2006 North Texas Mean Green

2006 North Texas Mean Green Season, Game Recaps, Scores and Reviews

Nov. 25
UL Monroe 23 ... North Texas 3
North Texas was held to 137 total yards of offense with the only score coming on a 33-yard Denis Hopovac field goal in the second quarter. The rest of the game belonged to UL Monroe with Calvin Dawson starting the scoring with a one-yard score, Cole Wilson nailing field goals from 33,49 and 21 yards, and Erroll Hogan capping things off with a 24-yard touchdown run.
Player of the game ... UL Monroe RB Calvin Dawson ran 23 times for 117 yards and a touchdown
Stat Leaders: North Texas - Passing: Matt Phillips, 9-18, 66 yds, 2 INT
Rushing: Deavin Cox, 12-37  Receiving: Johnny Quinn, 4-5
UL Monroe - Passing: Kinsmon Lancaster, 12-19, 193 yds
Rushing: Calvin Dawson, 23-117, 1 TD  Receiving: LaGregory Sapp, 3-78
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean Basil? ... North Texas didn't exactly close out the Darrell Dickey era with a bang with no offense whatsoever for yet another week in the loss to UL Monroe. The defense didn't help out the cause with a rough game up front getting shoved around a bit too much against the run, but the big offender was a passing game with just 63 yards of production and two interceptions. The new coaching staff has to figure out the quarterback situation in a hurry this off-season.

2006 Schedule 2006 Record: 3-9
9/2	at Texas L 56-7
9/9	SMU W 24-6
9/16	at Tulsa L 28-3
9/23	at Akron L 33-13
9/30	MTSU L 35-0
10/7	FIU W 25-22 7OT
10/21	at Arkansas St L 29-10
10/28	at Troy L 14-6
11/4	Louisiana Tech L 34-31
11/11	at UL Lafayette W 16-7
11/18	Florida Atlantic L 17-16
11/25	at UL Monroe L 23-3

2005 Schedule CFN Prediction: 7-4 2005 Record: 2-9 Preview 2005 predicted wins
9/10	at MTSU W 14-7
9/17	Tulsa L 54-2
9/24	at Kansas State L 54-7
10/4	Troy L 13-10
10/15	at Florida Intl W 13-10
10/22	at La Tech L 40-14
10/29	at LSU  L 56-3
11/5	UL Lafayette L 31-28
11/12	at Fla Atlantic L 26-23
11/19	UL Monroe L 24-19
11/26	Arkansas State L 31-24

Nov. 18
Florida Atlantic 17 ... North Texas 16
Florida Atlantic forced four North Texas turnovers with Taheem Acevedo picking off two passes, including one to seal the game picking off Matt Phillips on the FAU 38 with just over a minute to play. The Owls scored all 17 of their points in the first half highlighted by a 38-yard interception return for a score from Kris Bartels, but the defense had to hold on in the second half as North Texas got two of Denis Hopovac's three field goals to pull within one. The Mean Green had two more drives coming up empty on each.
Player of the game ... Florida Atlantic DB Taheem Acevedo made 13 tackles, two tackles for loss, and two interceptions with one locking up the win
Stat Leaders: North Texas - Passing: Matt Phillips, 4-7, 44 yds, 1 INT
Rushing: Evan Robertson, 27-201, 1 TD  Receiving: Johnny Quinn, 9-81
Florida Atlantic - Passing: Rusty Smith, 10-22, 101 yds
Rushing: Charles Pierre, 28-116, 1 TD  Receiving: Josh Harmon, 4-19
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean Basil? ... If only the passing game could avoid screwing up, the offense might be fine. Evan Robertson has saved the running game doing what Jamario Thomas was supposed to making nice cuts and turning into a workhorse against Florida Atlantic, but the quarterbacks couldn't stop turning the ball over. The disastrous season could end on a high note against UL Monroe next week as long as the Mean Green wins the turnover battle.

