Analyzing UNT

Okay, give me some expert analysis! From what I have heard so far (didn't watch them against SMU), they have a stout run defense and, on offense, they can run the ball, but are not so great on passing. This would seem to be similar to ULL on offense, anyway.

So, we must force them to beat us with their passing game?

As for offense, we need to run some of our other players before going to Dixon (they will be keyed in on him). If we can surprise them with our other RB's and that gets our passing game going, we should be off to the races. We can let Dixon go when they forget he is out there. :icon_wink:

Other opinions? I am asking, not stating this is what we should do........

Tevin King has to get involved early with a kick return and a reverse or two.

Man, I don't know. I am just hoping to be amazed again. :)

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Originally Posted by champion110

Okay, give me some expert analysis! From what I have heard so far (didn't watch them against SMU), they have a stout run defense and, on offense, they can run the ball, but are not so great on passing. This would seem to be similar to ULL on offense, anyway.

So, we must force them to beat us with their passing game?

As for offense, we need to run some of our other players before going to Dixon (they will be keyed in on him). If we can surprise them with our other RB's and that gets our passing game going, we should be off to the races. We can let Dixon go when they forget he is out there. :icon_wink:

Other opinions? I am asking, not stating this is what we should do........

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We passed for 367 yards on them last year with Higgins at QB. But we only rushed for 37 yards with Dixon at RB. I think they will try to do the same this year.... make us beat them with our passing game. 2 Interceptions by Higgins was the difference in the game last year (a pick 6 in the 1st half and another one around the 15 going in to end the game). We lost by 15. We also missed an easy FG to end the 1st half last year. They play conservative and make the other team beat themselves trying to force stuff on offense. Sokol will need to play smart, like he has been doing. Hopefully our run game can help him out more this year.

I agree, Sokol needs to limit mistakes. Don't throw into traffic. Realize that taking a sack is not the worst thing if he any get rid of the ball safely. We do need to strike early to force UNT out of their running game.

Good information!

Pass to set up the run!!!

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Originally Posted by sportdawg

Pass to set up the run!!!

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If we can do that, we'll win.

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Originally Posted by techman05

I agree, Sokol needs to limit mistakes. Don't throw into traffic. Realize that taking a sack is not the worst thing if he any get rid of the ball safely. We do need to strike early to force UNT out of their running game.

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Honestly to me its looked like he has already realized that. There were several times where I saw him tuck and protect the ball if the opposing DL was way to close and no one was solidly open.

I was looking at their schedule from last year and their defense was impressive:

Idaho: 6 pts
MTSU: 7 pts
UTEP: 7 pts
Tulsa: 10 pts
La Tech: 13 pts
USM: 14 pts
UNLV: 14 pts
Rice: 16 pts
UTSA: 21 pts (loss)
Tulane: 24 pts (loss)
Ohio: 27 pts (loss)
Ball St: 27 pts
Georgia: 45 pts (loss)

They win with defense, and only 1 team scored over 27 pts. They did lose some key players from last year though. But they still shut SMU down last week. (6 pts). There offense isn't explosive at all. 24-28 points may be all we need if we can play good defense too.

UNT only threw for 108 yards against SMU last Saturday. And remember, SMU is a very bad football team this year. So, expect UNT run offensively, and try to stop the run, defensively.

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

UNT only threw for 108 yards against SMU last Saturday. And remember, SMU is a very bad football team this year. So, expect UNT run offensively, and try to stop the run, defensively.

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I am hoping we can burn them through the air this year, unlike last year. It sure was nice seeing our QB throw down field on Saturday night. That is something we haven't seen in a while.

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Originally Posted by champion110

I am hoping we can burn them through the air this year, unlike last year. It sure was nice seeing our QB throw down field on Saturday night. That is something we haven't seen in a while.

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I agree. Moreover, I believe we have a much better defense this year, one that is especially capable of shutting down a "one dimensional" offense like UNT's.

Looking at their stats from last year and what little have been compiled so far this year, it seems like UNT uses the run game to shorten the game overall. Definitely run heavy, so don't expect a ton of plays to be run on either side. Key words in this game are efficiency and execution. When we get our chances, we better make them count. No turnovers. At all. A fumble lost may keep the ball out of our hands for 4-5 minutes of clock, if not more.

I think they averaged in the mid 60s for plays run and allowed last year, so I'm not looking at their total YPG/PPG allowed average so much as the average per play. Considering that, their defense is good, but not a brick wall. We got this. Like everyone else has said: Load the box on defense, set up the run with the pass on offense. Might be a good week to put King back on the field, if only for a few plays.

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

UNT only threw for 108 yards against SMU last Saturday. And remember, SMU is a very bad football team this year. So, expect UNT run offensively, and try to stop the run, defensively.

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Definitely a run first offense, but the starting QB as 9-12 so he wasn't inept. Averaging starting position for us was close to mid field so not a lot of long drives either. Add that to the fact the offensive line was manhandling SMU the running game was cranked up. Given the forecast of showers/storms I think this is going to come down to which offensive line plays better.