By Craig Fields
Game Info
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs North Texas Mean Green
Thursday – September 11 – 7:00pm
TV: CBS Sports Network
Apogee Stadium – Denton
To say that the University of North Texas Mean Green (1-1) and the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs’ (1-1) seasons resemble each other would be an understatement. If these two programs were siblings, they would be identical twins.
Both schools were beaten soundly by well-known programs in Week 1. The Bulldogs 48-16 drubbing came against #4 ranked Oklahoma Sooners, while the Mean Green received a whooping from the Texas Longhorns 38-7.
In their second games of the season, both teams beat their opponents handedly. La-Tech beat their interstate rival Louisiana-Lafayette 48-20, while the Mean Green, who also took on an interstate rival and beat the SMU Mustangs 43-6.
When these two teams meet Thursday, a little perspective should be gained in regards to these programs. Whether Coach McCarney of the Mean Green or Coach Holtz of the Bulldogs will enter that tunnel at the end of the game with a positive perspective remains to be seen.
One thing that the Bulldogs have done relatively well early this season is run the football. Leading that charge is junior running back Kenneth Dixon. He is averaging about 115 yards a game. He is also no stranger at getting to the end zone. He has two rushing touchdowns and one receiving.
The Bulldogs also have a quarterback who is accurate and not afraid to sling the rock. With a completion rate of about 64% and 250 yards per game, he is a player who is accurate and can make most throws. He also has four touchdowns on the season.
Although it is too early in the season to say whether or not the defense is a weak link, it does appear to be susceptible to giving up big plays. Against Oklahoma and Lafayette the defense gave up over 415 yards in each game. If the Mean Green want to win, they will have to attack the middle of the field and the less than spectacular tackling abilities of the Bulldogs secondary.
Mean Green running backs Reggie Pegram and
To say that the University of North Texas Mean Green (1-1) and the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs’ (1-1) seasons resemble each other would be an understatement. If these two programs were siblings, they would be identical twins.
Both schools were beaten soundly by well-known programs in week one. The Bulldogs 48-16 drubbing came against #4 ranked Oklahoma Sooners, while the Mean Green received a whooping from the Texas Longhorns 38-7.
In their second games of the season, both teams beat their opponents handedly. La-Tech beat their interstate rival Louisiana-Lafayette 48-20, while the Mean Green, who also took on an interstate rival, beat the SMU Mustangs 43-6.
When these two teams meet Thursday, a little perspective should be gained in regards to these programs. Whether Coach McCarney of the Mean Green or Coach Holtz of the Bulldogs will enter that tunnel at the end of the game with a positive perspective remains to be seen.
One thing that the Bull dogs have done relatively well early this season is run the football. Leading that charge is junior running back Kenneth Dixon. He is averaging about 115 yards a game. He is also no stranger at getting to the end zone. He has two rushing touchdowns and one receiving.
The Bulldogs also have a quarterback who is accurate and not afraid to sling the rock. With a completion rate of about 64% and 250 yards per game, he is a guy who is accurate and can make most throws. He also has 4 touchdowns on the season.
Although it is too early in the season to say whether or not the defense is a weak link, it does appear to be susceptible to giving up big plays. Against Oklahoma and Lafayette the defense gave up over 415 yards in each game. If the Mean Green want to win, they will have to attack the middle of the field and the less than spectacular tackling abilities of the Bulldogs secondary.
Mean Green running backs Reggie Pegram, and Antoinne Jimmerson both possess talents that allow them to avoid the first tackler. If the offensive line can dominate like they did in the SMU game, then look for one if not both of these guys to reach the century mark on the ground.
Much like the SMU game, sophomore quarterback Josh Greer will simply look to manage the game and avoid turnovers. With the amount of yards the Bulldogs give up, he should be able to hit a few passes down the seams and behind linebackers. Play-action will be the Mean Green’s best friend as they should look to establish a ground game, then open it up a bit by taking a few shots downfield.
The Mean Green will definitely need to win the field battle like they did against the Mustangs. They will need to win the special teams battle. That includes punting, field goals, punt and kickoff coverage. Because the Mean Green will be at home, I expect them to come out with that same sense of urgency and pride that has been apparent ever since the opening of Apogee stadium.
The game takes place Thursday at 7pm. You can catch the game on the CBS sports network.
Prediction: Mean Green wins 38-24
both possess talents that allow them to avoid the first tackler. If the offensive line can dominate like they did in the SMU game, then look for one if not both of these guys to reach the century mark on the ground.
Much like the SMU game, sophomore quarterback Josh Greer will simply look to manage the game and avoid turnovers. With the amount of yards the Bulldogs give up, he should be able to hit a few passes down the seams and behind linebackers. Play-action will be the Mean Green’s best friend as they should look to establish a ground game, then open it up a bit by taking a few shots downfield.
The Mean Green will definitely need to win the field position battle like they did against the Mustangs. They will also need to win the special teams battle. That includes punting, field goals, punt and kickoff coverage. Because the Mean Green will be at home, I expect them to come out with that same sense of urgency and pride that has been apparent ever since the opening of Apogee stadium.
Prediction: Mean Green wins 38-24
