MeanGreen61

UNT plans for possibilty of Quinn's absence in scrimmage 11:36 PM CDT on Saturday, August 26, 2006 Brett Vito / Staff Writer North Texas began exploring its options should wide receiver Johnny Quinn have to scale back his considerable role with the Mean Green during its final scrimmage of fall practice on Saturday. Quinn broke his hand during practice on Monday, hasn’t practiced since and could be limited for the Mean Green’s opener Sept. 2 at Texas. More and more, it appears as if Zach Muzzy could help pick up the slack. The senior scored on a 76-yard punt return and a 37-yard pass at Fouts Field during the scripted workout that lasted 115 plays. “I am just trying to play the best I can,” Muzzy said. “We are hoping Johnny can get back soon. He is a great player. All of the receivers know we are going to have to play well and make up for some catches Johnny might not be able to make while he is hurt.” Quinn is expected to return to practice on Monday, when UNT’s coaches will begin determining what role he can fill at the beginning of the season. Quinn has led the Mean Green in receiving in each of the last three years and comes into the fall ranked among the top 10 players in school history in catches (eighth, 130), yards (sixth, 2,085) and receiving touchdowns (tied for fourth, 17). “Zach had a good day, which is especially good because he is going to have to take care of punt return duties until Johnny is back full speed,” UNT coach Darrell Dickey said. “He could continue to do it if he continues to perform like he did today.” While Muzzy appeared to answer the Mean Green’s questions about who could fill the void left by Quinn, UNT still has several other issues to sort out. None appears more critical than deciding how the Mean Green will handle their quarterback situation. UNT went into fall practice with three candidates to start against the Longhorns, and that was still how it stood coming out of the scrimmage. Junior Woody Wilson and sophomore Matt Phillips took all of the snaps with the Mean Green’s first- and second-team players. Returning starter Daniel Meager didn’t play due to the lingering effects of a concussion. Dickey said Meager went back to a doctor to be thoroughly examined to determine if there is anything more can be done to help him overcome the injury that has resulted in headaches and nausea. “Woody and Matt took all the reps today and did some good things,” Dickey said. “We are continuing to evaluate those guys. If we have a healthy Daniel Meager, he will be part of a three-man evaluation.” Dickey said the Mean Green are still leaning toward redshirting promising freshman Nathan Tune. Dickey said he has not determined when he would name a starter for the Texas game. “We are just going to feed off of each other,” Wilson said. “I feel real good about the offense and how I fit in.” Finding a rhythm in a game-like situation was one of Dickey’s goals for the scrimmage. He was happy with the way UNT performed. “A scrimmage like today’s is necessary because we have to practice sideline organization and communication,” Dickey said. “We did a pretty good job of that, but our intensity level wasn’t what it needed to be. Guys were thinking about situations as opposed to them being second nature. … That’s not real surprising because it’s happened in the past.” Despite a lack of intensity, UNT’s coaches and players believe they are on course to be ready for their season opener at Texas. “We need a day or two off to heal some bumps and bruises and work on our game plan,” Dickey said. “We will start getting ready for Texas on Monday.” Ryan’s Starks could end up at receiver Former Ryan standout Cass Starks made an impression on Dickey while catching passes instead of defending them during the scrimmage. The fifth-year senior has played defensive back throughout his career and appeared in four games last season, the first action of his career. “Cass did some good things at receiver, which might show he could play at that position,” Dickey said. “He is figuring in on special teams but is behind some guys in the secondary. He worked hard over the summer. We are going to try go get him on the field somewhere.” Briefly … Redshirt freshman Evan Robertson posted a pair of touchdown runs and continued his strong showing in fall practice. Dickey said Robertson is working his way into the Mean Green’s plans for the upcoming season. … Dickey said he was pleased with the play of redshirt freshman linebacker Henry Eke on the scout team, which he said performed well as a unit.

Title IX waiver allows time off only for women FOXSports.com Posted: 1 day ago A Kansas defensive tackle is suing the NCAA after he was denied an extra season of eligibility following the birth of his daughter, according to a USA Today report. Eric Butler, who missed the 2001 season following the birth of his daughter Angelina, began his battle in the spring. And he has also reportedly filed a civil rights lawsuit, effectively claiming the NCAA violated Title IX since its waiver which allows time off for pregnancy applies to women only. Butler's lawyer, Tarun Mehta, reportedly told USA Today on Thursday that there is a chance Butler can be back on the field in two weeks if the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit reverses an earlier U.S. District Court ruling that denied Butler's request for a temporary restraining order. The newspaper says that a decision could come quickly because emergency relief was requested with the Jayhawks set to open their season on Sept. 2 vs. Northwestern St. The NCAA's pregnancy exception says "may approve a one-year extension of the five-year period of eligibility for a female student for reasons of pregnancy." The NCAA has reportedly said that Butler's lawsuit marks the first time that the organization has been challenged by a male student athlete. "The pregnancy exception is explicitly written for female students whose physical condition due to pregnancy prevents their participation in intercollegiate athletics, and therefore is not applicable in this case," NCAA spokesman Erik Christianson said last week when USA Today asked about the Butler case. As USA Today points out, the 1993 federal Family and Medical Leave Act allows men who work at companies with 50 employees or more the right to take up to 12 weeks of paternity leave. So what does Butler think? "I think it should be the same way as it would be in the workplace," Butler reportedly said. "It's kinda like a job, it's almost like a 40-hour week being a college athlete. They should give college athletes the same opportunities that people in the normal workplace have. I think that's the way society is moving."

