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DENTON — Let me take you back to 1999. The Boise State football program wasn’t much different from the North Texas program back then. Both schools were in the Big West Conference and both had small fan bases. Boise averaged 20,107 fans for its home schedule that season and North Texas 13,752. Only 11,648 showed up in Denton on Oct. 16 of that year to see North Texas defeat Boise State, 17-10. That dropped the Broncos to 4-3. But Boise State has not been the same program since then. The Broncos won their final five games of the regular season to capture the Big West, then upset Louisville in the Humanitarian Bowl. Since its last visit to Denton, Boise State has become a brand name in college football. The Broncos have posted a 173-28 record with victories over Arizona State, Georgia, Oklahoma, Oregon, Oregon State, TCU and Virginia Tech. Boise has won 11 championships in three different conferences, participated in 14 bowls and finished seasons with a top-20 ranking nine times. If Boise State can do it, why can’t North Texas? If one underdog can do it, why can’t another, especially one that calls Texas its home recruiting base? Read more: http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/columnists/rick-gosselin/20150726-gosselin-how-can-north-texas-football-emerge-from-obscurity-boise-state-provides-a-blueprint.ece

UNT will open fall practice in a matter of days, another key milestone leading up to the Mean Green’s season opener at SMU on Sept. 12. Just a year ago, UNT was on a roll heading into its 2014 opener off a 9-4 finish and a win over UNLV in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. The Mean Green couldn’t maintain the momentum that season provided and crashed to a 4-8 finish. So what does UNT need to do to get back on track? Here’s a look at five key challenges the Mean Green face. 1. Solve the quarterback issue. UNT found out just how important Heart of Dallas Bowl MVP Derek Thompson was to its team last season, when the Mean Green struggled mightily to replace him. Thompson threw for 2,896 yards and 16 touchdowns with a passing efficiency rating of 133.6 in 2013. UNT never came close to filling the void Thompson left while running through three starters in 2014. Those three players combined to throw for 2,073 yards and 13 touchdowns with a passing efficiency rating of 112.4. Andrew McNulty started the last six games of the 2014 campaign after UNT started Josh Greer and Dajon Williams for three games each. McNulty is back and enters fall practice as UNT’s starter after a solid spring. He will have to hold off JUCO transfer DaMarcus Smith in what figures to be a head-to-head showdown for the starting job. UNT’s hopes to improve as a team in 2015 will rest largely on McNulty or Smith showing that they can get the Mean Green’s offense rolling. UNT scored 21 or fewer points in seven games last season. read more: http://meangreenblog.dentonrc.com/2015/07/five-things-unt-must-to-do-improve-in-2015.html/

NORTH TEXAS Mean Green coach Dan McCarney and his players were adamant at media day that greater leadership is what could make the difference for UNT this season. “I like the development of this team since last January,” McCarney said. “I think we’re ahead of last year at this time – believe we are, hope we are, think we are. I think leadership-wise and the chemistry of the team, the seniors have done a really good job so far.” North Texas will need that leadership for the long haul. The Mean Green have a bye the first week of the season before beginning a run of 12 straight games that includes nonconference games against Iowa and Tennessee. “When you go 12 games without an open week – five home games, eight bowl-eligible teams – the challenges are many,” McCarney said. “But we’ve known about this schedule for a long time, so we’ve got to get ready for it. It’s not getting ready for us.” read more: www.bgdailynews.com/sports/wku/taking-a-look-at-the-toppers-opponents/article_d1d55661-7a0d-5611-9576-5bd27091ccd4.html

Does anyone else feel like we may be belaboring or lamenting the past season and disappointment? One of the rules of engagement in college football is that every team gets a clean slate and starts fresh. I would really like to see some more hopeful and positive thoughts about the upcoming Mean Green season. I thought it would be nice to go over things we as fans can go over every day to keep us motivated about the upcoming season: 1). Trevor Moore is a great kicker and will win some games. 2). We have a good record at home under Mac 3). With all of the jucos and transfers we added in the off season at least a couple will pan out 4). Kettle Korn 5). The first two weeks of the season we will be undefeated! 6). DaMarcus I know there are more. Feel free to be creative. GMG

