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.
No comments:
Post a Comment