How do we sustain this?

oldguystudent · January 9, 2014

All this talk about growth, Big XII membership, 90,000 capacity at Apogee is fun. But I'm old, mean, mostly unkind, and 87% certified curmudgeon.

We've got ONE winning season under our belts. ONE. It was a glorious season in spite of tripups with Tulane and that community college full of alums who live in vans down by the filthy river.

Here's where my mind wanders:

22 seniors gone. How will their successors do?

In regards to new player development, will we take measures to protect and keep our outstanding assistant coaches or will they get poached by greener E$PN owned programs? If so, I have fewer worries about the successors to the seniors.

McCarney is sixty years old. That gives us some time, but no a lot of it. Do we start grooming someone now or do we wring every drop we can out of McCarney and hope to all things holy that we hire someone just as good when he retires? (And dammit, he WILL retire here!)

We need to keep this up. We got two OOC wins in 2013. We need three. SMU, Indiana, Nicholls St. We need to get ALL three of those.

6-2 or better in conference play. Takes us to 9-3 on the regular season. This will be progress, and in my mind, good progress.

But even beyond that, 9 needs to be the new 6. We need to expect and achieve a minimum of 9 wins each and every season for the foreseeable future. I really, really, really don't want this year to be a flash in the pan. I want to struggle with PTO and travel budgets every year. I want to see semi-literate, toothless trolls from lesser institutions come on here and bash us because we're doing so well. I want to see LSU, Alabama, and Texas AVOID us for money games.

I want all these things before I ever worry about stadium capacity or conference upgrade. We've taken the first step. Let's keep climbing. Let's protect our coaches. Let's develop our players. Let's eat a metric shiton of ribs and drink a cubic acre of cheap American fermented swill. But most importantly, let's keep Tony's balls nice and steamy.

Mmmm...Tony's balls. What was I talking about again?

eulessismore · January 9, 2014

Without Defensive Line depth, we are lucky to hit 6 again. Most important story of the spring isnt QB, it is defensive tackle. Defensive end is a concern as well, as all DEs with size either graduated or are at DT.

Sir Calvin?

MeanGreenTexan · January 9, 2014

I like Mason, Lincoln, QBrown & Polk on the D-Line. Hopefully Sir Calvin is ready to get in the rotation, and same with Sid Moore.

North Texas Shep · January 9, 2014

DL is a concern but as I look into it more we have depth. We just do not know how they will play on this level. Let's be honest though, we have great defensive coaches and a fantastic weight program. Those guys will be ready.

UNTLifer · January 9, 2014

We need Sir Calvin to step up and take Abbe's spot in the line. I am also interested in how Orr returns from injury and the development of Dutton Watson who was an extremely good ballplayer at Midland High.

North Texas Shep · January 9, 2014

I like Mason, Lincoln, QBrown & Polk on the D-Line. Hopefully Sir Calvin is ready to get in the rotation, and same with Sid Moore.

Exactly, we even have one or two more I think... We will be alright. Hopefully, more then just alright.

meangreendork · January 9, 2014

Without Defensive Line depth, we are lucky to hit 6 again. Most important story of the spring isnt QB, it is defensive tackle. Defensive end is a concern as well, as all DEs with size either graduated or are at DT.

I'm less concerned with size and more concerned with speed, power, technique and, conditioning. Our previous line went up against bigger teams but was almost always in better condition and had better technique. The new starters should be made up of guys who had playing experience and may have been starters a few times last season. Really, my only concern is long-term, varied experience now that I think about it.

UNT90 · January 9, 2014

. Defensive end is a concern as well, as all DEs with size either graduated or are at DT.

Q. Brown is undersized?

Hunter Green · January 9, 2014

Legitimate concerns all. I'm not too worried because we have a real coaching staff in place that knows what they're doing. This will be a re-tooling year for sure, but we had real concerns going into this year and we fared all right. Hell,, we didn't even know who our starting QB was going to be and had real questions about the D-line. Something tells me, we'll be OK come next fall. Spring should answer some questions as well.

GO MEAN GREEN!

Harry · January 9, 2014

DLine was a concern last year! Go back and look at the posts on here if you don't believe it.

People underestimate how good this Wentrich program combined with the assistant coaches is for our players development.

We just don't lose guys to academics anymore. And if they aren't cutting the mustard they are transferring out.

