Green Guy Bass

I think that I can speak on this topic, because I happen to be part of the local sports media in D/FW....and a proud UNT alum that does my best to promote our program when I can. I think there are a few things we all need to understand about local media coverage..... Our conference does not have a good television package that gives us enough exposure locally or nationally....which means there is no pressure for the local TV outlets to do their part to offer the same exposure. It is frustrating though when we do make the dance and then they produce packages and spend part of their broadcast on our school's success and make it seem like it came out of nowhere when it has been in their own backyard all along. A great number of local and some national media members (writers, tv reporters, play by play guys, and radio superstars on KTCK) went to North Texas, but due to their jobs that pay the bills they are forced to cover more relevant happenings....we as Mean Green fans have to understand we are dealing the outlets doing insane coverage of the Cowboys, Mavericks, Stars, Rangers, Desperados, FC Dallas, and BIG TIME college football (Texas, A&M, Big 12, and other national game of the week in college season) and not the Mean Green (even SMU and TCU get screwed too), 2 PGA golf tournaments in the summer, 2 Nascar races, IRL, and oh yeah every off season bowel movement that happens with the Cowboys. Sometimes the sports directors have too much on their plate with the major teams and big national stories that demand attention and priority over mean green atletics....or perhaps it's due to financial reasons from bastard companies that under-pay the reporters and engineers....they don't have the man power or don't want to waste the gas money on a ride to Denton (3.14 per gallon- YIKES!!)....sorry to vent.... If SMU and TCU does get more coverage is because they are more locked in with 2 of the big 4 TV outlets.....SMU gets $$$ from the Belo corp. that owns ch. 8....and CBS 11 is a stones throw away from dowtown FW....and due to the proximity of those schools to the station (both being in major market cities) their events are considered "local events that people care about"....again Denton is a whip of a drive and the population is much lower than Dallas and FW.... And finally the Mean Green facilties are not what you would call awesome for media outlets to execute quality coverage....As much as I love the Super Pit, it is slightly being the times on the technology front....but it is still not that bad. However, Fouts is one of the worst press boxes i have ever had to deal with as a media member....small, cramped, terrible sight lines, no elevator, and you have lightly toasted people walking back and forth from each "Luxury Box" causing a bitch of a cold draft that invades the working press area....the rainy cold game againt WKU was an f'ing nightmare....oh yeah and the heat was out that day. Not a good experience for a media member if they are not one that truly cares about the Mean Green.... Just know that there are those of us who love our alma mater and do everything we can to spread the good word about NT athletics, but understsnd there are reasons that the media is not bending over backwards to head up to Denton, America....if it were up to me the doings in football and basketball were covered about 10 times more than what they are, but sadly we live in one of the best sports markets in the country with so much great stuff happening all the time, right now. Now lets go knock off the Hilltoppers and make people pay attention to the Mean Green!!!

No more Mr. McCalebb....NT wins....beer time!

As concerning as missing all of those FT's in LaLa a few nights ago, the reality is....we are hosting a 1st rounder wednesday night. I like the odds of a 2nd round meeting with whoever the heck we play. To be honest with you it doesn't really matter who we meet in the SBC Tourney. I know we match up better with some teams more than others. I just hope the guys that were on the team last season remember how magical March really can be. Sure, S. AL and WKU are strong to quite strong, but until proven otherwise....The Mean Green are the champs of the Belt. I hope that mentality is spreading through the lockeroom. BTW I love having to face Bo McCalebb before the tourney begins (also good to know possibly the last time we have to deal with him). Our boys need to realize the importance of guard play when it becomes tournament time. Lets try to enjoy the run again. Last year was a blast!

Another thought after watching tonight's loss....we may only go as far as Wooden's sore ankles will take us. I hate to say that, but after watching him struggle for the past month, that seems to be a huge factor in the slight decline with the team's overall play (losing Dez doesn't help either). I don't like excuses in sports and I know that JJ doesn't either, but there is a noticeable difference. I know it might be really unpopular, but maybe JJ should sit Keith a few games, or drastically cuts back his mins. against a few of the weaker SB teams coming up.....Just a thought.

