A story of, um, general interest will post at TMGR later tonight, which allows time now for some other stuff here on the blog. Here come the little bullets:
_ UNT (12-5-2, 7-2-1 Sun Belt) has a big women's soccer game on Friday at No. 22 Denver (16-2, 10-0). The Mean Green is on an eight-game unbeaten streak. UNT has a chance to knock off a big rival that's ranked and improve its Sun Belt Tournament seeding from third to second. After some early stumbles, UNT has found some traction. UNT last played a top-25 team in 2009, falling 2-0 to No. 25 Ohio State. UNT is 3-11 all-time against top-25 teams, last winning in 2003 against No. 20 Denver (3-2 overtime).
_ UNT finished the fall men's golf season (three events) with a first, second and third place. Sophomore Carlos Ortiz won twice, and winning once is hard enough. UNT sits 27th nationally in the Golfstat compu-rankings and is also 27th in the Golfweek/Sagarin team rankings. UNT has three votes in the last Golf World/Nike Division I Coaches' Poll, released Sept. 30.
After one day at the World Amateur Team Championships on Thursday, Ortiz and UNT teammate Rodolfo Cazaubon sit in the top 40 of the 206-player event. They're the low scorers (71 and 72, respectively) for Team Mexico (11th place) so far.
_ Shout-out to UNT's volleyball team. Six straight victories and a two-match lead in the Sun Belt West (17-9 overall, 9-2 SBC). Two big home games this weekend, starting with Middle Tennessee at 7 p.m. Friday and Western Kentucky at 1 p.m. Sunday. Great stuff going on in UNT's lesser-profile sports.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
New SBC men's hoops standards to be enacted
The talk during much of Tuesday's Sun Belt Conference on-line media day for men's basketball figures to be about these new league standards that were announced Monday. Starting with the 2011-2012 season, these standards will encompass the following:
1. From 2003-2005, the SBC implemented a "150 rule," that's being brought back. It can be met by either of two ways or both. A team's nonconference opponents must have an three-year average Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) of 150 or lower, or the team can finish the season with an RPI of 150 or lower. The SBC says the previous implementation resulted in the league have a lower combined RPI, better average team RPI, better league and team strength of schedule, better attendance and nonconference winning percentage than any year in seven seasons.
2. The league plans to enter into agreements with another league or leagues to assist in scheduling and provide one home and one away non-league game with those other conferences.
3. The Sun Belt plays too many games outside (below) Division I -- a league-record 22 last year -- and wants them eliminated.
4. The Sun Belt is stepping in to assist member schools with season ticket sales in an effort to bring official attendance more in line with the NCAA D-I average of 5,038. No school met or exceeded that average last season. One, presumably Western Kentucky, averaged at least 5,000 fans in any season the last five years.
5. The league has hired a consultant to act as a director of basketball operations, and further discussion of these new measures are effectively tabled starting in 2011 for at least four seasons.
Curious to see how the league can help individual schools, especially those with histories of lagging ticket sales in all sports, to boost season sales for men's hoops teams that might not be terribly marketable, competitive, or in markets that much care.
As for ditching games against D-II, D-III or NAIA teams (yeah, UNT is guilty as charged), more power. Those games are a waste of time and shouldn't be glorified scrimmages.
Get out your calculators to figure those average RPIs when scheduling. Guessing more than a few teams will be dumped off schedules in the next several months.
Sounds like the league has really put a foot down on this stuff.
1. From 2003-2005, the SBC implemented a "150 rule," that's being brought back. It can be met by either of two ways or both. A team's nonconference opponents must have an three-year average Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) of 150 or lower, or the team can finish the season with an RPI of 150 or lower. The SBC says the previous implementation resulted in the league have a lower combined RPI, better average team RPI, better league and team strength of schedule, better attendance and nonconference winning percentage than any year in seven seasons.
2. The league plans to enter into agreements with another league or leagues to assist in scheduling and provide one home and one away non-league game with those other conferences.
3. The Sun Belt plays too many games outside (below) Division I -- a league-record 22 last year -- and wants them eliminated.
4. The Sun Belt is stepping in to assist member schools with season ticket sales in an effort to bring official attendance more in line with the NCAA D-I average of 5,038. No school met or exceeded that average last season. One, presumably Western Kentucky, averaged at least 5,000 fans in any season the last five years.
5. The league has hired a consultant to act as a director of basketball operations, and further discussion of these new measures are effectively tabled starting in 2011 for at least four seasons.
Curious to see how the league can help individual schools, especially those with histories of lagging ticket sales in all sports, to boost season sales for men's hoops teams that might not be terribly marketable, competitive, or in markets that much care.
As for ditching games against D-II, D-III or NAIA teams (yeah, UNT is guilty as charged), more power. Those games are a waste of time and shouldn't be glorified scrimmages.
Get out your calculators to figure those average RPIs when scheduling. Guessing more than a few teams will be dumped off schedules in the next several months.
Sounds like the league has really put a foot down on this stuff.
Friday, October 22, 2010
What UNT can't pay any longer
In negotiating a salary, the first offer is never your highest. The first demand is never your lowest. So, what's the game plan for North Texas athletic director Rick Villarreal as he begins wading through applicants/candidates for a new head football coach?
That's up to UNT's Board of Regents, and no exact ceiling figure appears to be out there, as far as a salary or compensation package Villarreal can tuck away for negotiations. He probably has a good idea by now, but the Regents won't give a yay or nay until he brings them a number late in the process.
Rumors persist it'll be $500,000 or more per year, but if UNT wants to compete with many of today's top assistant coach/coordinator salaries, it might need to be in the upper six figures. Just speculation, though.
Not speculation is what UNT can no longer pay, which is just above the rough average compensation in the Sun Belt Conference before incentives or bonuses. Todd Dodge's contract was due to pay him around $295,000 this season. He has 22 months left in the original deal, for which he'll be paid around $340,000 in base salary unless he finds another job, which he should.
The point is UNT doesn't even pay the highest salary in the Sun Belt but really should, given its stature as the third or fourth-largest school in this state. Florida International's Mario Cristobal is the league's highest-paid coach at just over $400,000. That's not stellar, but it's quite a commitment for a program with virtually zero history and tradition compared to UNT.
After hunting around, it looks like the Sun Belt average head coach pay is roughly $286,000 a year, and that includes new coach Todd Berry at sorry-paying Louisiana-Monroe (SBC-low $188,000). Frankly, that stinks and UNT can do better. In fact, UNT needs to blow that out of the water, or Villarreal might as well just take the interim tag off Mike Canales right now and be done with it. I'm not saying what Canales deserves to be paid or not paid, just that the process will be a waste of time if Villarreal isn't given sufficient means to negotiate -- or not be walked out on.
