After college football, my second-favorite sport to watch is golf, so I'll take any chance to throw it a little love. In this case, it's well-deserved.
The year is young, but UNT remains perfect in men's and women's golf after the ladies won the Rose City Collegiate on Tuesday in Portland, Ore., by three strokes over Oregon State (889-892). UNT's Kelsey Kipp outdueled OSU's Whitney French in a 12-hole playoff. Kipp, who shot a 1-under 215 over three days, shot a 2-under 70 to force the playoff with French, who had a 72. Their final round eventually lasted about three hours.
UNT's women are 2-0 after winning their own tournament a few weeks back at Champions Circle next to TMS. The men, after winning the UT-Arlington/Waterchase Invitational that week in Fort Worth, are headed to an event this week in Albuquerque, N.M., presumably confident they can post low scores and return with another good team result.
Congrats to both golf teams on the hot start. As for any rankings out there, UNT's women actually fell 10 spots to 36th in Division I in the Golfstat computer rankings, despite winning. Go figure. The men are 10th in Golfstat. A new Golf World/Nike Coaches poll hasn't been released since the Sept. 1 preseason poll that saw UNT's men get one vote. In the latest Golfweek men's rankings, UNT is 28th. Golfweek hasn't released an updated women's list.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Hamilton, Dodge, other post-victory musings
Followed the game tonight online via ESPN's play-by-play. At one point, somebody inputed that FAU's Torvoris Hill returned an interception of UNT's Riley Dodge 100 yards for a touchdown to put the Owls up 16-7. The screen then accurately reloaded the score as 10-7 in UNT's favor, so you can imagine the confusion on this end.
Nonetheless, a good 21-17 win for UNT on the road against an opponent that had the Mean Green's number for six years. It's strange to say UNT (1-3, 1-0) is undefeated in Sun Belt Conference play. Strange, but true. How or if UNT builds on this is anyone's guess, but it's a good trip home and presumably a good week of practice for a change.
Strange night in UNT's running game, but an effective one anyway. Lance Dunbar had 72 yards but averaged less than three yards a carry. Change-up back James Hamilton had some serious wheels tonight, and we'll see if he's earned more than 11 totes next week. He won't need many more if he keeps knocking off 9, 10, 11 yards each time, but then we knew FAU had some serious issues with its run defense.
Next week's opponent, Louisiana-Lafayette, is supposed to be a little stronger in that department but gave up over 200 on the ground (and over 400 total) in a loss to Middle Tennessee on Saturday.
Nice job by UNT's defense to hold FAU to a field goal early in the second quarter. That ended a 13-play drive and gave the Owls their last lead of the game at 10-7. Holding Alfred Morris to 54 rushing yards, also a bit unexpected, but it's a clear sign this defense is capable of controlling a key aspect of an opponents' offense, thereby having a profound effect on the game's outcome as it did.
UNT had its mistakes -- Dodge's misfire from the FAU 10, and fumbles by Tyler Stradford and Jamaal Jackson after catches come to mind -- but then made plays to minimize or eradicate the damage. As for the short time to get ready, Dodge otherwise seemed to take care of the ball, get rid of it when necessary and not make too many negative plays in the running game. Quick, raise your hand if you expected him to throw any TD passes over 20 yards, much less 40. Didn't think so.
Deserved congratulations go out to UNT defensive tackle Brandon "Sarge" McCoy, the Mean Green's resident former Gulf War Army veteran. McCoy is learning the game all over in his mid-20s, and he gets a huge sack tonight of FAU quarterback Jeff VanCamp on second and 10 from the UNT 28. The Owls, down by four, had driven from their own 28 in the final 3 minutes and threatened to send UNT home in another losing heap.
But McCoy gets the huge play, and two other defensive linemen, Kelvin Jackson and Frank Gaines, stuff Morris for a 2-yard completion on third and 18. Two plays later, Dodge is taking a knee, and UNT is celebrating on the sideline. To see game-saving plays by the DL has to unexpected, too.
I have no idea what there is to read into what happened tonight, only that victories large and small deserved to be enjoyed by these players, coaches and their fans. It might not save jobs, it might not spur a winning streak, it might not eliminate mistakes. But it will make a team that's been through a lot of hell closer this week, and you really can't nitpick or complain much about that.
Nonetheless, a good 21-17 win for UNT on the road against an opponent that had the Mean Green's number for six years. It's strange to say UNT (1-3, 1-0) is undefeated in Sun Belt Conference play. Strange, but true. How or if UNT builds on this is anyone's guess, but it's a good trip home and presumably a good week of practice for a change.
Strange night in UNT's running game, but an effective one anyway. Lance Dunbar had 72 yards but averaged less than three yards a carry. Change-up back James Hamilton had some serious wheels tonight, and we'll see if he's earned more than 11 totes next week. He won't need many more if he keeps knocking off 9, 10, 11 yards each time, but then we knew FAU had some serious issues with its run defense.
Next week's opponent, Louisiana-Lafayette, is supposed to be a little stronger in that department but gave up over 200 on the ground (and over 400 total) in a loss to Middle Tennessee on Saturday.
Nice job by UNT's defense to hold FAU to a field goal early in the second quarter. That ended a 13-play drive and gave the Owls their last lead of the game at 10-7. Holding Alfred Morris to 54 rushing yards, also a bit unexpected, but it's a clear sign this defense is capable of controlling a key aspect of an opponents' offense, thereby having a profound effect on the game's outcome as it did.
UNT had its mistakes -- Dodge's misfire from the FAU 10, and fumbles by Tyler Stradford and Jamaal Jackson after catches come to mind -- but then made plays to minimize or eradicate the damage. As for the short time to get ready, Dodge otherwise seemed to take care of the ball, get rid of it when necessary and not make too many negative plays in the running game. Quick, raise your hand if you expected him to throw any TD passes over 20 yards, much less 40. Didn't think so.
Deserved congratulations go out to UNT defensive tackle Brandon "Sarge" McCoy, the Mean Green's resident former Gulf War Army veteran. McCoy is learning the game all over in his mid-20s, and he gets a huge sack tonight of FAU quarterback Jeff VanCamp on second and 10 from the UNT 28. The Owls, down by four, had driven from their own 28 in the final 3 minutes and threatened to send UNT home in another losing heap.
But McCoy gets the huge play, and two other defensive linemen, Kelvin Jackson and Frank Gaines, stuff Morris for a 2-yard completion on third and 18. Two plays later, Dodge is taking a knee, and UNT is celebrating on the sideline. To see game-saving plays by the DL has to unexpected, too.
I have no idea what there is to read into what happened tonight, only that victories large and small deserved to be enjoyed by these players, coaches and their fans. It might not save jobs, it might not spur a winning streak, it might not eliminate mistakes. But it will make a team that's been through a lot of hell closer this week, and you really can't nitpick or complain much about that.
Sharpshooter? Yeah, Walton qualifies
To clarify, headlines on Rivals.com sites automatically change as they move down the front page chronologically. The lead story always has a short headline, and the subsequent older stories load a longer, reworded headline that's put in ahead of time. They aren't changed because of perceived "scrutiny."
This is relevant to what, you ask? Let's preface by saying if some UNT basketball prospects saw some of the stuff written about them on a message board after they took the time and effort to take an official visit, they'd probably regret ever showing up in the first place. Yeah, that's a little strong, but in this case some folks have it coming.
The prospect in question here is Casper College combo guard Brandan Walton, who was the third scoring option as a freshman last season on a team that won 29 games. Walton averaged 12 points per game but made 68 3-pointers, which in most seasons I believe qualifies as some kind of sharpshooter. Maybe his percentage (37 percent) wasn't what folks believe lives up to the description in TMGR's original short headline, but referring to a kid who undoubtedly can help your program as "marginal" -- apparently because to some he's unworthy of an offer before the early signing period -- is arrogant or lacks any real insight.
Remember, Walton will be a sophomore this season, and I'd guess his numbers will improve significantly. Then again, they're just numbers and only part of the overall evaluation process. Last I checked, UNT assistant Bill Foy was the guy who brought you Eric Tramiel and Dominique Johnson in recent years, as well as others I can't think of at 12:35 a.m. Yeah, he's out there watching JUCO showcases in the middle of the summer in hopes of landing "marginal" players. Good grief.
I don't purport to know everything, but this time I'll err on the side of knowing there are folks out there who have confirmed Walton is a pretty good player -- and a damn sight better than marginal.
Maybe that would make a good headline.
This is relevant to what, you ask? Let's preface by saying if some UNT basketball prospects saw some of the stuff written about them on a message board after they took the time and effort to take an official visit, they'd probably regret ever showing up in the first place. Yeah, that's a little strong, but in this case some folks have it coming.
The prospect in question here is Casper College combo guard Brandan Walton, who was the third scoring option as a freshman last season on a team that won 29 games. Walton averaged 12 points per game but made 68 3-pointers, which in most seasons I believe qualifies as some kind of sharpshooter. Maybe his percentage (37 percent) wasn't what folks believe lives up to the description in TMGR's original short headline, but referring to a kid who undoubtedly can help your program as "marginal" -- apparently because to some he's unworthy of an offer before the early signing period -- is arrogant or lacks any real insight.
Remember, Walton will be a sophomore this season, and I'd guess his numbers will improve significantly. Then again, they're just numbers and only part of the overall evaluation process. Last I checked, UNT assistant Bill Foy was the guy who brought you Eric Tramiel and Dominique Johnson in recent years, as well as others I can't think of at 12:35 a.m. Yeah, he's out there watching JUCO showcases in the middle of the summer in hopes of landing "marginal" players. Good grief.
I don't purport to know everything, but this time I'll err on the side of knowing there are folks out there who have confirmed Walton is a pretty good player -- and a damn sight better than marginal.
Maybe that would make a good headline.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Donate to CoachtoCureMD.org
North Texas is one of more than 85 FBS teams taking part in the AFCA’s third annual Coach to Cure MD effort with this week’s games (FAU will also participate). All members of the coaching staff will be wearing arm patches to raise awareness and funding for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Fans are encouraged to donate online at www.CoachtoCureMD.org or donate $5 by texting CURE to 90999.
Fans are encouraged to donate online at www.CoachtoCureMD.org or donate $5 by texting CURE to 90999.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Final thoughts on Neinas report
Folks are talking about what little they see in the Neinas Report in terms of immediate actions that could bring about solutions to issues facing the athletic department. If you simply read the report, it might come off a bit common-sensical thin. But there was quite a bit of interpretation by Neinas and RV during today's press conference as to what UNT could do in the next few years to improve its athletic lot in life. The following points, which I posted in The Village for open discussion, struck me the most:
1. Someone, in this case an outsider, actually looked UNT in the face and said, "Your athletic budget is deficient, and you have to do something about it." How it gets done is the mystery, and until you have something going into the coffers from the new stadium, sponsorships, suite revenue, more donors and a possible budget increase by the regents, it'll stay a mystery.
2. RV and UNT have come to a sobering conclusion that they have no business joining another conference until they start winning Sun Belt titles at a high rate of consistency in all sports. Let the opportunity come to you and take care of your own business, I heard. There's a considerable obsession out there with "jumping" to another conference. Until UNT is able to kick around the Sun Belt like a plaything, get over it.
3. Unless there's something I don't know about the skill and fortitude of a football team minus half of its starters to injuries, there will be a new coaching staff next season. It sounds to me there will be no wiggle room on this.
4. While this report is very advisory and less specific than many would have hoped, it nonetheless serves as the gauntlet RV needs to throw down to students, faculty, staff, adminstrators, regents, alumni and donors that UNT can no longer scrape out a meager existence behind the other athletic programs in this state.
I don't plan to publish a full news story on the site about this. It's no longer unique content that TMGR can put on premium, and I think everyone gets the idea. I welcome any further discussion, though.
1. Someone, in this case an outsider, actually looked UNT in the face and said, "Your athletic budget is deficient, and you have to do something about it." How it gets done is the mystery, and until you have something going into the coffers from the new stadium, sponsorships, suite revenue, more donors and a possible budget increase by the regents, it'll stay a mystery.