WKU is playing like the class of the SBC, Coutney Lee is a special player and could very well go to the next level. It is amazing how different things were tonight while Lee was on the bench. WKU is traditionally a strong program, but it's good to see we are not that far behind the Hilltoppers. Not shocked at all with what happened tonight, however it is great to see JJ's bunch not give up and fight it out until the end. I just hope they fall in the SB Tourney before we run into them....We simply need to worry about what happens in the West and then go from there. Good things ahead as we hopefully "March" through February....(Rock-Me).....

Glad NT was able to get to the line as much as they did in the 1st half....Feel fortunate to be down by 9 at the break....With Wooden still a little gimpy they are winning the battle in the paint in a big way....We also need someone other that Josh to get some offensive rythm. Pray real hard in the 2nd half....GMG!

I have it on very good authority this game will be featured at times throughout the afternoon on the Ticket Ticker from 10-3 on Thursday....

I hate losing to SMU, we all do....but man, oh man!! I think it is pretty incredible that a group of Darrell Dickey's players, who might be the weakest crop we will see in a long while grasp anm offense in a such a short amount of time.....Weas Mean Green alums and fans have several things to be jazzed about..... 1- Managed to sling it around for over 600 yards tonight, with a pair of school records set.... 2- Seeing the potential of guys like Casey Fitzgerald, Brandon Jackson, a few of the young O-linemen, and I can't beleive I would ever say this, but....Daniel Meager looking like a legit d-1 QB.... 3- A portion of the Mean Green nation jumping in their cars and showing up in good numbers and full throat for a road game...maybe the best NT atmosphere I have ever been a part of as a fan...and the game was not at Fouts.....insane....great experience, win or lose.... 4- A number of talented early commits on board for 2008 already....just imagine what some talent on both sides of the ball could do for this thing!!....Darrell Dickey spares looking like they have a clue....and better players to the same system and LTFO everyone else down the road..... 5- Todd....Todd....Todd....granted, he is 0-2, but the small miracle in itself to get a team with an obvious lack of talent to play at this level and graps a system that is anythingbut vanilla.....Freaking awesome job of coaching so far.... 6- The system itself....Skill position players on offense and some talented lineman in the HS ranks will salivate to play in a pass happy system....a fun offense to execute as a player is a big selling point when it comes to recruiting....we have already seen guys commit for that along with TD's reputation....the future will be awesome, and it is as clear as day..... 7- Any great idea and expectation you have for this program and our school....There is so much that is positive built up in our minds and we finally have the guy here to see it fully blossom....We have a genuine buzz in the metroplex about what is going on at our school...so many great things ARE on the way....a more entertaining team to watch, a winning attitude that is already beginning to seep ito the players and fan-base....a new stadium....more wins....better talent....bowls down the road after getting the talent level built up on a consistent, year to year basis.... I could go on and on about all of the positive things....I am sure this post is already giving some of you tire-head... However, it feels awesome to say and even think about being an alum of our great institute....we now have a common phenomenon that we will see explode into a massive success that will rather quickly unfold right in front of us....we are lucky to be in this thing together, as fans, as friends, and members of a Mean Green Family that will grow stronger as we stride forward to bigger and brighter tomorrow....Love to all who are feeling the same thing I am right now....and I think I can safely speak for most of us....It feels damn good! Sean Bass

1st play- the ol' Hook and Lateral..... 2nd play- Statue of Liberty Just to piss off the Zero-U faithful

