Defense Returns To Form For UNT

MeanGreen61 · September 11, 2005

Football: Defense returns to form for UNT

09:44 AM CDT on Sunday, September 11, 2005

By Brett Vito / Staff Writer

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The North Texas football team’s defense looked a little like the Mean Green of old on Saturday night in its season and Sun Belt Conference opener against Middle Tennessee — at least when it comes to taking advantage of opportunities.

UNT gave up 383 yards of total offense to the Blue Raiders, but came up with a series of key plays at just the right time in a 14-7 win at Floyd Stadium.

The Mean Green intercepted three passes and recovered two fumbles. Maurice Holman returned one of those interceptions 99 yards for a touchdown while Jeremiah Chapman’s fumble recovery set up what turned out to be UNT’s game-winning touchdown drive.

UNT came into the season looking to improve a defense that allowed an average of 29.8 points a game.

The Mean Green’s defensive performance helped the team pull out a game in which its offense struggled at times while adapting to playing a new quarterback in Daniel Meager.

UNT fell behind 7-0 before Holman’s interception return.

“We couldn’t give up,” Holman said. “We go through those situations in practice and know that we have to keep on fighting.”

MTSU coach Andy McCollum credited his team’s struggles offensively in part to UNT.

“Give North Texas credit,” McCollum said. “They forced turnovers and made some big plays.”

Weathers starts quickly

North Texas had a number of questions heading into its season opener against Middle Tennessee.

Junior safety Aaron Weathers provided at least one answer when he made his debut for the Mean Green. The former Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College standout started at strong safety for UNT and turned in one of the Mean Green’s top individual performances of the night.

Weathers made a pair of key plays in the first half that ended MTSU drives deep into Mean Green territory.

The game was scoreless in the first quarter when MTSU drove to the Mean Green’s 27-yard line and appeared to be on its way to the end zone when Weathers intercepted a Clint Marks pass at the 22-yard line.

Weathers stopped a second Blue Raiders drive when he recovered a fumble by MTSU wide receiver Chris Henry at the UNT 20.

Weathers tied with fellow safety Roderick Cotton for the team lead in tackles with 8.5. Cotton was also making his first start for the Mean Green.

MTSU breaks sack slump

MTSU needed five games, but it finally recorded its first sack in its series with UNT in the third quarter of Saturday’s game.

Defensive lineman Jeff Littlejohn recorded the Blue Raiders’ sack when burst through the middle of the Mean Green’s line and drug down UNT quarterback Daniel Meager.

UNT entered the game with a 16-0 edge in sacks in the series.

Gamble costs UNT

North Texas coach Darrell Dickey took a gamble in the first half and watched his team fail to convert a key scoring chance.

The Mean Green drove all the way to MTSU 30-yard line where they faced a fourth-and-1 situation. Running back Jamario Thomas tried to pick up the yard in the middle of the Mean Green’s line, but was stopped short.

MTSU slowed down UNT’s running game throughout the first half, limiting the Mean Green to 80 yards on 20 carries.

Pruitt plays for UNT

Junior defensive lineman Sky Pruitt played for North Texas in its game against Middle Tennessee, despite a shoulder injury that kept him out of practice until late in the week.

Pruitt was listed as UNT’s starting defensive tackle heading into the game and was one of the few players among the Mean Green’s defensive linemen with extensive college experience.

The Mean Green replaced all four of its starting defensive linemen from last season in their game against the Blue Raiders.

Pruitt finished with three tackles.

NFL sends record contingent

The Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks all sent scouts to Murfreesboro, Tenn., to see North Texas take on Middle Tennessee.

The NFL contingent was a record for an MTSU game, Blue Raiders assistant athletic director for media relations Mark Owens said.

UNT running back Patrick Cobbs and MTSU defensive lineman Jeff Littlejohn were among the seniors considered NFL prospects who played in the game.

BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870. His e-mail address is bvito@dentonrc.com.

MeanGreen61 · September 11, 2005

Presence of scouts factor into more touches for Cobbs ?

medpilot21 · September 11, 2005

Presence of scouts factor into more touches for Cobbs ?
←

Had to be the reason J-Mo didnt get more touches? Cobbs looked really good, but having J-mo attack that defense may have been a difference in the second half.

Ahhh, a win is a win.

GMG!!!

untgirl04 · September 11, 2005

NFL sends record contingent
The Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks all sent scouts to Murfreesboro, Tenn., to see North Texas take on Middle Tennessee.
The NFL contingent was a record for an MTSU game, Blue Raiders assistant athletic director for media relations Mark Owens said.
UNT running back Patrick Cobbs and MTSU defensive lineman Jeff Littlejohn were among the seniors considered NFL prospects who played in the game.
BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870. His e-mail address is bvito@dentonrc.com.
←

They showed the scouts on TV, and man, there were a lot of them. Now that someone mentions it, it does make sense to give PC more carries if there are that many scouts. I think JMo will understand because he knows DD will do the same for him during his senior season. I just hope DD gives JMo more carries this next game - I wouldn't want him to get rusty.