GrayEagle

I think oldguystudent is on the right track. But, instead of sippies, it may be possible that if those not included in the 64 were to reorganize into two 16-team conferences they might even get a seat at the playoff table. Those not included in the 96 would fall back into a reconstituted Division 1-AA/II. If the four 16-team conferences happen there will still be nine spots to be filled. The consortium could force Notre Dame and Brigham Young to join a conference or be left out of any playoff considerations. Army and Navy would likely waive playoff rights. There are ten former AQ members (plus TCU) to fill those nine spots. If things continue as they are now headed there will only be eight football conferences in a couple of years. The Big East and the WAC will be "all sports except football" conferences and the Big 12 goes away. I believe that if 32 of the remaining universities were selected for two new conferences they would deserve a place at the table as well. They would be chosen based on past history, market, size, attendance, budget, facilities and other factors. The increase to 96 would add a week to a few teams schedule but might save an anti-trust suit since about 80% of the current FBS should gain from this arrangement.

No one can take control. The NCAA is only allowed to do what the Big Ten and the SEC grant it. Those two plus the Pac-whatever and now the ACC are the players. They can dictate what happens in the FBS if they have four 16-team conferences. That would give them 64 votes of the (to be) 124 total. College football, as we know it, is being destroyed.

Bartalotta had some questions either called in or from the audience. The only one that I recall was the player that has surprised him the most in his ability. I believe that he gave that honor to Ryan Boutwell.

I really believe that #3 should be #1 but all are important. I do hope that there was some sort of contingent plan for financing should the need arise to expand the stadium to 50,000 but the Apogee naming rights should help soften public awareness. What bothers me is all of these expenses on the threshold of possible runaway inflation. The only university that I see that could possibly help us is Texas A&M. I have some good friends who are Aggies but I'm afraid that they don't pull enough weight. I'm not sure that we've ever tried to make friends with anyone other than UT-Austin and if they go to the Pac-16 they couldn't anyway. If Todd Dodge had been able to put together four winning seasons we'd be in an enviable position right now but if "ifs and buts" were candy and nuts we'd all have a merry Christmas.

I don't know what the 'reports' say but it's way too early for that until we know how many Big East teams we're talking about. Of the seven that will be left, West Virginia is almost certain to go to an established conference. Rutgers is another that will likely be a target for either the ACC or the Big Ten. Connecticut could partner with the Scarlet Knights if West Virginia goes to a different conference but would probably only be interested in the ACC. It's doubtful that South Florida would want to be that far from conference mates (but they're pretty far right now). That leaves TCU, Louisville and Cincinnati that would be easily available for the merger. There would be five Big 12 teams left if Texas and Oklahoma leave. Missouri is possibility for either the SEC or the Big Ten (should they decide to expand). Iowa State is another possibility for exit if the Big Ten goes to 16. The two Kansas schools would stay if AQ status can be retained and the same could likely be said for Baylor. Regarding the CUSA/MWC merger, does that become a 22-team conference? The results would be a conference of 5-12 teams outside the four 16 team superconferences. It would also be a geographic nightmare. Of course, if there's enough money involved, no one seems to care these days. Greed is one of the seven deadly sins and it's working overtime in the NCAA. Regarding the CUSA/MWC merger...does that become a 22-member conference?

We even shut down their running somewhat except for the big plays. Long runs of over 40 yards resulted in four of their five touchdowns by two quality backs. Otherwise, they give up 120 rushing yards on 29 carries. Also, don't forget we had four sacks and two fumble recoveries against one of the best teams in the country. Yep, we're improving.

The largest to my knowledge. UT and LSU crowds were in the 90s but I believe that this is the first 100,000+ crowd in history. We have Texas and Georgia (who now have 100,000+ capacity stadiums) on future schedules so the record may not last very long.

I believe that you can get rings with your graduation year on it but it may not be the original design. For example, I graduated from North Texas State College but if I ordered a replacement ring it would have the "University of North Texas" design. At least I remember an offer to do this at one time.

First off, everyone assumes that OU, Okie State, UT and Tech are bound for the Pac-16. I'm not so sure. They (Pac-12) have already said that there will be no individual networks within the conference. Ditto for the Big Ten and the SEC. That should mean that Texas would lose the Longhorn Network unless they can hold the Big XII together. There could be a compromise with Oklahoma (who also wants to form their own network) and the conference could hold fast at nine teams. It's even possible that if that happens they could expand to 16 teams also becoming another superconference. We know that the ACC has announced intentions of becoming a 16-team conference but we're not sure of the other two that they take. Barring a move by the SEC I believe that they will take West Virginia and Rutgers. That would effectively kill the Big East. It would also release TCU from their obligation and allow them to 1) return to the MWC, 2) return to Conference USA or 3) be a part of the seven team expansion of the Big XII. If CUSA took four of the five remaining Big East teams they would become another 16-team conference with no vacancies. Only UConn of the five remaining is not a former CUSA member. I don't see any conferences with less than twelve members in the FBS. I think that there will be some 16-team conferences. At least a couple of conferences will go away from the highest rating. Some of the teams may fall to the FCS (as should have already happened). The season is almost becoming secondary, at least for the moment.