That's up to UNT's Board of Regents, and no exact ceiling figure appears to be out there, as far as a salary or compensation package Villarreal can tuck away for negotiations. He probably has a good idea by now, but the Regents won't give a yay or nay until he brings them a number late in the process.
Rumors persist it'll be $500,000 or more per year, but if UNT wants to compete with many of today's top assistant coach/coordinator salaries, it might need to be in the upper six figures. Just speculation, though.
Not speculation is what UNT can no longer pay, which is just above the rough average compensation in the Sun Belt Conference before incentives or bonuses. Todd Dodge's contract was due to pay him around $295,000 this season. He has 22 months left in the original deal, for which he'll be paid around $340,000 in base salary unless he finds another job, which he should.
The point is UNT doesn't even pay the highest salary in the Sun Belt but really should, given its stature as the third or fourth-largest school in this state. Florida International's Mario Cristobal is the league's highest-paid coach at just over $400,000. That's not stellar, but it's quite a commitment for a program with virtually zero history and tradition compared to UNT.
After hunting around, it looks like the Sun Belt average head coach pay is roughly $286,000 a year, and that includes new coach Todd Berry at sorry-paying Louisiana-Monroe (SBC-low $188,000). Frankly, that stinks and UNT can do better. In fact, UNT needs to blow that out of the water, or Villarreal might as well just take the interim tag off Mike Canales right now and be done with it. I'm not saying what Canales deserves to be paid or not paid, just that the process will be a waste of time if Villarreal isn't given sufficient means to negotiate -- or not be walked out on.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Final Todd Dodge conversation (for now)
Caught up with Todd Dodge late Wednesday after his firing at UNT was official. Here’s a transcript of the conversation:
On how the process unfolded:
[Rick Villarreal] came out to practice and asked me come by and see him. He was ready to make a move on it. At this point, I thought I’d be with the team through end of the season. It was not a direction he wanted to go, and that’s fine. There hasn’t been a whole lot of discussion [between them], really any at all, as we’ve gone through the entire season. I don’t think there’s any changing someone’s mind as you go through decisions they have to make. The decision was to go ahead and terminate me right now. It’s not like it’s completely shocking. I think when you get into something like this [season], you get into a grind and don’t think about anything passed today.
On accepting that the change had to be made:
I’m fine. I hope this team goes on and wins all five, that they have success. These players deserve to have some good things happen to them. I’m not angry. I’m not going to go there. I’m disappointed from the standpoint of I would have liked to take this season in its own capsule, with everything we’ve been through; I wanted to be with my team and coach the whole thing. But I’m not naïve to the business. Decisions have to be made. I’m not bitter.
On what’s next:
Over the next five weeks or few months, I’ll be in a situation that I’ve never been in, the parent of a college football player that gets to go support his son and the team he plays on. As the dust settles, I’ll be looking forward what the next step in my coaching career is.
On becoming a spectator at his son Riley’s UNT games:
It’ll be tough to find me [joking]. No, Elizabeth and I will drive to Nashville next Friday [for Western Kentucky]. I imagine it’ll be a little easier on the road. I don’t want to draw any unnecessary attention. I haven’t sat in the stands at a football game in probably forever, with the exception of going to scout somebody at Southlake Carroll. It’s my 25th year of coaching and the first week during fall I’m not going to work or practice. It’ll definitely be different. Starting next weekend, it’ll be strange. I’ve got time off right now whether I want it or not.
On his next step professionally:
My desires are one of two things. Remain at the college level as a quarterbacks coach or go back into high school head-coaching in Texas. Either one sound appealing to me. I can’t imagine staying out of the business for very long. I’ve got faith God’s going to open doors. I’ll be patient and see how that happens.
On the failure to win at UNT after so much success previously:
From a competitor standpoint, that’s the biggest thing. I don’t have any regrets at UNT, except that we didn’t win enough games. A lot of good things were done. We were able to make differences in young men’s lives. Sometimes in coaching, those differences don’t come to be until five or 10 years after you’ve coached a particular group of players. We ran the program, I hope, with integrity, and I’m proud of that. One thing about going from being highly successful to not successful as far as wins and losses, I learned a long time ago you don’t get too high with your highs and too low with your lows. The last three or four years have been very disappointing, but you don’t stop believing in yourself. This window of time doesn’t define my career. Maybe there’s a difference of opinion on that, but the only ones that matter are the people themselves you coach and worked with.
On if he’ll enjoy the time off:
I look forward to letting the dust settle and getting back to working in one of those capacities. I have faith, and you don’t have to pigeon-hole yourself. I want to still coach, and I’m excited about the next journey.
On what’s next for his son, if anything:
Nothing more than he’s been released by a doctor [from wrist surgery] to be able to play. I told him he has a great opportunity to show great leadership right now. That’s what I expect he’ll do and compete. As a father, I’m looking forward to what’s in store for Riley. Now it’s a situation where he’s playing for a team and the coaches he’s involved with. I hired those guys, and I love ‘em all. I just want to see this bunch and my son do well.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Monday football update
Sat down with Todd Dodge today for the usual post-radio show update. A few things:
_ There's a possibility or some likelihood that Riley Dodge could be back at quarterback on Oct. 30 for UNT's game at Western Kentucky. Dodge goes back to the doctor on Tuesday to see when the brace he's in comes off. The pin in his wrist needs seven to 10 days to "take," and it's been seven days. He'll actually be practicing some 7-on-7 today before Tuesday's re-evaluation. The current brace his too large to take shotgun snaps.
"Pretty good chance," Todd Dodge said. "I'm getting a good feel from the doctor that he was real pleased with the surgery and what he was able to do with the pin. He'll have a whole week to figure out what he's going to allow him to play in, with how much or how little protection."
If he returns, Dodge will wear some kind of protective brace. The key is keeping the injured non-throwing wrist covered but allowing the fullest range of motion in the knuckles, especially the thumb when he takes snaps. Once the pin in Dodge's wrist is set and healed, he should be ready to go, and these two weeks should be enough time.
_ Where injuries are concerned, went over the hardship/redshirt possibilities with Todd Dodge, and it's a long list:
1. Derek Thompson, DaWaylon Cook and Mike Outlaw are all medical-hardship eligible. Thompson and Cook are at the top of the list. Outlaw has not played this season due to a lingering injury. If UNT can hold him the rest of the season, and he's able to recover to the point where he can be productive, Dodge said Outlaw is a hardship possibility.
