Charlie NT 73

Rick, Thanks for your very good Ball State analysis. Vandelay Sports covers the MAC. Vandelay Sports predicts Ball State at 2-6 in conference, 5-7 overall. Sure wins over NT, Army, New Hamshire to start the season. http://www.vandelaysports.com/football/mac-preview-2009/ and http://www.vandelaysports.com/football/mac...w-2009/bsu.html Ball State HFC Brady Hoke left for San Diego State, Stan Parrish took over. Ball State lost to Buffalo in the MAC championship, 42-24 Ball State lost to Tulsa in the GMAC Bowl, 45-13. My thoughts- I think Brady Hoke rode the coat tails of a couple of good recruiting classes, with veteran OL players, a very good QB, 2 good RB's, and a weaker MAC conference last year. 12-0, and Ball State was the talk of the town. Last years team was good, but, now, many parts of last years team has changed, coaches, and players. I see the NT season opener at Ball State as a great opportunity. Ball State has strong points and weak points, just like NT, but, I am going to give the edge to NT. I like our QB, veteran OL, RB's, and WR's. I like our DL and Nelson/DeLoach, taking advantage of BS's less experienced OL. I like our veteran LB's vs the BS run game. I see the the Ball State game as a good match up, and the first NT win of the 2009 season.

I wish all the younger NT fans could have seen Walter play. Walter was, for us "older guys', our version of Booger Kennedy. Here is a story about NT football under Hayden Fry, with a twist of fate, regarding the Miss St game. Fry's team was walking up and down the field on the Bob Tyler's (yes, the same Bob Tyler who coached at NT), powerful Mississippi State team. The NT defense was stopping MS, and Walter Chapman was the reason why. Chapman was dominating their center and guard. After Chapman stopped another play, the ref called the play dead. Both teams started walking back to their huttle position. Suddenly, I think it was their center, turned around and charged Chapman, then dove at Chapman's knees. Only thing, the MS player hit Chapman while Chapamn had his back turned. Chapman never saw the cheap shot comming at all. Chapman dropped in his tracks, in pain, grasping his knees. Chapman was done. The ref threw a flag, and walked of 15yds against MS. The MS player did not get kicked out of the game. SEC refs were not going to do anything else. The hit looked to be a designed play to take Chapman out. MS ended up winning the game after Chapman was out. Hayden had quite a few words to say to Bob Tyler after the game. Rumors came out later that Tyler did promote taking Chapman out of the game. Later on, Bob Tyler was force out at MS, or fired. Seems there were issues with recruiting, student athletes, etc. Well our great adminstration hired Bob Tyler, to be the new HFC at NT. I think Tyler lasted one maybe two years then suddenly quit. To me, Tyler had no interest in NT at all. NT was just something for Tyler to do at the moment.

I am glad Rucker is back. At 6-6, Rucker is a big target, long arms, and has good speed for a tall guy. I sure hope Rucker can work back into shape quickly.

Cam, Micah, and Lance! What a group of very good running backs! Size, speed, power, quickness- qualities that only very good RB's have. I see 3 RB's that are actually "starters" in their own way. I would not be suprised to see all 3 RB's on the field at the same time in different formations and line ups. All 3 have their own individual talents, that can benefit this team. The more weapons you have, the better the odds in the battles. These 3 RB's are very good weapons to have on our side!