2. RV and UNT have come to a sobering conclusion that they have no business joining another conference until they start winning Sun Belt titles at a high rate of consistency in all sports. Let the opportunity come to you and take care of your own business, I heard. There's a considerable obsession out there with "jumping" to another conference. Until UNT is able to kick around the Sun Belt like a plaything, get over it.
3. Unless there's something I don't know about the skill and fortitude of a football team minus half of its starters to injuries, there will be a new coaching staff next season. It sounds to me there will be no wiggle room on this.
4. While this report is very advisory and less specific than many would have hoped, it nonetheless serves as the gauntlet RV needs to throw down to students, faculty, staff, adminstrators, regents, alumni and donors that UNT can no longer scrape out a meager existence behind the other athletic programs in this state.
I don't plan to publish a full news story on the site about this. It's no longer unique content that TMGR can put on premium, and I think everyone gets the idea. I welcome any further discussion, though.
Neinas Report press conference ends
Just got the wireless up and going here, but some highlights:
_ Consultant Chuck Neinas presented his report on how UNT's athletic department can move forward in concert with the building of its new stadium.
_ Apparently, interim UNT president Lane Rawlins is going to make every effort to bring the academic and athletic sides to the same table to foster the necessary support to move the perception or mindset of athletics to a higher place at the university. Neinas said the academic and athletic sides need to co-brand at UNT.
_ Lots of comparisons to Boise State, Rugters, South Florida, etc., as to what UNT can aspire to, but it will take time and $.
_ Speaking of $, AD Rick Villarreal said the athletic staff at UNT, at some point, can't keep carrying the burden of marketing, promoting and soliciting donations and ticket sales without more support, resources and interest from within and outside the university. Reading between the lines, it sounds like the athletic department plans to ask the regents to increase the operating budget for athletics.
_ Neinas said UNT needs to cultivate the Denton area harder, while not abandoning Dallas, Fort Worth or areas beyond.
_ He made some athletic budget comparisons to other schools in C-USA, Houston and Central Florida $30 million and UTEP $23 million, and said it's obvious UNT ($16 million) is deficient in that area. The student athletic fee will bring the budget to over $20 million, but $4 million a year is committed to debt service on the stadium. Sales, sponsorships and other revenue -- some of that I surmised still coming from guarantee football games -- as well as a budget increase are needed to make available more monies for better coaches' salaries, increased marketing, advertisting, etc. Right now, UNT athletics had a marketing budget of $100K, and RV said that won't cut it. More giving is needed, too.
_ As for conference realignment, etc., as per advice of Neinas and RV's own conclusion, UNT needs to dominate the Sun Belt Conference on a traditional basis before worrying about courting another conference. Winning is the bottom line now that facilities are in place, and that success should begat more attention, donors, interest and a host of other snowball factors that could boost the athletic department financially or in profile, in case another conference experiences more realignment or expansion. In its current state, there's too much for UNT to do in the Sun Belt before any such move. Neinas said he estimates the WAC won't have a football conference inside 3 years, so UNT should pursue nothing more there.
_ RV challenged UNT students and alumni to remain loyal to their school despite the football program's struggles and not "disassociate" from the program. Athletic events are the biggest tie a school has to its alumni, and RV said the program will be turned around and that they shouldn't abandon their team in tough times.
_ At the same time without saying specifically, RV sounded as if a coaching change is a foregone conclusion after this season unless there's an immediate and dramatic turnaround. There was no mistaking an edict on his part.
_ Consultant Chuck Neinas presented his report on how UNT's athletic department can move forward in concert with the building of its new stadium.
_ Apparently, interim UNT president Lane Rawlins is going to make every effort to bring the academic and athletic sides to the same table to foster the necessary support to move the perception or mindset of athletics to a higher place at the university. Neinas said the academic and athletic sides need to co-brand at UNT.
_ Lots of comparisons to Boise State, Rugters, South Florida, etc., as to what UNT can aspire to, but it will take time and $.
_ Speaking of $, AD Rick Villarreal said the athletic staff at UNT, at some point, can't keep carrying the burden of marketing, promoting and soliciting donations and ticket sales without more support, resources and interest from within and outside the university. Reading between the lines, it sounds like the athletic department plans to ask the regents to increase the operating budget for athletics.
_ Neinas said UNT needs to cultivate the Denton area harder, while not abandoning Dallas, Fort Worth or areas beyond.
_ He made some athletic budget comparisons to other schools in C-USA, Houston and Central Florida $30 million and UTEP $23 million, and said it's obvious UNT ($16 million) is deficient in that area. The student athletic fee will bring the budget to over $20 million, but $4 million a year is committed to debt service on the stadium. Sales, sponsorships and other revenue -- some of that I surmised still coming from guarantee football games -- as well as a budget increase are needed to make available more monies for better coaches' salaries, increased marketing, advertisting, etc. Right now, UNT athletics had a marketing budget of $100K, and RV said that won't cut it. More giving is needed, too.
_ As for conference realignment, etc., as per advice of Neinas and RV's own conclusion, UNT needs to dominate the Sun Belt Conference on a traditional basis before worrying about courting another conference. Winning is the bottom line now that facilities are in place, and that success should begat more attention, donors, interest and a host of other snowball factors that could boost the athletic department financially or in profile, in case another conference experiences more realignment or expansion. In its current state, there's too much for UNT to do in the Sun Belt before any such move. Neinas said he estimates the WAC won't have a football conference inside 3 years, so UNT should pursue nothing more there.
_ RV challenged UNT students and alumni to remain loyal to their school despite the football program's struggles and not "disassociate" from the program. Athletic events are the biggest tie a school has to its alumni, and RV said the program will be turned around and that they shouldn't abandon their team in tough times.
_ At the same time without saying specifically, RV sounded as if a coaching change is a foregone conclusion after this season unless there's an immediate and dramatic turnaround. There was no mistaking an edict on his part.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
UNT men's golf emerges from the dark
In February 2009, I wrote a piece for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram about how far men's golf at UNT had fallen since winning 29 national and conference titles from 1949 to '75. The program was a shell of its once-proud self, but new coach Brad Stracke, a former Florida assistant, was going to turn it around.
Well, in about 19 months, Stracke looks as if he and UNT are on the way. UNT actually appears in or on the periphery of two of college golf's rankings, Golfstat and Golf World/Nike Golf Division I Coaches' Poll. Golfstat is a computer model based on criteria like adjusted scoring average, head-to-head vs. other top-25 teams, strength of schedule and likely more components. Fresh off winning the UT-Arlington/Waterchase Invitational in Fort Worth, UNT sits No. 3 in NCAA Division I in Golfstat's rankings.
The Division I Coaches' Poll hasn't re-ranked since a Sept. 1 preseason poll but should be out with a new one soon. Without playing, UNT was among others receiving votes with one. That wasn't Stracke's vote, as he doesn't send a ballot for that poll. Regardless, the idea of just scratching that poll was far-fetched a short time ago. By the way, UNT's women are No. 26 in Golfstat after winning their recent host event.
It's early, and rankings will vary wildly as the fall season concludes and teams reconvene in spring for a run to the conference tournaments and NCAA rounds. Considering where UNT once was, it's still a good sign.
Well, in about 19 months, Stracke looks as if he and UNT are on the way. UNT actually appears in or on the periphery of two of college golf's rankings, Golfstat and Golf World/Nike Golf Division I Coaches' Poll. Golfstat is a computer model based on criteria like adjusted scoring average, head-to-head vs. other top-25 teams, strength of schedule and likely more components. Fresh off winning the UT-Arlington/Waterchase Invitational in Fort Worth, UNT sits No. 3 in NCAA Division I in Golfstat's rankings.
The Division I Coaches' Poll hasn't re-ranked since a Sept. 1 preseason poll but should be out with a new one soon. Without playing, UNT was among others receiving votes with one. That wasn't Stracke's vote, as he doesn't send a ballot for that poll. Regardless, the idea of just scratching that poll was far-fetched a short time ago. By the way, UNT's women are No. 26 in Golfstat after winning their recent host event.
It's early, and rankings will vary wildly as the fall season concludes and teams reconvene in spring for a run to the conference tournaments and NCAA rounds. Considering where UNT once was, it's still a good sign.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Tuesday post-practice, other notables
Busy day today with my kid's eighth birthday, but was able to get to Denton for some interviews, some practice viewing and the like. TMGR will have a story later in the week on safety Ira Smith, and how he's now the "old man" of the secondary after recent changes that mostly involve injuries. I was set to talk to soccer player Julie Lackey for a TMGR Athlete Spotlight, but five minutes before the end of practice, she suffered an injury and had to go in for treatment. We'll connect by phone on Wednesday.
UNT has called a press conference for Thursday at 1 p.m. to review the battle plan consultant Chuck Neinas compiled for the athletic department, as it moves forward upon the completion of a new football stadium. Not sure what mysterious truths Neinas has unearthed, but I'm sure 95 or so percent of what ails UNT athletics could be solved by winning in football or the willingness of some wealthy alumni/benefactors to finally pony up the way those at other schools seem to, even when the economy stinks.
In other football news:
_ Center J.J. Johnson, who suffered a ruptured foot ligament at Clemson, will undergo surgery this week after all. UNT first thought he could rehab and perhaps return late this season, but that won't happen. Johnson redshirted in 2007. From talking to Todd Dodge, it appears Johnson plans to play only one more year (2011) if possible and not seek a sixth-year medical hardship for 2012. I think it has something to do with Johnson being due to graduate soon.
_ Seeing Royce Hill in street clothes Tuesday was somewhat jarring, in that UNT losing its other starting cornerback seems unfathomable with the parade of other walking wounded. Turns out Hill was under the weather and will be back Wednesday and will start Saturday at Florida Atlantic.
_ Outside receiver Breece Johnson has one of the grossest injuries I can remember, and it'll keep him out for a second straight week. A few weeks ago, Johnson took a hard fall in practice on a hip but played against Rice. Last week, the bruised area became infected, and has swelled up to the point where it requires fluid to be drained off. He didn't travel to Army and won't go to FAU. Dodge said it's not a staph infection nor a large boil, but some other severe infection that doctors are monitoring closely.
_ Former starting quarterback Nathan Tune showed me the 8-inch incision that runs halfway across one side of his rear end, where surgeons repaired his dislocated hip. It'll leave quite a scar, and he's got a long recovery ahead of him. Tune, who was crushed by a Rice defender two Saturday's ago in UNT's home opener, all but passed out from the pain when paramedics tried to pop the hip back into place. One guy pushed on the hip while another yanked one leg. To say the least, it's an injury Tune won't ever forget, and he'll require an artificial hip someday if the rehab doesn't go flawlessly.
_ Right tackle Esteban Santiago and right guard Matt Tomlinson have switched positions. They're returning to more natural spots, and UNT feels the switch could better protect Riley Dodge's blind side. Jamaal Jackson is going to play more outside receiver with Johnson and Chris Bynes (torn Achilles tendon) out. Outside guys Mike Outlaw and B.J. Lewis should be at the ready. Outlaw has been slowed with ankle problems since last spring but might finally be good to go. B.J. Lewis (knee) could have traveled and played at Army last week, but he stayed back to see the birth of his first child. He'll be at FAU.
UNT has called a press conference for Thursday at 1 p.m. to review the battle plan consultant Chuck Neinas compiled for the athletic department, as it moves forward upon the completion of a new football stadium. Not sure what mysterious truths Neinas has unearthed, but I'm sure 95 or so percent of what ails UNT athletics could be solved by winning in football or the willingness of some wealthy alumni/benefactors to finally pony up the way those at other schools seem to, even when the economy stinks.
In other football news:
_ Center J.J. Johnson, who suffered a ruptured foot ligament at Clemson, will undergo surgery this week after all. UNT first thought he could rehab and perhaps return late this season, but that won't happen. Johnson redshirted in 2007. From talking to Todd Dodge, it appears Johnson plans to play only one more year (2011) if possible and not seek a sixth-year medical hardship for 2012. I think it has something to do with Johnson being due to graduate soon.
_ Seeing Royce Hill in street clothes Tuesday was somewhat jarring, in that UNT losing its other starting cornerback seems unfathomable with the parade of other walking wounded. Turns out Hill was under the weather and will be back Wednesday and will start Saturday at Florida Atlantic.