I understand its fun to kick Notre Dame in the balls for not winning a bowl since 1994, but I am pretty sure the Irish would win the NOB every year. I would rather be an Irish fan that lives through the misery of coming up short against often better talent in Marquee games rather than win a bowl once every few years, while being mediocre in the other years. You might bitch about ND having more $$ than other programs, but at least they generate their own revenues (TV deal, merchandising, a century of great success). While we are talking about $$ it also bugs me that people gripe about the Yankees. As a Ranger fan I hate the Yankees, but they do the same thing as ND. They have the YES network, they are the top selling franchise with merchandise, and they have skins on the wall. Sure their payroll is more that other franchises, or even divisions some seasons. But they have earned the $ they make, but more important they play by the rules....Name me something that the Yankees do illegally to get top players....Not until MLB does soemthing to even things out they will always have a taller stack than everyone else at the table. But in a way the Yankees are a great example of this capitalistic society we live in. The Yankees and Irish are haves compared to the have nots. People like to gripe, but they have earned their status....just like a student who has paid his dues, worked hard (and smart), and now they get to reap the benefits. Just my view of the issue. Bass

Just a few great Bowls that might be on the top of the list, but good ones Nonethless.... 1979 Cotton- Montana and the Irish over Houston "Cicken Soup Game" erasing a 23 point defecit.... 1998 Alamo- Drew Brees and Purdue coming back in the 4th quarter to beat Michale Bishop and K-State... 1994 Orange- Florida St. / Nebraska a premature gatorade bath for Bobby Bowden, a missed FG, a penalty then another missed FG...end of game chaos 1990 Notre Dame / Colorado- Rockets Run back that would have been the game winner if not for a phantom clipping call....(BS).... 1992 Peach Bowl- ECU / NC State- ECU's Jeff Blake leads a comeback in the 4th quarter for the Pirates who were trailing by 17 to win it....Missed Wolfpack FG sealed it for Pirates... 1997 Rose- Jake the Snskes finest hour as he does everything in his power to help his Sun Devils but falls short to Ohio State.... These are a few that stand out to me when I think of New Years day Classics....post more if you can think of any.... Oh yeah the 2002 N.O.B was pretty sweet too...Ah Memories! Bass

I think having green beach balls in the crowd after scores could be cool....heck some NT fan could produce some that say "Dodge Ball" on them....I know the beach ball is a bit of a baseball thing, but lets face it people like things that cause temporary and safe chaos in the stands....and without a visulally attractive stadium it could be a good distraction and get more students who are tanked in the parking lot to actually come into the game to ass around in the stands....not to mention with the track around the stadiumand the sidelines the "dodge balls" will never get to the field of play.... And even though we did create the Tortilla thing, thise outside of the Mean Green nation (and some in it) don't know that and the general perception is that we are copying Tech....Its a fresh start with TD, and its gonna be a bright future, lets start some kick ass traditions for a potential Kick ass program. Bass

Its not nice to dance on a grave we are better than that. Bass

I cannot believe you morons are bitching about uniforms. Who gives a rats ass about what our team wears...We played like crap again....Dickey is on his way out like the majotity of us want....but you all who are making a mountain out of a fucking mole-hill about wearing all black need to re-evaluate yourselves. Honestly!!! If you really think that the uniform makes the team, you don't know shit abut football.... If DD wants to go out Johnny Cash style...screw it...let him we have won 3 fucking games this year....he probably feels like he got shafted after a great run of success....and if any of you want to criticize 4 conf titles and Bowls go ahead...but look around you....this is NT, we never had it so good before DD.... If you want to be a real asshole and say he shouldn't get on the bus to Monroe, then you need to kiss your own ass.... His players were probably on board with wearing black, they have their coaches back, which is more that I can say about the group of morons who bitch about Laundry.... Very dissapointed in all of you....and piss off....Focus on important things like moving forward instead of wallowing in your own petty-ass gripes... I raise my Talon in one hand and my middle finger to the rest of you Idiots that can't look at the Big Picture.... The stupidity on this stupid forum is amazing at times... Sean C. Bass-KTCK

