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Why not North Texas?

This is embarrassing.

Very excited about purchasing the family pack tomorrow morning at the new ticket office. Hopefully, I can get some good seats for my boys and I. Anyone else going to be there at 8:00 am? I am an Aggie but excited about seeing the first game.

Let's have a play-in game with Houston on September 10th. Winner gets the Big 12 spot.

I was thinking newer, more current jerseys would help. Nike could give us several combinations to work with and showcase us as they have been TCU. Less of the mint green and a little black. White or grey helmets with a green SOW on one side. Eagle wings on the shoulders.

The just arrived Sporting News has the best of the rest (outside of the BCS) football prospects with UNT & TCU tied at one each. UNT's Lance Dunbar is listed on offense and Tank Carder on defensive for TCU. No other SBC personnel are listed. UNT is picked 4th in the conference.

I don't think that they'll ever come calling on us but I do believe that we may apply in the future. We just aren't ready now. It would be too much, too soon. But before bashing the idea to smithereens consider some of our positives: 1. A fairly central location within the footprint of the conference 2. The largest number of alumni in the largest market 3. Twenty miles from the third busiest airport 4. The 33rd largest American university 5. Now, among the better football and basketball facilities in college athletics (albeit small) 6. Larger stadiums nearby to accommodate crowds up to 90,000 7. A new, football staff with appearances at 80 bowl games and 5 NCAA championships between them 8. A university that offers more than 200 bachelors, masters and doctorate degree plans. 9. An athletic budget expected to approach $25 million dollars this year. 10. A president and a consultant that knows their way around the NCAA 11. Five straight 20-win seasons in basketball with two NCAA tournament appearances 12. A highly rated basketball recruiting and a transfer in rated #12 13. Top 100 men's golf, women's golf, women's tennis, and women's soccer teams Of course, you can't quantify the tremendous improvement in enthusiasm among students, alumni and football fans from other universities that are now expressing interest in the Mean Green. There are certainly areas where we need to improve. We need to improve our attendance to 25-30,000 where we can comfortably expand Apogee Stadium to 50,000. We need a conference with greater average attendance to make that happen. We need to add baseball and become competitive in it. We need to WIN football games in the numbers that we enjoyed in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. We need to keep the momentum of this year going. We need time or for a conference to have a great leap of faith.

Next forum allowed = Mean Green Baseball

Took my daughter to get signed up for the jr mean green club at the AD event at Beth Marie's. Great time and great ice cream. Only issue is that my daughter spent all week eager to see Scrappy...then hid from him when we got there. Also had a chance to ask some questions about the stadium, parking, etc. I was told season tickets would go out after the 23rd. Also that MGC members $250 and up would be parking in the victory lots (the dorm lot and the new one being paved just adjacent to it). First come first served. There will apparently be police presence out there the night prior to the first game for those of us camping out. You will be able to drop off your stuff and park away from your tailgate if you have friends without passes. An interesting thing is that they're looking into selling MGC members an extra pass...great if you're like me and your spouse comes later in the day. There is talk of opening the old radisson lot for dropping off your stuff also. The most interesting thing I heard was "the stadium naming gift will be the largest ever at North Texas...for four days." I may have misheard but I'm Lmost certain I heard a $50mil number thrown out for total gifts month period. You do the math. Apparently this next large gift will be spread amongst several departments with athletics potentially seeing a six or seven digit portion of it and some of the money going to name a school on campus. And then I went to the stadium and noticed it was open after the scrimmage. I sat in my seats for the first time and it was an emotional moment. I even climbed to the top of the wing zone. Let me say this...you won't be going to the concession stand or to the potty too many times from up there. I know it's been said many times before but I'll say it again. We match any place I've been in terms of stadium quality even if not in terms of capacity. And I haven't even been to the club or suite level. All in all I can say I have never been this excited about where the Mean Green Nation is going and can go. This post has been promoted to an article

Could each of the new forums include a subforum for the posting of pictures of individuals either contemplating or committing suicide?

I would. What's your point

It certainly is a terrible trade-off. I'm not saying it isn't, but who else is a good trade for A&M? If the other teams in the Big 12 are looking for an easier autobid, it just got easier. Also, Houston doesn't even support their local futbol team either. The Dynamo has the worst, if not, one of the worst attendance numbers in the MLS. Find me something that Houston does support outside of amateur competitive eating.

