Texas Rivalry Brings Out Balance

MeanGreen61 · September 9, 2005

Texas Rivalry brings out balance

MTSU, North Texas often force each other to mix things up

By ADAM SPARKS

sparks@dnj.com

If history is any indication, don't expect a pair of the nation's best running and passing teams to rely solely on their respective strengths Saturday.

North Texas has touted an elite running attack since the Sun Belt's football inception in 2001, while MTSU has aired the football out with the best in the country for roughly the same amount of time.

But against each other, the two teams have typically borrowed from the opponent's playbook to gain an edge.

"I think if you look at (North Texas), you get caught up in the running game, but Johnny Quinn is as good a receiver as there is in the Sun Belt," said MTSU coach Andy McCollum. "They are going to run you and run you and then play-action, but they throw the ball much better than they get credit for."

Indeed, both North Texas and MTSU have pulled out all the stops in this four-game series, and the Mean Green have apparently balanced their attack the best.

While North Texas has touted each of the nation's last two rushing champions in Jamario Thomas (2004) and Patrick Cobbs (2003), it's actually been the selective aerial attack that has buried the Blue Raiders in past meetings.

In fact, North Texas has actually averaged 209.5 passing yards and 176.3 rushing yards in four wins over MTSU, a balance that has frustrated the Blue Raider defense intent on containing the Mean Green's ground game.

Case in point comes from last year's matchup — a 30-21 North Texas win — where the Blue Raider defense was stingy up front, but gave up long pass plays while being outscored 24-0 in the second quarter in four scoring drives that totaled only 18 snaps.

"I thought (former quarterback) Scott Hall did a great job throwing the ball for them. He was always hot against us. He hit big plays on us. You have to control the run and keep the ball in front of you," McCollum said. "That's a big key. They will do some things that are tough for you defensively throwing the ball off the play-action and the option. We have to be solid in that area."

And North Texas has to do the same in another area.

MTSU has passed the ball to its usual standards versus North Texas, but it has also displayed a sporadic ground game.

Tailback Eugene Gross' lone 100-yard rushing game last season came against North Texas — running for 113 yards on 20 carries and one touchdown.

"That's where our focus is," said MTSU junior center Marcus Gates. "We want to be a balanced offense, unselfish and focus on the run to gain some tough yards."

The Blue Raiders have especially ran the football well in the red zone, dealing the Mean Green a dose of their own medicine. MTSU has scored nine rushing touchdowns to North Texas' six rushing scores in the series.

On the flip side, North Texas has reached paydirt seven times in the air, while the pass-happy Blue Raiders have thrown for just four touchdowns.

Nevertheless, each team must still focus on stopping the opponent's strength and simply wish for the best elsewhere.

"We won't change much. We'll still do what we do best, and Middle Tennessee will still do what it has always done," said North Texas coach Darrell Dickey. "That's how these games have always been. Both teams play well in every phase of the game, not just running the ball or throwing the ball or special teams, and that's why this game is always so close. I'm sure this will be the same kind of game."

Originally published September 9, 2005

http://www.dnj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?A.../509090318/1006

UNTLifer · September 9, 2005

In fact, North Texas has actually averaged 209.5 passing yards and 176.3 rushing yards in four wins over MTSU, a balance that has frustrated the Blue Raider defense intent on containing the Mean Green's ground game.

I would love to see this balance every week. Look at how successful our offense has been against the MUTS.

good_ken · September 9, 2005

I think the real stat of interest, and I wish I had it, is the average number of penaltys that the MUTS take. They have played us in a very undisciplined manner, and it has cost them. I expect that aspect to be very important.

theboro · September 9, 2005

Who's more undisciplined?

Four games:

MT 22 penalties 215 yards

NT 34 penalties 279 yards

Bottomline:

The difference in the four games has been our inabilty to protect the football and stop the deep play action pass.

We have just sucked against ya'll and doesn't have much to do with penalties.

j0nat8an · September 9, 2005

Who's more undisciplined?
Four games:
MT 22 penalties 215 yards
NT 34 penalties 279 yards
Bottomline:
The difference in the four games has been our inabilty to protect the football and stop the deep play action pass.
We have just sucked against ya'll and doesn't have much to do with penalties.
←

good point.

ya'll have sucked against us!