_ Outside receiver Breece Johnson has one of the grossest injuries I can remember, and it'll keep him out for a second straight week. A few weeks ago, Johnson took a hard fall in practice on a hip but played against Rice. Last week, the bruised area became infected, and has swelled up to the point where it requires fluid to be drained off. He didn't travel to Army and won't go to FAU. Dodge said it's not a staph infection nor a large boil, but some other severe infection that doctors are monitoring closely.
_ Former starting quarterback Nathan Tune showed me the 8-inch incision that runs halfway across one side of his rear end, where surgeons repaired his dislocated hip. It'll leave quite a scar, and he's got a long recovery ahead of him. Tune, who was crushed by a Rice defender two Saturday's ago in UNT's home opener, all but passed out from the pain when paramedics tried to pop the hip back into place. One guy pushed on the hip while another yanked one leg. To say the least, it's an injury Tune won't ever forget, and he'll require an artificial hip someday if the rehab doesn't go flawlessly.
_ Right tackle Esteban Santiago and right guard Matt Tomlinson have switched positions. They're returning to more natural spots, and UNT feels the switch could better protect Riley Dodge's blind side. Jamaal Jackson is going to play more outside receiver with Johnson and Chris Bynes (torn Achilles tendon) out. Outside guys Mike Outlaw and B.J. Lewis should be at the ready. Outlaw has been slowed with ankle problems since last spring but might finally be good to go. B.J. Lewis (knee) could have traveled and played at Army last week, but he stayed back to see the birth of his first child. He'll be at FAU.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Monday convo with Dodge
Went to the Dodge radio show at The Pour House today. The fried shrimp's great.
Got some tape to transcribe, but I'll try to hit some highlights here:
_ Derek Thompson is done with a broken tibia and will redshirt this season. They thought it was the fibula at first. Chris Bynes has ruptured achilles tendon, Nick Leppo a torn ACL. He's now torn both ACL's since high school.
_ Aaron Fortenberry will start at center, with guard Kelvin Drake and true freshman Mason Y'Barbo as the backups.
_ Mike Outlaw will start at Bynes' outside WR spot, and B.J. Lewis is his backup. Breece Johnson backs up Tyler Stradford on the other side, but he's got some recovery to do this week on an outer-thigh bruise that has become infected and requires periodic draining. Jamaal Jackson and Alex Lott can bounce outside if necessary.
_ Offensive coordinator Mike Canales is glued to new (old) starting QB Riley Dodge this week to get him up to speed. Chase Baine is Dodge's backup. Canales is making it clear to Riley Dodge, his father said, that he is not expected to be a savior out there. Get the ball to as many people, protect it and run when the situation calls for it or presents itself. FAU isn't an easy first assignment for him, and UNT needs to prepare him accordingly.
_ Lance Dunbar needs to get about 28 touches per game, and receivers Darius Carey and Jamaal Jackson need about 16 combined in the offensive game plan going forward, Dodge said.
_ Daniel Prior, usually a LB, is training and meeting full-time as an offensive U-back.
Got some tape to transcribe, but I'll try to hit some highlights here:
_ Derek Thompson is done with a broken tibia and will redshirt this season. They thought it was the fibula at first. Chris Bynes has ruptured achilles tendon, Nick Leppo a torn ACL. He's now torn both ACL's since high school.
_ Aaron Fortenberry will start at center, with guard Kelvin Drake and true freshman Mason Y'Barbo as the backups.
_ Mike Outlaw will start at Bynes' outside WR spot, and B.J. Lewis is his backup. Breece Johnson backs up Tyler Stradford on the other side, but he's got some recovery to do this week on an outer-thigh bruise that has become infected and requires periodic draining. Jamaal Jackson and Alex Lott can bounce outside if necessary.
_ Offensive coordinator Mike Canales is glued to new (old) starting QB Riley Dodge this week to get him up to speed. Chase Baine is Dodge's backup. Canales is making it clear to Riley Dodge, his father said, that he is not expected to be a savior out there. Get the ball to as many people, protect it and run when the situation calls for it or presents itself. FAU isn't an easy first assignment for him, and UNT needs to prepare him accordingly.
_ Lance Dunbar needs to get about 28 touches per game, and receivers Darius Carey and Jamaal Jackson need about 16 combined in the offensive game plan going forward, Dodge said.
_ Daniel Prior, usually a LB, is training and meeting full-time as an offensive U-back.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
UNT's season soon to reach point of no recovery
In 20 years of covering college or high school football, I've never quite seen anything like this. UNT already has a hard time winning, sometimes competing, with its starters and best players.
So, how can it be expected to do so with an epic backlog of injuries the past three weeks? Is the depth chart becoming too backup-heavy, too dependent on players meant to provide relief for starters, not replace them?
There are a million more questions and not a hell of a lot of answers after UNT took the field at Army with optimism and hope for a season-turning road victory, and left with a 24-0 defeat and about as bad an outlook to the rest of the season you can have. Backup quarterback Derek Thompson, making his first career start for Nathan Tune, is done for the season, as are center Nick Leppo -- another backup-turned-starter -- and starting receiver Chris Bynes. I'm hearing season-ending for all three, but no official word yet on their specific injuries.
Riley Dodge, like it or not UNT fans, is your starting quarterback until further notice. I imagine Aaron Fortenberry or Kelvin Drake will move in at center, and some combination of guys at outside receiver, perhaps Alex Lott, Jamaal Jackson, Brelan Chancellor or others will take Bynes' spot. Lott and Jackson usually play inside. Note that WR Mike Outlaw didn't play at Army, and not completely sure what's up with that.
I can't say there's much hope for a victory at FAU next Saturday, and 0-4 is, best guess the hole that will bury this coaching staff as athletic director Rick Villarreal begins scribbling his long list. UNT already has a consultant, Chuck Neinas, compiling a battle plan for the athletic department as it moves forward in an era of conference realignment and arms races.
Neinas also runs a headhunter service for new-coach hires. There's a lot of season remaining for candidates to surface, but one-stop shopping with Neinas at this point makes sense for Villarreal.
Injuries are a big reason this team might not win a game, and that's horribly unfair. By the same token, there's a mysterious disconnect between the time this team breaks practice and takes the game field nearly every week. Maybe it's talent. Maybe's it's coaching. No idea. But something about this program in its current state prevents the winning of games, which is the bottom line.
There's time to see improvement. But so far, the performance and/or inability of current players, or the coaching staff's failure and/or inability to get through to them has created a losing situation that appears irreversible.
I'd like to believe no one aspect (offense, defense, special teams, coaching, etc.) is to blame; that this and all the injuries could perhaps be the biggest cluster of football misfortune to befall an FBS program in several years. I doubt many folks will buy that, and blame will be assigned here and there. Bottom line is this is a sad situation that can't spiral much further. Injuries don't mitigate it, but they make it worse and take away your best players, which in turn reduces that which you can control as a team or staff.
Coaches and players talk about accountability, taking ownership, all that. You get fed up, angry and go out and take control of your circumstances. That's where UNT is now, regardless of its skill, talent or ability. If injuries or other factors such as mistakes and poor execution prevent that from happening next week or soon, then change is inevitable.
And whether or not you're a fan of the current coaching staff, it's just sad.
So, how can it be expected to do so with an epic backlog of injuries the past three weeks? Is the depth chart becoming too backup-heavy, too dependent on players meant to provide relief for starters, not replace them?
There are a million more questions and not a hell of a lot of answers after UNT took the field at Army with optimism and hope for a season-turning road victory, and left with a 24-0 defeat and about as bad an outlook to the rest of the season you can have. Backup quarterback Derek Thompson, making his first career start for Nathan Tune, is done for the season, as are center Nick Leppo -- another backup-turned-starter -- and starting receiver Chris Bynes. I'm hearing season-ending for all three, but no official word yet on their specific injuries.
Riley Dodge, like it or not UNT fans, is your starting quarterback until further notice. I imagine Aaron Fortenberry or Kelvin Drake will move in at center, and some combination of guys at outside receiver, perhaps Alex Lott, Jamaal Jackson, Brelan Chancellor or others will take Bynes' spot. Lott and Jackson usually play inside. Note that WR Mike Outlaw didn't play at Army, and not completely sure what's up with that.
I can't say there's much hope for a victory at FAU next Saturday, and 0-4 is, best guess the hole that will bury this coaching staff as athletic director Rick Villarreal begins scribbling his long list. UNT already has a consultant, Chuck Neinas, compiling a battle plan for the athletic department as it moves forward in an era of conference realignment and arms races.
Neinas also runs a headhunter service for new-coach hires. There's a lot of season remaining for candidates to surface, but one-stop shopping with Neinas at this point makes sense for Villarreal.
Injuries are a big reason this team might not win a game, and that's horribly unfair. By the same token, there's a mysterious disconnect between the time this team breaks practice and takes the game field nearly every week. Maybe it's talent. Maybe's it's coaching. No idea. But something about this program in its current state prevents the winning of games, which is the bottom line.
There's time to see improvement. But so far, the performance and/or inability of current players, or the coaching staff's failure and/or inability to get through to them has created a losing situation that appears irreversible.
I'd like to believe no one aspect (offense, defense, special teams, coaching, etc.) is to blame; that this and all the injuries could perhaps be the biggest cluster of football misfortune to befall an FBS program in several years. I doubt many folks will buy that, and blame will be assigned here and there. Bottom line is this is a sad situation that can't spiral much further. Injuries don't mitigate it, but they make it worse and take away your best players, which in turn reduces that which you can control as a team or staff.
Coaches and players talk about accountability, taking ownership, all that. You get fed up, angry and go out and take control of your circumstances. That's where UNT is now, regardless of its skill, talent or ability. If injuries or other factors such as mistakes and poor execution prevent that from happening next week or soon, then change is inevitable.
And whether or not you're a fan of the current coaching staff, it's just sad.
Friday, September 17, 2010
UNT-SMU soccer rivalry hits fever pitch
Rivals in soccer tend to despise, even hate each other, and I'd chance a guess that the North Texas and SMU women fit that description accurately.
If UNT didn't hate SMU (their fans sure do) before Friday's game, it does now. SMU took a 3-2 overtime victory in Denton, and in front of the largest crowd (1,246) ever to witness a UNT home match. The old attendance mark was 1,173 against Oklahoma in 2008. As usual, this team has quite the following for big matches...heck, even matches not so big.
UNT led 1-0 before SMU got the equalizer in the 43rd minute on a strong volley. UNT added a penalty kick in the 63rd minute for a 2-1 lead, but SMU scored again in the 74th minute to force an eventual OT. Too bad UNT couldn't hang on in regulation, because SMU scored the match-winner four minutes into OT.
In the wouldn't-it-be nice file, SMU and UNT should play twice a season, home and home to really fuel this thing up. Hate is a good thing, and as rough-and-tumble as soccer can get -- women's particularly -- playing twice would only benefit both programs.
On to conference play for UNT (5-3-1).
If UNT didn't hate SMU (their fans sure do) before Friday's game, it does now. SMU took a 3-2 overtime victory in Denton, and in front of the largest crowd (1,246) ever to witness a UNT home match. The old attendance mark was 1,173 against Oklahoma in 2008. As usual, this team has quite the following for big matches...heck, even matches not so big.
UNT led 1-0 before SMU got the equalizer in the 43rd minute on a strong volley. UNT added a penalty kick in the 63rd minute for a 2-1 lead, but SMU scored again in the 74th minute to force an eventual OT. Too bad UNT couldn't hang on in regulation, because SMU scored the match-winner four minutes into OT.
In the wouldn't-it-be nice file, SMU and UNT should play twice a season, home and home to really fuel this thing up. Hate is a good thing, and as rough-and-tumble as soccer can get -- women's particularly -- playing twice would only benefit both programs.
On to conference play for UNT (5-3-1).