2. Benny Jones, a senior, has informed Dodge that he plans to ask the NCAA for a hardship sixth year.
3. Nick Leppo, currently a redshirt freshman, has three years of eligibility remaining (2011-2013) but can ask for a sixth year in 2014.
4. Greg Brown, a junior, has already redshirted but can ask for a sixth year in 2012.
5. Micah Mosley, a junior, has not redshirted but can ask for a hardship year in 2011. Dodge said he hopes Mosley does, because he can envision him going back to RB.
6. Tyler Stradford and James Hamilton played in too many games to qualify for hardship status. Both have a year of eligibility remaining.
7. Steven Ford, a junior, is eligible to request a hardship after his senior season next year. Chris Bynes, a junior, played in too many games (four) and is not eligible at this time.
_ There's a possibility or some likelihood that Riley Dodge could be back at quarterback on Oct. 30 for UNT's game at Western Kentucky. Dodge goes back to the doctor on Tuesday to see when the brace he's in comes off. The pin in his wrist needs seven to 10 days to "take," and it's been seven days. He'll actually be practicing some 7-on-7 today before Tuesday's re-evaluation. The current brace his too large to take shotgun snaps.
"Pretty good chance," Todd Dodge said. "I'm getting a good feel from the doctor that he was real pleased with the surgery and what he was able to do with the pin. He'll have a whole week to figure out what he's going to allow him to play in, with how much or how little protection."
If he returns, Dodge will wear some kind of protective brace. The key is keeping the injured non-throwing wrist covered but allowing the fullest range of motion in the knuckles, especially the thumb when he takes snaps. Once the pin in Dodge's wrist is set and healed, he should be ready to go, and these two weeks should be enough time.
_ Where injuries are concerned, went over the hardship/redshirt possibilities with Todd Dodge, and it's a long list:
1. Derek Thompson, DaWaylon Cook and Mike Outlaw are all medical-hardship eligible. Thompson and Cook are at the top of the list. Outlaw has not played this season due to a lingering injury. If UNT can hold him the rest of the season, and he's able to recover to the point where he can be productive, Dodge said Outlaw is a hardship possibility.
2. Benny Jones, a senior, has informed Dodge that he plans to ask the NCAA for a hardship sixth year.
3. Nick Leppo, currently a redshirt freshman, has three years of eligibility remaining (2011-2013) but can ask for a sixth year in 2014.
4. Greg Brown, a junior, has already redshirted but can ask for a sixth year in 2012.
5. Micah Mosley, a junior, has not redshirted but can ask for a hardship year in 2011. Dodge said he hopes Mosley does, because he can envision him going back to RB.
6. Tyler Stradford and James Hamilton played in too many games to qualify for hardship status. Both have a year of eligibility remaining.
7. Steven Ford, a junior, is eligible to request a hardship after his senior season next year. Chris Bynes, a junior, played in too many games (four) and is not eligible at this time.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Back later with game report/column
Not much new to report as we go to the fourth quarter. FIU still leads 34-3, and not much hope of a comeback by the Mean Green tonight. Back later.
Not pretty
The offense hasn't been there, but UNT's defense hasn't exactly shined tonight. FIU has been ridiculous in third down and converted again on the last drive for 26 yards. Panthers just ran in a short TD to go up 34-3, late third quarter.
Can't get much worse
Offensive coordinator Mike Canales is up in the press box doing a facepalm on the TV replay after UNT's offense flamed out again, this time when Baine was chased sideways and lost the ball out of bounds for a 9-yard loss from the FIU 7. Olen then misses a 33-yard field goal that might have been partially blocked.
Good sign
Atterberry just stood up on his own to get on the stretcher. Can't tell what the injury is, but he seems relatively alert. Off he goes.
Atterberry hammered on late hit
UNT punter Will Atterberry is still down after several minutes, having been undercut by FIU's Jonathan Faucher. Atterberry was in the air when Faucher went under his plant leg. Stretcher coming out now. Trent Deans is probably UNT's punter for the time being.
Five punts to start second half
FIU's defense just held for a third time, and UNT has held twice. FIU is getting to Baine on nearly every play, and he's just getting rid of it or running for his life. FIU still leads 27-3.
FIU forces fumble, adds FG
FIU leads 27-3 at halftime of UNT's homecoming. Easily worst performance this season by the Mean Green, and that's saying something. Baine is stripped near the UNT goal line, but UNT recovers the fumble and ends up punting. Thanks to two penalties, FIU has to back up out of UNT territory to its own 28, and faces 2nd and 21. Carroll then finds Times in stride for 46 yards to set up a 33-yard field goal before the half.
UNT's last drive with 47 seconds remaining went nowhere.
At the half, UNT has 37 total yards. Lance Dunbar has 2 yards rushing. FIU's defense is really shutting this team down.
UNT's last drive with 47 seconds remaining went nowhere.
At the half, UNT has 37 total yards. Lance Dunbar has 2 yards rushing. FIU's defense is really shutting this team down.
Last drive of half for UNT
4:26 to go after UNT's defense held FIU at midfield to force a punt. Mean Green looking to get something -- anything -- going on offense.
UNT finally gets a first down
13:26 in the second, pass to B.J. Lewis. Offense forced to punt after Chase Baine is sacked again, and just gets off an incompletion while nearly sacked again. Serious struggles tonight for the Mean Green. Injuries really catching up to this team, appears.
Looks like a beatdown
Aided by another roughing-the-passer flag on K.C. Obi, FIU makes it 24-3. Carroll hit T.Y. Hilton in stride after he froze Ryan Downing from 43 yards. Hilton dove in from about the 5. Dude can fly.
FIU tacks on another
Wayne Times takes it in from 10 yards on the wildcat, stiff-arming his way in for a 17-3 Panthers lead.
UNT D forces FG
FIU kicks a short one for a 10-3 lead at 7:11 in the first quarter. Should have been a complete stop by UNT's defense, but roughing-the-passer kept the Panthers moving.
That was big-time...boneheaded
K.C. Obi gets flagged for roughing the passer on a third-down FIU incompletion. First down, Panthers.
Olen kicking off, too
Just put one in the end zone for a touchback. Taken over that duty for Will Atterberry this week, appears.
Olen has the leg working
UNT's Zach Olen just kicked a 38-yard field goal, his fifth in two games (5-for-5) to pull UNT within 7-3. Brelan Chancellor returned the kickoff 73 yards, but UNT's offense couldn't punch it in from the FIU 23.
Big surprise
FIU scores in five plays for a 7-0 lead. Wesley Carroll dropped way back and fired a short bullet to Greg Ellinson, who caught the entire defense off its heels. Ellinson finished off a 50-yard score with one UNT defender scraping his ankles.