Good find, and a good story about a very good NT player. I do like the "beasting" of Drake's abilities, and best of all, 2 more years at North Texas! I am wondering about RG Tyler Bailey. Where does he fit in with the OL? Bailey sufffed a broken leg last year, required surgery. I have read that Bailey has healed up. Bailey was a good OL player too. I hope he can play this season. Here is something interesting. Scout- College football News has all 120 team previews up. I checked out the NT preview, and the offense depth chart. CFN has 6-3, 378 Nate Jenkins listed as the #2 RG, behind #1 RG Coleman Feeley, 6-4, 318. Has Jenkins worked his way up to the #2 RG spot? Could this be true? A buddy of mind said both Gabe Hollivay and Nate Jenkins have shed around 30lbs each. Hollivay is soild at LG now, so losing 30lbs will help his mobility. Position battles- Coleman Feeley at RG, back up Kelvin Drake, or Nate Jenkins, or Tyler Baily? JJ Johnson-or-Kelvin Drake at Center? I think Dan Holt is a center also. Gabe Hollivay at LG. Can Drake push out Hollivay? Kelvin Drake is ready for the competion for a starting position, and that he has something to prove! RG/LG/Center positions look very soild, no matter who wins the trench wars that are about to begin.

Wow, so many MG fans ragging on one of the best state of Texas QB's, to ever come to North Texas! Simply freaking amazing! Judged, and already condemed by the MG nation! Riley is a solid 195lbs right now. Has great quickness, speed, strong arm, and knows the offense since he was a kid. Riley will have a very solid OL with a strong rotation, top RB's, WR's with more speed than ever before. Riley is a leader, smart, and knows what is going on. Riley will be a heck of alot better redshirt QB than you currently believe. Lets look ahead to Ball State. Sunnyvale TX , red shirt Kelly Paige will start for Ball State. No college game experience at all, starting under first year HFC Stan Parrish, with a OL that lost 4 starters, and their big name offensive stars. Who do you think will be the best QB in this game? I will go with Riley Dodge!

Want some protection for Riley this season. Start right here with 6-4, 318 Coleman Feeley. http://www.meangreensports.com/ViewArticle...tclid=204766100

check this out- http://meangreen.beloblog.com

I could not agree more either, NT will be up 14-zip at this point.

I found this preview off the NCAABS.com site, Mid-American Conferene Talk forum. Several interesting statements in the "Ball State 2009 Outlook" section. http://www.vandelaysports.com/football/mac...w-2009/bsu.html Sure wins over NT, New Hamshire, and Army, predicted win over Ohio Univ. Kelly Page, redshirt freshman from Sunnyvale TX, will start. Predictions, MAC record, 2-6, overall, 5-7 Many of the top players from the 08 team are gone. One OL starter returns. Maybe NT's season opening game with Ball State is a better match up than many NT fans believe it will be.

James Mosley- Welcome aboard! I am guessing but are the proud PaPa of a very good, and powerful RB on the NT team?

Thin at WR- yes and no. I am very glad to hear Rucker will be back. Can he catch up, and jump into the mix? I sure hope so. A big WR at 6-6, with good speed, Rucker was showing signs of becoming a starter before the off the field issues stopped his progress. One player I am following is WR/OU transfer Tyler Stradford. I read there will be an announcement soon from the NCAA, regarding Tyler's status for the 09 season. Tyler is a major talent, with either the short pass or with deep ball routes. If Tyler can play this season, he will be a huge asset to this football team. Especailly since no team in the SBC has seen Tyler play. Very fast, athletic, and could break a game wide open. I am glad to hear the staff will keep track of the recruits going to JUCO's. I hope these players can be successful in Junior college.

Riley Dodge is a great athlete that plays QB. Riley will bring a new dimension to this team, that NT football fans have not seen, not to mention a bunch of DC's that will be very impressed with Riley, and worried about as well. Riley has amazing quickness and speed with his running abilities, as well as his passing skills being very accurate. As we all know, Riley grew up with this offense. Along the way, Riley has learned about, and faced, just about every type of defensive tactic in football. Riley's athletic skills and his knowlege of the offense and defense, will be a huge asset alone. So the age old question is, does the run game set up the passing game, or does the pasing game set up the running game. This season, I see the run game setting up the passing game. Riley will make many great zone read runs this season. After the Ball State game, the cat will be out of the bag. Every future DC will be focused on containing or stopping Riley Dodge. Trying to contain Riley, will just open the door for more offensive tactics, as the seaon goes along. I am not worried about Riley at all. Riley will run the offense like a veteran, and will be a major weapon for NT this season.