The North Texas Mean Green look to rebound from a disappointing 4-8 campaign in 2014. Overview: Dan McCarney lost a boatload of talent last season and the play on the field told that story with not enough scoring punch or stopping power on defense. Will a year of experience translate in to better on field performances? Offense: The first question to answer is who will be under center after both Josh Greer and Dajon Williams were benched last year because of performance. Andrew McNulty appears to be the choice but 1,295 yards on 54.5% with six scores and seven picks says maybe not. Antoinne Jimmerson (12-589) is the top rusher back with Jeffrey Wilson (50-224) second in line but neither was a big play threat. Considering the issues under center, WR Carlos Harris was a gem with 70 receptions for 865 yards but who are the other options? The news is worse with the offensive line getting one starter back. Read more at http://sportschatplace.com/cfb-picks/2015/07/19/college-football-preview-the-2015-north-texas-mean-green#JmwDZ2w1WwTPy7aP.99

read more: http://www.wbko.com/sports/headlines/Hilltoppers-picked-to-win-Conference-USAs-East-Division-315335501.html

A look at UNT’s pecking order: Middle linebackerBlake BeanAnthony Wallace Outside linebackerCortney Finney — or –Fred Scott Outside linebackerCalvin MinorSed Ellis Outlook for the 2015 season: - See more at: http://meangreenblog.dentonrc.com/2015/07/unt-linebacker-breakdown-mean-green-look-to-reload-without-leader.html/#sthash.H8YSCPga.dpuf

Let's say McNulty gets the start against SMU and fares well. We win comfortably and he goes on to have a DT senior type season and we get to a bowl. It happened with DT. We saw a huge bump up in his play and abilities in his senior season. If McNulty gets the job done, will you move into his corner and support him 100%? Let's face the facts. McNulty will start the season at QB for our Mean Green. I know that many have their reservations about this but I think at this point it may be time to put our full support behind #5 and give him a chance to prove himself.

Has anyone thought about the irony of SMU hiring former high school coach Chad Morris and our hiring of Todd Dodge back 9 years ago? In familiarizing myself with Morris and the direction he intends to take in the SMU rebuilding project, I took in some videos and articles around his introduction to the SMU community and the media in general. I swear to you, you could have taken clips and sound bytes from 9 years ago when Dodge was announced as HC at UNT and matched them up exactly with the Morris talking points. "I'm a Texas high school coach first and proud of it" or "We've had 100's of area high school coaches sending me texts" or "We open our arms to all of the high school staffs to be a part of this" or "I have an obligation to represent the Texas High School Coaches" etc etc... Make no mistake, there is a lot in common in what SMU AD Rick Hart is trying to do now compared to what UNT AD Rick Villarreal was trying to do almost a decade ago. And honestly, there are some differences. Morris was a heralded college assistant at Clemson and one of the highest paid in the country. Dodge had a quick cup of coffee as an assistant at North Texas before going back into the high school arena. Morris is making reportedly $2+ million a year at SMU and Dodge was making $331,448 a year at UNT. Morris has assembled a very impressive staff with college experience, including recruiting guru Van Malone as well as some young assistants he worked with at Clemson. Dodge brought in mostly high school assistants from Southlake Carroll. I have to say, it's hard not to be impressed with Morris. He is an extremely passionate speaker, and by all accounts very personable and intelligent with a math degree from A&M. He has stated very clearly that it will take all of SMU, including faculty, students and alumni to get the program where they want it to be. But I also find it interesting that he says the reason he took the SMU job was to "get back to my roots" and it was "just a great fit"... come on Chad, SMU gave you a $1+ Million dollar raise and set up your family for life... not that he didn't already have a nice paycheck at Clemson but - let's be honest - the money played a pretty significant role in getting him back here. Let's just say I don't think he would be taking $331,448 a year to rebuild the Ponies. That said, I do think Morris will do good things at SMU. It's a good academic school that has a lot of tradition and it's sitting in huge city and plethora of good recruiting prospects. As a UNT fan you are constantly plagued with the "what ifs". What if we had forced Dodge to hire college assistants? Did he stipulate that he had to remain loyal to his high school staff? Or was our budget such that we we're ok with him bringing in guys who would not command a lot of money? Or was it a mixture of both? What if he had been given more direction and support from coaches with college experience who knew the ropes? Since UNT has a 20-year or whatever contract with SMU, we will get to watch what Morris is able to accomplish on the field of play. We will get to see how the recruiting picks up and how his uptempo offense and blitzing defense fairs as the years go by. Other than our game with SMU, I wish their program well. They have the same challenges all of us non p5's face. I do think Morris can do some really good things there. But, every time I look at or hear Morris speak it will remind me of the opportunity we lost with the Todd Dodge hire. A hire and direction which BTW many of us (including myself) were 100% behind at the time.

