U S A Today Mean Green Report

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INSIDE SLANT

UNT (1-8, 1-4) was part of history Nov. 10, but it wasn't all positive.

The Mean Green and Navy set a NCAA record for the most points scored in a regulation game with 136, and UNT quarterback Givovanni Vizza set a record for the most touchdown passes by a freshman with eight.

However, while UNT's offense was unbelievable, the defense obviously led to the demise of the Mean Green, who lost 74-62 at home.

"We knew it was going to be this type of game, but I have never been a part of a game quite like this," first-year North Texas head coach Todd Dodge said. "You have to give a lot of credit to Navy because they executed their offense very well and we couldn't stop them."

North Texas racked up 635 yards in total offense, including 478 through the air. Vizza threw seven of his touchdowns in the first half.

However, the Mean Green defense that struggled all season allowed 572 yards rushing.

"We knew coming into this game it was going to be tough and physical," UNT defensive end Jeremiah Chapman told the Denton Record-Chronicle. "Our goal was to make them punt the ball three times because they hadn't punted much this year. ... We didn't force any turnovers and couldn't stop them."

The Mean Green play at Arkansas State Nov. 15.

NOTES, QUOTES

—True freshman quarterback Giovanni Vizza has already set the UNT freshman passing record. He has thrown for more than 1,700 yards and 16 touchdowns.

—Junior wide receiver Casey Fitzgerald, a former walk-on, has caught a Sun Belt best 85 passes for more than 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns.

GAME BALL GOES TO: QB Giovanni Vizza and WR Casey Fitzgerald — The true freshman Vizza threw for 478 yards and eight touchdowns, including seven in the first half, and rushed for 93 yards in the Mean Green's 74-62 loss at home to Navy. ... Fitzgerald caught 13 passes for 134 yards and five touchdowns.

KEEP AN EYE ON: Sam Dibrell — The true freshman is emerging into a very dependable receiver. He had six catches for 113 yards and a touchdown against Navy.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Everybody played hard and I thought we executed very well, especially in the first half. We just weren't able to get on a roll in the second half. I thought our receivers did an incredible job. They made me look good." — UNT freshman quarterback Givovanni Vizza, who threw eight touchdown passes, including seven in the first half of a 74-62 loss at home to Navy.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

LOOKING GOOD: UNT's passing game has been outstanding, and it obviously was clicking against Navy when freshman quarterback Giovanni Vizza threw for 478 yards and eight touchdowns.

—WR Casey Fitzgerald — The junior leads UNT and the Sun Belt with 85 receptions for 1,126 yards and 12 touchdowns.

—WR Brandon Jackson — The senior is second on the team with 66 receptions.

STILL NEEDS WORK: UNT's defense has been horrendous this season, and it has been unable to consistently stop the run or the pass.

While UNT has been outstanding throwing the football, it hasn't gotten much production from running backs Jamario Thomas and Micah Mosley.

The Mean Green have 27 turnovers, including 22 interceptions, and have forced only 18 turnovers.

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.

—UNT junior DB Dominique Green has been suspended for an altercation with a coach for reportedly using foul language on the sidelines.