Nov. 11
North Texas 16 ... UL Lafayette 7
The North Texas defense held UL Lafayette to 208 total yards and 40 yards on the ground allowing just a two-yard Derrick Smith touchdown catch as time ran out in the first half. The offense started off the scoring with a four-yard Johnny Quinn catch in the second quarter, and got a 36-yard touchdown from Casey Fitzgerald in the third. A safety off a missed punt snap helped seal the win for the Mean Green in the first game after the firing of head coach Darrell Dickey was announced.
Player of the game ... North Texas RB Deavin Cox ran 28 times for 98 yards
Stat Leaders: UL Lafayette - Passing: Jerry Babb, 17-27, 168 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Tyrell Fenroy, 15-60  Receiving: Derrick Smith, 7-102, 1 TD
North Texas - Passing: Daniel Meager, 5-9, 91 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Deavin Cox, 28-98  Receiving: Casey Fitzgerald, 2-51, 1 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean Basil? ... The defense came up with its best game of the year shutting down a talented UL Lafayette running attack and not letting QB Jerry Babb get on track. The coaching staff is experimenting with several new players as former defensive back Deavin Cox became the focal point of the offense. With Sun Belt lightweights Florida Atlantic and UL Monroe to finish, a 5-7 record isn't an out-of-reach goal if the offense can provide a little more of a spark.

Nov. 4
Louisiana Tech 34 ... North Texas 31
Louisiana Tech was helped by five North Texas turnovers in a game of big runs. Tech got up 21-0 on three Zac Champion touchdown passes, but North Texas roared back with 31 straight points with two touchdown passes from Matt Phillips and a 54-yard Daniel Meager scoring pass to Johnny Quinn. The Bulldogs, down ten, stormed back with the final 13 points on two Danny Horwedel field goals and a 46-yard Anthony James touchdown catch.
Player of the game ... Louisiana Tech QB Zac Champion completed 23 of 32 passes for 306 yards and four touchdown and ran for 23 yards
Stat Leaders: Louisiana Tech - Passing: Zac Champion, 23-32, 306 yds, 4 TD
Rushing: Daniel Porter, 11-70  Receiving: Eric Newman, 6-98, 1 TD
North Texas - Passing: Daniel Meager, 10-19, 155 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: Evan Robertson, 17-86, 1 TD  Receiving: Johnny Quinn, 5-100, 1 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean Basil? ... Even though UNT lost to Louisiana Tech in painful fashion, and even though the offense turned it over five times, at least the offense showed a sign of life for the first time all season long. Evan Robertson, in place of Jamario Thomas, provided a bit more production for the running game, while the return of Johnny Quinn gave the passing attack its go-to target again. Now the offense has to keep the momentum going, while limiting mistakes, to try to close out the Sun Belt season strong.

Oct. 28
Troy 14 ... North Texas 6
Troy scored two second half touchdowns on a six-yard Gary Banks catch and a five-yard Anthony James run, while the defense held North Texas to 230 yards and two Dennis Hopovac field goals. Neither team did much offensively with North Texas failing on all 13 third down conversion attempts, while Troy couldn't get its attack moving until midway through the second half. UNT RB Jamario Thomas was held to 23 yards on 18 carries.
Player of the game ... Troy WR Gary Banks had nine catches for 57 yards and the go-ahead touchdown catch.    
Stat Leaders: North Texas - Passing: Woody Wilson, 7-12, 89 yds
Rushing: Woody Wilson, 10-36  Receiving: Johnny Quinn, 8-108
Troy - Passing: Omar Haugabook, 13-22, 101 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Kenny Cattouse, 17-56  Receiving: Gary Banks, 9-57, 1 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean Basil? ... Just when it seemed like the North Texas offense was about to get going with Jamario Thomas, he was held down by the Troy defense and no one picked up the slack. The Mean Green had plenty of chances to turn the momentum of the game and come up with a few key plays to take control, but wasn't able to get the job done. The passing attack continues to be painful, particularly on third downs.

Oct. 21
Arkansas State 29 ... North Texas 10
ASU broke open a close game with three one-yard Reggie Arnold touchdown runs in the second half as part of a 22-point run. North Texas got up in the first half on a 42-yard Denis Hopovac field goal and a 24-yard David Collins touchdown catch, while the Indians got a 31-yard Kevin Jones scoring grab. The Mean Green offense slowed down and the defense couldn't handle the ASU ground game that rumbled for 279 yards.
Player of the game ... Arkansas State RB Reggie Arnold ran 25 times for 121 yards and three touchdowns
Stat Leaders: Arkansas State - Passing: Corey Leonard, 11-19, 187 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Reggie Arnold, 25-121, 3 TD  Receiving: Kevin Jones, 3-84
North Texas - Passing: Daniel Meager, 11-16, 103 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Jamario Thomas, 21-119,  Receiving: Joel Nwigwe, 5-52
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean Basil? ... Jamario Thomas is getting his season going carrying the UNT offense, but the defense isn't doing its job. It didn't help to have top receiver Johnny Quinn out, but the passing game simply didn't have any pop against Arkansas State. The defense couldn't do much in the second half to slow down the ASU attack, especially on third downs, while the offense failed to get any momentum going despite the great game from Thomas.

