North Texas

[BleedingBlack-Gold]

Just watched the North Texas vs. Rice game replay...or at least all of it that I could stomach. It was readily apparent that the Mean Green are a Dan McCarney coached team. The offense is classic McCarney: three receivers, one tight end, one running back and a stupendously fat offensive line.

The seem to go to their tight ends often on intermediate passing routes and both tight ends they use are big targets. Whether that's by design, or because their quarterback doesn't have much arm, I can't say. Their starting running back does have some elusiveness for a thicker back and physically resembles (please do not confuse "physically resembles" with "has ability of") Ray Rice. He's actually pretty decent and will probably have a nice run or two on Saturday. As stated, their offensive line is fat and nonathletic, kind of like McCarney's offensive lines at ISU fifteen years ago.

The defense is 3-4 and likes to bring pressure on most plays. The defensive backs, at least against Rice, played a lot of quarters coverage and really just tried to keep everything in front of them. Because they bring pressure and their defensive backs play quarters, there were consistent holes for Rice's quarterback to pick apart, which he did with regularity. Keep in mind that CJ is significantly better than Rice's quarterback.

I'd say North Texas is probably about on par with Illinois State from a talent perspective, so I would hope to see a similar result on Saturday.

 

[QChawks]

Fair assessment.

The QB is a former IC City High alum. I've watched him a few times about 5 years ago and he has a below average arm. Has a bit of CJB when it comes to running though.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Just watched the North Texas vs. Rice game replay...or at least all of it that I could stomach. It was readily apparent that the Mean Green are a Dan McCarney coached team. The offense is classic McCarney: three receivers, one tight end, one running back and a stupendously fat offensive line.

The seem to go to their tight ends often on intermediate passing routes and both tight ends they use are big targets. Whether that's by design, or because their quarterback doesn't have much arm, I can't say. Their starting running back does have some elusiveness for a thicker back and physically resembles (please do not confuse "physically resembles" with "has ability of") Ray Rice. He's actually pretty decent and will probably have a nice run or two on Saturday. As stated, their offensive line is fat and nonathletic, kind of like McCarney's offensive lines at ISU fifteen years ago.

The defense is 3-4 and likes to bring pressure on most plays. The defensive backs, at least against Rice, played a lot of quarters coverage and really just tried to keep everything in front of them. Because they bring pressure and their defensive backs play quarters, there were consistent holes for Rice's quarterback to pick apart, which he did with regularity. Keep in mind that CJ is significantly better than Rice's quarterback.

I'd say North Texas is probably about on par with Illinois State from a talent perspective, so I would hope to see a similar result on Saturday.

Thanks for the scouting report.

If they stick with a 3-man front, it will be good exposure for our young OL. Good prep for Wisconsin ... even though Aranda's 3-4 is a lot tougher.

Of course, if Beathard is able to pick apart their zone coverage ... then it will make it harder for them to cheat against the run. Thus, we could end up having a pretty decent day running the ball.

As for the O, it will be good practice for the D to better defend TEs. The Pitt TE got us for a number of key passes ... our LBs and/or Ss need to be able to close the window on those passing plays a bit more quickly.

 

[DarkThunder#61]

McNulty threw for 303 against Rice, although that was mostly because they were behind and couldn't really run much.

Carlos Harris appears to be their big receiving target. We'll see how the Hawks do identifying him. There were obvious times where Tyler Boyd was gonna get the ball last week and, well, he got it.........and more than some of that wasn't simply because Boyd is just an exceptional athlete.

Getting pressure on UNT should be easier than it was last week, but I'll be interested to see if the Hawks try a few different things this week in order to do so. We really didn't blitz all that much against Pitt (and maybe we couldn't afford to), but that could be different this week.

 

[Pepperman]

Sounds like a team that is just good enough to make this game frustratingly close. I've already said I think it is a classic trap game. Coming off two very emotional wins and looking ahead to a trip to Madison. Let me be clear, Iowa should still win, but don't be expecting a blow out. If that happens, I'll be pleasantly surprised, but I don't think it will for a couple of reasons in addition to the above:

1) Iowa likely wants to play as many backups as possible and avoid injuries heading into conference play.
2) This is probably going to be one of those "control the clock" games where Iowa won't have to get too exotic and can grind out the win. It will never be in question, but it will also never be totally out of the question, if that makes sense.
3) If you believe KF and Mac are "buddies", I don't think KF will want a blow out win anyway.

Now, if the Hawks backup players create holes and execute, it could easily get ugly. That would be a very good sign of things to come, not only this year but in 2016+.

My prediction is something like Iowa 31, North Texas 17. I'd take the +25 line in betting.

 

[icu81222]

Fair assessment.

The QB is a former IC City High alum. I've watched him a few times about 5 years ago and he has a below average arm. Has a bit of CJB when it comes to running though.

So probably alot like our Freshman Boyle? Poor arm, decent runner?