Upcoming at TMGR
Later this evening in advance of Saturday's game at Army, TMGR will post a new story on one of UNT's up-and-coming young players, linebacker/safety Jeremy Phillips. He's a pretty quiet kid who comes from a big football family. His father, Jim, is a 6-foot-5, boisterous high school coach down in Pasadena who doesn't -- at least on the phone -- resemble youngest son Jeremy whatsoever. They both know football backwards and forwards, as do Jeremy's two brothers, including Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jason Phillips.
If you haven't signed up, please do and get caught up on this week's coverage that included a story about new center Nick Leppo and head-to-head game predictions by TMGR and GoBlackKnights.com, the Army site on the Rivals network.
Coming up in the next several days, some updated recruiting news. It's been quiet for a week or so, but things should be picking up. As always if you do, thanks for reading.
If you haven't signed up, please do and get caught up on this week's coverage that included a story about new center Nick Leppo and head-to-head game predictions by TMGR and GoBlackKnights.com, the Army site on the Rivals network.
Coming up in the next several days, some updated recruiting news. It's been quiet for a week or so, but things should be picking up. As always if you do, thanks for reading.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Meat and Potatoes
TMGR was there earlier this summer when Food Network took over the Cowtown Diner in Fort Worth to tape a new show called "Meat and Potatoes." In an episode airing on Oct. 15 at 9 p.m., the show's host can't finish the world's largest (64 ounces) chicken-fried steak -- along with six pounds of mashed potatoes and gravy -- and has to enlist the help of four starving North Texas football players.
Note to all: If you EVER invite Brandon Akpunku to your house for dinner, make triple recipes of everything. The dude is a jumbo-portion weapon of mass destruction. This ran on TMGR's Facebook page back in July. Pictured are Riley Dodge (don't laugh, he can put it away, too), Craig Robertson, Akpunku and Kelvin Jackson.
Note to all: If you EVER invite Brandon Akpunku to your house for dinner, make triple recipes of everything. The dude is a jumbo-portion weapon of mass destruction. This ran on TMGR's Facebook page back in July. Pictured are Riley Dodge (don't laugh, he can put it away, too), Craig Robertson, Akpunku and Kelvin Jackson.
More replay-camera explanation
Blog poster asked how would an endzone camera give a good view of a play that took place around the 20-yard line, and how did it take until the fourth quarter for UNT officials to know of a malfunction? Let's handle the first part of that.
I need to further clarify the camera situation at Fouts. For all games, televised or not, there are manned cameras behind each end zone transmitting to the video board. Those cameras are not trained on a particular spot or position, and can move around, pan, zoom, provide crowd shots, etc. The two cameras I referenced yesterday are mounted and unmanned on the Fouts visitor side along the goal lines, actually behind the 5-yard line or so. Again, these are fixed and do not move.
These cameras, I'm told, have enough zoom capability to get a clear angle across the field, despite the long vantage from behind the running track. Todd Dodge said he called a timeout for two reasons; to reset the defense after Rice completed a pass to Luke Willson to the UNT 3, and to hopefully give officials a chance to review the catch on replay. Rice's offense was running to the line of scrimmage, knowing of such a chance.
The fixed visitor-side camera at that end, however, wasn't operating. The manned end zone cameras can be used for official replay, but the nearest one either didn't have a clear angle, didn't zoom close enough or was trained somewhere else. The last remaining camera, UNT's "high 50" camera atop the press box, also feeds the video board but didn't have the required angle.
By the way, Willson clearly came down inbounds according to later-reviewed team video, so this is moot on at least that level.
As for why UNT officials didn't know until the fourth quarter that a camera was down, I have no answer, other than it was working at kickoff and later malfunctioned.
I need to further clarify the camera situation at Fouts. For all games, televised or not, there are manned cameras behind each end zone transmitting to the video board. Those cameras are not trained on a particular spot or position, and can move around, pan, zoom, provide crowd shots, etc. The two cameras I referenced yesterday are mounted and unmanned on the Fouts visitor side along the goal lines, actually behind the 5-yard line or so. Again, these are fixed and do not move.
These cameras, I'm told, have enough zoom capability to get a clear angle across the field, despite the long vantage from behind the running track. Todd Dodge said he called a timeout for two reasons; to reset the defense after Rice completed a pass to Luke Willson to the UNT 3, and to hopefully give officials a chance to review the catch on replay. Rice's offense was running to the line of scrimmage, knowing of such a chance.
The fixed visitor-side camera at that end, however, wasn't operating. The manned end zone cameras can be used for official replay, but the nearest one either didn't have a clear angle, didn't zoom close enough or was trained somewhere else. The last remaining camera, UNT's "high 50" camera atop the press box, also feeds the video board but didn't have the required angle.
By the way, Willson clearly came down inbounds according to later-reviewed team video, so this is moot on at least that level.
As for why UNT officials didn't know until the fourth quarter that a camera was down, I have no answer, other than it was working at kickoff and later malfunctioned.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Tuesday practice updates
Dodge talked today about losing DaWaylon Cook to an ACL. A rundown of today's topics:
_ He didn't know until Monday that Cook was done. The safety was re-examined late Sunday, at which time the torn ACL was discovered. As of this evening, Dodge remains uncertain what caused the injury, other than the usual hard contact.
_ John Shorter has become quite the valuable commodity since UNT brought him back from a university-imposed suspension last spring. He'll start at Cook's safety spot. Brad Graham has moved from LB to S, and Robbie Gordon is at CB now for depth.Ryan Downing will continue to back up Ira Smith at the other S spot.
_ TE/U-back Micah Mosley is expected back as early as Oct. 9 from a leg injury suffered during UNT's second fall scrimmage. LB Daniel Prior is now working at U-back to add depth there.
_ WR Jamaal Jackson sat out today's practice with a shoulder sprain (he played the entire Rice game anyway) but said he's expected to return to practice Wednesday.
_ While practicing his punting Tuesday, current starting kicker Trent Deans came down awkwardly on his plant leg, and his ankle swelled up. If that's not under control by Saturday, Zach Olen, Jose Serrano or both will handle UNT's very-dicey kicking job. Regular punter Will Atterberry will handle kickoffs again, and Dodge said he's confident Atterberry will keep it inbounds this time.
_ Center J.J. Johnson will not have surgery on Thursday to repair a ruptured foot ligament, as per the original plan. Dodge said Johnson might actually be back by late this season if a rehab program goes well.
_ He didn't know until Monday that Cook was done. The safety was re-examined late Sunday, at which time the torn ACL was discovered. As of this evening, Dodge remains uncertain what caused the injury, other than the usual hard contact.
_ John Shorter has become quite the valuable commodity since UNT brought him back from a university-imposed suspension last spring. He'll start at Cook's safety spot. Brad Graham has moved from LB to S, and Robbie Gordon is at CB now for depth.Ryan Downing will continue to back up Ira Smith at the other S spot.
_ TE/U-back Micah Mosley is expected back as early as Oct. 9 from a leg injury suffered during UNT's second fall scrimmage. LB Daniel Prior is now working at U-back to add depth there.
_ WR Jamaal Jackson sat out today's practice with a shoulder sprain (he played the entire Rice game anyway) but said he's expected to return to practice Wednesday.
_ While practicing his punting Tuesday, current starting kicker Trent Deans came down awkwardly on his plant leg, and his ankle swelled up. If that's not under control by Saturday, Zach Olen, Jose Serrano or both will handle UNT's very-dicey kicking job. Regular punter Will Atterberry will handle kickoffs again, and Dodge said he's confident Atterberry will keep it inbounds this time.
_ Center J.J. Johnson will not have surgery on Thursday to repair a ruptured foot ligament, as per the original plan. Dodge said Johnson might actually be back by late this season if a rehab program goes well.
Clarifying answer to replay question
Todd Dodge mentioned in Saturday's postgame that he called a timeout hoping to get a replay review on a Rice catch by Luke Willson that set up the Owls' winning TD. Dodge said he was informed that the nearest end zone replay camera had gone down.
A TMGR poster questioned why Dodge would call a timeout to seek a replay in a non-televised game. Associate athletic director Eric Capper told me a few minutes ago that Dodge's decision to burn a second timeout in hopes officials would go to replay wasn't a misinformed move.
I didn't remember this, but in 2008, the Sun Belt Conference bought and installed replay cameras (two for Fouts Field) for all member stadiums. In effors to be uniform with the rest of FBS, the SBC wanted all non-televised games to have replay capability. Fouts does, but on Saturday, the end zone camera nearest to the beer barn (that's my personal point of reference) went caput.
Two such cameras are each mounted at the top row of the visitor bleachers, looking down on each end zone. What looked like a Jamaal Jackson TD catch (at least from the press box) at the other end in the first quarter was not reviewed. Jackson must have been too far out of bounds to warrant a coach challenge or official replay. Either way, that camera was working.
Guessing both will be working for UNT's next non-televised home game, Oct. 9 vs. Arkansas State. Ah, Fouts.
A TMGR poster questioned why Dodge would call a timeout to seek a replay in a non-televised game. Associate athletic director Eric Capper told me a few minutes ago that Dodge's decision to burn a second timeout in hopes officials would go to replay wasn't a misinformed move.
I didn't remember this, but in 2008, the Sun Belt Conference bought and installed replay cameras (two for Fouts Field) for all member stadiums. In effors to be uniform with the rest of FBS, the SBC wanted all non-televised games to have replay capability. Fouts does, but on Saturday, the end zone camera nearest to the beer barn (that's my personal point of reference) went caput.
Two such cameras are each mounted at the top row of the visitor bleachers, looking down on each end zone. What looked like a Jamaal Jackson TD catch (at least from the press box) at the other end in the first quarter was not reviewed. Jackson must have been too far out of bounds to warrant a coach challenge or official replay. Either way, that camera was working.
Guessing both will be working for UNT's next non-televised home game, Oct. 9 vs. Arkansas State. Ah, Fouts.
OK, this isn't funny anymore
Not that it ever was, but now it REALLY isn't. Yes, safety DaWaylon Cook (ACL) is the latest UNT starter lost to a season-ending injury. When or how it happened Saturday against Rice is a bit of a mystery. I remember seeing Cook pop up from a pile and limp around like he was trying to walk off a tweak. Not sure if that was the moment the injury occurred, but he looked o.k., and I went on typing.
Any limp I see from now on will receive some kind of red-ink notation. UNT seems to have capable backups in John Shorter and Ryan Downing, but some positions are getting to be a numbers game, quarterback included after Nathan Tune's dislocated hip.
Coaches and players like to say luck is self-generated, but if UNT isn't the unluckiest program in the FBS, then who is?
Any limp I see from now on will receive some kind of red-ink notation. UNT seems to have capable backups in John Shorter and Ryan Downing, but some positions are getting to be a numbers game, quarterback included after Nathan Tune's dislocated hip.
Coaches and players like to say luck is self-generated, but if UNT isn't the unluckiest program in the FBS, then who is?
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Dodge moves back to QB full-time
Todd Dodge said tonight that Riley Dodge has moved back to quarterback full-time as UNT's No. 2 behind Derek Thompson, who will start at Army. Full details in this story. True freshman receiver Derek Teegarden, at QB when fall camp started, is back at that position, too.
In other news, guard Matt Tomlinson does not have a leg/knee/ankle/other injury but was severely overheated Saturday. UNT's other guard, Kelvin Drake (foot), should be back for Army, but he has a lot of pain right now.
In other news, guard Matt Tomlinson does not have a leg/knee/ankle/other injury but was severely overheated Saturday. UNT's other guard, Kelvin Drake (foot), should be back for Army, but he has a lot of pain right now.
Injury leftovers
Besides Tune, guards Matt Tomlinson and Kelvin Drake appear to not be too bad, but Drake's right foot is really bothering him. We will see quite a bit of Coleman Feeley the rest of the season at left guard. Tomlinson should be back after tweaking an ankle or foot. Receiver/special teams guy Greg Brown was said by Dodge to have a possible ACL injury, but he might not be done for the season. He'll be out for a while, however.
It's Thompson's turn now
I went in and made a slight alteration to today's UNT-Rice game story; seems Derek Thompson quietly got into the game for a few plays in the second quarter, and Thompson was the one who threw that pass to Jamaal Jackson that should have gone for a 76-yard TD. Jackson just flat dropped the ball, and Thompson's next pass went off Alex Lott's pads. Thompson wasn't back until UNT's last offensive play, right after paramedics hauled Nathan Tune off with a dislocated hip.