Oct. 7
North Texas 25 ... FIU 22 7OT
It took an NCAA record tying seven overtimes for North Texas to finally put away FIU on a 34-yard field goal from Denis Hopovac. With the game tied at 16 after regulation, the two teams traded field goals until FIU's Dustin Rivest pushed a 35-yard shot wide right allowing North Texas to come up with the game-winning score. FIU thought it had the game won in the fifth OT, but an apparent touchdown pass to Jeremy Dickens was reviewed and reversed. The ball was put on the one, and the Golden Panthers ended up settling for a field goal.
Player of the game ... North Texas PK Dustin Rivest hit four field goals including three in overtime from 37, 39, and 34 yards out.
Stat Leaders: FIU - Passing: Josh Padrick, 29-43, 248 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Julian Reams, 27-96. Receiving: Ashlyn Parker, 8-71
North Texas - Passing: Daniel Meager, 8-18, 86 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Jamario Thomas, 38-124  Receiving: Johnny Quinn, 10-88, 1 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean Basil? ... Could a seven-overtime win be the kickstart the team needs? FIU was able to move the ball well, and generated a little too much pressure in the backfield, but the UNT defense can up clutch when it had to. Jamario Thomas is doing a fantastic job of cranking out yards even with no room to run and no air support to take the pressure off. With road games at Arkansas State and Troy ahead, the chances will be there to be in the Sun Belt race, but it's not going to happen until the quarterbacks start playing better.

Sept. 30
Middle Tennessee 35 ... North Texas 0
The Middle Tennessee defense held North Texas to 103 yards of total offense while the offense scored in each quarter starting out with two Eugene Gross touchdown runs in the first. The first score was set up by a J.K. Sabb forced fumble which was returned to the NU 26. Gross ran it in fro 15 yards out. Bobby Williams caught a four-yard touchdown pass in the second and DeMarco McNair and Desmond Gee added showing scoring runs in the second half. The MT defense came up with six sacks.
Player of the game ... Middle Tennessee LB J.K. Sabb made eight tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, and forced one fumble
Stat Leaders: North Texas - Passing: Woody Wilson, 4-12, 42 yds, 2 INT
Rushing: Jamario Thomas, 12-53. Receiving: B. Jackson, 2-28
Middle Tennessee - Passing: Clint Marks, 13-18, 154 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Eugene Gross, 20-88, 2 TD. Receiving: J. Grigsby, 3-71
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean Basil? ... Uh oh ... it's quickly turning into 2005 all over again. The offensive line isn't playing well meaning the quarterbacks aren't getting any time and the running backs aren't getting any room to move. The defense did nothing to get North Texas off the field failing to come up with the big play needed to turn the momentum around. Forget about the Sun Belt title if the team plays like this again; there has to be a night-and-day better performance against FIU next week before going on the road for the next three conference games.

Sept. 23
Akron 33 ... North Texas 13
Akron blew out to a 26-0 first half lead on two Luke Getsy touchdown passes and two Andre Walker scoring runs, and North Texas never recovered. Johnny Quinn caught a 21-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter and Jamario Thomas ran for a 22-yard score in the third quarter for the Mean Green, but the Zips were able to keep the game out of reach with a third Getsy scoring pass.
Player of the game ... Akron QB Luke Getsy completed 14 of 20 passes for 173 yards and three touchdowns
Stat Leaders: Akron - Passing: Luke Getsy, 14-20, 173 yds, 3 TD
Rushing: Andre Walker, 19-80, 2 TD. Receiving: Jermaine Lindsay, 4-79, 1 TD
North Texas - Passing: Woody Wilson, 15-29, 117 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: Jamario Thomas, 18-120, 1 TD  Receiving: Johnny Quinn, 4-54, 1 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean Basil? ... North Texas held tough in the first week last week against Tulsa, and it got its doors blown off in the first half this week against Akron. It needs to put together a more even performance next week against MTSU or it'll be all but out of the Sun Belt title race after only one game. Woody Wilson has to find his passing touch again, while RB Jamario Thomas needs more room to move early on.

