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The Cardinals are also facing a very good team this week in the Mean Green (1-1). North Texas opened the year with a 40-6 beating of Idaho, and in last week’s 27-21 loss to Mid-American Conference-power Ohio, the Mean Green had their way with the Bobcats throughout the second half (outscoring Ohio 14-6 after digging itself a 21-7 halftime hole). “North Texas was on the cusp of doing some things last year,” Lembo explained. “Now they are in their third season (under former Iowa State coach Dan McCarney) as a staff and it is apparent that these players have really bought into the coaching staff.” The Mean Green have exhibited great balance offensively (83 rushing attempts and 63 passing), and senior quarterback Derek Thompson is actually in his fifth season (he played sparingly as a freshman and was injured early in his sophomore season) of competition with North Texas and his experience shows. Thompson has completed 75 percent (42 of 56) of his passes for 544 yards and four scores through two games. “North Texas’ identities on offense and defense fit together very nicely,” Lembo said. “You look over to the offensive side of the ball and there is a mix of one- and two-backs. There is a power running game with play action. You can see the growth from last year to this year.” Since Lembo arrived in Muncie, the Cardinals have demonstrated the ability to create “chunk” plays for big gains offensively. Already this season, the Cardinals have generated nine plays of at least 20 yards or more (as high as 50 yards). However, Lembo anticipates that won’t be real easy on Saturday. “North Texas is very fundamentally sound,” Lembo said. “Everybody is keeping things inside and in front. It’s very hard to get explosive plays against them. “They are a very physical team that is very much on the same page,” Lembo said. “It’ll be a huge challenge for us.” Read more: http://seedit.sx.atl.publicus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130910/SPORTS/130919999