MeanGreen61

Pete Fiutek, Richard Cirminiello and Matthew Zemek make their picks on who will win each conference title. http://www.collegefootballnews.com/2005/TQ...ay_Question.htm

Lafayette Advertiser photo gallery of damage in New Orleans. Photo Gallery http://edit.theadvertiser.gannettonline.co...Params=Itemnr=1

Post by 96BullDog on the Tech board. ========== I listened to Tim Brando's show today on The Sporting News Radio network. He interviewed the PR guy from the Saints and one thing he mentioned is they are already thinking about four sites for their "home" games since the Superdome probably won't be available for long while. Those sites were Baton Rouge, Shreveport, San Antonio, and Houston. Brando also interviewed someone from the LSU AD's office. They believe that the North Texas game will be played, but because they don't share open dates it will take some cooperation from other teams on the two school's schedules. They have already have had some conversations with these other schools and things are going well. ==========

Post by 96BullDog on the Tech board. =========== I listened to Tim Brando's show today on The Sporting News Radio network. He interviewed the PR guy from the Saints and one thing he mentioned is they are already thinking about four sites for their "home" games since the Superdome probably won't be available for long while. Those sites were Baton Rouge, Shreveport, San Antonio, and Houston. Brando also interviewed someone from the LSU AD's office. They believe that the North Texas game will be played, but because they don't share open dates it will take some cooperation from other teams on the two school's schedules. They have already have had some conversations with these other schools and things are going well. ===========

Post by 96BullDog on the Tech board. ============= I listened to Tim Brando's show today on The Sporting News Radio network. He interviewed the PR guy from the Saints and one thing he mentioned is they are already thinking about four sites for their "home" games since the Superdome probably won't be available for long while. Those sites were Baton Rouge, Shreveport, San Antonio, and Houston. Brando also interviewed someone from the LSU AD's office. They believe that the North Texas game will be played, but because they don't share open dates it will take some cooperation from other teams on the two school's schedules. They have already have had some conversations with these other schools and things are going well. =============

Fox SW Sports ranking of the 20 1A teams in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma & Texas. 1. Texas 2. LSU 3. Oklahoma 4. Texas Tech 5. Texas A&M 6. Oklahoma State 7. Arkansas 8. UTEP 9. TCU 10. North Texas 11. Houston 12. Tulane 13. Baylor 14. Louisiana Tech 15. Rice 16. Tulsa 17. SMU 18. UL-Lafayette 19. UL-Monroe 20. Arkansas State

We've gotta root our conference brother vs Alabama this week. Next week is a different story

So a couple are saying...... If you're around a natural disaster or any civil disorder, it's ok to just go ahead and take what ya want. Wonder what they'd say if you went by their place and just helped yourself?

Why would this surprise anyone ? It happen whenever a breakdown or absence of civil order occurs.

NT Daily article. Starting Quarterback Competition Continues http://www.ntdaily.com/vnews/display.v/ART...0/43140d425d19d “Our guys are going to manage the game plan,” Dickey said. “When we do decide to put the ball in the air, they know the purpose; to get a first down and keep the drive alive or we are going for a big play.”

