Dave Cammpbell's Week 8 Texas Football Preview & Predictions

[MeanGreen61]

North Texas (3-3/1-1 CUSA) at Louisiana Tech (2-4/1-1), 2:30 p.m. Saturday, CBSSN
> Why my confidence is medium: When Sonny Dykes left Louisiana Tech after the 2012 season, he took the offense with him to Cal. Almost literally. Louisiana Tech ranked first in the nation in both total offense and scoring offense last year. This year, La Tech has dropped to 80th and 105th, respectively, in those categories. Cal, on the other hand, has improved its ranking by 45 spots, moving up to 23rd this year after finishing 68th in 2012. The loss of all that offense has been a tough pill to swallow for La Tech, but it's been a relief for every team on its 2013 schedule. North Texas will be the beneficiary this week. The running game showed its first signs of life last week; that paired with much-improved quarterback play (Derek Thompson is on pace for more yards, TDs and a higher QB rating this year) will get North Texas above the .500 mark this week.
> Key stat: 1, the number of 100-yard games by a UNT rusher this year, the first which came from Brandin Byrd (20-139, TD) in last week's 34-7 win against Middle Tennessee State, after the team had four last season. North Texas rushed for 303 yards last week, more than it gained in the previous three games combined.
> The mob says: North Texas by 6.5
> So says I: North Texas 28, Louisiana Tech 24

http://www.texasfootball.com/college-news/view/180594