By Craig Fields
Game Info
UNLV Rebels vs North Texas Mean Green
Wednesday – January 1 – 11:00 AM
TV: ESPNU
Cotton Bowl – Dallas
Significance: In one of college football’s most storied and historic venues, two programs that have struggled to remain relevant, not only in college football but in their own conferences, will seek to obtain redemption in the way of a bowl game victory. In a way, this season has already been a success for the two programs regardless of who wins or loses.
UNLV REBELS
Senior running back Tim Cornett, who has over 1,200 yards rushing on the season and 15 rushing touchdowns, will accompany junior wide receiver Devante Davis who has about 1,200 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, as the two main threats against a stout UNT defense. Davis, who is responsible for about half of quarterback Caleb Herring’s passing yards will be targeted early and often. The 6-3 receiver is a big body who has good speed and great hands. He is most dangerous in the redzone and goal line packages where Herring can play-action to Davis and throw the fade or back shoulder pass to Davis.
North Texas Mean Green
The Mean Green will be showcasing a defense that is dominant and aggressive. This defense only gives up 18.1 points a game which is good for ninth in the country. They are a unit that exhibit the entire package. They are a defense that has sure tackling. They cause turnovers. They read coverages well and trust each other. They also have great leadership from a few important seniors by the names of Zachary Orr and Brandon “Sarge” McCoy. The Mean Green also has an aggressive special teams unit that has blocked field goals and punts. Brelan Chancellor is the lighting rod for this team having returned punts and kickoffs for touchdowns this season.
Prediction: Not a homer pick by any stretch, North Texas is that good on defense. North Texas 24 – UNLV 10
