Side Show Joe

To me, scheduling programs like Syracuse is a no-brainer. I understand some want to continue scheduling FCS programs in hopes of buying an easy win, but that isn't going to sell our program to the better recruits that we need to be signing. Those FCS match-ups also don't motivate the 300K alums we have in the DFW, or buy us respect with the local media. We have to trust that Littrell and Baker are going to get our program turned around. To those that believe we need the FCS game to achieve bowl eligibility... If we can't get six wins between playing a C-USA schedule and SMU every season, then we will have bigger problems then debating the merits of scheduling lower P5 vs. FCS schools. We have to trust that our team can compete with lower tier P5 programs at Apogee. Syracuse may not bring extra fans to the game, but we should be able to draw more of our fans. Also, the local media should give us better coverage for hosting Syracuse. Let's be honest, the DFW media gave us better press when we hosted K State and beat Indiana. I'd like to remind people that we came close to beating K State the same season Dodge was fired and we went 3-9, and we finished 5-7 the season we beat Indiana. I believe we would have a fair chance of beating Syracuse at Apogee.

Central Michigan has no openings in their 2017 schedule. According to fbschedules.com, Syracuse doesn't have anyone scheduled for the opening week. That is when RV sandbagged us with Lamar. Seems like more then coincidence that he chose to post a picture of possibly the only P5 team we could bring to Apogee next season. The Big10 teams only get 3 OOC games a year. Michigan State has no openings in 2017.

I don't do twitter, and have no idea how to attach one, so here is the message, with picture. After reviewing the photo, it appears Baker and crew were looking at the Schedule for Syracuse and Central Michigan in 2017. I'm not that interested in C Michigan, but would love to host Syracuse at Apogee. The Orangmen only have 3 OOC games scheduled in 2017 (MT, C. Mich, and @LSU). Is Baker looking to buy out our Lamar game and add Syracuse to our 2017 home schedule? I hope so. Using screen in @MeanGreenSports conf room to look at schedule options with @mosleyj22 & @mgrnpxp. Quality home non con schedule is priority

Not only is it the most ascetically pleasing, it is also the most unique. The two tone green and white is perfect. I have no idea why we ever stopped using this helmet and uniform. If we would have kept this look, today our helmets and uniforms would be as recognizable as any other FBS/D1 program that has been around for 100 years.

I watched the Rice@Army game. We can beat Army. Army has not beaten an FBS team in over a month. If we are disciplined, our defense is too fast and athletic for Army's triple option to be effective. Our O-line should benefit from Army's smaller defensive front. And, Fine should create issues for their defense. North Texas 20 Army 13

No. I'd rather we just focus on building our program and building our rivalries with the other C-USA West members. Even though many of them are down right now, I still like the line up of C-USA West.

I don't believe our blocking issues on offense can be fixed in one week, but sure hope I'm wrong. North Texas 10 Marshall 38

I think we could be competitive in all 7 if we could figure out how to block. If our blocking issues continue, we might see 2 more wins this season.

Late in the game, Littrell and Jeffrey Wilson seemed to have words with each other. Did anyone else notice this? I can't believe none of the reporters inquired about that exchange. Wilson was out there fighting for yards and taking a pounding. I bet he was frustrated with the line and WRs lack of blocking.

A few things I saw that were frustrating.... 1, Harrell watching our defense play near the end of the 3rd quarter. This made no sense to me. Our offense hadn't done squat since the opening drive. I thought our coordinator should have been working with the offensive players on making adjustments. I guess Harrell was watching the MT offense in hopes of getting some ideas. 2. I get tired of watching some of our DBs high five and celebrate on plays that they didn't make. When our DB has been burnt on a route and the receiver drops the ball, I see no reason for them to show out like they had something to do with it.