Sept. 16
Tulsa 28 ... North Texas 3
It took Tulsa almost a full half to get going with the first touchdown coming on a four-yard scoring pass to Ted Curtis as time ran out. That kicked off 28 unanswered points with Paul Smith throwing for two scores and Brandon Diles running for two. North Texas was only able to manage a 23-yard Denis Hopovac field goal in the second quarter.
Player of the game ... Tulsa QB Paul Smith completed 21 of 33 passes for 266 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions and ran nine times for 25 yards.
Stat Leaders: Tulsa - Passing: Paul Smith, 21-33, 266 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: Brandon Diles, 8-47, 2 TD. Receiving: Ryan Bugg, 7-87, 1 TD
North Texas - Passing: Woody Wilson, 4-5, 37 yds, 1 INT
Rushing: Jamario Thomas, 13-33  Receiving: Brandon Jackson, 2-52
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean Basil? ... It's a shame North Texas couldn't keep up the momentum after the big win over SMU. The defense did a fantastic job in the first half against Tulsa, but the offense didn't keep up the pace with no room for Jamario Thomas to run and no big plays down field for the passing game. Woody Wilson once again showed that he's the far better option than Daniel Meager at quarterback and needs to be cemented as the main man with the Sun Belt season coming up.

Sept. 9
North Texas 24 ... SMU 6
North Texas started off with a big play blocking a punt for a score on SMU's first possession for the only points of the first half. SMU appeared to be back in it with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Columbus Givens, but the extra point attempt was no good and North Texas went on a 17-0 run to close out the shocker. Woody Wilson ran for a 33-yard score and Jamario Thomas sealed the victory with a five-yard run. SMU turned it over three times and only gained 270 yards of total offense.
Player of the game ... North Texas QB Woody Wilson completed eight of ten passes for 103 yards and ran ten times for 74 yards and a touchdown.
Stat Leaders: SMU - Passing: Justin Willis, 15-19, 112 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: DeMyron Martin, 13-55. Receiving: Reynaldo Pellerin, 5-21
North Texas - Passing: Woody Wilson, 8-10, 103 yds
Rushing: Jamario Thomas, 25-90, 1 TD  Receiving: Johnny Quinn, 9-132
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean Basil? ... After getting bombed by Texas, North Texas has to be ecstatic with the somewhat stunning performance against SMU. The Mean Green defense was terrific against the Mustangs, while the offense was able to hold on to the ball for 38:41. Most importantly, the offense showed it could produce even when RB Jamario Thomas wasn't going nuts. Woody Wilson had an efficient, solid game at quarterback and should provide some much-needed stability to the position.

Sept. 2
Texas 56 ... North Texas 7
Texas scored 14 points in each quarter with QB Colt McCoy throwing three touchdown passes and running for another. Limas Sweed started off the scoring with a 60-yard touchdown grab and added a 29-yard scoring catch midway through the third quarter. Selvin Young ran for two shore scores in the second quarter with a five-yard run making it 28-0 just seconds before halftime. North Texas managed a 12-yard touchdown pass from Woody Wilson to Brandon Jackson.
Player of the game ... Texas QB Colt McCoy completed 12 of 19 passes for 178 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran four times for 38 yards and a touchdown.
Stat Leaders: Texas - Passing: Colt McCoy, 12-19, 178 yds, 3 TD
Rushing: Jamaal Charles, 14-77, 1 TD. Receiving: Limas Sweed, 5-111, 2 TD
North Texas - Passing: Woody Wilson 5-6, 65 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Jamario Thomas, 14-38. Receiving: Johnny Quinn, 3-16
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean Basil? ... It's next to impossible to figure out how good the Mean Green might be after playing Texas. After all, the defending national champion would beat most teams 56-7. Woody Wilson faced the Longhorn defense once the heat and pressure were off, but he looked far better and far more effective than Matt Phillips and has to be the starter going into the SMU game. Jamario Thomas ran well when it got a sliver of daylight, but he only had a few chances to see any breathing room.