Tune is done for the forseeable future, and it's time for the sophomore from Glen Rose to lead this team to some desperately needed consistency on offense. Tune has looked great at times the last two weeks, but chalk this up as an unfortunate opportunity for change. Everyone wishes Tune well and a speedy recovery, but the pressure is on someone else now. Just the way it goes.
The question this begs now is where does this leave Riley Dodge? Will he begin working full-time at quarterback this week? In two games, he has more rushing attempts at quarterback (five) than catches (one), and this might be what actually pulls together some coherent method of using him other than random, predictable direct snaps on third-and-short.
Chase Baine, presumably, moves to third on the QB depth chart, and could he be far behind from getting meaningful game snaps?
All we know for sure is Riley Dodge, he of the wobbly ulnar nerve in his throwing arm, is one injury away from being UNT's starter again. I don't care what anyone says, this couldn't have been in any grand plan.
Tune is done for the forseeable future, and it's time for the sophomore from Glen Rose to lead this team to some desperately needed consistency on offense. Tune has looked great at times the last two weeks, but chalk this up as an unfortunate opportunity for change. Everyone wishes Tune well and a speedy recovery, but the pressure is on someone else now. Just the way it goes.
The question this begs now is where does this leave Riley Dodge? Will he begin working full-time at quarterback this week? In two games, he has more rushing attempts at quarterback (five) than catches (one), and this might be what actually pulls together some coherent method of using him other than random, predictable direct snaps on third-and-short.
Chase Baine, presumably, moves to third on the QB depth chart, and could he be far behind from getting meaningful game snaps?
All we know for sure is Riley Dodge, he of the wobbly ulnar nerve in his throwing arm, is one injury away from being UNT's starter again. I don't care what anyone says, this couldn't have been in any grand plan.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Rice wins 32-31, Tune out with dislocated hip
UNT had 2:07 to drive from its own 20 to into field-goal range but couldn't get it done. Tune had to be taken off a few plays into the drive by paramedics with a dislocated hip. Backup Derek Thompson and Lance Dunbar couldn't convert the 4th-and-14. Rice then took a knee.
Big plays, big plays, big plays, blah, blah
Rice takes a 32-31 lead on a 2-yard run by Charles Ross. It was another short-field drive for the Owls, starting at the UNT 37 after a short punt and long return by Erickson. Fanuzzi hit passes of 20 and 13 yards to the UNT 3.
UNT's next offensive series got stuffed cold. Rice back on offense, Owls lead by 1 with 5 mins. to go.
UNT's next offensive series got stuffed cold. Rice back on offense, Owls lead by 1 with 5 mins. to go.
Tune gets physical
Tune gets out in front of Dunbar on a 9-yard run and lays into a Rice defender. Unfortunately, he comes out and Riley Dodge's dive on the next play -- 3rd and 1 -- goes for zero. UNT punts out of its own end, Rice threatening now.
Sack forces Rice punt
The defense isn't always stellar, but it's getting the job done. K.C. Obi just flattened Fanuzzi for a loss of 9, and Rice's punt pins UNT at its 2. 10:19 to play.
Well, UNT is down to its last...
Option at kickoff specialist, apparently, and without good results. Punter Will Atterberry just sent the kickoff out of bounds to alow Rice to start at its 40.
Deans kicks 24 FG, UNT leads 31-26 (4th)
UNT thought it had a facemask penalty on Rice on a Riley Dodge completion where he was slung out of bounds, but the flag was picked up. Rice holds on third down when Tune throws it away out of the back of the end zone, a smart decision.
UNT 28, Rice 26 (end 3rd QU)
Mean Green are knocking at the Rice 13 to end the quarter. Tune, Dunbar, Tyler Stradford, Alex Lott and Jackson are moving the chains on a thusfar 10-play drive.
Another Rice FG, UNT defense not breaking yet
Rice pulls within 28-26 and doesn't get six thanks to ANOTHER TD-saving tackle by UNT, this time Royce Hill on a 48-yard run by Tyler Smith, who goes untouched through the heart of the Mean Green defense. Boswell just tied a Rice record with his fourth FG, this one from 24. He has four makes, a block and a miss.
Attendance tonight just announced at a very late-arriving 23,743.
Attendance tonight just announced at a very late-arriving 23,743.
How's that feel?
Rice tight end Brent Hotard lets a TD pass go through his fingers (familiar?), and Boswell is on to kick after another incompletion. He misses wide left from 44 yards, and UNT still leads 28-23.
Rice on the move again
From their 31, the Owls have driven to the UNT 27 thanks to another long completion to Luke Willson. Rice calls timeout on 2nd and 6.
Tyler Stradford is (finally) in the house
Splits the defense and turns on the jets for a 75-yard TD, Rice defense giving chase. UNT takes a 28-23 lead, early third quarter. First UNT lead of the season.
Phillips (I like that name) intercepts Rice, :12 remaining first half
Fanuzzi just airmailed it to Jeremy Phillips over the middle on 3rd and goal, and the half ends. Rice goes to the locker room leading 23-21. Anyone's game.
Back later.
Back later.
Rice threatening
Rice is at the UNT 11 on 2nd and 11 after Fanuzzi's two long completions to Luke Willson and McGuffie. Only 24 seconds left in the half, Owls up 23-21.
UNT cuts it to 22-21, excellent poise by Tune
Let's dole out some positive equal time here and say that Tune just looked like Tom Brady on that last drive that went 68 yards in five plays in 1:19. Lance Dunbar finishes off the last four yards, and Rice leads 23-21 with 1:59 to go in the half.
Rice goes up 23-14 (3:18 left 2nd QU)
Luke Willson was just the benefactor of some horrific tackling by UNT after a little screen pass. He gets up the far sideline for a 22-yard touchdown to put Rice up by 9. Another short-field drive for the Owls.
Tune keeps on zone read, fumbles
UNT had first and 10 at its own 24 after two illegal blocks on the punt return, and Tune just fumbled it away to Rice, which sits at the UNT 26. New QB for Rice, Nick Fanuzzi. McHargue must be injured.
Tune throws pick
Corey Frazier jumped a pass intended for Riley Dodge and halted UNT's offensive momentum to the Rice 29. Rice then goes 3 and out, with DeMario Dixon and Brandon Akpunku leveling McHargue on a forced throwaway. Rice punts, and we have every flag available on the field now.
Another 3 and out for UNT's D
McHargue came up two yards short on a bootleg to force a Rice punt. UNT first and 10 at own 24. Defense is getting it done right now. Rice has 70 total yards, 51 coming on its first play of the game.
Drake being worked on
UNT left guard Kelvin Drake was getting his right foot worked on during UNT's scoring drive. Will try to find out what that's about, but Drake always has a sore foot.
UNT capitalizes on Rice fumble, pulls to 16-14
UNT's Atterberry let fly a 65-yard punt, and Rice's Andy Erickson fielded it off the bounce behind him, took off and then fumbled. Robertson recovered, and UNt scored three plays later when Jackson actually held on for a 14-yard score.
Guess there's hope.
Guess there's hope.
Defense holds again
UNT gets 3 and out on Rice's offense. Craig Robertson stopped McHargue for no gain, and a pass breakup by someone brings on the Owl punt unit. Kyle Martens uncorks a long one, but there's a flag after a short UNT return to its own 9...penalty on Rice, rekick.
Fair catch by Royce Hill, and he lets it go. First and 10, UNT, own 17.
Fair catch by Royce Hill, and he lets it go. First and 10, UNT, own 17.
UNT receivers adding to a pitiful effort today
Jackson just let a sure TD pass, perfectly thrown over the secondary by Tune, go through his fingers. Alex Lott couldn't pull in the next pass, and UNT had to punt. UNT's Greg Brown is on the turf now, injured. He's up and limping off now, but on his own.
If it seems like I'm really letting these guys have it, I can't apologize. A lot of pungent play out there on UNT's side.
If it seems like I'm really letting these guys have it, I can't apologize. A lot of pungent play out there on UNT's side.
Rice 16, UNT 7 (end 1st QU)
Not much to tell so far with this one...Rice's starting field position on five drives has been its own 49, UNT's 26, UNT's 36, UNT's 6 and UNT's 36. Three Chris Boswell field goals for Rice are the story from there. UNT's defense bending.
Rice 16, UNT 7 (late 1st QU.)
Boswell just made another long FG, this one from 50. UNT's defense isn't playing badly at all, but the short-field situation is getting ridiculous. Atterberry's shanked punt...unexpected and unnecessary.
Absolutely awful
After a brutally bad offensive drive that included Darius Carey not hauling in a finger tip catch, Atterberry just shanked the punt 19 yards out of bounds. Rice first and 10 at UNT 36.
Rice kicks FG, leads 13-7
Downing tackle of the blocked punt return at the UNT 6 proves huge. Rice goes 3 and out, and Boswell kicks a 24-yarder for a the 6-point lead. Ira Smith and DaWaylon Cook are playing some nice D in the secondary since Cook's coverage miscue earlier.
UNT blocks Rice FG attempt
UNT's defense holds despite starting on a short field (own 36) after a kickoff coverage team personal foul. Boswell's 48-yard try was blocked, looks like by Craig Robertson. UNT 1st and 10 own 35...
So much for that. UNT on to punt after a 3 and out, but Atterberry is blocked. Ryan Downing's tackle keeps Rice out of the end zone on the return. Owls first and G at UNT 6.
So much for that. UNT on to punt after a 3 and out, but Atterberry is blocked. Ryan Downing's tackle keeps Rice out of the end zone on the return. Owls first and G at UNT 6.
Dodge in at QB; UNT pulls fat out of fire on Rice flag
Takes snap and runs for first down, UNT at Rice 11.
Dodge says in game, gets to 10 on a zone read, gains 2 on the same play again, and now the UNT sideline is getting booed. Third and 7.
Looked like Nathan Tune found Jackson for an 8-yard touchdown, but he's called out of bounds.
Yikes, Trent Deans just missed a 25-yard field goal for UNT, but Rice is called for offsides. It's 4th and 2, and UNT's offense is going for it from the Rice 4...TOUCHDOWN! Tune rolls left and uncorks the short shovel pass to Dunbar.
Rice leads 10-7, and UNT is damn lucky after that last near-debacle.
Dodge says in game, gets to 10 on a zone read, gains 2 on the same play again, and now the UNT sideline is getting booed. Third and 7.
Looked like Nathan Tune found Jackson for an 8-yard touchdown, but he's called out of bounds.
Yikes, Trent Deans just missed a 25-yard field goal for UNT, but Rice is called for offsides. It's 4th and 2, and UNT's offense is going for it from the Rice 4...TOUCHDOWN! Tune rolls left and uncorks the short shovel pass to Dunbar.
Rice leads 10-7, and UNT is damn lucky after that last near-debacle.
UNT looking competent
Nathan Tune finds Jamaal Jackson for 14 yards, and Lance Dunbar appears from behind a pile of players to gain 34 yards to the Rice 23. Nine-yard gain by Dunbar, then...
UNT has to take a timeout when tight ends Draylen Ross and Conor Gilmartin-Donohue can't figure out some apparent confusion. UNT at Rice 15.
UNT has to take a timeout when tight ends Draylen Ross and Conor Gilmartin-Donohue can't figure out some apparent confusion. UNT at Rice 15.
Phillips sacks McHargue, holds Rice to FG
I was a long one, though. Chris Boswell, who is from Fort Worth, nails a 55-yarder to make it 10-0. Jeremy Phillips at least minimized the damage for UNT by sacking McHargue on third down.
Unbelievably terrible start by UNT
Lance Dunbar just fumbled the ball away to Rice at the UNT 26. Rice ball again.
One play, Rice up 7-0
Geesh, Rice needs one play to get on the board. Looks like DaWaylon Cook, a safety, ended up 1-on-1 with Rice RB Sam McGuffie along the far sideline, and Taylor McHargue completes it for a 51-yard score. UNT now first and 10 own 19.
