North Texas offense has to keep Kansas State guessing.com

[Harry]

North Texas hits the road again today in the face of long odds against a Kansas State team that, in the estimation of Mean Green coach Dan McCarney, is better than its ranking as the 15th best team in the nation.

To compete -- and better yet prepare for a Sun Belt Conference schedule that begins next week -- the coach said, the Mean Green (1-1) will need to match the defensive intensity it displayed in a home-opening victory last week against Texas Southern and find a balance on offense that has remained elusive through the first two weeks of the season.

While North Texas running backs Brandin Byrd and Antoinne Jimmerson -- behind an offensive line that has yet to give up a sack this season -- have provided steady production with an average of almost 170 yards a game, the passing game has been inconsistent. Quarterback Derek Thompson has completed only 42 percent of his passes for 288 yards.

"We need to keep people guessing on first down," said McCarney, adding that he has full confidence in Thompson, a senior, even after his quarterback just "had one of those days" last week when he misfired on throws that he has consistently completed.

"We know we can fix it. And we must going against this defense this week."

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/09/14/4260385/north-texas-offense-has-to-keep.html#storylink=cpy