FirefightnRick

SouthBendGreen Gee, I don't have any idea why that is either SGB? I only get my information from here. SouthBendGreen Rick

Message boards are not pointless. I have met 1,000's of people from this board and it's given most of us a chance to combine our efforts towards doing a lot of good for NT, which is precisely the point. Rick

Debbie, you gonna join the rest of us in the pumpkin patch to for that long awaited arrival? Happy Halloween Everyone. Rick

This is a good thing. It means we have an AD that is a commodity who knows what he's doing to take our program in the right direction. Or would you rather have someone nobody wants? We are not going to be the only ones who have noticed a difference at North Texas, that is for sure. Rick

It was very close, but replay on the jumbo trons, which you have to watch if your sitting down front near the 50 at Tiger Stadium to be able to tell anything at the ends, didn't show an angle from the side, only from behind the endzone. Rick

No, on the field the official states that the face mask was declined? Every LSU fan in our section looked over at us with an apologetic smerk, and no one understood it. We thought that maybe, since the illegal block, which was bullshit IMO, allowed Weathers to continue down to the point where the face mask infraction later occured, and considering that it was only a 5 yard face mask call(should have been a personal foul for sure), that the first illegal block automatically negates the other infraction? Rick

Yes, execution of the offense was much improved, and I have to give that to Meager and Chad Rose. It appeared Meager made the correct checks at the line of scrimmage and Rose made the correct checks for the O line during the run plays. In pass plays, DM was given time to pass most of the night. Our TE's Harmon and Brown gave him backside help often times against as fast a set of DE's your ever going to see. DM had to scramble to buy time a few times, and when he did, and didn't see an open reciever, he wisely threw it away. That shows maturity on DM's part. He is going to be good in the coming years. He didn't look rattled, and I would suspect that Tiger Stadium has to be one of the most intimidating arenas in the land. DM and the entire offense came off the field smiling all night long, because they knew what they were doing was good. Our defensive unit for the most part got handled, but at times they also stiffened. They forced LSU to punt on the second series. Late in the second, down by 28 and LSU driving, Weathers intercepted Russell and returned it 11 yards to the NT 49 with less than two minutes remaining in the half. On their first possession of the 3rd quarter our defense stiffend and force a missed field goal. We didn't put much pressure on Russell, but he did get hit several times in the 3rd. The positive thing to take away from this game where our D is concerned is, our D won't face another team with that same caliber of size and speed until next September. This offense had it's opportunities to score saturday night, when honestly I didn't think we would cross the 50 all night prior to the start of the game. Our first drive went for 6 plays and 41 yards and stalled at the LSU 41. But during that play Cobbs broke for 16 yards on one play and I felt then we had a chance to move the ball a bit. Our 4th drive included a 24 yard break by Jamario down to the LSU 47 that hushed the crowd a bit. Then another for 6, then another for 11. Then DM hits Nwigwe for 21 yards to the LSU 9. This hushed the crowd again. Had that completion occur a second earlier he looked like he could have taken it in for the score. The drive stalls and we end up getting a field goal attempt blocked. On the Weathers interception, he nearly had his head ripped off and a penalty was thrown. But NT got a crappy illegal block call, and that brought it back. For whatever reason, the face mask call was declined?, but the illegal block was accepted which set the ball back for us at our own 39 instead of mid field. The block was right in front of us and it looked like our guy gave a good block on the shoulder to help spring weathers to mid field. We still drive the ball for 28 yards on 5 plays to set up Baz for the field goal. We very well could have only been down 28-10 at that point.. Our 1st possession in the second half: Jamario for 4, for 10 and a 1st down, then SPJMo for 4 again, then pass complete to JQ for 9, then SPJMo for 2, then for 3, then on an incomplete pass DM gets leveled after he throws the ball, the penalty took us down to the LSU 28. Next play DM laces the ball on target to JQ who got behind their defense headed for the endzone, but the LSU DB make's an excellent tip at the last second. If DM gets the ball released a split second earlier to JQ it's a TD. Three plays later DM hits Nwigwe in the chest at the LSU 13 that bounces off and is intercepted. That completion would have had us set up inside the LSU 15. Still, that was an 11 play, 53 yard drive. We should only be down by 11 at this point. LSU's next possession they drive to the NT 30 but we stopped them, forcing a field goal which they missed. NT's next possession: 1st play is a 20 yard completion to JQ in which he's outright tackled by his facemask. JQ was running full speed by the guy when he reached out and grabbed him and I thought it broke his damn neck as it happened right in front of us. If he grabbed anything else, Johnny takes that ball down inside the LSU 20 because that side of the field was cleared out. 1st down NT at the LSU 35. Next pass complete to Harmon for 8, SPJMo rush for 2, completion to JQ for 19 to the LSU 10, SPJMo for 8 down to the 1. Drive stalls on the one. This was an 8 play 69 yard drive. We should only be down by 3 or 4 at this point. At that point the local radio guys state that NT had 17 plays to LSU's 6 for the 3rd quarter. That was the jist of the success from the first three quarters. Our offense had every reason to tank it again as in weeks past going 3 and out every series. But they didn't. After each series they came off the field with grins on their faces, looking positive as if they realized they could play with this group. No, they didn't score when they had the best opportunities, but they had the tools to do it and had made some good calls to continue some drives. For me, it was a huge improvement since last December. LSU's defense ranks 17th in the nation allowing only 307 yards per game. Their overall team speed on defense was phenominal. Considering that we won't face another defense ranked any higher than 74th(ASU) gives reason for optimism for sure. Other remaining defenses and their rankings: ULL-84th ULM-90th FAU-80th. Rick

