MeanGreen61,
What happened in the off season that made UNT turn the corner in your opinion? Coach Dodge was known for offense in HS, how did his defense get that much better since last Novemeber?
•MAC football continues this weekend with eight games against schools from BCS Automatic Qualifier Conferences. MAC schools face three Big Ten opponents ( Michigan State, Northwestern, Indiana), two Big 12 schools ( Missouri, Colorado) and one opponent from the Big East ( Pittsburgh), ACC ( Boston College) and WAC ( Boise State).
when did the WAC become a BCS automatic qualifier conference?
(09-09-2009 10:55 AM)Nick in Cleveland Wrote: [ -> ]MeanGreen61,
What happened in the off season that made UNT turn the corner in your opinion? Coach Dodge was known for offense in HS, how did his defense get that much better since last Novemeber?
Coaching changes & coaching. Gary DeLoach, the DC when the Mean Green were nationally ranked returned from UCLA in '08. D line coach was replaced this year with a highly experience coach with Big XII skins. Last but certainly not least, there is now a dedicated strength coach (coach that works only with football players). Increased strength and speed is very apparent. Last year was a learning year for a very young defensive team. This year they are comfortable with the schemes, love their coaches and beleive . Two top JC DTs were brought in to anchor the middle. Defense now has a nine man DL rotation. Great speed & experience at linebacker (D strength). Speed and an added year of experience for young DBs. UNT is still a very young, but very talented team. Of the 66 players that traveled to Ball State only 9 were seniors.
(09-09-2009 10:59 AM)bobcat_backer Wrote: [ -> ]•MAC football continues this weekend with eight games against schools from BCS Automatic Qualifier Conferences. MAC schools face three Big Ten opponents ( Michigan State, Northwestern, Indiana), two Big 12 schools ( Missouri, Colorado) and one opponent from the Big East ( Pittsburgh), ACC ( Boston College) and WAC ( Boise State).
when did the WAC become a BCS automatic qualifier conference?
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I'm looking forward to BGSU Vs. Boise State. And if Troy has a good
team this year----then BG should give Boise a good game.
I think Boise will win this game---And I hope future scheduling
for the MAC has more of these games, and IMO less of the made for
money games.
Hope both teams stay injury free and have a great game.
(09-09-2009 11:17 AM)MeanGreen61 Wrote: [ -> ]Defense now has a nine man DL rotation.
I never understood why more teams don't shoot for this.
Bill Walsh believed in this concept. That's good enough for me.
(09-09-2009 02:45 PM)DrTorch Wrote: [ -> ] (09-09-2009 11:17 AM)MeanGreen61 Wrote: [ -> ]Defense now has a nine man DL rotation.
I never understood why more teams don't shoot for this.
Bill Walsh believed in this concept. That's good enough for me.
Torch: In BG's case, for a long time, it all came down to depth. Remember that our top DL recruit flamed out several years in a row (Latkiewicz was one, then DJ Young ... and there was another). Then it seemed like every top talen went to the offensive side of the ball, including linemen.
But I agree that this is a good goal. You know that most non-BCS schools won't have four studs across the front line. Makes sense to at least have fresh legs out there on a regular basis.
(09-09-2009 02:45 PM)DrTorch Wrote: [ -> ] (09-09-2009 11:17 AM)MeanGreen61 Wrote: [ -> ]Defense now has a nine man DL rotation.
I never understood why more teams don't shoot for this.
Bill Walsh believed in this concept. That's good enough for me.
Jerry Kill at NIU loves to rotate defensive linemen and linebackers a lot.
I think that's one of the reasons we had the #1 defense last season.
Quote:Nick’s Pick: Michigan State 30 – Central Michigan 13
Can't argue too much with that one.
My heart says
CMU 38,
MSU 34. We won't have to worry about travel (much), time changes, heat, or a juggled starting lineup at one spot. The receivers should be more sharp on their route-running this week, and our OTs should be better with a game under their belt. LeFevour has not, in my experience, had two subpar games back-to-back. Also, MSU's defense, while probably more physical, boasts less killer speed than Arizona's, and that's even the opinion of some Spartans fans.
My head says
MSU 31,
CMU 17.
I think it's way too hard to pick CMU against BCS teams. You'd certainly like to pick them based on all their talent but they go out and choke against BCS teams almost every time.
I just can't believe CMU could only put up 6 points on Arizona with the offense they have.
(09-09-2009 02:45 PM)DrTorch Wrote: [ -> ] (09-09-2009 11:17 AM)MeanGreen61 Wrote: [ -> ]Defense now has a nine man DL rotation.
I never understood why more teams don't shoot for this.
Bill Walsh believed in this concept. That's good enough for me.
The Philadelphia Eagles run their their d-linemen through a rotation in an effort to keep fresh guys out on the field. But I find it over rated as they're exerting as much energy to run off the field and then back on as resting in the huddle and then giving it a go the next play.
Quote: Nick’s Pick: Missouri 38 – BGSU 17
Comment: The Falcons will be competitive against a very good Missouri team that will compete for a Big 12 North title all season.
I wouldn't call a three touchdown loss competitive. I don't know how bad Illinois or Troy are from one game. This one could be interesting, I gotta think Missouri will win but I really think BG has a good shot at them.
It think it will be close, only a couple of points will be the difference maker. I hope the Falcons will pull it off.