In case you missed it, I thought this write-up provided some of the best analysis out there in regards to UNT's situation heading into the 2015 season. ---------------- A year after winning nine games and putting one of the best mid-major products onto the field, Dan McCarney was tasked with replacing his quarterback, his leading rusher, his two leading receivers (and starting tight end), six members of his defensive front seven, a stud free safety, and one of the best return men in the country. He boasted what was expected to be a good offensive line, a good punter, and ... mysteries. He didn't solve many. He went through three quarterbacks before he found one who could complete 50 percent without turnovers. He never really found a running back. He found a receiver, but he didn't have a quarterback to get Carlos Harris the ball. His offensive line more or less fell apart. His defense fell apart because of both inconsistency and injury. His defensive coordinator retired. Building a winner is hard, and no program understands that better than North Texas. The Mean Green went 18-4 in 1977-78 under Hayden Fry, lost Fry to Iowa, fell to 2-9, and dropped out of the Division I-A ranks. They came back in 1995 and proceeded to go 19-47 over six seasons before breaking through under Darrell Dickey and winning four consecutive Sun Belt titles. And as quickly as it came together, it fell apart. After winning 24 games from 2002-04, North Texas won 13 from 2005-10. McCarney took over after the disastrous Todd Dodge era, won nine games in his first two years, then won nine in his third. And again, it fell apart. If 2014 was about the depth of the fall, 2015 is about the ferocity of the rebound. With all the experience they didn't have, the Mean Green should bounce back from last year's No. 125 F/+ ranking, but by how much? Five spots? Twenty? McCarney has options on offense and injury-related depth, but we'll find out how much actual talent his roster has. http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/3/17/8214539/north-texas-football-2015-preview-schedule-roster#comments

As the 2015 football season approaches, we will look at each position on the Mean Green’s roster. UNT’s defensive line is up today. A look at UNT’s pecking order: Defensive tackle Austin Orr Mustafa Haboul Defensive tackle Sir Calvin Wallace Sid Moore or 15 T.J. Tauaalo Defensive end Chad Polk Malik Dilonga Defensive end Jarrian Roberts Tillman Johnson Outlook for the 2015 season: Read more: http://meangreenblog.dentonrc.com/2015/07/unt-defensive-line-breakdown-opportunities-for-newcomers-evident.html/

As the 2015 football season approaches, we will look at each position on the Mean Green’s roster. UNT’s wide receivers are up today. A look at UNT’s pecking order: Outside Turner Smiley O’Keeron Rutherford Slot Carlos Harris Tee Goree Outside Darvin Kidsy Daniel Khan Tight end Marcus Smith Chris Loving Outlook for the 2015 season: read more: http://meangreenblog.dentonrc.com/2015/07/unt-wide-receiver-breakdown-talent-is-there-for-this-year-and-beyond.html/

Home > Brett Vito's Mean Green BlogUNT running back breakdown: Wilson, Jimmerson lead talented groupBy Brett Vito bvito@dentonrc.com 8:00 am on July 8, 2015 | Permalink 0 2 0 North Texas running back Antoinne Jimmerson carries the ball in a game against Florida Internaitonal last season at Apogee Stadium. Jimmerson will be a key part of UNT’s running back rotation this fall. (Denton Record-Chronicle/David Minton) As the 2015 football season approaches, we will look at each position on the Mean Green’s roster. The running back spot is up today. A look at the UNT’s pecking order 1. Jeffrey Wilson 2. Antoinne Jimmerson 3. Willy Ivery Fullbacks 1. Jarrod Lynn Outlook for the 2015 season: UNT’s running game has been its calling card for the majority of the last 15 seasons for two reasons. The first is an emphasis on the running game under a pair of coaches who employed a smash mouth philosophy in Dan McCarney and Darrell Dickey. The second is a tremendous string of running backs who have played for the Mean Green during that span, including two who went on to play in the NFL in Patrick Cobbs and current Cowboy Lance Dunbar. Read more: http://meangreenblog.dentonrc.com/2015/07/unt-running-back-breakdown-wilson-jimmerson-lead-talented-group.html/

In 2013, and for about as damn long as I can remember, UNT has had a head hunter (within the rules) leading a very physical brand of defense often led by a player in the secondary. Jonas Buckles, Craig Jones, Marikeith Knowlton etc. come to mind. There were others. In 2014 we lost that player because the greatness of Laramie Lee fought injuries all season long and truly was not himself physically speaking... Kenny Buyers is a very good player but I think he could be even better in 2015. But will he be the headhunter we need so desperately or will it be Kishawn McClain --whose star seems to be rising? And then you have the speedy Jackson brothers who intrigue me; James Gray who can really play and many think will end up starting at safety...6-3 Jamal Marshall at corner?? and you can't forget one of the stars of the recruiting class Ashton Preston who some think could play right away. Juco summer transfer Xavier Grindle is a new face in the crowd and may be one of the fastest players on the team. There are some other transfers as well. And then we get the news from Vito that UNT has offered two juco db's. One they think could be James Jones. Could this mean something? or does it just make sense in Cosh's mind. Of course there's a lot of unproven in that list of UNT players in the mix. And I do expect SMU and Chad Morris will look to expose them. It's an interesting group we have assembled and I hope that some leaders step forward and emerge. A lot of focus around here seems to be on Andy McNulty and the offense but the defense really took a step back year and we need to turn that around.