Army Athletic Association and CBS College Sports Network, have entered into a 5 year deal to televise Army home games, and select away games, and to military personnel around the world. I know NT has future games with Army, in 2016, 2017, and 2018, so I hope the CBS deal with Army can continue. How cool would that be- having NT football seen around the world! http://www.goarmysports.com//ViewArticle.d...TCLID=204763725

Tyler Washington, was listed at 6-1, 225, which was his HS stats. I would prefer Washington to be redshirted, and have a full year of S/C training. On the other hand, if Washington comes in, and proves to the coaches he is ready to play D1 football, then put him on the field.

I think Coach Nelson will use multiple players in his line ups and player combinations, depending on what the opponents offense will be trying to accomplish. Having players like Gilmore and Cantly, that can play both DE and DT, will increase the options Coach Nelson, and Coach Deloach have to develop a defensive game plan against any opponents offense. Speed on the corners, strength in the middle, with multiple players. If a big monster DE is needed, then Cantly can move to DE. If a tall DE is needed, then Gilmore is there. Need more speed on the corner, AK47 fits the bill. Bulk up the middle, in comes Jackson. Need a dominate DT/NG, you have Atkinson, Ross. I think the DL rotation will be a huge asset this season, which not only helps the players to keep fresh, but, will be able to provide other options, and players to use for different offensive situations. I think Coach Nelson will be a master at puting the right guy in the right place, at the right time, on the DL.

Please explain why starting Brandon Akpunku, AKA "AK47" is ridiculous. DL Coach Mike Nelson must know know what he is doing, so please explain. I really want to hear your reasoning.

I am serious guys, I did not submit that question! Someone else used my name!

Whoa- Hold on here! What is going on??? I did not ask that question or make that posting! Someone has stolen my idenity! Now, I have a mystery to slove! I use small letters in on my name on GMG.

Sorry guys- I did not ask any questions on the live chat. I missed the question ya'll are referring to.

I enjoyed the "Live Chat" feature with Rick. I would like to see more "Live Chat" with the coaches, players, NT fans, and the Prez. Good stuff! Lonnie, next week Coach Dodge is the guest speaker, so you have your chance to ask Coach Dodge a plethora of questions yourself. I hope you do not miss this opportunity!

Demario is another example of busted scholarships. OL Rendal Bailey, OL Ajani Banks, OL Jack Crumes, RB Thomas Pratt, DT Tim Patton, come to my mind too. Emmit was right, the list does go on and on. And you wonder why with 4 New Orleans Bowls, and 4 SBC championships, NT is not where Troy is now!

I see many great opportunities with the OOC schedule! Wow, there are some big boys in the future! The road trips to Clemson, Alabama, Tennessee, LSU, K-State, and Georgia, are what college football is all about- great games! Great teams! I do like the games with Rice, Tulsa, Army, Ball State, and Ohio too. I wish NT could schedule a few more regional teams, like Baylor, Texas A&M, Houston for example. Sure, I do not like the no return game part, but, I do believe when the new NT stadium is completed, the return games will develop. How great would that be to have a nationally known team like Alabama, come to Denton to play NT! Heck, if Navy can come to North Texas, so can other top programs

Maybe by half time of the first game, the media will be saying, "Wow, this North Texas team is pretty darn good!" "The Mean Green are back!"

A couple of days ago, the Ticket guys were talking about this. They called up George, and had a discussion. George was caught off guard. Jerry called him in and said the decision was a "business" issue, and had nothing to do with his job performance. The business issue was the Cowboy's switched to a new flagship station, because the new station will pay a ton of money for the Cowboy broadcast rights. The new station's deal included dumping George, and replacing the Cowboy stadium announcer duties with one of their own announcers.