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Four quarterbacks are on the Mean Green roster, and none of them are Derek Thompson. Although Thompson had clear limitations, he was a bastion of consistency for the Mean Green offense and missed only one start over the past three seasons. He was never beloved, but he will be missed, if only because theres no clear starter behind him. Junior Andrew McNulty is the favorite, mainly because hes spent three seasons with the program, more than any other quarterback on the roster. Thompson showed the ability to improvise, but he was never a dedicated scrambler. McNulty rushed for more than 1,000 yards his senior year of high school and could give coaches a new wrinkle on offense. He doesnt have a strong arm, but head coach Dan McCarney and offensive coordinator Mike Canales like players who know the system and in theory are experienced veterans. Read more: http://ntdaily.com/otr-mean-green-football-preview/

In the Mean Green football team’s 41-7 win against the University of Texas-El Paso on Saturday, the UNT defense held an opponent to 16 points or fewer for the fifth straight game. But in particular, it was a breakout game for the defensive line. The Mean Green defense finished the game with eight sacks – a UNT single-game record. But in a season where the UNT defense is ranked among the top teams in the nation, the defensive line still feels like it’s being overlooked. “That’s what drives me personally,” senior defensive end Aaron Bellazin said. “I play with a chip on my shoulder every Saturday.” The defensive line has become the forefront of the system that has helped UNT win seven games and become bowl eligible for the first time in nine years. The UNT defense allows an average of 18.6 points per game, tied for the 11th fewest points allowed in the nation. “Obviously, it all starts up front,” head coach Dan McCarney said. “To control the game, we need to be strong on the line.” Read more: http://ntdaily.com/defensive-line-leads-charge-for-surging-mean-green-football-team/

CB: Akron almost upset Michigan last weekend. Does that instill belief that a North Texas can beat Georgia, since we just saw a mid-major almost bring down a BCS program? TC: Nothing's impossible and this is the deepest, most talented team for UNT since its run of four straight bowl games in 2001 to 2004. But no, my best case scenario is to keep it competitive in the first half and to not lose by more than a couple touchdowns. Beating Georgia just doesn't seem probable. CB: North Texas joined Conference-USA this season. How well do you think North Texas will do in its new conference? TC: Conference USA is a huge step up from the Sun Belt, even if the increase in actual talent level isn't as much as people might think. UNT's not a powerhouse in the new conference, but they should be able to reach six wins and a bowl game this season. Read more: http://www.redandblack.com/sports/behind-enemy-bylines-north-texas/article_3cd1b2f2-2196-11e3-a21f-0019bb30f31a.html

Tim Cato / Senior Staff Writer The term “student-athlete” is used for college athletics for a reason – class and sports stand on equal ground. Student athletes must manage homework, tests and projects before worrying about practice, games and road trips – something professional athletes never have to worry about. Despite the challenges, UNT athletes are finding the perfect balance between the two this year. As a whole, UNT student-athletes had a 3.01 grade point average in the 2012 fall semester. “We have slowly improved overall as a department,” said Cinnamon Sheffield, the senior associate athletic director for student services. “This past fall was our highest GPA since I’ve been here, since 2001.” Sheffield is responsible for student academics, helping to get everyone on track. She, along with several academic advisors on staff, meets with the head coaches. Coaches also receive a “good, bad and ugly” report, letting coaches know which players have tests or projects coming up that they need to be studying for. “When you get the coaches to buy into the overall program, that’s what happens [3.01 GPA],” Sheffield said. Certain UNT teams and players stand out above the rest. The Mean Green volleyball team won its first ever American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award in 2011 and followed it up with another in 2012. The award is given to any team that maintains a 3.3 team GPA. Read more: http://wordpress1.cws.unt.edu/?p=3913