Yikes, that was close
Rice can't haul in a would-be interception on a tipped pass by Darius Carey. Will Atterberry on to punt. 1st and 10 Rice, own 49.
Skydivers...awesome
Never get tired of that. In a few minutes, UNT starts its 95th season of football -- 59th and last in the hellhole known as Fouts Field. No offense. Hopefully none taken.
Ready for kickoff...
TMGR is ready to live blog for you at the UNT-Rice game, so jump on and ask any questions you might have. I had a tent set up out at the tailgate, so if you're looking at this on your phone or mobile device, I hope you made it by, saw the sign and grabbed some cold water hot one today.
Rice scouting report, courtesy Owl Sports Watch
David Mooney, a Rivals publisher who runs Owlsportswatch.com, offered up some insight this week on Rice. He was in the bleachers in 2008 (sitting next to Giovanni Vizza's family) when Rice blasted UNT in Houston. He doesn't forsee a similar outcome this time. Basically, here's his take:
_ Obviously, stopping UNT's run game is a focus for Rice. On the opposite side, Tyler Smith and Sam McGuffie will warrant attention by UNT's defense, but he said it's easy to overlook a third Rice back, Charles Ross. He's 6-1, 230, and has a 40 time of 4.38. You don't hear much about him, but that could change. Watch out for backup RB Shane Turner, who is Rice's kickoff return guy.
_ Against Texas, Michigan transfer McGuffie would look great one minute and then revert back to trying to run like he was still in high school, reversing field and losing yards, etc. He's still adjusting. Smith is Rice's most complete back. Good vision, more disciplined.
_ QB Taylor McHargue isn't Rice's best passer, but he's got some intangibles that coach David Bailiff likes as far as what they bring the team. Former QB Chase Clement often struggled with his touch on a too-strong arm; McHargue doesn't have that problem, but he has a similar clutch makeup.
_ From a depth standpoint, Todd Dodge called Rice's DL a little thin this week, but every Rice starter has started at least two years. End Cheta Ozougwu is a three-year starter. Mike Smith and John Gioffre are smallish tackles who can really move.
_ Former Fossil Ridge kicker Chris Boswell will handle field goals and extra points. He's probably, from a recruiting standpoint, a player UNT and Rice tussled over more than most the last few years. Dodge really wanted this kid.
_ Former Lake Travis receiver Andy Erickson didn't return a punt against Texas, but figure on that changing. He's not big, but he's fast enough to do things when he gets the ball. Remember that Erickson had a punt return for TD, kickoff return for TD, a TD reception and intercepted a fake-punt to win MVP at the Texas High School Coaches Association all-star game.
_ Chris Jammer and Phillip Gaines are solid, experienced cornerbacks. Jammer, a junior, started as a true freshman like UNT's Royce Hill.
_ Safeties Chris Jones, Corey Frazier and Travis Bradshaw are very assignment sound. Frazier is the "cat" or third safety in Rice's 4-2-5 and can really give you trouble. Jones and CB Gaines were high school hurdlers who can close in open field.
_ Rice's LBs are as strong and deep as they've been in years. Their relative health is one improvement, and former RB Justin Hill can motor, and Trey Briggs is a physical specimen at 6-1, 230-plus. Both were solid against Texas. Backup Justin Allen would start in a base 4-3. He's a former Texas 5A co-defensive player of the year from Cedar Park who transferred to Rice from Idaho.
_ Rice won't throw as much as UNT but has good depth at receiver and some speed in the OL. Tight ends Vance McDonald and Luke Willson are guys McHargue can really utilize, and former Arlington Bowie wideout Derek Clark was a starter that Texas neutralized, kind of like Clemson did to Tyler Stradford. Pierre Beasley, Randy Kitchens, Corbin Smiter and Klein Kubiak are all capable of causing trouble in the passing game if it opens up.
_ Obviously, stopping UNT's run game is a focus for Rice. On the opposite side, Tyler Smith and Sam McGuffie will warrant attention by UNT's defense, but he said it's easy to overlook a third Rice back, Charles Ross. He's 6-1, 230, and has a 40 time of 4.38. You don't hear much about him, but that could change. Watch out for backup RB Shane Turner, who is Rice's kickoff return guy.
_ Against Texas, Michigan transfer McGuffie would look great one minute and then revert back to trying to run like he was still in high school, reversing field and losing yards, etc. He's still adjusting. Smith is Rice's most complete back. Good vision, more disciplined.
_ QB Taylor McHargue isn't Rice's best passer, but he's got some intangibles that coach David Bailiff likes as far as what they bring the team. Former QB Chase Clement often struggled with his touch on a too-strong arm; McHargue doesn't have that problem, but he has a similar clutch makeup.
_ From a depth standpoint, Todd Dodge called Rice's DL a little thin this week, but every Rice starter has started at least two years. End Cheta Ozougwu is a three-year starter. Mike Smith and John Gioffre are smallish tackles who can really move.
_ Former Fossil Ridge kicker Chris Boswell will handle field goals and extra points. He's probably, from a recruiting standpoint, a player UNT and Rice tussled over more than most the last few years. Dodge really wanted this kid.
_ Former Lake Travis receiver Andy Erickson didn't return a punt against Texas, but figure on that changing. He's not big, but he's fast enough to do things when he gets the ball. Remember that Erickson had a punt return for TD, kickoff return for TD, a TD reception and intercepted a fake-punt to win MVP at the Texas High School Coaches Association all-star game.
_ Chris Jammer and Phillip Gaines are solid, experienced cornerbacks. Jammer, a junior, started as a true freshman like UNT's Royce Hill.
_ Safeties Chris Jones, Corey Frazier and Travis Bradshaw are very assignment sound. Frazier is the "cat" or third safety in Rice's 4-2-5 and can really give you trouble. Jones and CB Gaines were high school hurdlers who can close in open field.
_ Rice's LBs are as strong and deep as they've been in years. Their relative health is one improvement, and former RB Justin Hill can motor, and Trey Briggs is a physical specimen at 6-1, 230-plus. Both were solid against Texas. Backup Justin Allen would start in a base 4-3. He's a former Texas 5A co-defensive player of the year from Cedar Park who transferred to Rice from Idaho.
_ Rice won't throw as much as UNT but has good depth at receiver and some speed in the OL. Tight ends Vance McDonald and Luke Willson are guys McHargue can really utilize, and former Arlington Bowie wideout Derek Clark was a starter that Texas neutralized, kind of like Clemson did to Tyler Stradford. Pierre Beasley, Randy Kitchens, Corbin Smiter and Klein Kubiak are all capable of causing trouble in the passing game if it opens up.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Great ending to prep game
Video of a cool Hail Mary by Kingsburg (Calif.) High to beat San Luis Obispo to open the season. Be sure and click on the link underneath to the "worst high school football play ever." Nearly fell out of my chair on that one.
When it rains...
Well, it's Friday afternoon, and the bad news just keeps coming at UNT. This time it's on the hoops side, with incoming freshman guard Ronald McGhee now headed to Paris Junior College after he "failed to meet NCAA eligibility standards", according to a UNT release.
Due to privacy issues, this isn't something UNT coaches are going to comment on. So, humor me while I attempt to dissect what just happened.
Friday was the 11th day of class at UNT, and I know McGhee was actually enrolled at some point. You don't find out then the NCAA Clearinghouse clipped your wings.
It appears McGhee, from Baton Rouge, La., failed to meet the back-end NCAA eligibility standards, as in going to class, studying -- the stuff you have to do to STAY eligible.
If McGhee actually didn't qualify to play NCAA basketball on the front end and was enrolled off the scholarship books -- which is a possibility -- then I'm not sure what that says for UNT's admission standards. To be fair, I'm sure athletes and even regular students are admitted under special circumstances, but they have to show they can do the work.
I doubt McGhee could or would, and now he's headed to Paris Junior College, where he'll be coached by -- surprise -- former UNT assistant Chuck Taylor. Good luck, kid.
Barring other underclassman departures between now and May, UNT has up to eight scholarships to fill for 2011-2012. What a marketing opportunity this program has: We make NCAA Tournaments, and we have more open scholarships than you can shake a stick at! Come and get 'em!
Due to privacy issues, this isn't something UNT coaches are going to comment on. So, humor me while I attempt to dissect what just happened.
Friday was the 11th day of class at UNT, and I know McGhee was actually enrolled at some point. You don't find out then the NCAA Clearinghouse clipped your wings.
It appears McGhee, from Baton Rouge, La., failed to meet the back-end NCAA eligibility standards, as in going to class, studying -- the stuff you have to do to STAY eligible.
If McGhee actually didn't qualify to play NCAA basketball on the front end and was enrolled off the scholarship books -- which is a possibility -- then I'm not sure what that says for UNT's admission standards. To be fair, I'm sure athletes and even regular students are admitted under special circumstances, but they have to show they can do the work.
I doubt McGhee could or would, and now he's headed to Paris Junior College, where he'll be coached by -- surprise -- former UNT assistant Chuck Taylor. Good luck, kid.
Barring other underclassman departures between now and May, UNT has up to eight scholarships to fill for 2011-2012. What a marketing opportunity this program has: We make NCAA Tournaments, and we have more open scholarships than you can shake a stick at! Come and get 'em!
What else can go wrong?
UNT needs a W on the field Saturday against Rice in Denton, but I'd say the Mean Green needs a W in life -- just something to go right or for bad fortune to take a holiday.
The good news, seemingly, is that Nick Leppo will be ready and able against Rice in place of center J.J. Johnson, lost for the season because of foot surgery. At cornerback, I don't think we really know if Steven Ford (broken ankle) will be back for sure, and if he does return, how effective would he be next to a healthy and experienced D'Leon McCord, who is taking over for him. If Ira Smith gets enough work at CB in practice and moves there, also, would Ford be a better option in six or seven weeks? Maybe, maybe not.
To speculate what else could go wrong Saturday is on the macabre side, and we won't go there. Tevinn Cantly (knee) should be back at DT, which helps serious depth issues there if Cantly is ready.
If we want to talk W, it's time for Tyler Stradford to be involved in the offense. I'm not sophisticated enough to know if it was him or Nathan Tune or the coverage or what, but Stradford has the wheels to get it done against Rice, and he also has his pride. Little surprised to see Riley Dodge with one touch at Clemson, a 1-yard run for a first down, but I know there are only so many plays in the book. I can't believe that Mike Outlaw will go from starter at receiver to non-contributor. Thinking we'll see more there, too.
Basically, all the miscues, misfires, miscommunications, mistakes and mis-whatever else the last three years comes down to this: If UNT wants to beat Rice Saturday, it needs to eradicate fumbles, interceptions, red-zone mediocrity on offense and big-play vulnerability on defense and special teams. Is that too long a list? I don't believe so.
It has to end...now.
The good news, seemingly, is that Nick Leppo will be ready and able against Rice in place of center J.J. Johnson, lost for the season because of foot surgery. At cornerback, I don't think we really know if Steven Ford (broken ankle) will be back for sure, and if he does return, how effective would he be next to a healthy and experienced D'Leon McCord, who is taking over for him. If Ira Smith gets enough work at CB in practice and moves there, also, would Ford be a better option in six or seven weeks? Maybe, maybe not.
To speculate what else could go wrong Saturday is on the macabre side, and we won't go there. Tevinn Cantly (knee) should be back at DT, which helps serious depth issues there if Cantly is ready.
If we want to talk W, it's time for Tyler Stradford to be involved in the offense. I'm not sophisticated enough to know if it was him or Nathan Tune or the coverage or what, but Stradford has the wheels to get it done against Rice, and he also has his pride. Little surprised to see Riley Dodge with one touch at Clemson, a 1-yard run for a first down, but I know there are only so many plays in the book. I can't believe that Mike Outlaw will go from starter at receiver to non-contributor. Thinking we'll see more there, too.
Basically, all the miscues, misfires, miscommunications, mistakes and mis-whatever else the last three years comes down to this: If UNT wants to beat Rice Saturday, it needs to eradicate fumbles, interceptions, red-zone mediocrity on offense and big-play vulnerability on defense and special teams. Is that too long a list? I don't believe so.
It has to end...now.