http://www.ntdaily.com/vnews/display.v/ART...0/43140cc11644f 2005 North Texas football preview Blockers key to running backs and quarterbacks’ success Rian Johnson Staff Writer August 30, 2005 With an offensive depth chart loaded with more firepower than in recent years, it is the offensive line that will determine the success of the Mean Green offense. It is no secret that NT will rely on a rushing game that features two national rushing champions in Jamario Thomas and Patrick Cobbs. With the ability of its backfield unquestioned, the key to its running game will be the ability of the Mean Green to replace two all-conference linemen, Andy Brewster and Lonnie Chambers. “Our offensive line deserves a lot of credit for the things that Jamario and I have done,” Cobbs said. “They may not deserve all the credit, but they deserve a majority of it. “Without those front five we are nothing at all.” The offensive line will be anchored by right guard Dylan Lineberry, who is looking to improve on a breakout season last year. Lineberry’s performance as a sophomore awarded him a spot on the all-conference second team and yielded him the newcomer of the year, awards that have the junior working even harder this offseason. “It makes me push myself harder,” Lineberry said. “Knowing that people think I am good makes me want to prove that I am even better.” Technically, NT is replacing three starters on the offensive line. However, the Mean Green does have experience returning at right tackle with Jeremy Brown. Brown started the first four games of last season before a bout with Mono sidelined him the remainder of the season. In addition to Brown and Lineberry, left tackle Joel Foster returns for the Mean Green after starting every game at the position last season. The question marks will be center and left guard, most likely occupied by Chad Rose and Jason May, respectively. NT coach Darrell Dickey is fully confident in the abilities of this year’s offensive line; it is just a matter of timing. “We have some youth and experience there, it is just a matter of how quickly that group comes together,” Dickey said. After running behind the line all month, Cobbs believes the unit is approaching where it needs to be, and will only strengthen as the season begins. “They look good,” Cobbs said. “Those guys are taking care of the new guys. They should be well on their way, and they will only get better as the season goes on.” Creating running lanes for the most potent backfield in Mean Green history is not the unit’s only role, it must protect NT’s most fragile position, quarterback. After losing last year’s backup to academic ineligibility, the Mean Green is looking at a variety of athletes to fill the role, none of whom has taken a collegiate snap. In addition to their lack of experience, Dickey sees similar attributes in all of the candidates. “They can all run, are good throwers, competitive, and have the intelligence necessary to do what we have them do,” Dickey said. Whoever assumes that role will have more than the Cobbs/Thomas backfield to fall upon. The NT offense will feature one of its best receivers in history, Johnny Quinn. Quinn led the Mean Green in both receptions and receiving yards each of the last two seasons. Junior Zach Muzzy will fill the receiving slot opposite of Quinn. Last year, Muzzy was third on the team with 16 receptions, averaging 14.2 yards per reception. The return of junior Joel Nwigwe will also add another down-the-field threat to the offense. “Joel [Nwigwe] and Johnny Quinn are probably our two fastest straight ahead runners,” Dickey said. “But Ja’Mel Branch has unbelievable quickness and an ability to make guys miss.” Sophomore Brandon Jackson and senior Ja’Mel Branch, who is expected to be an every down defensive back in addition to his limited receiving duties, will add depth at a position Dickey is excited about. “We probably have the best core of receivers that we have had since I have been here,” Dickey said. “

Part 1 & 2 of CFN's SEC predictions & comments are up. OUCH http://www.collegefootballnews.com/sec/200...ons/Sept3_2.htm

http://www.meangreensports.com/ViewArticle...0&ATCLID=182471 Has links to This Week's Game Notes & DD's Press Conference

Vegas Lines Link. http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-football/odds/las-vegas/

Expect a very nervous guy wearing a blue jump suit running up and down the MUTS sideline. This game is huge for the MUTS, their coach and the mental state of Blue Raider land. If the MUTS are true to form, they will crack under the pressure and when they lose, all hell will break loose in the 'Boro

The Darrell Dickey Radio Show ! Darrell Dickey Show Returns To The Airwaves Tonight Courtesy: University of North Texas Release: 08/29/2005 DENTON - The Darrell Dickey coaches show returns to the airwaves Monday, August 29 at 6:30 p.m. on KNTU FM 88.1! The show will take place live every Monday night from Hooters in Denton. You can join Mean Green play-by-play announcer George Dunham and Head Football Coach Darrell Dickey next Monday from Hooters as they preview the upcoming season, the first game with LSU, and much more. There will be a live microphone for fans to ask questions. Darrell Dickey Coaches Show Schedule August 29 September 5 September 12 September 19 September 26 October 3 October 10 October 17 October 24 October 31 November 7 November 14

From the 2002-2003 Basketball Media Guide story about Bill Blakeley. "Despite the three 20-win seasons and a careet that included victories over Arizona State, Kansas State, TCU, Baylor, SMU and Texas, Blakeley coached during one of the programs most successful yet frustrating periods. At one point he was able to briefly guide the Mean Green into the nation's Top 20 rankings".

