LongJim

No.

No doubt about it. I didn't either, but it may be obvious when the season ends. They're going to win some games this year.

That's a good question. I think that winning increases the quality of the recruits from year to year, but it is a gradual thing, especially for a mid-major. According to Rivals: Boise State's ranking within their conference was: 2004--#1, with 1 4-star and five 3-star commits. 2003--#3, (behind Tulsa and SMU) Two 3-star commits. 2002--#6, (behind Tulsa @ #5, who had five 3-star commits) Total commits: 72 Compared to UNT's ranking within the Sun Belt: 2004:--#2, (behind Utah State) Two 3-star commits. 2003:--#4, (behind ULALA, MUTS, Ark St.) Two 3-star commits. 2002:--#7, Tied with NM State. One 3-star commit. Total commits: 45 Something to keep in mind: the total commits represent athletes who are ranked nationally by Rivals, so they don't include a lot of the JUCO players that DD has brought to UNT. Even so, it's easy to see that Boise has had over 1.5 times more nationally-ranked athletes sign with their program--although UNT is improving every year. They are (right now) recruiting better athletes--and more of them. As is Tulsa. According to Rivals. I agree. But the same applies for the passing game. If the quarterback and receivers aren't as talented or experienced as the secondary and DL they face, they're going to get creamed too. If a team has been able to recruit well at the RB position, relative to the other athletes they have, doesn't it make sense to have a run-oriented attack? Conversely, if you're recruiting has been great at QB and WR for the last couple of years, you'd be passing a lot more. I think UNT's backs are BCS level backs. It remains to be seen if the QB and WR positions will be/are. I personally believe that if UNT keeps winning, their recruiting will continue to improve--no matter what style of offense they run.

You're welcome. A pretty limited list, and with only one year, but it gives a very small indication of where UNT's at vs. other schools that we're playing, and the talent level of the players facing each other. Maybe also helps w/expectations regarding how we should compete in a game against those teams--especially when 2-3 years are factored in.

Just as food for thought...An idea of where UNT fell in recruiting for the year 2004, according to Rivals.com. I took some teams at random, based on teams UNT has played recently, or will play. (Jamario's class, btw.) ***************************************** Unless noted, all other recruits in totals are 2-star athletes, according to Rivals. Texas--#10 Nationally 20 commits. One 5-star recruit. Nine 4-star. Eight 3-star. Average of 3.5. Kansas State--#18 26 commits. Five 4-star recruits. 11 3-star recruits. Average of 2.81. Tulsa--#67 26 commits. Five 3-star recruits. Average of 2.19. UNT--#72 18 commits. Two 3-star recruits. Average of 2.11. MUTS--#82 30 commits. 1 4-star, three 3-stars. Average of 2.17. Baylor--#87 20 commits. 1 3-star. Average of 2.05.

Speaking as somone looking in over here from time to time, I agree. QB development can't be rushed. Period. It's the most important position on the field, and it's most apparent when someone inexperienced is back there. Heck, look at Vince Young from his So. year to now. Big improvement...I think that position is going to get better as the year goes on. Frankly, I'm not real surprised. Offensive line is a position that demands not only physical ability and preparation, but attitude. They have to have an attitude of "you WILL NOT beat me, or touch my quarterback. I WILL put you either on your back, or out of my RB's path" We'll see more downfield and (successful) play action passing when the O line gets this attitude and starts making things happen in the running game, and they learn to pick up the blitz and hit the hot routes. That's just the way it works. Tulsa sort of knew the level they needed to play at based on their game at OU. UNT as a whole, didn't, IMO. Once they got down, things snowballed, and then you have 54-2. That's just my take. I think UNT will play much better this weekend--although the scoreboard may not show it. Regarding Dickey: He is a winner. He is trying to build a power-running team that can throw to keep the D honest--which is IMO a very sound approach, considering the skill level of the athletes he is recruiting. He's a good coach. Also, a poster mentioned that the level of OOC competition hasn't changed. That's right, and the talent level of their recruits hasn't either. The talent level of UNT's recruits has risen, and that's the reason they're winning the SBC right now. Having said that, they are still not recruiting athletes anywhere near as good as their OOC opponents--and I'll include Tulsa in there as well. At any rate, Go MG--my home county team!

Good luck to the Mean Green tomorrow! Destroy Tulsa!! NT-23 TU-20