Another quick score by a UNT opponent. You can pretty much bank it.
Another quick score by a UNT opponent. You can pretty much bank it.
Getting underway in a few
UNT about to run out of the tunnel for kickoff. Former RB Kevin Galbreath just received his UNT Hall of Fame recognition. Patrick Cobbs not here today, has a game with the Dolphins this week. UNT wins toss, defers to second half. WR Jamaal Jackson looks like he's in sweats. Bad shoulder.
Blogging today from FIU game, etc.
UNT 2011 football commits Kendrick Ruben of Galena Park North Shore and Brian Rawlinson of Oologah, Oklahoma will attend today's game on official visits. At least one other prospect should be in attendance, too. Things have been a little slow on the football recruiting front with uncertainty regarding UNT's coaching staff and a potential change coming if things aren't turned around. From all indications, UNT's current four commitments are still on board.
This blog will be up and running at today's home game against FIU, and posted today is a Hall of Fame story on former UNT running backs Patrick Cobbs and Kevin Galbreath. Cobbs has a game Sunday with the Miami Dolphins, so unfortunately he isn't around for the Hall festivities.
The latest non-football team at UNT on a hot streak is volleyball, which has shot to the top of the Sun Belt West division standings (6-2) with a pair of five-set victories over Denver and Louisiana-Lafayette this week. UNT will try to keep it going today against Lousiana-Monroe. Sophomore Rachelle Wilson had a career-high 16 kills on Friday against ULL.
This blog will be up and running at today's home game against FIU, and posted today is a Hall of Fame story on former UNT running backs Patrick Cobbs and Kevin Galbreath. Cobbs has a game Sunday with the Miami Dolphins, so unfortunately he isn't around for the Hall festivities.
The latest non-football team at UNT on a hot streak is volleyball, which has shot to the top of the Sun Belt West division standings (6-2) with a pair of five-set victories over Denver and Louisiana-Lafayette this week. UNT will try to keep it going today against Lousiana-Monroe. Sophomore Rachelle Wilson had a career-high 16 kills on Friday against ULL.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
If change coming, so be it, Dodge says
Todd Dodge talked earlier this week about his job being the least of his worries. This is one of those difficult times in the life cycle of a coaching tenure that's likely winding down. It has a way of testing everyone's patience, starting with players who want little more than to feel what it's like to win again before the the next loss comes along. I wouldn't say Dodge is resigned to his fate, because he doesn't seem the give-up type, but from this conversation, he'll gracefully accept whatever's coming. Top priority now seems to be keeping players together and motivated, and they seem to be handling that on their own pretty well -- at least from outward appearances. I'm sure people will want to dig, delve and speculate as to how the program is imploding as we speak. The bottom line is while performance isn't what it should be to this point, you really can't question the effort UNT gives. Don't confuse performance and effort as interchangeable. They're not.
Can 6-36 do its part to chip away at a consistent message and team unity? Probably, and no team is perfect at this point. From the following comment not in the posted story, Dodge doesn't seem naive about the toll losing takes on a players when they're expected to stick together and keep working for a common purpose.
"I told them other night how much I appreciate them, and how much they should appreciate each other. If it doesn’t continue, we don’t stand a chance."
Monday, October 11, 2010
A few items post-radio show
Todd Dodge sat down after his radio show for a while today and went over a few things:
_ Riley Dodge is having surgery to insert a permanent pin in his wrist on Tuesday and could return late this season.
_ Chase Baine should look more comfortable in the pocket this week with a game under his belt, and he'll be working this week on staying in their and not taking off on first impulse.
_ True freshman Brandin Byrd will be worked into this week's game plan to the point where Lance Dunbar doesn't take the kind of pounding he took against Arkansas State. Byrd is not a wildcat-play option, and Dodge said that component of the offense has about run its course with current state of UNT's personnel. It's not dead, and certain plays have wildcat characteristics or tendencies, but for the most part it's more terminology than anything else. Darius Carey isn't completely comfortable as a wildcat guy, so they're looking for other ways to keep him involved near the line of scrimmage.
_ RB James Hamilton, who has a foot injury similar to that of center J.J. Johnson's, isn't expected back this season.
_ This didn't come from Dodge, but there's a postscript to UNT's truly awful weekend two weeks ago before the Louisiana-Lafayette game. Darius Carey's mother took a nasty spill in her hotel room, ended up in the ER with a concussion and badly bruised foot. She went home the next day on crutches and was still recovering this past weekend.
When it rains...
_ Riley Dodge is having surgery to insert a permanent pin in his wrist on Tuesday and could return late this season.
_ Chase Baine should look more comfortable in the pocket this week with a game under his belt, and he'll be working this week on staying in their and not taking off on first impulse.
_ True freshman Brandin Byrd will be worked into this week's game plan to the point where Lance Dunbar doesn't take the kind of pounding he took against Arkansas State. Byrd is not a wildcat-play option, and Dodge said that component of the offense has about run its course with current state of UNT's personnel. It's not dead, and certain plays have wildcat characteristics or tendencies, but for the most part it's more terminology than anything else. Darius Carey isn't completely comfortable as a wildcat guy, so they're looking for other ways to keep him involved near the line of scrimmage.
_ RB James Hamilton, who has a foot injury similar to that of center J.J. Johnson's, isn't expected back this season.
_ This didn't come from Dodge, but there's a postscript to UNT's truly awful weekend two weeks ago before the Louisiana-Lafayette game. Darius Carey's mother took a nasty spill in her hotel room, ended up in the ER with a concussion and badly bruised foot. She went home the next day on crutches and was still recovering this past weekend.
When it rains...
FYI
Todd Dodge told me today that UNT is down to 71 scholarship players, not due to an academic penalties, but due to injuries and a few guys who left by their choice before the season began. You can have up to 85.
Some questions, answers in The Village
A reader left some good questions in The Village that required a little more detailed explanation than usual. Lots of ongoing discussion about the future of UNT's football program. Feel free to join in the discussion.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
UNT forced to punt
Little less than three minutes left, and ASU stops UNT at midfield, forcing an intentional grounding by UNT's Baine. ASU takes over with 2:36 to play and will try to chew as much time as possible.
7:00 to go, UNT needs a stop and a score
UNT trails by 5 as we go to the stretch. The defense gets a stop after two incompletes and a short run by Aplin. ASU on to punt. This one's not over.
Arkansas State 24, UNT 19
ASU kicks a 39-yard field goal after coming up short on third down on a pass. Under 10 minutes to play.
Arkansas State 21, UNT 19
Zach Olen just kicked his fourth field goal (4-for-4 tonight) from 28 yards to pull UNT within two. UNT isn't getting many touchdowns, but it's capitalizing on chances.