Scroll way, way, way down to find the Mean Green. Ranking the Division I-A QBs: 1 through 119 BY MIKE HUGUENIN The Orlando Sentinel (KRT) - This ranking is not meant to be a comparison of talent levels. Rather, the rankings are an objective opinion (i.e., guess) of how each of these guys will produce in his offense. Also taken into account is how the quarterbacks fit in their offense, the experience level of the quarterbacks and how comfortable coaches should be entering the season with their quarterbacks. Team = Starter, backup = The buzz 1. USC = Matt Leinart, John David Booty = Leinart trying to become 2nd player to win 2 Heismans. 2. Bowling Green = Omar Jacobs, Anthony Turner = Jacobs was signed by Urban Meyer at BG. 3. Texas A&M = Reggie McNeal, Ty Branyon = McNeal a big-time dual threat for Aggies. 4. Iowa = Drew Tate, Jason Manson = If Tate gets some help from his running game this season . . . 5. Texas = Vince Young, Matt Nordgren = Young a magician with the ball in his hands, but his passing is suspect. 6. Toledo = Bruce Gradkowski, Clint Cochran = Gradkowski has back-to-back seasons with 70 percent completion rate. 7. Pittsburgh = Tyler Palko, Bill Stull = Palko flourished last season, but will Dave Wannstedt curtail him? 8. Florida = Chris Leak, Josh Portis = Can Leak handle the running he's going to have to do in new offense? 9. Missouri = Brad Smith, Brandon Coleman = Smith needs to rebound from miserable junior season. 10. Tennessee = Erik Ainge, Rick Clausen = Ainge has great potential, but coaches also like Clausen. 11. Michigan = Chad Henne, Matt Gutierrez = Henne could be on way to becoming an All-American. 12. Michigan State = Drew Stanton, Brian Hoyer = Stanton a big-time athlete who simply makes plays. 13. Clemson = Charlie Whitehurst, Will Proctor = Whitehurst will benefit from new offensive coordinator Rob Spence. 14. Louisville = Brian Brohm, Hunter Cantwell = Brohm a sophomore who should put up huge numbers. 15. UAB = Darrell Hackney, Chris Williams = Hackney has a cannon for an arm and also can tuck and run. 16. Eastern Michigan = Matt Bohnet, Tyler Jones = Bohnet a perfect_and productive_fit in Eagles' spready offense. 17. Fresno State = Paul Pinegar, Tom Brandstater = Pinegar is heading into 4th season as starter. 18. Oregon = Kellen Clemens, Dennis Dixon = New offensive coordinator Gary Crowton should be big boon for Clemens. 19. Virginia Tech = Marcus Vick, Sean Glennon = If this Vick keeps his head on straight, Hokies can win it all. 20. Arizona State = Sam Keller, Rudy Carpenter = Keller will slide nicely into starting spot vacated by Andrew Walter. 21. Boise State = Jared Zabransky, Taylor Tharp = Boise trying to lead nation in scoring for 3rd time in 4 years. 22. Vanderbilt = Jay Cutler, Chris Nickson = Cutler suffers from having less-than-stellar help. 23. Notre Dame = Brady Quinn, David Wolke = Charlie Weis' arrival will be huge boost for Quinn. 24. Alabama = Brodie Croyle, John Parker Wilson = Croyle is a good one_when he is healthy. 25. Houston = Kevin Kolb, Kendal Briles = Kolb has started since he set foot on campus in `03. 26. Miami (Ohio) = Josh Betts, Mike Kokal = Betts stepped in nicely in replacing Ben Roethlisberger last season. 27. Iowa State = Bret Meyer, Terrance Highsmith = Meyer is a star on the rise, but his backup is converted WR. 28. UTEP = Jordan Palmer, Orlando Cruz = Palmer flourished in Coach Mike Price's offense. 29. Tulane = Lester Ricard, Scott Elliott = Ricard, who began his career at LSU, has a big-time arm. 30. Georgia Tech = Reggie Ball, Taylor Bennett = Ball has been both real good and real bad in his first two seasons. 31. California = Joseph Ayoob, Nathan Longshore = Trust us: Cal Coach Jeff Tedford will work his magic with these guys. 32. Texas Tech = Cody Hodges, Graham Harrell = Trust us: Tech Coach Mike Leach will work his magic with these guys. 33. Boston College = Quinton Porter, Matt Ryan = Porter started in 2003, then redshirted last season. 34. Purdue = Brandon Kirsch, Curtis Painter = Kirsch adds an element of danger (good and bad) to Boilers' offense. 35. Virginia = Marques Hagan, Christian Olsen = Hagan is limited but gets most out of his abilities. 36. Colorado State = Justin Holland, Caleb Hanie = If Holland is healthy, he'll have a big season. 