FIU can and will be some day when we get the right people in place. Our players came out on the field tonight and for them, seeing all these people in the stands, it was quite a treat. We're excited.'' Said linebacker Scott Bryant: ``This is totally different from last year. I think not only us as players, but this crowd that came out here tonight believes in what Coach Cristobal is going to do to turn this program around.'' The ambience -- which included complimentary food featuring six roasted pigs, a sale of retro FIU athletic uniforms and gear and the unveiling of the new football stadium design -- didn't disappoint the crowd. ''I have never seen an atmosphere like this at any previous FIU event with the exception of the inaugural football game in 2002,'' FIU radio broadcaster Jerry Del Castillo said. ``These fans are really soaking up the changes to this football program.'' The Golden Panthers' offense, which struggled to average 9.5 points per game last season, also displayed a makeover. Employing a spread offense, FIU gained 396 yards. Led by quarterback Wayne Younger's arm and legs, FIU's offense played better than it had in any of the two previous spring scrimmages. Younger, who was No. 3 on the depth chart last season, was 13 of 23 for 145 yards and two touchdowns -- both to receiver John Houston Whiddon. Younger also moved the Golden Panthers with his scrambling, gaining 30 yards on one play. He led FIU rushers with 80 yards. Quarterback Paul McCall also continued his strong spring going 15 of 25 for 137 yards. Tight end Moses Hinton (3 catches, 49 yards) and receiver Ash Parker (3 catches, 40 yards) led the receiving corps. ''It's a total 360 from last year,'' Hinton said. ``This year, everyone has a chance to make plays. We're just having fun and success comes from all this.'' Despite giving up 28 points, the defense had some fun, too, with six sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery. ''They're still as tough as they were last year,'' said running back Julian Reams, of the FIU defense, which ranked 28th nationally in 2006. ``We had to be fundamentally sound to get anything done against them.'' Now Cristobal and his Golden Panthers have three months before they get back to work, but August can't get here soon enough. ''We got plenty of stuff done from an attitude and intensity aspect,'' Cristobal said. ``The biggest barrier that kept this team from attaining victory last year was discipline, and we instilled that. We're proud of the effort this spring.'' ARTICLE http://www.miamiherald.com/588/story/82074.html

??? I remember it as inside the 10 with a first & goal. Fumble & Hogs recover.

You made the statement, why should I look it up ? I do remember 'several' with you being by far the most vocal. Guess we can define group as more than one since you don't care to share estimated numbers.

Ed Brantley 1965-1967.

Curious. What do you consider to be a "sizable group of posters"?

Marshall nearing new season ticket record HUNTINGTON -- In nearly unanimous unison, Marshall University football season tickets holders have checked "yes" on their renewal forms. Fans set a new season ticket record of 14,027 last season, and expectations obviously are ambitious for 2007. West Virginia University highlights a home schedule that includes Southern Miss and East Carolina. To this point, only Big Green members and 2006 season ticket holders have been eligible to renew and purchase additional tickets. Nearly five months prior to the home kickoff against WVU, Marshall is nearing a new season ticket standard. Seeking to maintain momentum, Marshall officials are debuting their Choose-A-Seat Day campaign early. Beginning at noon Saturday at Joan C. Edwards Stadium, season tickets purchases are open to the general public. The event coincides with Saturday's Green-White Game, which begins at 3 p.m. By weekend's kickoff, season ticket sales could exceed 14,000 and the total should quickly expand. Such a notion never has been broached, but Marshall has set a season ticket sales cutoff at 23,000. Considering the sizable number of Mountaineer fans who will purchase season tickets for a single game and Marshall's mounting fan base, obliterating last year's season ticket record by nearly 10,000 is realistic. "This year I think it's definitely doable, starting this early," said Isaiah Childers, Marshall director of marketing and promotions. "Hopefully, by Saturday we'll be close to 14,000, and that was our mark last year. Hopefully we'll be there just on renewals. "And then Saturday, get a good push going and into the season with three months to boot, I think we can hit it." Childers and fellow Marshall officials are mindful of reaching out, particularly this season. Bottom line, if Marshall fans don't purchase season tickets, WVU supporters will gladly help fill Edwards Stadium in blue and gold on Sept. 8. "It's critical that our fans know that it's time to come out, and if you don't have season tickets, we need you this year," Childers said. Fans attending Choose-A-Seat Day must purchase a $5 Green-White Game ticket. HEALTH HOLDING UP: With a few exceptions, Marshall has suffered few injuries entering its final two spring practices. Linebacker Maurice Kitchens joins a handful of teammates, including safety Jon Moravec and guard David Ziegler, who is sidelined. Kitchens wore a brace on his lower right leg Wednesday, but the injury isn't long-term. "He's going to be fine," Marshall coach Mark Snyder said. Otherwise, Snyder is pleased with how his team has held up during a physical stretch of spring drills. "We've been relatively healthy, compared to people I've been talking to," he said. Anthony Hanshew covers Marshall football for The Herald-Dispatch. He can be reached at 526-2766. His e-mail address is hanshew@herald-dispatch.com.