Did you see the game? Rick

I'm not getting carried away. LSU was suppose to dominate this game, and dominate to me in this scenario means as Texas dominated us last year. That was not the case last night the first three quarters, especially not in the first half. I was there, I saw the progression of the game and compared it to how poor we have played in the past weeks and the outcome was far improved beyond any expectations for three quarters. After we stalled on the goal line that last time, it was obvious LSU decided to make a statement and put us away with that 99 yard drive because they didn't want to give NT any semblence of a chance of a come back. Prior to that in the 3rd, their offensive play calling seemed conservative. By the fourth, their overall size and depth took it's toll, as expected. Rick

It was a very quick trip down and back for us. I was up 26 straight hours. Like our two previous trips down, we walked nearly a mile through 1,000's of Tiger Tailgaters to get to the Mean Green tents. After nearly every one of the LSU faithfull finished yelling "Tiger Bait!" at us, they would then ask "Have you eaten yet? Need something to drink?". Everyone in Baton Rouge was very gracious to us. I met several FF's from the region as well. All in all the fans down there were great, and I'll certainly go back again. THE GAME: Our seats were 48 yard line, 3rd row right behind the team. Considering we played one of the elite teams this season, a team that has Texas, USC, Florida State type speed on both sides of the ball, and the fact that we came right out after giving up a TD and forced them to punt on their second series, I was very excited about what I saw. Our defense was extemely undersized, yet they were able to make some plays that showed signs that they could be very good down the road. After each series our DL and LB's were coming off the field with their heads up. After forcing punts you could tell by their faces that they were having some fun out there and making plays. Incredible hit by Baz. The guy is not only first class but has an incredible leg. Very proud of him. Other than Baz, our offense was the highlight of the night and it starts with the O line. Definately the best game of the year so far for the guys upfront. The Emerald Express got it going early on, finding holes and made some yardage. On one run it looked like he was going to break it after getting around the right side. He excelerated up the sideline but ran out of room. The very sight of seeing NT able to turn the corner on this team was uplifting. LSU has track speed on the corners and their LB's and DE's are as good as it is going to get and we moved the ball on them most of the night. Then Jamario picked up where EE left off. He too had a few runs where it looked as if he was going to take it to the house. Several of the LSU fans sitting in our section kept saying how impressive he looked. And other than a few times when DM had to scramble and throw the ball away due to backside pursuit, our O line gave him time to pass, which I NEVER expected. No sacks? DM threaded the needle on several plays. On a sure TD pass to Quinn, the ball was absolutely perfect to JQ, who got behind their secondary, but the DB closed quickly and just tipped it away making a fantastic defensive play on the ball. On the interception, DM threw a dart that hit Nwigwe between the 3 and the 1 and it bounced off and into the waiting arms of the DB. Overall, DM had a very good game compared to how the season has gone for him. Each time the O came off the field, you could tell they too were excited about what they were being able to do. Folks, for three quarters we looked like we belonged on the field with this team. Who ever thought we could say that a week ago? For those of us who were dissapointed in the season thus far that statement might not have meant much a week ago. But like myself, many of you were at the tU game in 2002 and remember standing outside the lockerroom after that game and can recall the expressions on our guys faces, or on the faces of our coaches and fans, and remember the positives that came from that game. This game was very similar. Our offense had looked so dead in previous weeks, but came out last night and had over 200 yards in 3 quarters against as good and as fast a defense as your ever going to see. We were one or two plays away from going in at half time only down 21-10. Remember, LSU held Tennessee's 335lb offensive line and running game to less than 3 yards a carry earlier this season. We were averaging 5.5 in the first half, and finished with 3.5 for the game. So there are a lot of positives to take away from this game. We will not come even close to facing a defense with that type of size and incredible speed the rest of the way through this season. Other notes: I saw Charlie Brown again get into the game and he made a good block on his man. For a true freshman playing the TE position he looked like he belonged on the field with the big boys. Scott Hall came in from New Orleans to attend. It's alway's great to see our lettermen come back when they can. Very good tailgate event put on by the Mean Green Club. The catered food was great. I was excited to see and speak with......Chancelor Jackson at the tailgate party. He seemed to be having a good experience yesterday. I can't remember his exact words, but in speaking to him and hearing what he had to say I gathered that he came down to Baton Rouge to take part in one of the largest university/city-wide tailgating events in the nation to see how it's done and to realize all the positives it brings to the school when it's done right. Hopefully, I'm reading it correctly that the NT leadership has, and is NOW more than ever, learning how very critically important it is that the university take advantage of such opportunities that tailgating, pre/post athletic events and game day experiences are in cultivating support from alumni and region wide friends of the university. FFR is very excited and very happy about the future of the Mean Green! Rick