37. Oklahoma = Paul Thompson, Rhett Bomar = Bomar is the QB of the future for the Sooners. 38. LSU = JaMarcus Russell, Matt Flynn = Russell has all the tools but must develop consistency. 39. Miami = Kyle Wright, Kirby Freeman = Wright has less experience than any UM starter since Steve Walsh in `87. 40. Air Force = Shaun Carney, Adam Fitch = Carney, a sophomore, could end up with a ton of school records. 41. UCLA = Drew Olson or Ben Olson = Drew is coming off a knee injury. Ben looks like a future star. 42. Ohio State = Troy Smith, Justin Zwick = Smith has been suspended and will miss the opener. 43. Northwestern = Brett Basanez, C.J. Bacher = Basanez a nice fit in Wildcats' version of the spread but needs more help. 44. BYU = John Beck, Matt Berry = Cougars have been plagued by mediocre QB play the past 2 seasons. 45. Oklahoma St. = Donovan Woods, Bobby Reid = Woods was OK last season, but Reid may be better long-term answer. 46. Washington St. = Alex Brink, Josh Swogger = Both have talent, but they combined to complete 48.6 percent of their passes. 47. Georgia = D.J. Shockley, Joe Tereshinski III = Shockley, a 5th-year senior, finally has the No. 1 job. 48. Auburn = Brandon Cox, Blake Field = Cox has attempted 34 passes. On bright side, he's huge Johnny Cash fan. 49. Wyoming = Corey Bramlett, Jacob Doss = Bramlet threw more picks (13) than TDs (12) last season. 50. Maryland = Sam Hollenbach, Joel Statham = Terps' QB play was, to be kind, horrible last season. 51. Florida State = Drew Weatherford, Xavier Lee = There could be a QB controversy a brewin' in Tallahassee. 52. Nevada = Jeff Rowe, Travis Moore = Rowe should throw 20-plus TD passes this season. 53. La.-Lafayette = Jerry Babb, Michael Desormeaux = Babb, a good athlete, was the Ragin' Cajuns' leading rusher last season. 54. Stanford = Trent Edwards or T.C. Ostrander = Walt Harris will get these guys to realize their potential. 55. Utah = Brian Johnson, Brett Ratliff = How far will the Utes fall without Alex Smith? 56. Colorado = Joel Klatt, James Cox = Klatt led Buffs to Big 12 North title last season. 57. La.-Monroe = Steven Jyles, Kinsmon Lancaster = Jyles accounted for 20 TDs_including 8 rushing_last season. 58. Minnesota = Bryan Cupito, Mike Maciejowski = Cupito will hand off a lot. That's good because his passing is so-so. 59. Central Michigan = Kent Smith, Grant Arnoldink = A 20-TD season is a legitimate goal for Smith. 60. Middle Tennessee = Clint Marks, Josh Harris = Marks had 70.1 percent completion rate but had 14 TDs and 14 picks last season. 61. South Carolina = Blake Mitchell, Antonio Heffner = Mitchell will be throwing it a lot in Steve Spurrier's offense. 62. TCU = Tye Gunn, Chad Huffman = Gunn has missed 17 games the past 3 years because of injuries. 63. Western Michigan = Ryan Cubit, Robbie Haas = Cubit is the only starter on this list whose dad is his coach 64. NC State = Jay Davis, Marcus Stone = These guys struggled mightily all last season. 65. New Mexico = Kole McKamey, Chris Nelson = McKamey is a good athlete who must get better as a passer. 66. Oregon State = Matt Moore, Ryan Gunderson = Moore, who began his career at UCLA, is the likely starter. 67. Nebraska = Zac Taylor, Joe Ganz = Taylor is a JC transfer who must come through for the Huskers. 68. Penn State = Michael Robinson, Anthony Morelli = Nittany Lions need to start Morelli and move Robinson to WR. 69. Wisconsin = John Stocco, Tyler Donovan = Wisconsin wants to throw more, but is Stocco the right guy? 70. Southern Miss = Dustin Almond, Jeremy Young = Almond, a 3-year starter, remains way too inconsistent. 71. Rutgers = Ryan Hart, Mike Teel = Hart will set all sorts of school records, but his inconsistency is maddening. 72. Wake Forest = Ben Mauk, Cory Randolph = Mauk has a nice arm and needs to be allowed to use it. 73. Kansas = Adam Barmann, Brian Luke = If Barmann develops some consistency, big things could happen. 74. Kansas State = Allen Webb, Dylan Meier = Webb the better runner, Meier the better passer. 75. UCF = Steven Moffett, Kyle Israel = Moffett has not won a college game he has started (0-15). 76. Arizona = Richard Kovalcheck, Adam Austin = Wildcats hope to open up the offense this season. 77. Arkansas = Robert Johnson, Alex Mortensen = The backup is the son of ESPN's Chris Mortensen. 