Mean Green Report

[MeanGreen61]

INSIDE SLANT

There isn't a quarterback controversy, nor was there a quarterback experiment against UL-Lafayette last week.

First-year UNT coach Todd Dodge simply decided last week that he would bench junior starter Daniel Meager in favor of true freshman Giovanni Vizza.

Vizza threw for more than 363 yards and three touchdowns, but he also threw three first-half interceptions in a 38-29 loss at UL-Lafayette.

"We have evaluated our first four games and practice day in and day out," Dodge told the Denton Record-Chronicle. "We felt at this point of the season that Giovanni gives us the best chance. It's for the rest of the year."

While Vizza performed well in many regards, the difference was again the poor play of UNT's defense, which allowed 300 yards rushing to the Ragin' Cajuns.

The run defense will certainly be a key this week when UNT plays host to UL-Monroe and tailback Calvin Dawson, who leads the Sun Belt in rushing.

NOTES, QUOTES

—Junior WR Casey Fitzgerald, a former walk-on, had 14 receptions for 131 yards and two touchdowns in a 39-28 loss at UL-Lafayette. He leads UNT with 52 receptions for 727 yards.

—Senior WR Brandon Jackson had 124 yards receiving against UL-Lafayette. He has 41 receptions this season.

GAME BALL GOES TO: WRs Casey Fitzgerald and Brandon Jackson — The junior and senior combined for 22 receptions for 255 yards against UL-Lafayette.

KEEP AN EYE ON: WR Brock Stickler — The junior had nine receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown after catching just six passes the previous four games.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "It's one of those games that both teams really need badly. You had two teams that were out there scratching and fighting. ... I am just very disappointed for our kids. We had our shots, but we were never able to get the lead." — UNT coach Todd Dodge told the Denton Record-Chronicle after the Mean Green's 39-28 loss at UL-Lafayette.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

LOOKING GOOD: UNT receivers Casey Fitzgerald and Brandon Jackson are the league's top duo and have more than 40 receptions each through five games.

DT Joseph Miller — The junior had a huge game against UL-Lafayette. He had nine tackles, including two for losses and one sack. He also forced a fumble.

PK Thomas Moreland — The true freshman has made four of six field goals and all eight of his extra point attempts.

STILL NEEDS SOME WORK: QB Giovanni Vizza — The UNT staff has elected to go with the true freshman the rest of the season. He has a great arm and threw for more than 360 yards against ULL. However, he threw three first-half interceptions, so he obviously needs to make better decisions.

UNT's defense ranks last in the nation and it has struggled against the run and the pass.

RB Jamario Thomas — The senior led the nation in rushing as a true freshman, but injuries and an inconsistent offensive line have plagued him this year. He needs to be more of a factor in the offense.

ROSTER REPORT: Senior OL Josh Alexander (knee) is out season.

Backup linebacker Bryant Seidle (shoulder) is likely out for the season.

Senior DB Roy Loren quit the team before the season began.