Quarterback battle extended another week 11:14 PM CDT on Saturday, August 26, 2006 By BRETT VITO / Denton Record-Chronicle DENTON – Head coach Darrell Dickey said he is still evaluating his quarterback situation and has yet to settle on a starter for the season opener at Texas on Sept. 2. Woody Wilson and Matt Phillips both played with the Mean Green's first and second team during Saturday's 115-play scrimmage. Returning starter Daniel Meager missed the workout with the lingering effects of a concussion. "Woody and Matt took all the reps today and did some good things," Dickey said. "We are continuing to evaluate those guys. If we have a healthy Daniel Meager, he will be part of a three-man evaluation." Briefly ... Senior wide receiver Zach Muzzy scored on a 76-yard punt return and a 37-yard pass during the scrimmage. Muzzy may take on a larger role while senior Johnny Quinn recovers from a broken left hand. ... Redshirt freshman running back Evan Robertson had a pair of touchdown runs. Dickey said Robertson is working his way into the Mean Green's plans. ... Defensive back Cass Starks may move to wide receiver.

Lookouts & sentries have been posted.

La Tech ain't happenin' unless it's their absolute last gasp.

2) NORTH TEXAS: Running back Patrick Cobbs left as the Mean Green’s all-time leading rusher but there is no reason for panic. Backup RB Jamario Thomas returns, so the ground attack will not lose a step. All Thomas did in ’04 when Cobbs was injured was lead the NCAA in rushing with 1.801 yards. Nine offensive starters return, including four members of an offensive line that allowed only six sacks in the final five games. The O-line also improved the running game as the season progressed. In the Mean Green’s first five games (which included three teams in the Sun Belt), they ran for 556 yards with a 3.0 average. In their last six games, they rushed for 1,017 yards on 4.6 yards per carry. North Texas scored an averaged of 14 ppg and allowed 31.5 but was outscored by only one ppg (19-20) in conference play. ANALYSIS: The Mean Green failed to win a home game (0-5) for the first time since 1982. They also finished 2-5 in league play, but look for a complete reversal this season. http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c.../AFN4037731.htm

They've been callin', but MAC won't answer the phone

Muzzy, Special Teams Excel In Football Dress Rehearsal Courtesy: University of North Texas Release: 08/26/2006 DENTON (8/26/06) – Special teams set the pace in North Texas football’s final dress rehearsal before taking on Texas in the season opener. Zach Muzzy dazzled early with a pair of spectacular returns. The senior nearly ran the opening kickoff back for a touchdown, but was able to find the endzone on a 76-yard punt return. Muzzy is expected to handle the bulk of the Mean Green returns, but also looked impressive on a 37-yard touchdown pass from Matt Phillips. Denis Hopovac showed off a powerful leg on kickoffs and on a 39-yard field goal. The senior consistently sent his kickoffs inside the five-yard line, and likely gained an upper hand in battle for the starting job. Isaac Thomas proved he was too much to handle for the Mean Green offensive line. The defensive tackle racked up two tackles for loss and a sack to go with a handful of stops. Not to be outdone, running back Evan Robertson broke free for a couple of highlight-worthy runs. The freshman, who is expected to spell Jamario Thomas and provide a change of pace, showed his elusiveness and speed on a couple of touchdown carries. The Mean Green kicks off the season next Saturday, September 2, against the Texas Longhorns in Austin.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/foo...t-capsule_x.htm

Care to share your thoughts/observations for those of us who are too far away to attend? Thanks.

Different wording. "With completion of the Mean Green Village in 2006, the focus can now be placed on a capital campaign drive which will catapult Mean Green footbal facilities to the top of the Sun Belt Conference and among the elite in all college football."

Star-Telegram Notes North Texas football: Starting linebacker Phillip Graves is doubtful for the Sept. 2 opener at Texas with a severe knee sprain, and could miss the second game. Quarterback Daniel Meager (slight concussion) missed Thursday's workouts.

The Future of North Texas Football- New stadium teaser

Sigh

Thank Gawd!

Yep, you should expect them then.

Bruce Feldman picking North Texas?

Isn't August the month schools normally send out their ticket packages ?