GreenFlag I suppose I forgot that was the year ASU moved up? I'll still never forget the game the year before in 1989 in Jonesborro, it was a great game and came down to the wire. It was unseasonably cold for late September and was ASU's second highest opening night crowd. Kieth Chapman hit a 32 yard field goal with 4 seconds left for the win. Scott Davis passed for 244 yards on the night and reached the 4,000 yard mark for his career. Other than the girl who traveled to perform as "Eppy", we were the only NT fans in the stands that we saw. No parents, no AD dept officials, no one. After the winning kick, the ASU fans were throwing food and spitting on us so bad that my roommate, who was on the team, and several other players noticed it when they came over to talk to us and ended up helping me lower her down to them on the field and we left the stadium with the team through the locker room just to avoid any more confrontations. Rick

oh, and I absolutely would take a final win of the season over LSU. That's all anyone would remember from here on through next fall. Huge recruiting power, huge! Rick

Wins over 1-A teams while we were 1-AA. '83-New Mexico State, New Mexico, '85- K State, '86- TCU '87- La Tech '88- T Tech, Texas* and Rice '90-SMU Rick *.....I was there sitting on the 2nd row on the south endzone goal line, we won that @#$#ing game.

This will be our biggest question. Only two of these O line guys you listed will have any experience, and your leaving out Alexander who replaced Brown at the Tulsa game. Brown will also be back. Plus, should Lineberry graduate on time, we get him back as well. Our best possible scenario here for an experienced O Line next year is: Alexander, Venagas, Rose, Lineberry(Possible that Brown moves over to guard next season if we lose Lineberry) and Foster. That gets us to an average of around a 300lb O line. Of course there is always the chance that one of the younger guys start in front of a veteran. Alexander replacing Brown this season shows that it does happen. And as for the D backs, I just can't see how Steve Warren can be kept out of the lineup next season after getting to start as a true freshman this season? By years end he will be that much better if he gets over the concussion? Rick

I realized late that I had originally taken a vacation day for what would have been homecoming this weekend. And since I had to cancel my trip to La Tech, I figured it's gut check time for the Mean Green, and the same goes for the Mean Green Nation. So several of us are making the trip to LSU. For me, it's God, Family, Job and my love for the Mean Green. I don't give a rats @$$ if they get beat 175-0, I'm going down there to show 'em how much I love 'em, tell 'em how proud of them I am and that I appreciate their hard work for putting us on the map these past 4 years. Regardless of the outcome of this game and this season, I love the Mean Green, and that's all there is to say about it. Rick

Other notes highlighted about UCF. They have alway's demanded a high octane, entertaining offense even back during their 1-AA years. They had 10 straight winning seasons, many of them ranked nationally in 1-AA, prior to moving up to 1-A. In 2000 they beat Alabama in Tuscaloosa on the Tides homecoming. In 2001 they finish 6-5 2002 was their first year in the MAC. They finished 6-2 and in 2nd place in the east division and go 7-5 on the year. Even though 2003 only becomes UCF's 4th losing season in 18, finishing 3-8, they replaced their coach, opting for O'learly the '04 season. They have never had a stadium of their own. The Citrus bowl is 10 miles from campus, and I don't know how nice it is, but I'm willing to bet that since it was built for the college game in mind that it is heads and shoulders above Texas Stadium, and lightyears ahead of TS in accessability. Playing there the past few times did absolutely nothing for us but offer frustration. It's a horrible place to get to and get any kind of tailgating experience out of it. RV said after the lousy experience we had there in '01 against Tech that we would never play there again. Rick