Some bad news came down Thur. night
As per our front-page story on TMGR, starting center J.J. Johnson is done for the season after suffering a foot injury that has sidelined at least three other UNT players over the last year. Johnson will be missed, as the OL is used to having him in charge the last two years. Redshirt freshman Nick Leppo is in the middle now.
The story posted late Thursday describes a strange foot ligament rupture that doesn't occur often in sports, but it shelved two players last year with surgery and has been a source of irritation for another UNT offensive lineman. Todd Dodge said until last year he'd never heard of the condition, in which the ligament connecting foot bones fails.
I didn't get in there that when the appropriate time comes after the season, Dodge said UNT will explore NCAA injury-hardship possibilities for both Johnson and cornerback Steven Ford -- if the latter doesn't return this season from surgery for a broken ankle -- to gain back a year of eligibility.
Injuries stink, and here's hoping neither UNT nor Rice suffer any more that are severe come Saturday.
The story posted late Thursday describes a strange foot ligament rupture that doesn't occur often in sports, but it shelved two players last year with surgery and has been a source of irritation for another UNT offensive lineman. Todd Dodge said until last year he'd never heard of the condition, in which the ligament connecting foot bones fails.
I didn't get in there that when the appropriate time comes after the season, Dodge said UNT will explore NCAA injury-hardship possibilities for both Johnson and cornerback Steven Ford -- if the latter doesn't return this season from surgery for a broken ankle -- to gain back a year of eligibility.
Injuries stink, and here's hoping neither UNT nor Rice suffer any more that are severe come Saturday.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
For those who follow minor sports, casually or otherwise
TMGR is starting a new weekly, free feature on non-football, non-men's hoops sports to help you get to know other UNT athletes (ladies and gentlemen) around campus. Used to do these every few weeks in the newspaper business, and they helped bridge a gap between the sports that get all the coverage and those that get little. We'll tell you a little about each athlete and then fire away five Q&As. Hopefully, it'll be well-received and provide some insight.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Hearing that Johnson
...will not go Saturday regardless of MRI results on foot. Leppo to start at center.
Should get word on JJ today, other stuff
Been hitting the hoops recruiting trail, so a bit late this AM (yeah it says 11:21 p.m. down there, but trust me, it's Wed AM) with Tuesday's football post-practice stuff. We had to go under the Fouts bleachers. Something about a tropical storm.
Imagine word's gotten out about center J.J. Johnson having an MRI, but nothing official on the results or if he'll go Saturday after getting his foot stepped on at Clemson. Don't forsee any dropoff if Nick Leppo goes instead. He stood in there and got the job done on Saturday and looked good in fall camp when it seemed a foregone conclusion that Aaron Fortenberry would end up No. 2 at center.
Incidentally, Leppo is a budding success story from Southlake Carroll, and here I pose some trivia. Name the other eight former Dragons who have rolled through UNT's program since Todd Dodge became head coach in 2007. Answer's posted in The Village, but give it a shot before you cheat.
Talked with Jamaal Jackson and learned that he has never not started a game in his college career, including the two years he spent at JC in Mississippi. I know JC isn't FBS, but starting is starting, and never backing up seems impressive. Other than a few drops that JJ took responsibility for, he looked solid at Clemson after the catch and on kickoff returns. People talk about Tyler Stradford being difficult to cover, but I don't see anyone having much luck with this guy.
He and Ira Smith are basically sharing kick-return responsibilities, though Jackson is the "call" guy who determines on the fly which one takes the return. On UNT's often-ailing special teams, these two are the bright spots and potential weapons in an effort to turn the Mean Green around in one season.
Speaking of Smith, he's getting some time at CB after injuries made that position thinner than Rick Villarreal's tolerance for salad. It's possible because Ryan Downing has progressed so well at safety, that Smith playing both positions doesn't throw a wrench in the secondary. D'Leon McCord will start opposite Royce Hill, but Smith will be ready.
By the way, Lance Dunbar looks like the cat that ate the canary after his performance at Clemson. This guy is sky-high confident he can victimize Rice or anyone else left on UNT's schedule. He says the OL and blocking WRs really opened up some real estate on Saturday, and if there's any place he can improve, it's on getting some of those long runs or shovel passes to the house for a TD. Don't get me wrong; Dunbar respects the defenses that will undoubtedly come after him, but he sounds ready to meet them head on.
Incidentally, Dunbar said he started at receiver against Rice during the 2008 debacle in Houston. Didn't remember that.
Imagine word's gotten out about center J.J. Johnson having an MRI, but nothing official on the results or if he'll go Saturday after getting his foot stepped on at Clemson. Don't forsee any dropoff if Nick Leppo goes instead. He stood in there and got the job done on Saturday and looked good in fall camp when it seemed a foregone conclusion that Aaron Fortenberry would end up No. 2 at center.
Incidentally, Leppo is a budding success story from Southlake Carroll, and here I pose some trivia. Name the other eight former Dragons who have rolled through UNT's program since Todd Dodge became head coach in 2007. Answer's posted in The Village, but give it a shot before you cheat.
Talked with Jamaal Jackson and learned that he has never not started a game in his college career, including the two years he spent at JC in Mississippi. I know JC isn't FBS, but starting is starting, and never backing up seems impressive. Other than a few drops that JJ took responsibility for, he looked solid at Clemson after the catch and on kickoff returns. People talk about Tyler Stradford being difficult to cover, but I don't see anyone having much luck with this guy.
He and Ira Smith are basically sharing kick-return responsibilities, though Jackson is the "call" guy who determines on the fly which one takes the return. On UNT's often-ailing special teams, these two are the bright spots and potential weapons in an effort to turn the Mean Green around in one season.
Speaking of Smith, he's getting some time at CB after injuries made that position thinner than Rick Villarreal's tolerance for salad. It's possible because Ryan Downing has progressed so well at safety, that Smith playing both positions doesn't throw a wrench in the secondary. D'Leon McCord will start opposite Royce Hill, but Smith will be ready.
By the way, Lance Dunbar looks like the cat that ate the canary after his performance at Clemson. This guy is sky-high confident he can victimize Rice or anyone else left on UNT's schedule. He says the OL and blocking WRs really opened up some real estate on Saturday, and if there's any place he can improve, it's on getting some of those long runs or shovel passes to the house for a TD. Don't get me wrong; Dunbar respects the defenses that will undoubtedly come after him, but he sounds ready to meet them head on.
Incidentally, Dunbar said he started at receiver against Rice during the 2008 debacle in Houston. Didn't remember that.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Credit where it's due
I've made mention that Tyler Stradford didn't have a catch on Saturday at Clemson, and a check back through interviews reveals that Nathan Tune took responsibility for that. He made a few interesting admissions, the kind that show real leadership by a quarterback. That quality is something you're never really concerned about when it comes to Tune. I doubt he'll run and hide from reporters like a previous QB once did.
Tune said his first of two interceptions, a throw down the middle intended for Stradford, was a third or fourth checkdown when a play to the tight end "kind of blew up." Stradford had a step on at least two DBs, but Tune said he "just wasn't able to put enough on it, being on the run and stuff." Tune admitted he misread the cornerback on the second pick, a short pass into the end zone. "I had a chance to pull that one back or throw it out of bounds, and I probably should have done that."
In fairness, I asked Tune to run down the TD pass to Darius Carey, and he said it was simple man coverage and he and Carey executed precisely. No disagreement here.
We all appreciate honesty, and thanks to Tune for stepping up after Saturday's game. He and others made mistakes, but Tune deserves credit for his overall play in a tough environment with only fall camp in his rearview.
Tune said his first of two interceptions, a throw down the middle intended for Stradford, was a third or fourth checkdown when a play to the tight end "kind of blew up." Stradford had a step on at least two DBs, but Tune said he "just wasn't able to put enough on it, being on the run and stuff." Tune admitted he misread the cornerback on the second pick, a short pass into the end zone. "I had a chance to pull that one back or throw it out of bounds, and I probably should have done that."
In fairness, I asked Tune to run down the TD pass to Darius Carey, and he said it was simple man coverage and he and Carey executed precisely. No disagreement here.
We all appreciate honesty, and thanks to Tune for stepping up after Saturday's game. He and others made mistakes, but Tune deserves credit for his overall play in a tough environment with only fall camp in his rearview.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Like UNT, bloodied but not beaten
For the all of two (perhaps more) of you following this 48-hour-old blog, thanks for coming aboard and bearing with what was a damn near unbearable situation at Clemson on Saturday. Had a share of meltdowns in 20-plus years in this business, but Saturday was the intersection of Chernobyl and Three Mile Island. Clemson folks did everything they could, and my appreciation to them.
Anyway, there's new, updated content on the site now as we move forward to the Rice game. In the next 24 hours, I should have some important news for you. Back on the horse and all that.
As for parting thoughts on the game, I'll start with Clemson. The Tigers can run the ball like nobody's business, but the defense and passing game - yeah, I know Parker had that 70-yard bomb - bear watching when Clemson gets to ACC play. Top 25 team? Probably, but they'll have to win the ACC to get to the BCS. Maybe, maybe not.
Today's Clemson-UNT rewind at TMGR pretty much sums up the Mean Green side of Saturday's contest. Before we declare the offense a beast to be reckoned with, let's see more. Like Lance Dunbar said, gotta finish.
By the way, did you catch Dunbar's postgame comment about Clemson not being all that fast, at least to him? If you've ever met Dunbar, he barely speaks above a whisper, but maybe the kid's getting a little swagger. UNT needs a few of those who can back it up. Craig Robertson's got a little wound up after the game, too, while talking about Clemson's offense scoring quickly at times. Robertson and other seniors have been on the receiving end of that trend so many times that it might be a sore subject.
In reality, it's something the visitor more often deals with in guarantee games as a byproduct of being overmatched. UNT kept it close for a while, but two or three big plays make these games as predictable as dinner time. It's one reason I rank them somewhere above agents and conference realignment as toxic aspects of the sport.
Smaller programs benefit financially from guarantee games, but they're a drag on the early part of the season, save for an App State or a Jacksonville State here and there (won't ever get tired of those). More often, the visitors are used like obedient dogs to fill a big program's stadium. It's like being told, "Here's a check, we will beat you, and you will like it." It's a necesary evil...get all that. Don't have to like it. In a perfect world, everyone could fill their own stadium, but we know better.
Probably punch drunk from lack of sleep, so tell me to pipe down if need be.
Anyway, there's new, updated content on the site now as we move forward to the Rice game. In the next 24 hours, I should have some important news for you. Back on the horse and all that.
As for parting thoughts on the game, I'll start with Clemson. The Tigers can run the ball like nobody's business, but the defense and passing game - yeah, I know Parker had that 70-yard bomb - bear watching when Clemson gets to ACC play. Top 25 team? Probably, but they'll have to win the ACC to get to the BCS. Maybe, maybe not.
Today's Clemson-UNT rewind at TMGR pretty much sums up the Mean Green side of Saturday's contest. Before we declare the offense a beast to be reckoned with, let's see more. Like Lance Dunbar said, gotta finish.
By the way, did you catch Dunbar's postgame comment about Clemson not being all that fast, at least to him? If you've ever met Dunbar, he barely speaks above a whisper, but maybe the kid's getting a little swagger. UNT needs a few of those who can back it up. Craig Robertson's got a little wound up after the game, too, while talking about Clemson's offense scoring quickly at times. Robertson and other seniors have been on the receiving end of that trend so many times that it might be a sore subject.
In reality, it's something the visitor more often deals with in guarantee games as a byproduct of being overmatched. UNT kept it close for a while, but two or three big plays make these games as predictable as dinner time. It's one reason I rank them somewhere above agents and conference realignment as toxic aspects of the sport.
Smaller programs benefit financially from guarantee games, but they're a drag on the early part of the season, save for an App State or a Jacksonville State here and there (won't ever get tired of those). More often, the visitors are used like obedient dogs to fill a big program's stadium. It's like being told, "Here's a check, we will beat you, and you will like it." It's a necesary evil...get all that. Don't have to like it. In a perfect world, everyone could fill their own stadium, but we know better.