1966-69 team reflects on seasons Miguel Artiga and Abel Prado Issue date: 4/20/07 Section: NEWS With a 30-8-1 record from 1966-1969, the North Texas State University football team had two conference championships to match. In 1967, under first year head coach Rod Rust, it finished 7-1-1 and placed 10 players on the offensive and defensive teams of the Missouri Valley Conference. Rust won the MVC coach of the year award and had the best record of any new major college coach. "We had talent, I can assure you of that," said ex-offensive line coach Bob Way. From 1966-1969, there were 12 Mean Green football players drafted by NFL teams. In the next two years, 11 followed. From 2000-2006, only eight were drafted. Highlighting this group of players was Charles Edward Joseph Greene, or better known as "Mean" Joe Greene, who was drafted No.1 over all by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1969 and anchored the "Steel Curtain" defense that won four Super Bowl titles. The nickname did not surface until the Steelers drafted him, since NTSU was always known as the Mean Green. "Mean Green was always about the Mean Green Eagles," Greene said. "It started on the defense and then spread throughout the whole team." While the word "mean" might indicate a personality trait, that was not the case with Joe, said ex-assistant coach Ken Bahnsen. "Joe wasn't mean, he's never mean." Bahnsen said. "He was a hell of a player, but he's not what you would call mean." On the field, he led a defense that had 12 interceptions and 11 fumble recoveries through the first three games of the 1967 season. "We had a very aggressive defense," Way said. The '67 defense that swarmed opponents with its tough front seven also included Henry Holland, Ed Brantley, Bob Tucker, James Ivy and Johnny Mata. Defensively, the 1966 Eagles held opponents to 219 passing yards per game along with 51 yards rushing. In Greene's 29 games at defensive tackle, NTSU held opponents to 2, 507 yards gained on 1,276 rushes. "We were becoming proud of the Mean Green defense," Greene said. The Mean Green offense averaged 259 yards passing per game and 49 on the ground, a direct contrast to the Darrel Dickey-led offenses, which were more run-oriented, featuring back-to-back NCAA rushing champions Patrick Cobbs and Jamario Thomas. Quarterback Steve Ramsey led the nation in total passing yardage and touchdowns thrown in '67, while wide receiver Ron Shanklin led the nation in touchdown receptions that same year. The offenses from 1966-1969 scored 30 or more points in 22 out of 30 games. "They knew they could move the ball on down the field," Way said. "The one thing that was very instrumental with that team was that they knew that at any given time, they could take the ball and go to one end of the field to the other." Greene said there's one thing that still doesn't sit well in his stomach. "As a team, we had a great deal of confidence," Greene said. "But my biggest disappointment was not going to a bowl game." NT has played in 11 bowl games in its 90-year history, winning only two. The Mean Green won four straight conference championships under Dickey, compiling a 25-1 conference record from 2001-2004.

5. The pain in the butt in each conference race will be ... These teams don't have enough in the bag to win their respective leagues, but they're going to ruin the dreams of several favorites, or give a far tougher game than expected. ACC - North Carolina How will the Butch Davis team come out to start the season? Teams like Miami, Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech might be mentally planning ahead for other games and could get burned if the defense makes a major immediate improvement. Big East - Cincinnati Louisville and West Virginia have to come to Cincinnati in what could be beartraps. New head coach Brian Kelly's offense will be a thorn in everyone's side, while the defense should build on a strong second half of 2006. Big Ten - Illinois The talent is there, and the attitude will follow. There are just enough young, athletic playmakers to quickly turn the close losses of last year into victories. Don't be shocked if the Big Ten title dreams of Penn State, Wisconsin or Michigan die in Champaign. Big 12 - Iowa State The Cyclone 2006 disaster was bizarre. The experience and talent was more than there to be far better than 4-8, and the experience and talent is there to be far, far better on offense. New head man Gene Chizik knows the Big 12 and should pay immediate dividends. While the team won't be good enough to be in the North race, it could screw up Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and/or Missouri. Conference USA - SMU Justin Willis is one of the nation's brightest young quarterbacks, and he came painfully close to leading the team to a bowl game. The Mustangs beat most of the Conference USA teams it was supposed to beat, and now it should get past at least one of the main challengers. MAC - Ball State With Nate Davis and the Cardinal passing game, Ball State will be one of the MAC's deep sleepers. It pushed Michigan late last year and won its final three conference games. Mountain West - Wyoming QB Karsten Sween and RB Wynel Seldon are great playmakers to build the offense around. After going 6-6 last season with four losses by a touchdown or less, it might not take much for the Cowboys to be an eight-win team and in the Mountain West race if everything breaks right. Pac 10 - Washington Ty Willingham doesn't have a Pac 10 title team, but there are plenty of exciting young players to cause a stir. While the Huskies can make a statement in before the conference race starts with Boise State and Ohio State coming to Seattle, the program can finally get back on track once and for all with a few upsets in home games against USC, Oregon and Cal. SEC - Vanderbilt Just ask Florida over the last two years how tough it is to put Vanderbilt away. With one of the SEC's most experienced teams, and QB Chris Nickson and WR Earl Bennett scaring the daylights out of opposing coordinators, this won't be the Commodores of past years. After losing four games by a touchdown or less last season, this is a team ready to start to win the close ones. Sun Belt - Florida Atlantic Anyone can make a big splash in the nation's most wide open conference. Howard Schnellenberger's club is loaded with experience with an offense that should be a bit more effective and consistent enough to flirt with the Sun Belt title. WAC - New Mexico State When you've got an offense that can throw for 400 yards on a normal day, you're going to freak some teams out. The Aggies might not be very good, but they'll light up the scoreboard like a pinball machine.