Please keep in mind that they're from West Virginia

Newest college all-star football game set in El Paso August 24, 2006 EL PASO, Texas (AP) -- The newest college football all-star game will be played in El Paso. Bowl organizers announced Thursday the Texas vs. The Nation game, which will feature a team of top-rated seniors who played college or high school football in Texas against a squad of top-rated seniors from the rest of the country. The game will be played in either January or early February, the game's CEO Kenny Hansmire said. Hansmire said seniors rated in the top 15 at their position by the NFL will be eligible for the game. Texas-El Paso coach Mike Price will lead the Texas team. The coach of the other team has not been named. Updated on Thursday, Aug 24, 2006 6:55 p YAHOO http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=As...ov=ap&type=lgns

Lookin' like WKU is really serious about movin' up to 1A and becoming the 9th Belt football member. Off the WKU board. Here is the email I got this morning! Fellow Faculty and Staff: As I indicated in our opening Convocation, we will discuss throughout our University family, the matter of division I-A football over the next several weeks. This has been a matter that has received considerable attention on our campus for the last few years. The time has come to engage our campus in a thoughtful, thorough, and objective dialogue. I will be collecting as much information as possible in order to make an informed recommendation to our Board of Regents. In this regard, we will use the following schedule as a means to bring as much insight and discussion among key groups in our University family as possible. August 15 Meet with football coaches. August 16 Meet with football team. August 17 Notify Patty Viverito, the Commissioner of the Gateway Conference, that discussions are under way. August 18 Meet with Wright Waters, Commissioner of the Sun Belt Conference, to seek insight and inform that discussions are under way. August 18 Meet with Hilltoppper Athletic Foundation Board of Directors/W-Club Board. August 29 Meet with University Athletics Committee. September 13 Meet with WKU Touchdown Club. September 13 Conduct faculty/staff forum. September 19 Conduct forum for HAF members. September 20 Conduct forum for students. September 21 Conduct forum for WKU alumni. September 21 Discuss with University Senate at the first Senate meeting in FY 06-07. October 2 Board Committee meetings. I look forward to discussing this matter with all interested parties over the next several weeks. Thank you. Gary Ransdell

From BeltBoard.com Ranking the Belt Posted by Administrator on August 24th 2006 to General, Football, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Baseball, Softball When judging the Sun Belt the leagues it is most often compared to are the other I-A conferences that don’t have BCS auto-berths for their champions. That is CUSA, MAC, Mountain West and WAC. Using RPI how do the leagues compare to those leagues in different sports? Not surprisingly to fans of the conference, the Belt does its best baseball and women’s basketball while the worst performance is posted in men’s basketball. RANKINGS BY SPORT http://www.beltboard.com/?p=141

Fort Worth Bowl now the Armed Forces Bowl August 23, 2006 FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) -- The Fort Worth Bowl will now be known as the Armed Forces Bowl. The change was made to "honor our nation's men and women in uniform, which gives us tremendous pride," the game's president, Tom Starr, said Wednesday. As part of the name change, Bell Helicopter will be the new title sponsor. The bowl, going into its fourth year, didn't have a title sponsor last year when Kansas beat Houston 42-13. This year's game is Dec. 23 and will match a Conference USA team against one from the Mountain West. Bowl festivities will include a fan area featuring military hardware, a flyover, induction ceremonies on the field and a military band and honor guard. Military veterans will receive ticket discounts and active duty personnel will be given complimentary tickets. http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=As...ov=ap&type=lgns

Mean Green's Flemings might transfer to a JUCO Forward would have to sit at UNT 10:44 PM CDT on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 By Brett Vito/Staff Writer Roderick Flemings’ journey at North Texas could end up including a detour. The former Oklahoma State forward has discussed the possibility of transferring to a junior college for the upcoming school year with UNT’s coaching staff, head coach Johnny Jones said Wednesday. Flemings would have to sit out the upcoming season at UNT as a transfer, but would be able to play on the junior college level. Flemings would have two years of eligibility remaining if he transferred back to UNT or another Division I school following a year at a junior college. “He wants to play this year and continue to work on his academics,” Jones said. “We want him to have the best chance to be successful.” Jones said several junior colleges have shown interest in signing Flemings, who was unavailable for comment. Jones said he expected to know what Flemings’ plans are by Sunday. Landing Flemings was seen as a huge recruiting coup for UNT back in May when the Mean Green signed him to a national letter of intent. Flemings was widely considered to be one of the top 50 players in the country following his senior year at DeSoto in 2004-05, but has struggled to capitalize on his considerable talent since. Flemings signed with OSU out of high school, but spent just one season with the Cowboys before he was dismissed from the team after averaging just 3.1 points a game in 28 outings. Flemings eventually landed at UNT, where he said he was looking forward to a fresh start. He took classes in Denton over the summer in an effort to be eligible for the 2007-08 season. If Flemings stays at UNT and resumes his career with the Mean Green, he will have not played a significant role on a team in two years. Flemings is one of seven transfers who were expected to play for UNT in the next two seasons. That number has started to dwindle. Jones announced earlier last week that Curtis Muse, a 6-9 forward from Mineral Area (Mo.) Community College, did not meet NCAA eligibility requirements and will not play for the Mean Green next season. Briefly … Richland College coach Chuck Taylor has interviewed at UNT for a job as an assistant coach. Jones said he planned to fill the opening in the next few days.