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[MeanGreen61]

2) NORTH TEXAS: Running back Patrick Cobbs left as the Mean Green’s all-time leading rusher but there is no reason for panic. Backup RB Jamario Thomas returns, so the ground attack will not lose a step. All Thomas did in ’04 when Cobbs was injured was lead the NCAA in rushing with 1.801 yards. Nine offensive starters return, including four members of an offensive line that allowed only six sacks in the final five games. The O-line also improved the running game as the season progressed. In the Mean Green’s first five games (which included three teams in the Sun Belt), they ran for 556 yards with a 3.0 average. In their last six games, they rushed for 1,017 yards on 4.6 yards per carry. North Texas scored an averaged of 14 ppg and allowed 31.5 but was outscored by only one ppg (19-20) in conference play.

ANALYSIS: The Mean Green failed to win a home game (0-5) for the first time since 1982. They also finished 2-5 in league play, but look for a complete reversal this season.

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