North Texas Western Kentucky’s third and final Thursday night contest comes at the fancy Apogee Stadium in Denton. North isn’t expected to challenge for a West Division title or even make a bowl game in 2015. The only thing that should peak WKU’s interest in the possibility of facing former quarterback DaMarcus Smith. The main concern here for the Tops is that the trip to UNT comes on a short week after playing Middle Tennessee. read more: http://www.wbko.com/SportsInsider/headlines/BISHOP--Ranking-WKUs-football-opponents-by-matter-of-importance-311677731.html

9.) Andrew McNulty, QB. McNulty has been written off more than once in his career, but enters the 2015 season in prime position to start at quarterback for the Mean Green. He played well throughout spring practice and threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns in UNT’s spring game. The performance came on the heels of a junior season when he stared the final six games of the season after the Mean Green tried two other quarterbacks. JUCO transfer DaMarcus Smith was expected to compete with McNulty for the starting job during spring drills. That plan went up in smoke when Smith didn’t qualify academically. He’s on campus now and will get a shot in two-a-days, but it’s hard to imagine McNulty not opening the season as UNT’s starter. UNT head coach Dan McCarney is conservative offensively and values experience. McNulty has a ton of playing time under his belt and seems destined to be under center when the Mean Green face SMU to open the year. read more: http://meangreenblog.dentonrc.com/2015/07/ranking-the-north-texas-mean-greens-roster-numbers-6-10.html/

UNT lost several of its front-line players after the 2014 season, when the Mean Green finished 4-8, including offensive lineman Cyril Lemon and linebacker Derek Akunne. The cupboard is far from bare, though. Wide receiver Carlos Harris is on track to become one of the most prolific players at his position in program history. Tight end Marcus Smith has established himself as a weapon in the passing game, while kicker Trevor Moore is one of the elite specialists in Conference USA. That trio, along with pass rushing defensive end Chad Polk and running back Jeffrey Wilson round out our rundown of the top players on UNT’s roster heading into the 2015 season. 1.) Carlos Harris, WR. Harris is arguably UNT’s top returning player. He was an honorable mention All-Conference USA selection as a junior and enters his senior year with 1,679 receiving yards. His 136 catches already rank 10th in program history. If Harris posts another season like last year, when he caught 70 passes for 836 yards, he will rank among the top three players in program history in both categories. read more: http://meangreenblog.dentonrc.com/2015/07/ranking-the-north-texas-mean-greens-roster-numbers-5-1.html/

who is the one player on this years team do you expect to have a break thru year? Break thru meaning a great season or just emerging from the background to contribute i will pick Mustafa Haboul at defensive tackle. Don't think he's an all conference player necessarily but perhaps by the end of the season people will know who he is -- I just think he's going to be extremely solid and productive for us this season.

Following a coaches caravan tour stop in Gainesville … “These people are great. We know we have phenomenal people behind us. This is a step in the right direction to expand our fan base. We have to expand. We can’t stay where we are at. The fans we have are phenomenal. It has to grow if we want to compete for championships in every sport. This is the grass roots and what it’s all about.” – From an interview with the Denton Record-Chronicle read more: http://meangreenblog.dentonrc.com/2015/06/the-best-dan-mccarney-quotes-of-the-offseason-including.html/

UNT answered several of its key questions heading into the 2015 season during spring practice. The Mean Green seemed to adequately adjust to the defensive coordinator Chris Cosh and his scheme following the retirement of John Skladany, head coach Dan McCarney’s long-time right-hand man. UNT also continued to develop a comfort level with a new batch of offensive linemen who are scheduled to take over for a host of cornerstone players who graduated after last season, including Cyril Lemon and Mason Y’Barbo. But like all teams, UNT still has plenty of issues to work through in the fall before opening the season on Sept. 12 against SMU. The following is a look at three … 1. Who will start at quarterback? UNT has struggled mightily at quarterback ever since Derek Thompson finished off his career by earning MVP honors while leading the Mean Green to a win over UNLV in the 2013 Heart of Dallas Bowl. UNT started three quarterbacks last season and returns two of them in Andrew McNulty and Josh Greer. UNT lost a third quarterback who started three games last season in Dajon Williams, who left the program in the offseason. read more: http://meangreenblog.dentonrc.com/2015/06/three-questions-unt-must-answer-in-fall-camp.html/

I know Mac had a tough season but I do think he deserves credit for turning around the academic situation. UNT has some of the best educational programs and graduation rates to sell in C-USA. He deserves some credit for this.

