2009 North Texas Mean Green College Football Predictions

2009 North Texas Mean Green Predictions
2008 Record: (1-11, 0-7)
Coach: Todd Dodge, 3rd year (3-21 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Todd Ford (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Gary DeLoach (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 16 (7 offense, 8 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

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Offense: The Mean Green returns seven starters from a unit that averaged 20ppg. Not a great mark, but they could have averaged 30ppg and still probably finished 1-11 considering how poor the defense was. This season, Todd Dodge will have all sorts of pressure on him, not just because he finished 3-21 in his first three seasons, but now he is inserting his freshman son Riley (6-0, 182) at quarterback. Dodge replaces Giovanni Vizza, who transferred to Texas A&M. Dodge will miss the services of graduated receiver Casey Fitzgerald (113 catches for 1,119 yards). They do have a strong running game led by Cam Montgomery (6-1, 210), who ran for 928 yards. They have just one returning starter (Sam Robertson) at receiver and will look at three transfers including Jamaal Jackson and Michael Outlaw. The offensive line should be solid with five starters returning including sophomore J.J. Johnson (6-2, 280). They also return junior center/guard Kelvin Drake (6-2, 302), who missed last season with an ankle injury.

Defense: The defense returns eight starters from a unit that ranked last in the nation in points allowed (47.6ppg) and last in yards allowed (482.6 yards per game), so they can only go up from here. The Mean Green decided to go the juco ranks to find some help, especially on the defensive line, where they return just one starter (senior Eddrick Gilmore). At linebacker, senior Tobe Nwigwe (6-1, 251) returns as the leading tackler with 111 and also tallied three picks. They also bring back junior Craig Robertson (6-0, 226), who made 94 tackles. In the secondary, senior Antoine Bush will be challenged at Adryan Adams at one spot. Sophomore safety Darien Williams (5-10, 185) had a strong first campaign with 62 tackles.

Outlook: North Texas takes on Ball State on the road to start the season and then hosts Ohio. They also face Alabama on the road and Army at home near the end of the season. They also face Troy and Arkansas State on the road. Not that they are a threat to the SBC title, but if they don’t beat Western Kentucky at home, this could be a very long year.

This Sun Belt conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com