I believe that Long Jim replied to my idea of the spread offense with.... "Not trying to beat UT's drum, but if you have some time this weekend to catch the Baylor/Texas game, take a look at the defenses that will be run to try to stop Baylor's spread attack. It will give a good idea of how the spread offense fares when facing better athletes. It will be an interesting game from that standpoint." Right now its the beginning of the 2nd quarter and the Bears lead it 10-0...Now I know that Texas will probably come back and win handily, but I know as a UNT alumn I would be happy as hell if the spread offense produced a 10-0 lead in Austin.... Don't underrate the spread my friend. Bass

I think the Keith Whitmire article in the DMN is right on.... To those who question NT going to this offense has good counterpoints, but when you are not able to recruit the skill of a Texas, or OU you need to have something that is appealing... To expect kids to be completely on board with a traditional offense( ala 90's Cowboys) is somewhat unrealistic these days, especially when they know they would be going to a place where there is less talent than most Big 12 schools....they would expect getting pounded and expereicing a lot of 3 and outs (sound familiar??) You could cause some problems with this offense, maybe gain some talent to run it,, maybe win some OOC games with it...which would help recruiting. Once you have things up and flying and gain better talent you can always mold the offense into a more of a traditional look, all while being known as a team that likes to air it out...many teams have done this...it could work here if we committed to it. I am glad this whole post is getting some thought out responses that hinges around football, instead of bitching about what we don't have...its always better to think about solutions and discuss them rationally, instead of bitching about existing problems. Bass

Here is a serious question....although at this point it is a hypothetical one. Say DD is gone one day, Ramon too...don't think about the talent we have on the team right now.... How would you all feel about oe day the Mean Green running the spread offense??? I know it would make us look like a copy-cat (ala Baylor), but imagine.... 1-How much fun it would be to watch. 2-How much easier it would be to recruit skill players. 3-How much tougher it would be to defend it, rather than simply putting 8 in the box. ...alright folks fire away...this is something that I think could save the program one day...what do you all have to say about this? A founding member of the Green Guys (remember them?)

I am very proud to have attained a quality education at good ol' UNT, but damn it. Q. How on earth can a school that is smack dab in the middle of the biggest football hotbed in the entire country not have better players coming into the program by default? A. The coaches, ath. dept. and the admins of our school go by the book and are so scared of screwing up with the NCAA. Sure some underhanded stuff that big schools get away with is wrong, but they win on Saturday and make those alums proud. I want that and I don't care how it comes to be. Its time for us to sack up and start making the effort to bring in some real talent. I understand its hard to do with shallow pockets, but something could be done on that front. Academically its not hard to get into the school, so crap recruiting classes are a ridiculous thing that many of us continue to tolerate. Q. How can one of, if not THE best Broadcasting school in the great state not have any sort of television package in the DFW market which is a top 8 media market?? A. The powers that be are trying to lure in apathetic fans into a terrible facility instead of gaining a widespread interest in their product. How about RV and others not try to sell tailgaiting and maybe work on giving the 30 thousand plus students that attend NT a reason to tune in whether it be in person or on the TV. Exposure is expose no matter how it comes. This is still a big commuter school so those students are not always around on a Saturday. And how about getting some day games at Fouts...for goodness sake we have stuff to do in the Metroplex on a Saturday night. More people will come when they can still have a full weekend instead of having Saturday being centered around a failed event at 6 o'clock. These are just a few things that bother me among many...I don't want to sound like a forum blow hard, but after a 35-0 shalacking to the hands of a team we have owned the past 5 years is a bummer. I love my mean green, but its turned into something I can't beat my chest over. Go ahead and criticize some of these Ideas as you guys always do, and give a list of "ifs" and "yeah, buts" (a mind set that has put our program in its current state)....but until the program starts walking around like we have something of consequence between our legs, we will keep getting hammered by the other bottom feeders...yeah I said it.