Probably punch drunk from lack of sleep, so tell me to pipe down if need be.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
UNT knocking...
Drives to Clemson 7 when Darius Carey takes a catch 30 yards. Tyler Stradford just took an end-around and overthrew TE Conor Gilmartin-Donohue in the end zone. 3rd and goal...Clemson intercepts it in the end zone.
Heading down.
Heading down.
Clemson 35, UNT 10 (9:05 in 4th)
Heading down to the field soon, but Clemson's Jamie Harper just bulled in from 3 yards for a TD that puts pretty much puts UNT away. In lots of aspects, nice performance by the Mean Green, but a few too many mistakes and being overmatched by Clemson were the difference.
Terrible decision by Graham
UNT's Brad Graham just barreled into a receiver without looking back for pass interference. Clemson had a 3rd and 6 from its 47, and Graham appeared to have time to look back. Clemson threatening now.
UNT threatens, kicks FG
3rd and nine from Clemson 12. Tune pass to Breece Johnson for 3, now 4th and 6. Trent Deans comes on and makes a 25 yard FG for UNT. Clemson leads 28-10, 12:27 remaining.
Deans has converted an extra point and a field goal today. That he's kicking is a surprise, as he's not even on the depth chart.
Deans has converted an extra point and a field goal today. That he's kicking is a surprise, as he's not even on the depth chart.
Clemson 28, UNT 7 (end 3rd)
Still, I believe, no catches for UNT receiver Tyler Stradford. Clemson has him pretty much covered up. UNT facing 3rd and 5 at own 38.
Offense really spitting it, Clemson leads 28-7 (third)
UNT did basically nothing on its last drive after Robertson's interception. A pass breakup by Clemson and false start pushed UNT back to its 16, and Jackson came up two yards short on a 3rd and 14. Atterberry with 49 yards, but Clemson returns it 29 yards and is now knocking again at the UNT 15.
Ellington just took it in from 14 yards, and Clemson should be up 28-7 after the kick. 2:31 to go in third quarter. Four plays, 48 yards in 1:11 for Clemson.
Ellington just took it in from 14 yards, and Clemson should be up 28-7 after the kick. 2:31 to go in third quarter. Four plays, 48 yards in 1:11 for Clemson.
Robertson gives UNT new life
Maybe I take back my retraction of earlier stated doubts about Parker. He just threw straight to UNT's Craig Robertson in the end zone for an interception. Clemson was on the UNT 4 -- good grief. UNT 1st and 10, own 20.
UNT's defense MUST figure out a way to stop the run better.
UNT's defense MUST figure out a way to stop the run better.
Int. snuffs out what was brilliant UNT drive
Nathan Tune had UNT cookin' until an underthrown ball in triple coverage was snared by Clemson's Coty Sensabaugh. Clemson takes over on own 6. UNT converted three first downs on the drive.
As I'm writing this, it just gets worse. Clemson's Harper takes a carry 49 yards to midfield, and then Parker finds a receiver for 30 on a wheel route, now Harper for 11 to the UNT 7.Clemson now on the 5 knocking.
As I'm writing this, it just gets worse. Clemson's Harper takes a carry 49 yards to midfield, and then Parker finds a receiver for 30 on a wheel route, now Harper for 11 to the UNT 7.Clemson now on the 5 knocking.
UNT punts again, holding call stubs drive
Clemson takes over again at own 14, and UNT defense gets a stop. Parker incomplete on third and four from CU 20, receiver Hopkins can't make a low diving catch near end zone. Nearly had it. UNT 1st and 10 at own 26.
By the way...
UNT receiver Benny Jones was helped off the field late in the second quarter with what looked like a pretty bad leg injury. He was seriously slammed to the ground after a reception, and I wouldn't count on seeing him any time soon. He needed two people to take him off.
Halftime roundup
A few notables:
_ Clemson leads 21-7 and has scoring drives of 2, 1 and 3 plays. UNT has forced Clemson to punt three times.
_ UNT has 234 yards total offense and seven more first downs (13 to 6) than Clemson, which has 228 total yards.
_ Lance Dunbar leads all rushers with 96 yards. If Tyler Stradford has a catch, I'm not seeing it anywhere.Will Atterberry has averaged 40.5 yards on four punts.
If you can believe it, UNT is still in this game but won't be very long if the big-play scoring by Clemson continues. Second half about to start.
_ Clemson leads 21-7 and has scoring drives of 2, 1 and 3 plays. UNT has forced Clemson to punt three times.
_ UNT has 234 yards total offense and seven more first downs (13 to 6) than Clemson, which has 228 total yards.
_ Lance Dunbar leads all rushers with 96 yards. If Tyler Stradford has a catch, I'm not seeing it anywhere.Will Atterberry has averaged 40.5 yards on four punts.
If you can believe it, UNT is still in this game but won't be very long if the big-play scoring by Clemson continues. Second half about to start.
UNT scores, gives up late TD before half (Tigers lead 21-7)
I dropped off for quite a while with more wireless issues...pretty bad here. Lance Dunbar is pretty much carrying UNT's offense right now, but Nathan Tune threw a 13-yard touchdown to Darius Carey late in the second quarter to pull UNT within 14-7. Jamaal Jackson's nice open-field running on a catch before that gained 45 yards and set up the score.
Clemson had gone up 14-0 while I was blacked out. I guess I stand corrected after Parker found Brandon Clear for a 70-yard TD -- a one-play scoring drive. Will Atterberry had another nice punt to pin Clemson, but UNT's Greg Brown just looked awful on a weak attempt to stop Clemson's punt returner at the 11-yard line. Like I said, after a 19-yard return, Parker just needed the one play.
Clemson made it 21-7, basically on three Parker completions, the last one for an 8-yard score by Jamie Harper. He broke two UNT tackles on the play. UNT defense really did what it could in the first half but is wearing down.
UNT drove into Clemson territory again to end the half, but Tune was sacked for a loss of 7. Not sure how many of those today, but it's probably four or five. Stats soon. Will try to stay with you.
Clemson had gone up 14-0 while I was blacked out. I guess I stand corrected after Parker found Brandon Clear for a 70-yard TD -- a one-play scoring drive. Will Atterberry had another nice punt to pin Clemson, but UNT's Greg Brown just looked awful on a weak attempt to stop Clemson's punt returner at the 11-yard line. Like I said, after a 19-yard return, Parker just needed the one play.
Clemson made it 21-7, basically on three Parker completions, the last one for an 8-yard score by Jamie Harper. He broke two UNT tackles on the play. UNT defense really did what it could in the first half but is wearing down.
UNT drove into Clemson territory again to end the half, but Tune was sacked for a loss of 7. Not sure how many of those today, but it's probably four or five. Stats soon. Will try to stay with you.
Dodge in at QB
On third and 2, converts first down for UNT at its own 26. UNT receiver Tyler Stradford has been quiet, but UNT isn't really throwing downfield. Tune is back. Gives to Dunbar, who appears to leave most of Clemson's defense standing still on a gain of 11. First down UNT.
Another defensive stop for UNT, but what a punt
When Parker's short pass sails wide of a receiver who doesn't cut back, Clemson has to punt again, and Dawson Zimmerman uncorks a 79-yarder. First down UNT at its own 4. Tough break for Mean Green.
Someone really blew it there
Either some poor called plays or very poor execution. UNT 2nd and 2 from the Clemson 37. RB James Hamilton is stopped for a loss of two, then Tune tries a short pass to Hamilton in traffic, and he's tackled for a loss of 1 to the Clemson 40. UNT goes from scoring opportunity to punting in two plays. Where was Dunbar?
Didn't care much for Clemson's Kyle Parker...
last year as a starting QB against TCU. Not sure I've changed my mind today, but it's still early.
Did you know?
Clemson hasn't won a confernce title since 1981. Didn't know that. Clemson QB Kyle Parker can't find an open man and is chased out of bounds by A.J. Penson for an official sack. Clemson is stopped again after a WR leaves a completion a yard short of the first down.
UNT has the ball again at its own 28, and trails only 7-0. Not bad, defense.
UNT has the ball again at its own 28, and trails only 7-0. Not bad, defense.
Computer issues...still 7--0 Clemson (end 1st quarter)
UNT drove deep into Clemson territory before the offense sputtered, and another good punt by Atterberry backed Clemson up to its own end zone. Tigers just inside their red zone after a penalty. Bear with me. Trying to solve some problems with wireless here. Atterberry so far is UNT's MVP, but Lance Dunbar looks pretty good.
Atterberry on to punt
59 yards by Good Will Punting into the Clemson end zone. UNT's first drive ends on 4th and 18 when Tune fumbles for a second time (stripped) on the drive and is fumbled. UNT converted two first downs on the drive.
Drama on UNT first kickoff return
Jamaal Jackson ran it out of the end zone, made it across the 20 and then fumbled. Luckily, ball out of bounds. UNT starts on own 20.
Yikes: Clemson up 6-0 after two plays
Clemson RB Andre Ellingson goes up the gut for 60 yards. Kick pending while an official injured on the play is carted off. Looks like he's OK. Some kind of leg injury.
Clemson to receive kickoff by Serrano, not Olen
2010 underway. Serrano's kick goes out of bounds for penalty on UNT. Clemson starts on own 40. Oh boy.
Couple things worth watching for UNT
How is WR Darius Carey's surgically repaired hand between his pinky and fourth fingers? Is WR Jamaal Jackson ready go after his dislocated thumb a few weeks back? Can RB Lance Dunbar loosen up this Clemson defense at all? Can WR Tyler Stradford get separation? Will UNT have to use more than one kicker? Can UNT get out of here with its thin DL in good health?
OK, that's more than a couple.
OK, that's more than a couple.
Kicking off soon
God Bless America just played by Clemson band...ah, football season. Big crowd as expected here at Clemson. The Hill is full, Tigers ready to run down one end. Tailgate scene, impeccable here.
Hunkered down in Atlanta
Reporter buddy at the Atlanta paper is putting me up. The futon in his laundry room will work fine. The price is, well, just right.
TMGR is a start-up business that will likely rely often on the kindness of others to allow for limited road travel. I'd love to make every road game, but I like electricity. Just a heads up.
It's about a two-hour drive on Saturday to Clemson from here. Looking forward to the Death Valley experience. As for the game itself...
Each year for UNT, one of these guarantee games rolls around the schedule, and each year there's optimism UNT will come up slugging and give an upset-worthy performance. Wow, it has been a long time since UNT played Texas Tech.
For most involved -- except when the check clears -- I'd have to guess these games are mostly tedious from a competitive standpoint. I'm not predicting a score or outcome here; the 27-point spread will do that for you.
That said, you can't argue with the favorable makeup this year's UNT team. Veteran QB. Explosive running back. Potential havoc-wreakers at receiver. Experienced, big OL. Solid at cornerback, linebacker and DE. But does it =7 or 8 wins against this schedule?
Today, I have my doubts, but I'm a firm believer in the value-added defeat, and I want to see more against the best UNT will go up against this season. Fall camp is done. Let's see what these guys can do.
By the way, this blog will be firing away all game long, so c'mon over.
TMGR is a start-up business that will likely rely often on the kindness of others to allow for limited road travel. I'd love to make every road game, but I like electricity. Just a heads up.
It's about a two-hour drive on Saturday to Clemson from here. Looking forward to the Death Valley experience. As for the game itself...
Each year for UNT, one of these guarantee games rolls around the schedule, and each year there's optimism UNT will come up slugging and give an upset-worthy performance. Wow, it has been a long time since UNT played Texas Tech.
For most involved -- except when the check clears -- I'd have to guess these games are mostly tedious from a competitive standpoint. I'm not predicting a score or outcome here; the 27-point spread will do that for you.
That said, you can't argue with the favorable makeup this year's UNT team. Veteran QB. Explosive running back. Potential havoc-wreakers at receiver. Experienced, big OL. Solid at cornerback, linebacker and DE. But does it =7 or 8 wins against this schedule?
Today, I have my doubts, but I'm a firm believer in the value-added defeat, and I want to see more against the best UNT will go up against this season. Fall camp is done. Let's see what these guys can do.
By the way, this blog will be firing away all game long, so c'mon over.
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