All getting rid of A&M does is make it easier for OU to win more titles, as if they needed any help. My point is, Houston is not a college football town. And, from the 2010 Census numbers, it doesn't look to be in the future: http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/48/48201.html It's now about 50% black and non-hispanic white and 50% hispanic, asian, and other. One in four people in Houston are foreign born. Just over 40% of Houston households speak a language other than English at home. Like I said, fútbol's popularity in Houston is more likely to increase than Houston Cougar football. Unless Houston is broadcasting in Spanish and marketing to that group. It's just facts. And, those demographic facts are just icing on top of the fact that Houston's athletic department is nowhere near what A&M's is. It's a bad trade off that I have a hard time believing other Big 12 ADs with really be excited about...especially if they are entertaining other offers themselves.

Of course it's not the optimal solution. The optimal solution would have been the big 12 being the aggressor a while back to get to 16. Everyone knew and knows that's where this thing is going. The big 12 had the opportunity to add Houston and TCU last year to make 14. They had the opportunity to tell texas no LHN, but we are starting Big12 network talks with espn. The Big 12 conference has some poor leadership now and in the past, but they still understand that if they don't get teams to sign on to an already established autobid conference, then it will cease to exist all together. SEC will have 16 killer teams and their autobid will be worth just as much as the future Big 12 and Big East. Yea, they'll make more $$$ from a tv contract perspective, but if you are worried about competing for the chance to play in a BCS bowl, TCU has an equal or better chance than Florida of being in one. Getting Texas A&M out of the Big 12 sure improves everyone elses autobid chances in the Big 12. Whatever happens, I love following this stuff. It's like a soap opera for guys.

My daughter does the same thing. But, my daughter is also a better daughter than yours. It's science.

---Nothing you said has anything to do with Perry and lack of support for education.... You aren't the only one that has had a rough time... Ever lived in a house without electricity, natural gas or propane.....I did for several years as a child. I too worked hard to get a degree as has many here... My wife lost her father to WWII.. and she had it worse that I did. --I don't undestand why anyone in education would support Perry... He has nothing to help it and a lot to hurt it. -I begin my 46th year in education this year... 30 years in public schools and now at a community college. I understand the problems.

--Obviously you are NOT in education..... our budgets have been cut regularly for years..... college tuition has rapidly climbed because of him and the Legislature..... local taxes are worse because of less state funding so locals have to pick it up.... and he has vetoed so many things that he said he supported.... [guess he didn't think the legislature would pass them and make a liar out of him] He even cut all health insurance from community college staffs [ even most of the legislature was appalled by it, it had been in the state budget for YEARS} ... The state doesn't give a huge support to community colleges, local taxes do. Community colleges lessen the burden on the state because of local funding.... then he decided to eliminate our insurance..... UNT etc. is all state money, plus tuition, donations... no local financial support. --He is the worst governor for education EVER... includes Briscoe and Mark White. Also the State Parks in Texas are now a mess as well... one of his budgets provided ONE new pickup for the ENTIRE state park system. There are a lot more reasons to dislike him including the Spanish Highway project he wanted..... just read and listen. He is conservative, I agree... very conservative... too conservative... I guess not changing your car's oil and not paying your light bill is conservative too...... but it isn't smart.

From what I am hearing Houston may be asked to join the Big 12 (with the aTm departure) sooner rather than later because I don't think BYU will want to give up their independence. If so UNT, LA Tech, or Texas State might get an invite to CUSA.

It is easy to focus on our depth issues and our lack of experience on the mean green defense....but....lets take a look at a spot I think will be strong point for our D. Safety is a position I am very excited about. I think John Shorter will be a playmaker at SS, especially when he is coming up to play the run. I like him to start at SS with Ryan Downing getting some plays there as well. For FS, i like D Cook. He was hurt most of last year but he is a force at 6,2" 215 and long arms with the ability to play like a safety with great range. Which is what all good defenses need! Who else do y'all seeing making an impact this year? As for CB, I like Royce Hill being our shutdown guy with Steven Ford playing the other CB. I am not sure if D'leon can hold down the spot he had most of last year--he basically played because of others injuries. Who else do y'all see contributing at CB this year? I could see 4 Cb getting significant playing time this year.. BTW I am excited to be a new contributor to GMG.com!!! I will be posting on here almost daily..

Can you call in? I heard it was through Ticketmaster.