78. New Mexico St. = Royal Gill, Joey Vincent = Gill, a JC transfer, will fling it often in Hal Mumme's offense. 79. Mississippi = Micheal Spurlock, Robert Lane = Ole Miss got mediocre QB play last season. And the same 3 guys return. 80. Northern Illinois = Phil Horvath, Britt Davis = Horvath did nice work in 3 starts last season. 81. West Virginia = Pat White or Adam Bednarik = White more mobile than Bednarik, who is a pocket-passer type 82. Mississippi State = Omarr Conner, Mike Henig = Conner will be asked to do more this season. Can he do it? 83. Washington = Isaiah Stanback or Johnny DuRocher = Options at QB not that good for new Coach Tyrone Willingham. 84. San Diego State = Kevin O'Connell, Darren Mougey = Aztecs desperately need someone to produce at QB. 85. Rice = Joel Armstrong, Chance Clement = Armstrong a tough little runner. As a passer? No comment. 86. Baylor = Shawn Bell, Terrance Parks = Bell, a junior, has faced a ranked opponent in four of his five career starts. 87. East Carolina = James Pinkney, Rob Kass = Pinkney is athletic and has a nice arm but is way too inconsistent. 88. Duke = Mike Schneider, Curt Dukes = Hope is that new coordinator (Bill O'Brien) gets offense rolling. 89. Navy = Lamar Owens, Brian Hampton = Owens is a senior but will be in 1st season as starter. 90. Hawaii = Tyler Graunke, Colt Brennan = Neither has taken a snap in a college game. 91. Kentucky = Andre Woodson, Joe Joe Brown = Woodson has good size and intriguing skills, but does he have any help? 92. Akron = Luke Getsy, John Ferguson = Getsy transferred from Pitt, where Zips Coach J.D. Brookhart came from. 93. North Carolina = Matt Baker, Joey Bozich = Baker finally gets starting job as 5th-year senior. 94. Louisiana Tech = Matt Kubik, Donald Allen = Kubik already has a finance degree and is in grad school. 95. Memphis = Patrick Byrne, Will Hudgens = Byrne has started before_as the Tigers' kickoff specialist. 96. UNLV = Shane Steichen, Jarrod Jackson = Jackson, a JC transfer, may end up with the No. 1 job. 97. Illinois = Tim Brasic, Chris Pazan = Brasic, a junior, has thrown one pass in his college career. 98. Syracuse = Perry Patterson, Joe Fields = Option QBs running the West Coast offense? Yikes. 99. Marshall = Jimmy Skinner, Bernard Morris = Skinner, a junior, has thrown 4 passes in his career. 100. Connecticut = Matt Bonislawski, D.J. Hernandez = Dropoff from Dan Orlovsky is going to be a big one. 101. Ball State = Joey Lynch, Cole Stinson = Lynch's dad (Bill) is offensive coordinator at Indiana. 102. Indiana = Blake Powers, Graeme McFarland = Powers struggled in limited action last season (9-of-22). 103. Cincinnati = Dustin Grutza, Nick Davila = Neither has taken a snap in a college game. 104. Temple = Mike McGann, Colin Clancy = McGann started in `02 and `03 but redshirted last season. 105. Kent State = Michael Machen, Tom Sitko = Machen is a former minor-league baseball player. 106. Army = Zac Dahman, David Pevoto = Dahman, a senior, already has school record for completions and attempts. 107. Arkansas State = Nick Noce, Travis Hewitt = Noce has some skills but makes too many bad decisions. 108. Idaho = Michael Harrington or Steven Wichman = Harrington is Joey's younger brother. 109. SMU = Tony Eckert, Jarad Romo = Eckert's the better passer, Romo the better runner. 110. Utah State = Leon Jackson III, Bryan Black = Jackson's athletic ability could lead to great things. 111. Ohio U. = Austen Everson, Mark Petruziello = Everson will be running his 3rd scheme in as many seasons. 112. Tulsa = Paul Smith, David Johnson = Plain names, but do they have plain games? 113. FAU = Danny Embick, McKinson Soverain = Embick, a 5th-year senior, began his career at West Virginia. 114. USF = Pat Julmiste or Courtney Denson = Unless USF gets competent QB play, it's going to struggle again. 115. FIU = Josh Padrick, David Tabor = Padrick has some nice receivers with which to work. 116. San Jose State = Adam Tafralis, J.P. Greco = Tafralis' dad was an Olympic shot putter. 117. Troy = Carl Meadows, Caleb Callahan = Trojans' offense was bad last season, and it could be worse this season. 118. North Texas = Daniel Meager or Matt Phillips = Neither has taken a snap in a college game. 119. Buffalo = Stewart Sampsel, Tony Paoli = Bulls threw 5 TD passes last season. ---