For a true freshman, Mason did well. Our O-line had yet another bad night. They couldn't run block for anything, and their pass blocking was shaky too. Our backs were getting hit at the line of scrim age all night. Our WRs also need to do a better job of picking up blocks. The defense played well considering they spent all night on the field, but they did a terrible job of stopping 3rd down conversions. I thought we did a terrible job of adjusting to what MT was doing. Harrell's play calling was lacking.

It would certainly be a lot of work, but I think we have a talented group of alums, like yourself, and fans, with the talent to form a non-profit, or raise funds, or develop sponsors. I'm not a business person, but I can contribute what I can financially and in other ways. If enough of us pull together, I don't see why it couldn't become a reality. I think Joe would be honored to have the only national award for a defensive lineman named in his honor. If he would be willing to serve as a voting member of the club and hand the award out, that alone should establish respect for the award. Got to head down for the game tonight, but I'll think about it some more. Thanks for the insights. Go Mean Green!

Good to hear from you KRAM! National award given out to the best defensive lineman in the country. Like the Doak Walker for running backs and Davy O'Brien for quarterbacks.

Another season will come and go without this award being given out. My question is what can we do about it? Could we as alums and fans form a non-profit (North Texas Athletic Club?), and run with this thing? I think Tyler Maryak and Harry might be able to organize something like this. I'm sure their are some on this board with backgrounds that would be beneficial in organizing and bringing this thing to realty. I know I'd be willing to join the organization and could sculpt the award for free. Joe turned 70 last Saturday. I think it's time people got this thing going. Here is a list of individual awards. http://www.espn.com/college-football/awards Thoughts?

This is a tough one. MT has played well early, but we have the home field advantage, and usually play them well at home. MT are still breaking in a couple of young WRs. I think our defense could give those guys fits. I think Wilson and Ivery can run on Middle's defense. That said, we give up more sacks then any other team in C-USA. That has to stop for us to have a chance to win this game. It should be a beautiful night for football. I think the noise our crowd makes will be a factor too. Let's get a week better. North Texas 41 MTSU 33

Wow! Just read the article. If our university leadership can get even half of these things fixed or implemented within the next 5 years, we will be moving up the college football food chain.

Rice is no Florida. I believe our defense and special teams can post performances similar to last week's. Will the offense step up and do their part? I think so. Some teams around C-USA could be in for quite a shock. North Texas 48 Rice 17 Go Mean Green!!!

Another good episode. I'll never understand why RV canceled it in the first place. I love the behind the scenes look we get every week. I just wish they would have included footage of the argument between the coaches. I was really hoping to see and hear some of what they said to each other. Guess the athletic department requested that not be included.

Fine didn't get a lot of time to show much, but I think we certainly learned some things about him. 1. He's tough. The kid can take a shot and bounce back without flinching. 2. He doesn't crack under pressure. On one of college football's biggest stages, "the Swamp", he did a good overall job of blocking out the distractions and protecting the ball. Just one pick. 3. He has a short memory. He didn't dwell on bad plays, he just kept positive and tried to make some plays. I can't wait to see what Fine can do against C-USA level competition. As for some play calling that might help this offense... I'd like to see a stretch read pass option, like Payton Manning and Edgerrin James used to run in Indy. I think that would be very effective for us.

Hey, I didn't say the improvement would be on offense. I think our defense and special teams looked much better this week. As for our offense, I believe that Gator defense will shut down quite a few SEC teams this season too.

I've thought about this prediction all week.... Florida-34 North Texas-Improvement

This. I'd be glad to do the job. It would take about a year and a half to get both cast and installed.

Rice, UTSA, and maybe Army.

Morris and Fine create substitution issues for Cookman's D. Special Teams wins the field position battle. We don't turn the ball over. North Texas 42 Cookman 34

Jeffrey "the Weapon" Wilson had a solid game. Rushed for 86 yards and a TD, averaging 5.7 yards a carry. He also added another 55 yards receiving. If Rico Bussey, LaDarius Hamilton, Wille Robinson, or Kelvin Smith have yet to be adopted, someone needs to pick them up. Those guys look like they will be important contributors this season.