UNT threatening (end 3rd QU)
UNT's defense got two stops, and now the offense is driving deep in ASU territory after a punt. Chase Baine found Darius Carey for 22 yards. ASU keeps blowing assignments in medium coverage. Nice sack to end ASU's last drive by Kelvin Jackson.
ASU leads 21-16 as we go to the fourth. UNT has third down on the ASU 11.
ASU leads 21-16 as we go to the fourth. UNT has third down on the ASU 11.
Dodge pass incomplete
UNT punts after one play with Dodge in the game. Baine is still being worked on behind a large trainers' equipment box. He's on the ground, I guess, so no one up here can see him.
Baine down
Wonder if we'll see Riley Dodge now, casted hand and all. Chase Baine is still on the ground after not coming up from a keeper.
He's up walking now. Dodge in the game...
He's up walking now. Dodge in the game...
Halftime stats
A few things stick out:
_ UNT kicker Zach Olen is 3-for-3 on field goals, all from 37 yards (he wears No. 37, BTW).
_ Chase Baine has 79 yards rushing and is 6-for-8 passing for 50 yards with no interceptions.
_ UNT is 4-for-4 on red zone scoring chances but 2-for-7 on third down.
_ UNT kicker Zach Olen is 3-for-3 on field goals, all from 37 yards (he wears No. 37, BTW).
_ Chase Baine has 79 yards rushing and is 6-for-8 passing for 50 yards with no interceptions.
_ UNT is 4-for-4 on red zone scoring chances but 2-for-7 on third down.
UNT recovers fumble, kicks FG
Arkansas State leads 21-16 at halftime after UNT tacked on three points off a turnover. Royce Hill picked up a fumble off an ASU run into UNT's red zone. Chase Baine ran for 10 yards then found Jamaal Jackson wide open for 31 yards. UNT had time for one more play (11 seconds) but elected to let Zach Olen try another field goal from 37 yards. He's 3-for-3, all from that distance.
UNT chips away again
Zach Olen's 37-yard field goal (he's 2-for-2) cuts ASU's lead to 21-13, but it should be 21-17 after Lance Dunbar's 19-yard TD run was called back because of holding by Coleman Feeley. Little more than a minute to go in the first half.
Arkansas State 21, UNT 10
Heavy dose of Lance Dunbar on the last UNT drive, including the last five plays. Dunbar scores from a yard, and UNT pulls within 11. Mean Green starting to look a little less asleep at the wheel.
Arkansas State 21, UNT 3
Red Wolves score with -- get this -- an assist from the UNT marching band, no less. After a first-down pass to the UNT 12, the Mean Green band broke out its usual first-down fanfare, but FOR THE WRONG TEAM. Two plays later, ASU scores. Geesh.
Arkansas State 14, UNT 3
Aplin gets out of trouble on an apparent broken play and finds Dwayne Frampton for an 11-yard touchdown with 1:36 left to play. I'm quickly losing my will to care much about this game.
Arkansas State 7, UNT 3
Zach Olen boots a 36-yard field goal after UNT drives downfield. Baine had a 33-yard keeper to set up the kick. Some excitement from the new guy.
Arkansas State 7, UNT 0
ASU turns the UNT turnover into quick points with QB Ryan Aplin's 13-yard keeper. Short field for ASU pays off as expected.
Baine starting at QB
On first play from scrimmage, UNT fumbles ball away to ASU after handoff to Jamaal Jackson. Red Wolves have first down at the UNT 10 after a couple of plays.
Baine and Dodge just...
ran out of the tunnel together ahead of the rest of the team. Both are warming up, so it's anyone's guess how this will unfold from the offense point of view.
News on hoops commit, live game blog today
Nice pickup for UNT on the hoops side today when Garland Lakeview Centennial's Chris Jones commited to play for the Mean Green in 2011. Jones plans to sign in November and gives UNT a big (6-2, almost 200) backcourt player who loves to pass, run up-tempo and play defense. Not a bad scorer, either. Full story on Jones is posted at TMGR.
About 20 minutes before kickoff of UNT-Arkansas State. Light crowd so far, but they always get here...when they get here. Curious to see how much Chase Baine will play at quarterback, or how little Riley Dodge will play at quarterback with his casted wrist. At this point, I don't see much reason -- other than maybe UNT hasn't yet reached a mathematical losing season -- to not give Baine a reasonable shot. We'll see.
About 20 minutes before kickoff of UNT-Arkansas State. Light crowd so far, but they always get here...when they get here. Curious to see how much Chase Baine will play at quarterback, or how little Riley Dodge will play at quarterback with his casted wrist. At this point, I don't see much reason -- other than maybe UNT hasn't yet reached a mathematical losing season -- to not give Baine a reasonable shot. We'll see.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Football updates, golf rankings
Other obligations prevented updates to the blog and site last night, but a few things that need mentioning.
Riley Dodge has been cleared to play by his doctors, so it's pretty much up to UNT how to use him the next two games before he has surgery on his broken wrist during the team's Oct. 23 bye week. The small wrist bone that's fractured is one that gets less blood flow in our hands, so he and UNT need to be careful not to further damage it.
From talking to both Dodges, it appears Riley made the call himself on putting off surgery and wants to be available to play as long as possible this season. Right now, the hard cast he's wearing can't be worn during games, Todd Dodge said, so it'll be cut off in favor of a thinner, more flexible, orthopedic apparatus on Saturday. Afterwards, it'll be re-cast.
On Tuesday, Riley wasn't in pads but took a good number of snaps. Throws aren't the issue. Exchanges and handoffs are, and protecting the wrist while not fumbling requires some thinking. In the heat of a game, you wonder if there's time to worry about stuff like that.
Nonetheless, the real mystery is if UNT will actually use Chase Baine with all the time being invested in him this week. I'm told offensive coordinator Mike Canales really likes what he sees so far. At this point, I say play both of them, but what I think shouldn't amount to more than a bucket of spit. Game experience is the biggest knock on Baine right now, but how else will he ever get any?
Offensive guard Esteban Santiago was out of pads Tuesday, limping slightly with a heavy wrap around one leg from that spider bite. Doctors drained a ton of fluid Monday or Tuesday off the wound, and he said he should be ready to go Saturday. Gross.
Latest golf rankings are out, and UNT is well-represented across the board. In Golfweek, the men are 20th and women are 47th. Golfstat, a computer-based ratings, also has the men 20th and the women's 37th. I'm surprised the women aren't rising more in Golfstat after two fall victories, but I can't begin to understand all the components in the Golfstat formula.