History of UCF posted here the week of the FIU game. I would also point to one statement in the article. Otherwords, you take what the defense gives you and attack em where they ain't. Rick

ANSWER: 7 New Mexico State(7-5) in 2002 Cincinnati who finished their regular season (7-6) in 2002, but ended (7-7) with the loss to us. MTSU(8-3) in 2001 Texas Tech(6-5) in 1999 Boise St.(10-3) in 1999 Boise St.(6-5) in 1998 Nevada(6-5) in 1998 Interestingly, the Tech team we also beat in 1997 under Simon finished 6-5 also. Rick

Nah, we don't have anything to compete with? Good luck with that dacat! Rick

I asked this very same question to one of our lettermen who I greatly respect and admire for his hard work and accomplishments he gained on the field for the Mean Green and all he's done off of it since. After I asked the question, He asked: "When was RF made OC?". I said, " in '02". He then asked: "And has any of the play calling changed since '01?". I acknowledge no................thus, end of the lesson. Rick

Next time, and with a smile or a laugh, and with your hand over your heart, just say: "It doesn't matter what the score will be because win or lose, the Mean Green is my team". Many people who start this kind of digging often times only support teams who are currently winning and can't stand this response because more often than not, they have no loyalty, nor do they know the concept of it. Be it to their boss, company, marriage, family, friends, school or whatever. And when you put it back to them like this, it reminds them about some time in the past when they let someone, or something they loved, down because of it. Rick

And these guys were all recruited without anything to offer them other than a chance to play and an education. No winning records, no conference championships or bowl games to look forward to, no facilities including anything that could be remotely considered as a nice study center, only a small outdated weight room to offer, no decent team meeting rooms, no new dorms to offer, no fan base to cheer for them, nothing. Rick

The NT Exes hosted the pre concert reception for our alumni at the Gateway Center tonight, prior to the "Sounds of the Stadium" concert. Dr. James Scott, Dean of the College of Music and Green Brigade director Nick Williams met with us during the reception and for those who bleed Mean Green athletics, they had some exciting things to share with us. Nick Williams first spoke and said he's been on and off our campus since '88 while working on all three of his degrees(he's finishing up his Phd soon), and he's noticed a vast improvement of our athletics on campus and it has helped him in meeting two of his goals since becoming director. First, he wanted to improve the spirit of the band and feels he has seen an improvement. I agree. Second, he wanted to increase the percentage of non track music students as members of the GB. Historically it's been around 5%. These are students who do not have to take marching band, but do it for the fun of it basically. This year the GB has a membership over 300, and their non track membership is up to 30%. This tells me that we have improved greatly on that thing called school spirit, which will reap huge rewards for our university in the future. Dr. Scott reiterated on some of what Mr. Williams had to say, that they wanted to improve the image of the band with such subjects as the new uni's that the band is sporting this season and pay better attention to their music selections and their performance on the field. He also stated that since he became Dean of the College of Music he, Dr. Pohl and Rick Villareal have all worked very hard together to improve both areas and bring more unity to our university. He said the improvement of the football program over the past 4 years has helped make some of this possible and has helped the College of Music and the GB increase it's visibility nationally. He stated that over the years, he had spoken to many College of Music Deans across the country, and many gave advice that, one thing they had done wrong, and wished they could take back was, they had handed over control of their marching bands to the athletic departments. Dr. Scott knows he would never have to do that at NT because both departments at North Texas want the same results. He reiterated how very excited he was at how well the Music and Athletic Departments have worked together to help each other meet their goals. This tells me that after all these many "insert years here" years we finally have the leadership in place at North Texas within the AD and College of Music that realizes how very important university wide unity is. I have said for many years that the Music and AD dept can each benefit from each others' successes and it now appears so. We as alumni need to bare down, continue to support these programs, and when we can, let these people know how much we appreciate the improvements. I can't say this enough........Thank you Rick Villareal. Rick

Congrats Lifer. Rick

I agree Dez. It is tough to NOT focus on the run from 7 yards off the line of scrimmage, which is where you will be lined up tomorrow all day long. Rick