I know many would say QB Damarcus Smith or WR Thaddeus Thompson DE Jareid Combs but what about kicker Trevor Moore? Moore could win a lot of close games for us this season.

TYLER, TX (KLTV) - Several Big 12 football programs have spent the past week in East Texas searching for some of the top talent in the state. For a non power five conference team like North Texas, recruiting can be a little tougher. But, the Mean Green have made East Texas a second home. North Texas might not compete in a power five conference, but head coach Dan McCarney doesn't back down from targeting East Texas players that have offers from the likes of a Texas A&M or Baylor. "We do not put up a white flag with any young man and say we surrender because these schools are recruiting you," McCarney said. "This is a major, major part of our recruiting right here." McCarney isn't lying. The Mean Green have over a dozen East Texans on their roster. "There is a history of this for a long time," McCarney said. "They bring toughness, competitiveness, loyalty, and are hard nosed. If you walk down a dark alley, you take a bunch of guys from East Texas with you because they will fight and compete their butts off." Read more: http://www.kltv.com/story/29300435/north-texas-puts-emphasis-on-recruiting-east-texas

Former Seneca High School and Western Kentucky University quarterback Damarcus Smith, who spent this season at Butler Community College in Kansas, has committed to North Texas, his coach said. Smith will sign this week and enroll next month with two years of eligibility remaining. Butler coach Troy Morrell said Indiana also had been recruiting Smith, along with some FCS teams. Smith had a strong season at Butler (7-3), passing for 2,509 yards and 28 touchdowns with six interceptions in nine games. He completing 60 percent of his throws. In a 53-36 victory over Dodge City in October, Smith threw for 526 yards and five TDs. "He threw the ball really well and was consistent for us all year long and made a lot of big plays," Morrell said. "He was a good leader for us as well." Morrell said Smith has "tremendous arm strength" at a level similar to former Butler quarterback Zach Mettenberger, who went on to play at LSU and now for the Tennessee Titans. read more: http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/recruiting/2014/12/14/former-wku-seneca-quarterback-damarcus-smith-commits-north-texas-junior-college/20414965/ Read more:

1). McNulty. Ok, so I know mini doesn't get a lot of love around these parts but hear me out. Did anyone think DT was going to have a HOF year leading up to his senior season? I sure as hell didn't. McNulty has quietly worked his ass off and has good football smarts. He may not be the most athletic QB in C-USA but he is one of the smarter ones. He took his lumps last season and should be improved. Also, I think he was playing hurt for some of the last games so having him healthy won't hurt us either. 2). Juco's: I know DMac doesn't like hearing this but this is as big an infusion of battle tested players we have seen since Dodge was spiraling down. In Dodge's case it didn't work, in Mac's case it could. LB Courtney Finney is REALLY good. DE Jareid Combs should be a big upgrade at defensive end. DaMarcus Smith same at QB. WR Thaddeus Thompson could be a surprise impact player. DB Xavier Grindle can fly. DB James Gray could be an all conference type of player. OL Brian Ochs is a day one starter in my book. At least on paper this is a different team talent wise and I think it's ok to be cautiously optimistic about this. 3). Development players: The first one that comes to mind for me here is Mustafa Haboul. I have watched him slowly work his way up the ranks and like McNulty been a hard worker and good soldier. I don't label him a star but I think he will surprise some people with his play this year at DT. I think Jamal Marshall could be really interesting moving back to the secondary at 6-3 with his speed. I am intrigued by the Jackson twins and their speed coming eligible as juniors. Michael Banogu really could surprise a lot of people this season at tackle. Tillman Johnson and KiShawn McClain are poised for huge years. Does anyone think Sid Moore will take a step down this season as a sophomore? What about Sam Rice on the oline...could he be an immediate all conference type of player? How about RB Jeff WIlson? WR Tee Goree? My point is, this will not be the same team that won 4-game last season, not by a longshot. Yes - there are holes to fill but there are also a lot of new faces who could improve the situation. QB was a huge disaster last year but I do not think that position could be worse this season. GMG