"I live near Denton (where UNT is located) and watched a little of their practice Tuesday. The two running backs Thomas and Cobbs looked sharp. I thought the rest of the team looked like a big 4-A high school team though. The quarterbacks looked like they were closing their eyes to throw the ball. If we don't beat them by at least 20 points then we will have BIG problems this year....and I mean big problems. Might want to take the wife out to dinner during ASU game if they don't whip UNT's ass...." ==================== OUCH

There was a big to-do when the new and modern Fouts Field opened replacing the old Eagle Stadium.

MUTS board thread. Game will be televised in Nashville. Live, not tape delay. http://middletennessee.rivals.com/showmsg....79&sid=&style=2

Mean Green Football Holds Final Scrimmage On New Turf Courtesy: University of North Texas Release: 08/27/2005 Courtesy: Stephen Howard The Mean Green opens the 2005 season at Louisiana State on Sept. 3. DENTON (8/27/05) – The Mean Green defense and special teams took advantage of the new Fouts Field surface during Saturday morning’s football scrimmage. It was the team’s first chance to play on the state-of-the-art Sportexe Omnigrass surface, which was completed just in time for the final preseason scrimmage. Linebacker Phillip Graves was just one of many Mean Green defenders to pull in an interception in the scrimmage. Fellow linebacker Derek Mendoza and TJ Raymond also looked impressive against the first team offense, each registering a sack. 2003 national rushing champion Patrick Cobbs was a hit on his return to special teams. The senior returned a kick off 82 yards for a touchdown without getting touched. The Mean Green will have a full week of practice before next Saturday's game at Louisiana State.

Really a strange thread. Cajun Nation coming over to advise us how to beat LSU when his guidance & knowledge can't even get UL-Lafayette past UL-Monroe