Last, the Golfworld/Nike GCAA Coaches Poll (men only) still has UNT outside the top 25 with three votes received.
Kelsey Kipp was named Sun Belt Conference women's golfer of the month after finishing second in one event and winning a 12-hole playoff for first at the Rose City Intercollegiate in Portland, Ore.
Riley Dodge has been cleared to play by his doctors, so it's pretty much up to UNT how to use him the next two games before he has surgery on his broken wrist during the team's Oct. 23 bye week. The small wrist bone that's fractured is one that gets less blood flow in our hands, so he and UNT need to be careful not to further damage it.
From talking to both Dodges, it appears Riley made the call himself on putting off surgery and wants to be available to play as long as possible this season. Right now, the hard cast he's wearing can't be worn during games, Todd Dodge said, so it'll be cut off in favor of a thinner, more flexible, orthopedic apparatus on Saturday. Afterwards, it'll be re-cast.
On Tuesday, Riley wasn't in pads but took a good number of snaps. Throws aren't the issue. Exchanges and handoffs are, and protecting the wrist while not fumbling requires some thinking. In the heat of a game, you wonder if there's time to worry about stuff like that.
Nonetheless, the real mystery is if UNT will actually use Chase Baine with all the time being invested in him this week. I'm told offensive coordinator Mike Canales really likes what he sees so far. At this point, I say play both of them, but what I think shouldn't amount to more than a bucket of spit. Game experience is the biggest knock on Baine right now, but how else will he ever get any?
Offensive guard Esteban Santiago was out of pads Tuesday, limping slightly with a heavy wrap around one leg from that spider bite. Doctors drained a ton of fluid Monday or Tuesday off the wound, and he said he should be ready to go Saturday. Gross.
Latest golf rankings are out, and UNT is well-represented across the board. In Golfweek, the men are 20th and women are 47th. Golfstat, a computer-based ratings, also has the men 20th and the women's 37th. I'm surprised the women aren't rising more in Golfstat after two fall victories, but I can't begin to understand all the components in the Golfstat formula.
Last, the Golfworld/Nike GCAA Coaches Poll (men only) still has UNT outside the top 25 with three votes received.
Kelsey Kipp was named Sun Belt Conference women's golfer of the month after finishing second in one event and winning a 12-hole playoff for first at the Rose City Intercollegiate in Portland, Ore.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Weekend golf, soccer, volleyball
UNT took a tough one on the chin in men's golf this weekend but still produced a nice result by finishing second in the William Tucker Intercollegiate in Albuquerque, N.M. UNT had a five-shot lead at one point but let it slip, as San Diego won by a stroke, 874-875.
UNT blew a manageable lead, but this is a program that was in shambles about 20 months ago, so second place is nothing to sneeze at, especially since UNT beat No. 1 Pepperdine by 11 stokes and No. 24 Baylor by 12. Carlos Ortiz tied for the individual title at 4-under 212. UNT has a first and a second in two fall events after Curtis Donahoe won the UT-Arlington/Waterchase Invitational in Fort Worth.
UNT's volleyball team has moved into first place in the Sun Belt Conference West Division (11-7, 3-1) after match victories against UL-Lafayette and UL-Monroe. Sarah Willey got her 1,000th career dig. Setter Kayla Saey posted her sixth double-double of the year with 40 assists and 10 digs against ULM. The junior moved into fourth place on the program’s career assists charts on Sunday, and now has exactly 2,000 career assists.
After some recent struggles, UNT has evened up its SBC record (2-2) in women's soccer with consecutive 4-0 victories against ULL and ULM. UNT is 7-5-1.
UNT blew a manageable lead, but this is a program that was in shambles about 20 months ago, so second place is nothing to sneeze at, especially since UNT beat No. 1 Pepperdine by 11 stokes and No. 24 Baylor by 12. Carlos Ortiz tied for the individual title at 4-under 212. UNT has a first and a second in two fall events after Curtis Donahoe won the UT-Arlington/Waterchase Invitational in Fort Worth.
UNT's volleyball team has moved into first place in the Sun Belt Conference West Division (11-7, 3-1) after match victories against UL-Lafayette and UL-Monroe. Sarah Willey got her 1,000th career dig. Setter Kayla Saey posted her sixth double-double of the year with 40 assists and 10 digs against ULM. The junior moved into fourth place on the program’s career assists charts on Sunday, and now has exactly 2,000 career assists.
After some recent struggles, UNT has evened up its SBC record (2-2) in women's soccer with consecutive 4-0 victories against ULL and ULM. UNT is 7-5-1.
Abron picks Arkansas
Interesting thing about the new-media news cycle...it can change in a matter of minutes or a few hours.
Caught up earlier this afternoon with Seagoville forward Devonta Abron after his weekend visit to UNT. I didn't think it looked good for the Mean Green, but they didn't sound out of it either. Went with the story, as per TMGR's front page right now.
At about 5 p.m., I'm hearing that Abron's uncle has called a "family meeting" to goad the power forward into making a decision on a college choice now instead of dragging this out over another month (or longer) and three more official visits.
A few hours later, I get confirmation Abron has committed to Arkansas. He was planning to visit FIU, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M, but it appears now those are off.
Abron's official visit to Arkansas a week ago was apparently too impressionable for him to pass up the Razorbacks, and UNT has to move on in search of another big man. Win some, lose some.
Kudos to Abron's family for putting down a foot to get what's most often a ridiculous process over and done with. He needs to concentrate on schoolwork and his upcoming senior basketball season, and not party-weekend jaunts to out-of-state college campuses to have his rear end kissed by recruiters with, in many cases, a bunch of empty promises they can't keep.
Hey, if things don't work out at Arkansas, UNT is still close to home, right?
Caught up earlier this afternoon with Seagoville forward Devonta Abron after his weekend visit to UNT. I didn't think it looked good for the Mean Green, but they didn't sound out of it either. Went with the story, as per TMGR's front page right now.
At about 5 p.m., I'm hearing that Abron's uncle has called a "family meeting" to goad the power forward into making a decision on a college choice now instead of dragging this out over another month (or longer) and three more official visits.
A few hours later, I get confirmation Abron has committed to Arkansas. He was planning to visit FIU, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M, but it appears now those are off.
Abron's official visit to Arkansas a week ago was apparently too impressionable for him to pass up the Razorbacks, and UNT has to move on in search of another big man. Win some, lose some.
Kudos to Abron's family for putting down a foot to get what's most often a ridiculous process over and done with. He needs to concentrate on schoolwork and his upcoming senior basketball season, and not party-weekend jaunts to out-of-state college campuses to have his rear end kissed by recruiters with, in many cases, a bunch of empty promises they can't keep.
