2004 overall record:
7-5
Conference record:
7-0

Returning starters
Offense: 6, Defense: 4, Kicker/punter: 1

2004 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: Jamario Thomas* (1,801 yds)
Passing: Scott Hall (1,806 yds)
Receiving: Johnny Quinn* (773 yds)
Tackles: Markeith Knowlton (89)
Sacks: Adrian Awasom and Evan Cardwell (6 each)
Interceptions: Knowlton (4)

Spring Answers: In Patrick Cobbs (2003) and Jamario Thomas (2004), NTU will have the nation's leading rushers from the last two seasons in the same backfield. When Cobbs went down early last fall, all Thomas did was step in and score 17 TDs while setting the NCAA freshman record for 200-yard games with five. He was also one of only three freshmen in history to reach 1,800 yards. It appears the Mean Green might have a decent rushing attack in 2005. … Johnny Quinn not only put on some needed weight but also added some speed by competing in track during the spring. Already the conference's best punt returner, Quinn looks as though he's ready to increase his big-play ability at receiver. … The secondary was wrecked by graduation, but was surprisingly effective during the spring under the direction of new assistant coach Van Malone. T.J. Covington leads a unit that includes former WR Ja'Mel Branch. In addition, the team received an April commitment from Coffeyville (Kan.) JC transfer Aaron Weathers, who will join the team in August.

Fall Questions: One has to wonder whether the Mean Green's terror of the Sun Belt will ever end. They fielded their worst defense in years last season and still went undefeated, extending their league winning streak to 25 games and winning the conference for the fourth straight time. Nevertheless, NTU does lose several starters in both the front and the back of the D, and a somewhat-improved Sun Belt is sure to take advantage this time. Um, right? … With the pair of teammates he has in the backfield, new 250-pound quarterback Joey Byerly doesn't have to do much. Still, it remains to be seen how the team's offense – rebuilt line and all – will respond without the steady hand of forever-starter Scott Hall. … The defensive line also is being rebuilt after the loss of all four starters. The group of replacements is extremely young and fairly untested. … To accommodate Arkansas State, North Texas moved the ASU game to Oct. 8, which was scheduled to be the team's only bye week. Eleven straight weeks without a break? The Indians could've at least thrown in a trainer or two in return.