Players that list UNT: QBs---none RBs (1) Taverreon Dickerson---5'9", 165 (Arlington)-----Indiana, La Tech, North Texas, Tulsa, Pitt, Texas State WRs (2) Devante Lacy----5'10, 180 (Grand Prairie) Baylor, North Texas Dalton Stogner---6'4", 190 (Highland Park) North Texas, Columbia TEs---none OL (1) Adam Butler-----6'4", 280 (Duncanville) Iowa, North Texas, Okla. State, Utah State, Vandy, Wyoming DL (3) Deavante Richardson---6'2", 290 (Arlington Seguin) Texas State, North Texas, UTEP Azuka Akozar----6'1", 250 (Wylie) Air Force, Houston, North Texas, UTSA, West Va. Malik Dilonga---6'4", 245 (TC-Cedar Hill) committed to North Texas DBs (1) David Busby----5'11", 170 (Coppell) Navy, Utah, North Texas, Utah State

There are now 15 forums on here. Is that not enough or are you pushing for a 16 forum super fanboard?

Not really supporting U of H's admittance, because I''ve witnessed the apathy first hand by sitting through many Cougar games (when they were consistently good) in The Astrodome surrounded by maybe 10,000 people, but Dallas County's demographics are very similar to Harris County's. The Texans are supported well for never having done anything, and the Cougar support has been MUCH better since they moved to Robertson. I think they would do well in the Big 12, but I personally think we would be a better choice. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/48/48113.html

Well, at the time that KRAM1 was attending college as an undergrad, A$M didn't have co-eds. At that time it was still an all male school.

so let me get this straight... you argue that A&M is making a bad move because of: A.) they will lose the Thanksgiving game... which they are pretty much already ok with after realizing that Nebraska not playing Oklahoma wasn't the end of the world... and B.) because they wouldn't be immediately competitive in the SEC in football... (despite the fact that you are excited about UNT possibly moving up to a tougher conference, where outsiders would tell you the exact same thing...)

Good point!

True. I forgot UH had an 80,000 seat stadium, has been a BCS buster, and has every BCS AQ conference begging to get them into the fold.

Good job over there Rick!

Also the individuals who create the events are UNT staff members typically, not random students...

Here's the latest (with video): http://espn.go.com/college-sports/story/_/id/6859115/texas-aggies-intend-join-sec-school-official-says

Scrap the Eagle is the Athletics marketing department, so they're not dragging their feet. Mean Green Fling isn't an Athletic event, it's a Student Activities program. And I know this is in response to a different post, but Scrappy is Scrap the Eagle because a student already created a facebook for Scrappy. Hope this helps

Damn beat me to it...

We did the same thing. We spent time at Beth Marie's and then went to the stadium. It was nice getting a close look at the eagle statue. I look forward to seeing it all again tomorrow at the 5K. We had a great time at Beth Marie's. First time to eat something more than just ice cream. Good stuff.

Where can you park your RV?

Agreed, these events need to be created by the AD. They are easy to do and great marketing tools that are free. Plus they look better when they are created by the proper source. I thought they were trying to do better with the whole social marketing thing.

Knowing these words came from Emmitt I almost felt like I was there at the top of the wing. I can't wait to head back to Big D to experience this myself. Thanks for the visual! GMG Rock the Big A 9.10.11

Great to hear Coach Mac talk about the physicality of the defense, how they are improving and making plays. I believe if we are patient with this defense, by the time the majority of conference games roll around, this could be a very good unit. Just look at the statistical improvements Bowen made at WKY in one year. No reason he can't do that here. Cantly, Akpunku, Orr, Hill, Ford...those are talented guys who could play at a lot of places. Better depth up front, better secondary depth, better coaching position by position...it logically speaks for improvement. ...and we're going to need it. My gosh! Houston, Alabama, Tulsa all in the same slate of non-conference? They'll get better in a hurry!

Texas doesn't even have a teacher's union does it?

It seems to be a cyclical thing. Right now, I'm at the bottom. But I'm turning the corner and things are looking up. Eppy's reputation won't be trash for much longer. Look for aerial photos of the stadium, player interviews, and thank you notes from now on. Anyone got a plane I can borrow or know a few players I can interview?

