DRC Article on Cobb's Record Run

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DRC.com

Football: Record run

Loss to KSU overshadows Cobbs’ milestone

08:36 AM CDT on Tuesday, September 27, 2005

By Brett Vito / Staff Writer

When North Texas coach Darrell Dickey stopped Monday to look back on a record night by running back Patrick Cobbs, it wasn’t the yards the senior gained or the cuts he executed that made the biggest impression.

Patrick Cobbs

It was the attitude Cobbs displayed after a 54-7 loss to Kansas State spoiled his night. Cobbs wasn’t excited about becoming the all-time leading rusher in Mean Green history with 3,133 yards, he was disappointed after UNT suffered a second straight lopsided loss.

“It says a lot about Patrick that after the game he was not that concerned about the record, even though it is something that he is proud of and will reflect on later,” Dickey said. “He was very disappointed that we didn’t play any better.”

Cobbs has played a key role in making sure the Mean Green have played up to their potential during his decorated career that started back in the 2001 season. The former Tecumseh, Okla., standout has played three full seasons and helped lead UNT to the Sun Belt Conference title and a berth in the New Orleans Bowl each time.

Cobbs spent last season as a redshirt after a series of injuries cut his campaign short. His contributions as an unofficial coach helped his understudy Jamario Thomas thrive and lead UNT back to the New Orleans Bowl for a fourth straight year.

Cobbs returned for a second shot at his senior season this year and a chance to pass Ja’Quay Wilburn’s UNT record rushing total of 3,120 yards.

Patrick Cobbs

Cobbs needed just three games to roll past the mark, although his night against KSU didn’t go as planned.

“I guess I got it, but it could have come at a better time,” Cobbs said. “It was a bitter way to get it.”

There were several much more memorable moments that helped lead Cobbs to the top of UNT’s career rushing list (see chart). The Mean Green and Cobbs are hoping a few more will be on the way soon.

“It’s quite a tribute to Patrick that during his career here that he has done the things necessary to become the leading rusher at North Texas,” Dickey said. “It would have been better if we would have played better and give ourselves a chance to win, but that does not take away from what he has done in his career.”

Alexander to get added time

Offensive lineman Josh Alexander will receive additional playing time during the Mean Green’s game against Troy on Oct. 4, UNT coach Darrell Dickey said Monday.

The sophomore has served as UNT’s backup left tackle during the first three games of the season.

Dickey said giving Alexander additional time is one of a series of moves UNT is considering on its offensive line. The Mean Green are averaging just 103 rushing yards a game, despite featuring Patrick Cobbs and Jamario Thomas, the last two national rushing champions.

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

PATRICK COBBS COBBS MEMORABLE GAMES

The following is a look at some of Patrick Cobbs most memorable games. The senior broke Ja’Quay Wilburn’s career rushing record when he pushed his total to 3,133 yards with 34 yards against Kansas State on Saturday.

2005

North Texas 14, Middle Tennessee 7

Cobbs rushed for 103 yards and scored the game-winning touchdown in his return to UNT’s lineup after missing all but the first two games of the 2004 season with a series of injuries. The performance helped set up Cobbs’ record-breaking performance against Kansas State.

2003

North Texas 24, Idaho 14

Cobbs rushed for what was a UNT record 249 yards against the Vandals and scored three touchdowns. He carried the ball on all nine plays in a 52-yard touchdown drive that clinched the win.

North Texas 13, New Mexico State 10

Cobbs posted his fourth 200-yard game of the season when he recorded 216 yards in a victory over the Aggies that extended the Mean Green’s winning streak to eight games.

2002

North Texas 41, Louisiana-Monroe 2

Cobbs set what was a career high with 128 yards rushing and tied a school record with four rushing touchdowns.

2001

North Texas 50, Idaho 27

Cobbs rushed for a team high 112 yards and the Mean Green claimed the Sun Belt title and a berth in the New Orleans Bowl with a win over the Vandals