The walk-on program may be the best in the state of Texas when you consider how many starters and all conference selections we are landing from that pool. It will only get better now that the results are there. We have a reasonable tuition compared to the other local schools (TCU/SMU) that makes walking on more realistic.

There is depth in numbers at QB unlike ever before. Unproven yes but there is experience in the program there and most certainly talent.

I think the biggest issue we face is not replacing the players we have but a). holding onto the assistants like Wentrich, Perry, Walters etc.. and avoiding key injuries. Last season was remarkable in terms of how few key players missed games to due injuries sustained. I think a lot of that can be attributed to Wentrich.

I'm very bully on this upcoming season, I really am.

Cerebus · January 9, 2014

What can we the fans do?

1) Join the MGC. If you are already a member, increase your level.

2) Buy season tickets. Already do? Buy another one or two and invite someone to each game.

3) Talk those people you bring to the games into becoming MGC members and season ticket holders.

All this other talk about recruiting, coach retention, favorable scheduling, etc is out of our hands. All of that depends on revenue. Giving is how we can help.

oldguystudent · January 9, 2014

What can we the fans do?

1) Join the MGC. If you are already a member, increase your level.
2) Buy season tickets. Already do? Buy another one or two and invite someone to each game.
3) Talk those people you bring to the games into becoming MGC members and season ticket holders.

All this other talk about recruiting, coach retention, favorable scheduling, etc is out of our hands. All of that depends on revenue. Giving is how we can help.

4) Acquire shiv. Already got one? Sharpen it.

meangreen15 · January 9, 2014

What can we the fans do?

1) Join the MGC. If you are already a member, increase your level.

2) Buy season tickets. Already do? Buy another one or two and invite someone to each game.

3) Talk those people you bring to the games into becoming MGC members and season ticket holders.

All this other talk about recruiting, coach retention, favorable scheduling, etc is out of our hands. All of that depends on revenue. Giving is how we can help.

We need to take on this mentality for all UNT sports, not just football.

Stan R · January 9, 2014

I'm lovin all these new posters with less than 30 posts. That is progress.

Harry · January 9, 2014

What can we the fans do?

1) Join the MGC. If you are already a member, increase your level.

2) Buy season tickets. Already do? Buy another one or two and invite someone to each game.

3) Talk those people you bring to the games into becoming MGC members and season ticket holders.

All this other talk about recruiting, coach retention, favorable scheduling, etc is out of our hands. All of that depends on revenue. Giving is how we can help.

Here's the challenge as I see it and I will use my own example...

Throughout this season I would bring on average 5 to as many as 10+ non season ticket holders and friends of my kids to the games.

This group is typically constituted of friends, neighbors, family etc..

I have been able to convert one of these guys to $500 donation 2 season tickets, bowl tickets very involved status...this guy started with a family pack last year and moved up this past season to a much higher level. My point is there are a LOT of people who are coming to most of the home games but have not yet bought season tickets.

The remainder have not yet been converted.. how do we convert these OR speed up the process?

This is kind of weird but in a way I think we have to get a little more cultish about how we handle this. First, there needs to be a constant stream of communication flowing to both season ticket holders AND potential season ticket holders. There should be a person who is clearly identifiable and stable (ie will stay in this position and not just use it as a career stepping stone) who is responsible for communications. "Hi this is Matt Green with The Mean Green Club and in case you missed it let me give you a quick update on our great victory against UNLV in the Heart of Dallas Bowl..." The next point should be, "Let me take just a few moments to explain to you why we need you to buy season tickets and join the Mean Green Club..." AND instead of the same old generic "this helps support scholarships for student athletes.." I would use something like this "The Mean Green received top 25 votes for the first time in ten years. The future is very bright but we HAVE to increase our season ticket base to become the program we want to be. If you look at programs like Boise State etc they have maintained a high level of success and attendance through growing their season ticket base. We can do the same thing but we need your help!

There should be a letter or email or video campaign starting now that starts a personal conversation with the fans and prospective fans. They should make it extremely easy to sign up for the season tickets and price it at a value. I think they should summarize exactly why they need more season ticket holders and the value that brings the program. The name of this campaign will be "Only the beginning." It should emphasize that this program is about to TAKE OFF and they need to get on board now!

Let me add --- it is extremely important that they include person or persons in this campaign that is a UNT alum who was not involved, became involved and can share the benefits of becoming involved. This message will capture the attention of many of our alums who have not yet found the program.

