North Texas Mean Green Football 2011 Preview, Predictions, Picks, Odds
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2010 Record: 3-9 Sun Belt Record: 3-5 (T-6th) 2011 Returning Starters: 14; 6 offense, 6 defense. kicker, punter
Coach: Dan McCarney, First Season
Offensive Coordinators: Mike Canales Defensive Coordinators: Clint Bowen
2011 North Texas Players to Watch: QB Derek Thompson, RB Lance Dunbar, WR Darius Carey, LB Zach Orr, LB Jeremy Phillips, K Zach Olen
2011 North Texas Strengths:
North Texas is counting on McCamey, the former Iowa State coach, to invigorate the program. The Mean Green still has roster holes, but rejuvenated players could lead to the team winning more than three games for the first time since 2004. Dunbar has amassed more than 3,000 career rushing yards and is one of the best in school history.
2011 North Texas Weaknesses:
The Mean Green was built to win last season, which didn’t happen. Rather than patch a few spots. McCamey needs to rebuild what was once the Sun Belt Conference’s dominant team – so this won’t happen overnight. The team has to find a reliable Quarterback while developing a largely new offensive line.
2011 North Texas Offense:
Handing the ball to running back Lance Dunbar, the nation’s No. 6 rusher last season, will provide stability to second-year offensive coordinator Mike Canales, who was retained by new head coach Dan McCarney. Dunbar rushed for more than 1,500 yards last season, but the line must replace two All-Sun Belt first-teamers from a year ago. And UNT can’t move the ball only on the ground. Dunbar and Canales need help. No quarterback on the roster has started more than two games, and ex-starter Riley Dodge transferred after his father, former head coach Todd Dodge, was fired. Sophomore Derek Thompson is likely the best option at quarterback. Darius Carey led UNT receivers in catches (38), yards (524) and touchdowns (five) last season, but was dismissed from the team in late June. Former Oklahoma transfer Tyler Stradford will be asked to step into the No. 1 role with Carey out of the picture and few proven pass-catchers after that. With several players returning from 2010 injuries, competition should be fierce for playing time.
2011 North Texas Defense:
New defensive coordinator Clint Bowen comes to UNT from conference foe Western Kentucky. He inherits a defense that didn’t make enough big plays a year ago, ranking last in the Sun Belt in takeaways and tackles for a loss McCarney and Bowen want a more physical attitude and complete effort on defense. Defensive ends Brandon Akpunku and K.C. Obi are steady pass-rushers, but their run defense must improve. Both defensive tackles will be new. The linebacking corps and secondary should be solid, despite having to replace linebacker Craig Robertson, the Sun Belt’s top tackler a year ago. Standout safety DaWaylon Cook returns from a torn ACL, and cornerback Royce Hill is a solid three-year starter. UNT tied for a league-low eight interceptions last season, but that should improve if the front four can bring more pressure.
2011 North Texas Special Teams:
This could be a strength for the Mean Green. All the key players are back, including reliable kicker Zach Olen, top returner Brelan Chancellor and punter Will Atterberry. Dunbar also is a weapon in the return game. The punt return game has big room for improvement as its 3.3 yards per return in 2010 was the worst mark in the conference and one of the worst in the nation.
| 2011 North Texas Football Schedule | North Texas Football Sportsbooks |
2011 North Texas Predictions:
With a new coach, new stadium and a hint of progress late last season, UNT may be on its way back. But McCarney knows it will take time. McCarney has made a career of resurrection projects, both as an assistant at Iowa and head coach at Iowa State. He also was the assistant head coach on Florida’s 2008 national title team, so he knows how to win and how to turn around programs. There are early opportunities on the schedule to make a statement. UNT plays at FIU, the defending Sun Belt co-champion, in the season-opener, and then hosts non-conference games versus Houston and Indiana. But aside from that, the Mean Green need some moderate success in conference play this season and then recruit a talent-rich area in Texas to revive the program. That will take more than one season.
2011 North Texas Betting Odds:
North Texas Current odds to win a National Championship: +5000
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