Times are tough. Cuts had to be made because, unlike the federal government, this state is forced to balance it's budget every year. Rick Perry is anything but a conservative. If he could have gotten away with it, he would have spent this state into debt to make everyone happy and get re-elected (see: Pres., Obama). Saying he is waaaay conservative is an insult to conservatism. That would be like me saying Joe Lieberman was waaaay too liberal on national defense issues.

---Rebuilding it isn't the problem..... what he rented on Lake Travis while it was being reconstructed is. ....VERY VERY EXPENSIVE... and we paid for it.

BITS are fun!

Nice and clear

Thinking his nomination bid will look a lot like Huckabee's in 08. Probably a sweep of the south, always in the running for a few months, but just not enough of the Republican electorate to get behind him. He'll probably get a decent amount of backers (especially from those with $$ in Texas) to stay in the race for a while, but ultimately it'll be Romney. I'd bet he doesn't take too many risks in campaigning as he probably wants to be VP. And no matter how you feel about it, not matter the context, a lot of people will not forgive him for the secession comments.

---Some in Texas don't get it either... in 1999 we had a $6 Billion surplus (Bush Gov. and Laney/Bullock controling legislature) ..... Perry walked in after the 2000 Presidential election, gave away a lot of tax cuts to business, not ordinary citizens which pays sales etc. (mostly to contributors ones, three of which gave over $400,000 EACH to him last year, (legal in Texas not in national elections) and now we have a $25 billion problem despite the fact that Texas has the best economy of all 50 states. Blaming the economy makes sense in Wisconsin and many states ... it doesn't here in Texas especially with oil prices and employment figures very good in most areas. So who gets to pay for this mess.. education... losing 1000's of jobs and having larger crowded classrooms... also many social services such as those for the physically and mentally handicaped.

---A&M was not permitted to attend bowl games for a couple of years during the mid-90's when some players there (from Dallas Carter) had summer jobs that paid them to do nothing but show up and play cards or whatever.. The coaches and athletic department had absolutely no knowledge of it but the entire team was penalized. ---In the Bush case, it had gone on for quite some time and the family had even moved into a very nice home for MONTHS. I would think someone at USC would have found out, they had time to learn about it. ---It may not seem right to punish them all but then again in life if one family member messes up the whole group pays for it somewhat. I thought the A&M situation was a bit severe but not in this case..... USC had time to learn about it and it should have been pretty obvious to many that something was wrong. ---This is even different that the Oklahoma situation... OU reported it and got rid of the kid. USC reported nothing but likely suspected or knew about it. The NCAA was not as mean to OU as they were to A&M. I guess reporting it was the difference but A&M had not discovered it yet and it was reported shortly after it started by someone. ---The SMU situation is completely different, Gov. Bill Clement who was involved the payoffs (maybe providing part of money) was directly connected to the university and even as spokesman of them. That was not the case at all in the Aggie situation and may not be at USC. Likely the basketball program at SMU was just as corrupt as the football one but was left alone..... the SMU basketball coach at that time was Dave Bliss---the same guy that brought Baylor their problems almost 20 years later. http://espn.go.com/page2/s/list/lies.html ---The one thing I think is wrong with the NCAA rulings is that penalities apply to the school and none to the coach even if he is at fault..... Neuheisal left Colorado a mess and then went to Washington and problems occured there as well... It has happened several times to other coaches as well.. -

---Some of yawl need to read closely. I am no medical expert but they keep using the term inbalance of testosterone. There seems to be two types and they are not in the usual ratio. It is not so much about an excessive amount and again the way they usually get inbalance is the use of steriods but.... a sudden use of steroids is absolutely makes no sense since they require long time use. ---This whole situation does not make any sense, there is no benefit to use them for a day or so WHY would he or anyone have used them knowing they would be tested. The other days of competition he apparently passed without problems. Using anything as medically explained is senseless. ---To me it looks like some physical abnormality OR someone somehow got some into his body sosmehow (food/drink) OR someone messed with the drug exam OR the particular exam is not 100% reliable. MAYBE time will tell. ---Remember it took years before the security guard at the Atlanta Olympics was completely cleared...finally with no doubt when another confessed to being part of that. Much of the public opinion doesn't know about that confession that even now- ---It seems to me that the French officials just refuse to admit an American can actually win this race. Lance was hounded for years. America has far fewer racers in this sport but somehow we have done pretty well the past 20 years despite that with three different winners and 11? wins....

????????????????? Looked about the right size to me>