2006 North Texas Preview

North Texas Preview | Offense | Defense | Depth Chart | Further Analysis

After owning the Sun Belt for several years with trip after trip to the New Orleans Bowl, North Texas found out what it's like to be on the other side of things finishing dead-last in the conference.

There's an old adage when it comes to coaches that it's a short trip to make a halo a noose, and North Texas found out just how far it is. 22 points.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, ifs and buts, however, the Mean Green were 22 points away from being the Sun Belt champs losing to Troy by three, UL Lafayette by three,   Florida Atlantic by three, UL Monroe by five, and Arkansas State by seven. Had former PK Nick Bazaldua been slightly consistent and been not missed field goals in three of those games, who knows?

Considering the team was at or near the bottom in just about every major statistical category and loses only nine lettermen off of last year's team, there's reason to believe a turnaround can be just as quick as a fall from grace.

The offense can't be any worse, and won't be now that the quarterbacks have the experience and reps from last year under their belts. Jamario Thomas will once again be one of the nation's leading rushers thanks to a veteran line with four returning starters to work behind, and the receiving corps is one of the best in the Darrell Dickey era.

The defense can't be any worse, and won't be with a switch to a 3-4 to play to the strength, the linebacking corps. Aaron Weathers and Steve Warren are all-conference caliber safeties, and Jeremiah Chapman will be one of the league's best pass rushers. The corners are raw, but no one in the Sun Belt can throw, anyway.

It might have been a one year blip on the map for the North Texas program. The rest of the Sun Belt hopes last year was the start of more mediocrity to come, but that's wishful thinking.

The Schedule: Forgetting about the sure blowout loss to Texas, it'll be important to not get obliterated by SMU and Tulsa early. Four of the seven Sun Belt games are on the road with a horrible break getting Arkansas State, Troy, UL Lafayette and UL Monroe, the league's four best teams outside of North Texas, away from Denton. That means there's no margin for error in the home dates against MTSU, FIU and Florida Atlantic. The Mean Green will have to go 3-1 on the road against the big four to be in the hunt, or 2-2 and hope for help.

Best Offensive Player: Junior RB Jamario Thomas. He didn't get much work last year thanks to a hamstring problem and the return of Patrick Cobbs, but the speedy junior should regain the form that got him 1,801 yards and 17 scores in 2004.

Best Defensive Player: Junior SS Aaron Weathers. There are several rising stars on the defense from safety Steve Warren to end Jeremiah Chapman to linebacker Maurice Holman, but Weathers is the glue who makes everything happen. At least he was last year making way too many plays than he should've had to against the run and leading the team in interceptions.

Key player to a successful season: Sophomore QBs Daniel Meager and Matt Phillips. Throw JUCO transfer Woody Wilson in the mix, too. The Mean Green would've won at least seven games last year had the quarterback play been merely mediocre. A starter has to emerge early on in summer ball and has to be able to keep the chains moving and use the veteran receiving corps to make more big plays.

The season will be a success if ... North Texas wins the Sun Belt title. It'll be a major, major accomplishment considering the conference road schedule, but after the past success, nothing else but a trip to the New Orleans Bowl will do.

Key game: Oct. 21 at Arkansas State. A loss to the defending Sun Belt champs on the road would make the rest of the year an uphill climb and the following week's trip to Troy a must win. A win over the Indians would go a long way to helping the Mean Green's confidence.

2005 Fun Stats: 
- First quarter scoring: Opponents 69 - North Texas 5
- Rushing touchdowns: Opponents 26 - North Texas 8
- Penalties: North Texas 90 for 817 yards - Opponents 70 for 591 yards

The Last Time North Texas…
…played in a bowl game…2004 (New Orleans Bowl vs. Southern Miss)
…missed a bowl game…2005
…pitched a shutout…2003 (Troy)
…was shutout…2004 (Texas)
…scored 50 points…2004 (Idaho)
…went undefeated…never
…won a conference title…2004 (Sun Belt)
…had a 3,000-yard passer…1994 (Mitch Maher)
…had a 1,000-yard rusher…2005 (Patrick Cobbs)
…had a 1,000-yard receiver…1994 (David Brown)
…had a first-round draft choice…1971 (DB Leonard Dunlap)