Hey, if things don't work out at Arkansas, UNT is still close to home, right?
Saturday, October 2, 2010
ULL 28, UNT 27 (final)
Brutal. ULL wins 28-27 after Trent Deans' extra point kick was blocked. It looked pretty low when it was kicked. UNT had driven 91 yards to score for the tie. ULL recovered the onside kick.
UNT offense gets another chance
The offense hasn't been pretty tonight, but it'll get at least one more crack. Brandon Akpunku pressured Masson on third down into an overthrow out of bounds. Punt pins UNT at its 9. With 4:54 to go, UNT needs to go 91 yards to tie or lead on a 2-point conversion.
Timeout UNT (5:05)
I feel UNT's last gasp coming on. Craig Robertson just sacked ULL's Chris Masson back to the UNT 42, and it's now third and 9. Play upcoming.
UNT wins a reversal, pulls to 28-21
Riley Dodge's 17-yard run to the ULL 11 on third down, the end of which it was ruled he fumbled, was upheld after a review. Dodge was down on his back when he lost the ball. First down UNT.
After a second illegal snap by Fortenberry, Dunbar scored two plays later. With 8:53 to go, UNT trails by 7. Crazy, considering how poorly UNT has played tonight.
After a second illegal snap by Fortenberry, Dunbar scored two plays later. With 8:53 to go, UNT trails by 7. Crazy, considering how poorly UNT has played tonight.
UNT forces another ULL
About 14 minutes to go, and UNT has a first down at its own 28. The defense is really holding on, but offense needs to show up.
ULL 28, UNT 14 (end 3rd QU)
Riley Dodge just got hammered to end the third quarter on another ULL sack, this one after UNT was marched back for an illegal forward pass for the second time. Dodge was about three yards over the line of scrimmage this time, no replay necessary. UNT punts it away.
This is deteriorating
Jamaal Jackson just lost a Riley Dodge pass off his chest, and ULL grabbed the interception. Cajuns start at UNT 25. Strangely, UNT didn't decline an offsides penalty on a 9-yard pass to Darius Carey, instead opting for the first-and-5. Next three plays went nowhere. Not sure I'd have done that.
So much for that
Riley Dodge looked like he converted a third and 17 to James Hamilton, but refs said illegal forward pass after a replay review of the call. ULL takes over after short punt into end zone.
UNT forces punt, has ball at ULL 43
Chance to get something going after two changes of possesion. This has to result in something for UNT.
ULL 28, UNT 14
Javone Lawson just took a short pass 60 yards for a touchdown to give the Cajuns a two-TD lead. UNT now on offense. UNT was slapped with pass interference on what looked like a third-down stop.
Halftime stats
UNT has eight penalties, and the one lost fumble -- Fortenberry's bad snap -- was a big one. Dunbar has 65 yards rushing and should get more work after 14 carries in the first half. Surprised we've seen James Hamilton carry just once.
Riley Dodge is 11-for-13 passing with a TD. ULL's Chris Masson has 216 yards passing, 82 on one play.
UNT true freshman Brelan Chancellor has a 49-yard kickoff return, three for 98 yards. Linebacker Craig Robertson has eight tackles and a sack at the half.
Riley Dodge is 11-for-13 passing with a TD. ULL's Chris Masson has 216 yards passing, 82 on one play.
UNT true freshman Brelan Chancellor has a 49-yard kickoff return, three for 98 yards. Linebacker Craig Robertson has eight tackles and a sack at the half.
ULL 21, UNT 14 (halftime)
UNT elects to play it conservative and punt it away to end the half -- good call. For the most part, pretty poor half by UNT, but the offense gains some traction on two of its last three drives.
Offensive line is spreading around false starts like pizza sauce, and center Aaron Fortenberry had a costly high snap returned for a TD by ULL. Defense was a mixed bag of not-much-in-between with late hits, a coverage bust but otherwise was solid in keeping it close. Should be noted ULL dropped one TD pass and should be up 28-14.
Offensive line is spreading around false starts like pizza sauce, and center Aaron Fortenberry had a costly high snap returned for a TD by ULL. Defense was a mixed bag of not-much-in-between with late hits, a coverage bust but otherwise was solid in keeping it close. Should be noted ULL dropped one TD pass and should be up 28-14.
The Lott Leap-Frog
Cool tackle-eluding move just now by UNT's Alex Lott, who leap-frogged a DB after the catch and kept his footing with one hand for a 37-yard touchdown. ULL leads 21-14 with 1:36 to go in first half.
ULL scores in one play...awful coverage
Aaron Spikes just outran three UNT defenders down the far sideline for an 82-yard touchdown for ULL. Not sure whose responsibility, but the coverage had no chance. ULL leads 21-7.
UNT finally finishes one off, trails 14-7
Riley Dodge and Lance Dunbar just traded off some hard running to pull UNT within 14-7. Computer went on the fritz about the time ULL returned a horribly high snap by UNT center Aaron Fortenberry, that went over Dodge's head and was tipped further backwards by Dunbar. ULL's Lance Kelley got the handle for a 40-yard return and made it 14-0 Cajuns.
UNT is in this, but seriously needs to clean up a lot. Six minutes left in first half.
UNT is in this, but seriously needs to clean up a lot. Six minutes left in first half.
Defense holds again
Jeremy Phillips' pass breakup down field and a stop by Zach Orr on another short pass forces a ULL punt, which rolls out of bounds at the UNT 4. Long field facing Mean Green on first down.
UNT not in control
Emotions are running high out there, and UNT's offense just committed a false start (Matt Tomlinson) and an illegal touch (Alex Lott ran out of bounds before making a would-be first down catch) to kill another drive. UNT punts, and first quarter ends with ULL at own 16 on third and 4.
Nice punt by Atterberry
Uncorks a 63-yarder for UNT, and ULL is now pinned on third down at own 15. UNT just got a stop, and Royce Hill is jawing again, this time with ULL's Pierre Hill. UNT's Hill needs to can it.
ULL 7, UNT 0 (6:23 1st QU)
ULL quarterback Chris Masson threw passes of 21 and 26 yards to help finish off the current drive, along with a third late hit penalty on UNT, this time Shavod Atkinson. Little wildcat play the last 2 yards for the score. UNT offense at own 27.
ULL keeps drive alive with UNT's second late hit
Royce Hill just got slapped with the latest personal foul after UNT stopped ULL on third down. Hill and ULL receiver Marlin Miller seem to be mixing it up verbally and otherwise. Fiery matchup, no doubt.
