C-USA Media Day 2013 in review

[Harry]

I thought the 2013 C-USA media event was well run and interesting. Of course, being that it was in Irving made it quite convenient for me to attend, actually took about 20 minutes for me to get there. The event was held at the DFW Marriott North, which is very close to C-USA's headquarters in Irving right off of Freeport Parkway and 114. They started the day at 9AM with the western division teams which included all of the head coaches and one player from every team. The eastern division teams did interviews with the television media in the morning; the western division teams met with the print media/websites in morning and then they switched it up in the afternoon.

The one question that I know every Mean Green fan wants to know is what about North Texas? I was able to interview Zach Orr although he was also being filmed himself doing interviews during part of the morning. He was very excited about the season and had high praise for both of his other linebackers Derek Akunne and Will Wright. He said that Akunne was a great playmaker for them last year and he would only get better. He said Will Wright brought excellent speed and the ability to pass defend on the other side. He was very emotional about this being his last year, wanting to "Leave his mark".

I would take the time to share all of Mac's thoughts on here but I actually videotaped much of the interview and will try to post that as soon as I can. First things first -- he looks great. He wasn't wearing his sunglasses. I think the major points of Mac’s message haven’t changed in the time he has been here. He's going to build this the right way, things weren't good when he arrived but they are getting better; academics have improved; there is quality depth that wasn't there before and more competition at positions. While these are all good things that we appreciate in terms of this event I would say the difference was there was a taste of agitation in Mac's motivational message. Let me be clear - Mac is as positive and motivated a guy as I have come across. I just sensed that the same words that rolled off his tongue in past years seemed to have a bitter taste this time around. I described to a friend as sort of an agitation in regards to words as compared to actions. Mac is tired of talking about the sleeping giant and doesn't have 10 years to build this thing...he wants results now. He wants to return to the C-USA 2014 media day with some feathers in his cap in the form of wins. So instead of regurgitate the same messaging that I've fed you before, I decided to break out and drink from the rest of the C-USA cup and see what I would find. Despite the lack of detail, take solace if you are a UNT fan..Mac is literally chomping at the bit for this season to begin and you can tell he expects to right the wrongs of last season’s 4-win campaign.

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