Defense Strengthens Creates Turnovers In First Win

[MeanGreen61]

Defense strengthens, creates three turnovers in first win of season

Opponent scoreless in first half

Shawn Edwards

Issue date: 10/16/07 Section: SPORTS

Media Credit: Chase Martinez

Running back Micah Mosley (32), Nederland freshman, runs through the Louisiana-Monroe defense late in the fourth quarter of a 31-21 North Texas win Saturday night at Fout's Field.

After poor performances during the first five games of the season, the NT defense helped give the Mean Green (1-5, 1-2) its first win of the season over the University of Louisiana-Monroe, 31-21.

"I'm just so proud of the way our defense played," said head coach Todd Dodge. "I felt all along that before this journey was over with, our defense was really going to be strong. We've taken some shots, but they are doing a lot better job and they definitely won the ball game for us tonight."

The defense was able to grab three interceptions of the night after having just one the first five games of the season. Two of the three picks against ULM were run back for touchdowns as the Mean Green turned the three turnovers into 17 points.

The interception returned for a score by senior defensive end Montey Stevenson in the second quarter was his first interception and defensive touchdown of his career. This was the first interception returned for a touchdown since senior linebacker Maurice Holman's 99-yard return against Middle Tennessee in 2005.

"We had a bunch of three-and-outs, bunch of punts, it was going back and forth there for awhile," Stevenson said. "I think once I got that touchdown it kinda swung the momentum our way and we got things going."

Stevenson also recorded 10 tackles, two for a loss, with 1.5 sacks against the Warhawks. His performance earned him the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Sun Belt leading rusher Calvin Dawson was held to his worst game of the season by the Mean Green defense. Dawson rushed for only 65 yards on 18 carries and no scores. This was the first time in the last 10 games that he did not have at least 100 yards on the ground. The 10-game streak by Dawson was the 15th longest in NCAA history.

The Warhawk's rushing attack, which averaged 224 yards a game before facing the Mean Green defense, picked up just 130 yards Saturday night.

Junior defensive tackle Joseph Miller said after the game that Dodge challenged the defense during practice to step up.

"We just wanted to go out and play hard," Miller said. "We went out there and played our hearts out and caused some turnovers by flying to the ball. It just all came together tonight."

Miller had five tackles, 2.5 for a loss, with 1.5 sacks against the Warhawks.

The ability of the Mean Green defense to get to the quarterback also improved against the Warhawks. With four sacks in the first five games, NT doubled its total by recording four sacks against ULM.

This game was also the first time that the Mean Green had kept its opponent scoreless in the first half of a game this season. The last time that happened was in the seven-overtime victory over Florida International University last season.

The Mean Green will play the defending conference champion University of Troy Trojans (4-2, 3-0), who are undefeated in conference play thus far.

"It was a big step that we took," Miller said. "Hopefully it will carry us on through the rest of the season."