Until we actually win a game I'll just be cautiously optimistic. I do see some areas of improvement but there are some positions and players that have been disappointing so far. Alabama is so big and talented that it's hard to take anything from this game. I thought that our offense was as predictable as the Dickey days (without the draws). Dunbar was wasted trying to run him through the middle of that line. The offensive line didn't allow a sack which was amazing but pass-blocking effectively needs to result in completions. The defense did well except for giving up big plays and continue to show improvement. Few had hopes of winning any of the first three but from here on, with the exception of Troy, it's becoming a more even matchup. Tulsa, without Kinne, may even be possible. This team needs the home field advantage. We need crowds above 25,000 and loud. It's good for team morale, recruiting and it can't hurt realignment chances. The more students involved the better. We will improve; hopefully this year.

Since JJ has never been in this situation, I think that it's anyone's guess on the starters. I hate to follow Cooley but here's mine... 1 Chris Jones - I don't see enough competition there 2 Brandon Walton - Shoots 3's pretty well and some experience beyond high school. I think that A Williams doesn't shoot well enough but he is likely our best defender and that could get him a start 3 Jordan Williams - Just a hunch that Williams scoring might win over Franklin's all-around play 4 Justin Patton - Proven at the Div. I level...just not here 5 Kedrick Hogans - Returning proven veteran I agree with Cooley that he'll play everyone in the first two or three games. especially if we're ahead

Diet Coke during the game. Champagne if we stay within 30 and have no injuries.

It's looking like anything's possible but I think that you can color the Big East gone as far as a football conference if they lose Pitt and Syracuse. That would only leave two of the original eight and West Virginia is being talked about as a SEC member to match A&M. All of the others are former CUSA members except for Rutgers. Would the Big East be able to keep their AQ status if they had to take in seven CUSA, MAC or Sun Belt members? I'd say that it's doubtful.

Steve Ramsey was very good but I don't think that he can match Keenum. In fact, being a very good, accurate passer was part of his flaw. I believe that Steve thought that he could complete every throw and he too often tried to force the ball into coverage. I haven't seen any figures but I'd think that Ramsey was intercepted many more times than Keenum.

Alabama 35 North Texas 10

I'm missing something in the translation. Booting Texas out is not going to bring A&M back. It's also not going to attract anyone else worth their salt to the Big 12. Like it or not (and I don't by the way) the Longhorns are probably powerful enough to keep a conference together and likely keep the automatic bid for the Big 12. I'd wager that a conference of Texas, Texas Tech, Baylor, Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, Brigham Young, Houston and North Texas would be enough to keep the status quo for now. If Missouri doesn't go to the SEC that would bring it back to ten again. With the exception of Baylor, all would be big universities in sizable markets and large numbers of alumni.

There have been many people involved in this project but none of any greater magnitude than those who voted for this back in 2009. I remember Rick McKinney leading a group of maybe two dozen of us over to the student side during a game and our thanking them for what they had done. We called them UNT's greatest generation and I truly believe that they are. Oh, we've had times with a more rabid student body but no group took action to the extent that this group did. In a few hours I'll be there enjoying one of the greatest days of my life. I was fortunate enough to be at the opening of Fouts but this will be no comparison. I'm thankful that I lived long enough to enjoy this day. The effects of this showpiece will be around for many, many years. President Rawlins has announced an increase in applicants, freshmen and graduates for this year. We were also able to increase our standards which resulted in fewer being accepted. There were also more that accepted North Texas as their primary choice so overall we are not only raising our standards but gaining more students who want to be here; not as a second choice from another university. My thanks to all who voted for making Apogee Stadium happen and especially to Derrick Murray. You were the roots from which this stadium has grown.

Certainly worth my +1 and I have but one disappointment...where is Pat O'Brien's "win one for the Gipper" speech from "Knute Rockne, All-American"?

I was afraid that he'd find a way to use "Big Mac" as in the coaching change somehow. I'm glad that he didn't.

Thanks, Ben Knox. Without your sacrifice we don't have the scholarship for Patton or 2012.

Denny, I have prayed and will continue to pray for your mom. You are an outstanding person and mother's tend to train us for that so she was no doubt a great lady also. May the Lord give you comfort.

Not since the Green Guys left. Then again, they may not know much about the campus. Aren't their studios in McKinney? Or is that just the transmitter?

I have serious doubts that the student allotment is frozen at 8,000 UNLESS the remainder of the stadium is already sold out. Those students, if they are there in the five hour period before game time, should be allowed to sit in any unsold seat. They should take priority over any walkup sales IMO.

One reason that we haven't recently is that we have been trying to reestablish ourselves as a legitimate member of the FBS. Failure against a FCS team would be devastating. Another reason has been that it wasn't rewarding to have 12,000 fans at Fouts to see us play a patsy. We simply do not have the fan base to pay a "body bag" to come here. Those games have been the most boring in my memory. Who can never forget Samford, Indiana State or Nicholls State? Next year you may have your wish. Texas Southern is scheduled to come here in what should be considered a body bag game. If we are successful (winning and drawing a decent crowd) then you may see that occur more in the future. But, I hope not.

I don't know why Zach Olen missed two field goals last week when he only missed two last year but don't rag on our field goal kicker. Zach ranked 16th in the FBS last year and is among the best in the country.