Football: UNT looking to answer questions at scrimmage 09:23 AM CDT on Saturday, August 27, 2005 By Brett Vito / Staff Writer Over the course of the last three weeks, Daniel Meager and Matt Phillips have had their arms and their egos evaluated. They have been prodded and pressured in practice. None of those challenges has resulted in a separation that has led North Texas head coach Darrell Dickey to make a decision on which of his quarterbacks will start when the Mean Green take on LSU on Sept. 3 in Baton Rouge, La. The competition is still open heading into a scrimmage at 8:30 a.m. today at Fouts Field. The workout could determine how the Mean Green answer a few questions heading into the season. “There are still positions up for grabs,” Dickey said. “We have some guys who are doing well, but we are still trying to improve and evaluate guys. We are still trying to figure out ways to get our best 11 players on the field for every snap.” Meager started fall practice as the favorite to win the starting job due in part to the year he spent with the Mean Green as a redshirt last season. Phillips signed with UNT late and entered fall practice as a long shot to play during his freshman season. The former San Angelo Lake View standout has quickly overcome those odds with a solid performance that has vaulted him past players with more experience. When UNT’s two-a-day practice schedule came to an end Friday, Phillips was still in the middle of the competition for the starting job. Both Meager and Phillips had their first chance to play in UNT’s scrimmage last week and will look to build on their performance today. “This will be a good opportunity for both of us to show what we have to offer,” Meager said. “I felt comfortable in our first scrimmage. I just have to get used to the speed of the game.” While the quarterback spot is the most intriguing of the position battles still taking place, it is not the only competition still underway. The following is a list of several other key questions that Mean Green will try to answer today. Will Cobbs or Thomas start? Running backs Patrick Cobbs and Jamario Thomas will both see significant playing time this season. The question is who will start and how will carries be divided up? Cobbs has looked terrific throughout fall workouts and appears to be fully recovered from a knee injury that cut his 2004 season short after two games. Thomas has also played well, but has missed time with a hamstring injury. UNT’s coaches will get a better idea of how they will use both players against LSU after seeing them play today. Who starts at safety? UNT has a long history of featuring some of the best — not to mention hardest hitting —safeties in the Sun Belt Conference. The departure of Jonas Buckles and Markeith Knowlton left both starting jobs up for grabs. Aaron Weathers has been impressive and is in position to claim a starting job in his first season with UNT after transferring from Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College. Roderick Cotton entered fall practice listed as a starter, but has been challenged by several other players, including freshman Kartay Agbottah. UNT’s new starters will have the advantage of playing with a pair of veteran players at cornerback in T.J. Covington and converted wide receiver Ja’Mel Branch. “Our safeties have proved themselves all camp,” Covington said. “Aaron stepped up and Cotton will help us. We feel really good with them back there.” How deep is the offensive line? UNT is still trying to determine just how deep it is along its offensive line. The Mean Green have several proven players, including guard Dylan Lineberry and tackle Joel Foster, who should start. Tackle Jeremy Brown and center Chad Rose have also shown potential. The question UNT’s coaches want to answer is how many backups they feel comfortable turning to in case of injury or to spell starters. Who is the next Andy Blount? UNT will look at three or four players to rotate at tight end, which could help replace Andy Blount. Blount was the Mean Green’s second-leading receiver last year with 427 yards and five touchdowns on 30 catches. Beau Davidson and Robert Harmon entered the fall as UNT’s starters, but have been challenged by Northeastern Oklahoma A&M transfer Jimmy Chaney and freshman Charles Brown. Dickey said UNT would like to rotate players at tight end throughout the season to take advantage of their strengths. Chaney and Davidson are former offensive linemen who could help clear the way for UNT’s running game. Harmon has good size, while Brown could be a threat in the passing game. Who will emerge on the defensive line? UNT entered fall practice with the challenge of trying to replace four starters along its defensive line, including Adrian Awasom who is now with the New York Giants. The Mean Green may not have a player of Awasom’s caliber this season. The change is one UNT plans to make up for with a host of players. “We are going to be rolling guys there throughout the season as much as we ever have to keep them fresh,” Dickey said. “We have good players at each position who lack experience. We are going to try to grow them all up fast.” UNT will look to see if another player with the ability to change the face of a game will emerge in the scrimmage or the first few weeks of the season. Defensive end Willie Ransom is among the players with the potential to develop into UNT’s next elite lineman. The former Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College standout is one of several players who will have a chance to make his case for a starting job today. BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870. His e-mail address is bvito@dentonrc.com.

NCAA hands down 3-year probation on FIU By Craig Barnes Staff Writer Posted August 26 2005 The NCAA officially announced Thursday that the Committee on Infractions placed the FIU football program on three years probation for workouts conducted by a former assistant coach when they weren't permitted. The punishment will not include any loss of scholarships, reductions in postseason play or television appearances. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/college...y?coll=sfla-fiu