ULL starting running back Kevin Streeter just limped off the field after getting stuffed by Brandon McCoy. Looks like Streeter is done. Third and 10 ULL from own 42.
ULL starting running back Kevin Streeter just limped off the field after getting stuffed by Brandon McCoy. Looks like Streeter is done. Third and 10 ULL from own 42.
Dodge sacked, UNT punts
Looked like UNT was on the move after a long opening kickoff return, but a late hit on the return by Will Wright and ULL's defense forced a Will Atterberry punt. ULL starts on own 14.
ULL weapon slowed tonight
ULL tight end Ladarius Green, I'm told by the Lafayette paper has a sprained ankle and might be limited tonight. He's the Cajuns' leading receiver.
Getting started soon
Moment of silence for Josh Rake, late-arriving crowd once again to Fouts. They do love some tailgate, but lots of other football watching today before this game kicks off. Looks like several people took a pass.
You're not going to believe this
UNT receiver Tyler Stradford is out for tonight's game, and probably next week after being hospitalized last night with major laceration across his side and back. Let's just say it comes from a team source.
Stradford and teammate Darius Carey got off the bus yesterday on the way to Lance Dunbar's apartment and were walking when a loose pit bull started chasing them. Both jumped over a nearby fence, and Stradford landed awkwardly on a piece of lawn furniture. The cut required surgery to close up.
Look for a steady diet of throws to Jamaal Jackson and Darius Carey today. Not sure if outside receiver Breece Johnson is back from a hip infection he was suffering recently. Stradford is the latest outside wideout, along with Johnson, Benny Jones and Chris Bynes, to miss time or the season with injuries.
Stradford and teammate Darius Carey got off the bus yesterday on the way to Lance Dunbar's apartment and were walking when a loose pit bull started chasing them. Both jumped over a nearby fence, and Stradford landed awkwardly on a piece of lawn furniture. The cut required surgery to close up.
Look for a steady diet of throws to Jamaal Jackson and Darius Carey today. Not sure if outside receiver Breece Johnson is back from a hip infection he was suffering recently. Stradford is the latest outside wideout, along with Johnson, Benny Jones and Chris Bynes, to miss time or the season with injuries.
Today at TMGR
It's game day at UNT with Louisiana-Lafayette in town, and we'll have a live blog updates here, as well as postgame coverage. Still deciding what that'll be, but that's the beauty of the Web -- improvisation. I'll make sure there's truth to go with it.
Tough last 24 hours for the Mean Green family with the passing of receiver Josh Rake. Best guess is the young man wouldn't want tears or head-hanging at kickoff, but an unyielding resolve that UNT get its second consecutive victory. I doubt Rake would have played, but when you're on that sideline, you're team. Rake will be there in spirit and remembered on the sides of helmets today. I'll go out of the objective reporter-boy box today and hope like hell UNT wins this one for Rake. He deserves it, and so do they.
If you read this somehow while out at the tailgate area, stop by TMGR tent at the entrance of the vendor area where the band is playing and say hi.
Tough last 24 hours for the Mean Green family with the passing of receiver Josh Rake. Best guess is the young man wouldn't want tears or head-hanging at kickoff, but an unyielding resolve that UNT get its second consecutive victory. I doubt Rake would have played, but when you're on that sideline, you're team. Rake will be there in spirit and remembered on the sides of helmets today. I'll go out of the objective reporter-boy box today and hope like hell UNT wins this one for Rake. He deserves it, and so do they.
If you read this somehow while out at the tailgate area, stop by TMGR tent at the entrance of the vendor area where the band is playing and say hi.
Friday, October 1, 2010
UNT statement on passing of Josh Rake
Tragic, awful night for the UNT community and the family of freshman wide receiver Josh Rake. This and other accidents that too often take young lives just breaks your heart, especially if you're a parent. Prayers from TMGR to Rake's family, teammates, coaches and friends. Here's text of UNT statement:
North Texas Mourns Loss of Josh Rake
DENTON, Texas -- University of North Texas football player Josh Rake died early Friday evening from injuries he suffered in an automobile accident Thursday. Rake was a freshman wide receiver for North Texas after joining the team in September as a walk-on. He was 20.
“It is with deep sadness and tremendous grief that have learned of the death of a member of the North Texas family, Josh Rake,” Director of Athletics Rick Villarreal said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Rake family and we will all come together in this time of loss to use Josh’s memory as an inspiration to carry on during this difficult time.”
Rake played for Dodge as a freshman and sophomore at nearby Southlake Carroll high school, where he graduated from in 2009. The North Texas football team will wear helmet stickers with the initials JR for its game with Louisiana-Lafayette Saturday night in Denton.
“We have lost a fine young man in Josh Rake,” UNT coach Todd Dodge said. “Josh was so much more than just teammate to these players and a student-athlete to this coaching staff. He was a friend and a tremendous representative of this program and the University of North Texas. We will continue this season with very heavy hearts and will use his memory as motivation to carry on throughout the remainder of the season. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to Josh’s family. He will be dearly missed.”
UNT player passes away
After several hours on life support at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth, UNT wide receiver Joshua Rake, 20, was declared deceased at 4:50 p.m. today by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office, according to TCME investigator Rob Corley.
Corley said the report he received from Texas Health lists preliminary cause of death as head trauma and spinal fracture as the result of a car accident. The ME's office has not completed its pathologist report to make an official cause-of-death ruling.
Rake, who walked on to UNT's football team in late August and was on the scout team, lost control of his vehicle on Interstate 35W on Thursday evening. He is a 2009 graduate of Southlake Carroll High School.
UNT head coach Todd Dodge will release a statement later tonight through the athletic department.
Prayers to UNT player and his family
A spokesperson at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth said five minutes ago that UNT walk-on receiver Josh Rake is alive and in critical condition with injuries suffered in a one-car accident on Interstate 35W on Thursday night.
Rake, a 2009 Southlake Carroll High School graduate, was added to the scout team as a walk-on in late August after classes began. He did not travel to UNT's three road games, and his chance to really catch on with the program was likely this spring when walk-ons get another look.
In 2008, Rake caught 50 passes at SLC for 646 yards and eight touchdowns. He averaged 27.8 yards on 16 kickoff returns. Prayers for him and his family that he can recover.
Rake, a 2009 Southlake Carroll High School graduate, was added to the scout team as a walk-on in late August after classes began. He did not travel to UNT's three road games, and his chance to really catch on with the program was likely this spring when walk-ons get another look.
In 2008, Rake caught 50 passes at SLC for 646 yards and eight touchdowns. He averaged 27.8 yards on 16 kickoff returns. Prayers for him and his family that he can recover.
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