BillySee58 · January 9, 2014

Without Defensive Line depth, we are lucky to hit 6 again. Most important story of the spring isnt QB, it is defensive tackle. Defensive end is a concern as well, as all DEs with size either graduated or are at DT.

If we can beat SMU at home we might be able to hit 6 just on home games. Our home schedule could be SMU, Nicholl St, La Tech, UAB, USM, and an east division team.

I know we are not looking great on the d-line, but it's not a catastrophe either. At least IMO. Lincoln and Orr had good years at d-tackle and hopefully some of the young guys like Sir Calvin and Syd Moore can step it up.

Green Mean · January 9, 2014

We can't really control what happens on the field. Like others stated we can do our part and continue to support the school, wear our gear, and try to convert as many people as we can into fans. If not die-hards then at least NT can be on their conscience and will think about attending a game or two a season.

CMJ · January 9, 2014

Our home slate sets things up well for us. Not sure if we'll hit 8 regular season wins, but I can see us getting close.

The question is since we're losing the Liberty Bowl, where do we get sent if another Texas team wins the league. I am assuming if Rice or (God forbid) UTSA are CUSA champs they'd be sent to Dallas. Hell, they could do so even if they have a better record I guess.

I just wouldn't wanna go to Hawaii or Annapolis or something. We need to build off of our "they show up for Bowls" thing we have going on now.

GOMG2013 · January 9, 2014

The question is since we're losing the Liberty Bowl, where do we get sent if another Texas team wins the league. I am assuming if Rice or (God forbid) UTSA are CUSA champs they'd be sent to Dallas. Hell, they could do so even if they have a better record I guess.

I would guess the armed forces bowl would love to have UNT bring 30K if we didnt get the HOD.

Armed forces will still be CUSA right?

Harry · January 9, 2014

I would guess the armed forces bowl would love to have UNT bring 30K if we didnt get the HOD.
Armed forces will still be CUSA right?

I think Armed Forces alternates between Mountain West and C-USA...

Harry · January 9, 2014

At 235 and smaller than coverted LB Roberts at 238? Yes. Compared to Bellazin and Sarge (260s-upper 250s)? Yes. Hell even compared to Mason and Dilonga (lower 250s). Yes. Yes.

I get your point but with Skladany's rotation I don't know that size is AS big an issue because they are constantly rotating guys in and out. I think speed is more important at defensive end in today's passing game but you certainly want at least a couple of every down guys especially when you play against run/power teams with size.

SilverEagle · January 9, 2014

At 235 and smaller than coverted LB Roberts at 238? Yes. Compared to Bellazin and Sarge (260s-upper 250s)? Yes. Hell even compared to Mason and Dilonga (lower 250s). Yes. Yes.

Think if Mr. Brown as a taller version of Chad Polk. IMHO, just as fast as Polk, but with a longer reach.

GrandGreen · January 9, 2014

Most college des are not that large anymore. The power programs can get big players with speed, but most teams settle on smaller players with good quickness.

With most offenses primary pass based and the continued trend of running QB's, speed in the defensive line is emphasized much more than size.

GOMG2013 · January 9, 2014

I know the Dline was a concern going into this year. I am one that voiced them. And I don't think that anyone can argue that if they hadn't stepped up (especially Abbe, who let's be honest had not shown all that much in prior years), we would have have won 9 games. I have no doubt in my mind their improvement was the key to the entire season.
And I think it will be again. That I why I make it my #1.

There was a debate before the season as to what needed fixing the most. Some said dbs some said dline. Some said it was up to the dbs to cover better so we could get sacks and get off the field on 3rd downs and others felt the dline needed to get pressure in the qb so the dbs wont have to cover so long.

After the season, looks like an improvement with the dbs was the key. The big plays were limited and they got off the field on 3rd and long. Had we had the same DB issues and continued to give up big plays like last year and the start if this year, we probably lose 2 or 3 more games.

What was once a weakness became a huge strength and 3 are returning.

Edited January 9, 2014 by GOMG2013

Rudy · January 9, 2014

I am assuming if Rice or (God forbid) UTSA are CUSA champs they'd be sent to Dallas. Hell, they could do so even if they have a better record I guess.

I don't think the Cotton Bowl Stadium has a partnership with KFC.