By Craig Fields
Game Info
North Texas Mean Green vs. UTSA Roadrunners
Saturday – November 29 – 11:00 am
Alamodome – San Antonio
The North Texas Mean Green (4-7) will take on the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners (3-8) on Saturday in San Antonio. Both teams have not had their season go the way that they planned, but they will be looking to end the season off on a good note with a victory.
The Mean Green will look to have their way on the ground behind the legs of senior Reggie Pegram and junior Antoinne Jimmerson. Pegram is coming off of arguably his best game of the season when he ran over 100 yards against Florida International. Jimmerson had a less than effective game last week, but will be looking to control the time of possession in this game.
The Roadrunners rushing defense should have a hard time stopping the rushing duo. Their passing defense is not really that much better. Even though junior Andrew McNulty will probably not have a big game passing the ball, all the Mean Green will need is for him to essentially be the bus driver. Making the necessary passes on third down, not turning the ball over, and staying efficient with his passing opportunities should be all that is required of McNulty in this one. If they are asking him to attempt more than 25 passes then chances are they are losing or will lose the game.
Given all the problems that they have with their defense, their scoring defense is not half bad. They are ranked 62nd in the league and only give up 25 points a game. While that is admirable, their offense really struggles and manages about 16 points a game. Their anemic offensive scoring is a direct correlation of their less than adept offense. They struggle passing and running the ball.
Their leading rusher, senior David Glasco II, has only managed 471 yards to this point in the season. The quarterback has only managed 806 yards to this point in the season and can not take over a game with his arm. The Mean Green defense should have no problem covering the short routes screen passes. The Roadrunners look to those passes to move their stagnant offense down the field.
The Mean Green front 7 seven, led by senior Derek Akunne should be able to get pressure early and often on the quarterback. Look for him and the defense line to be in the backfield all day. Even though the Mean Green are winless on the road, I still think they find a way to get it done.
Prediction: Mean Green 21 – Roadrunners 17
