Know Your Opponent Week 6: North Texas Mean Green

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The Mean Green invade Bloomington Saturday seeking their second win over the Hoosiers since 2011. Do they have the weapons to do so?

The Mean Green invade Bloomington Saturday seeking their second win over the Hoosiers since 2011. Do they have the weapons to do so?

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

This Years Record: 2-2 (0-1) 3rd in C-USA West

Head Coach: Dan McCarney 4th Year at North Texas

Overall: 76-106-0 (.418)

At North Texas 20-21

Bowls: 1-0

Last Years Record: 7-6 (3-5) Lost the Military Bowl 31-20 to Marshall

Bowls Since 2000: 5 Appearances (2-3 Record)

Mascot: Scrappy

Colors: Green, White, and Black

Outfitter: Nike

National Titles: 0

Conference Titles: 25

Heisman Winners: 0

Fun Fact: The name "Mean Green," now in its forty-seventh year, was adopted by fans and media in 1966 for a North Texas football defensive squad that finished the season second in the nation against the rush.

1. The North Texas Defense puts the Mean in Mean Green- North Texas’ defense leads the nation in sacks with 19. Chad Polk is the team leader bringing down the quarterback behind the line 4.5 times in the first four games. The Mean Green defense also has 11 takeaways in 2014 in the form of six interceptions and five fumble recoveries. To say this defense is aggressive is an understatement. They thrive off pressure and make their opponents take risks. North Texas has 88 total points as the result of an opponent turnover.

2. The Offense is More Lean than Mean- North Texas comes into Saturday averaging 37 points per game, sure that seems like a bunch but that includes a 73-point performance against a woeful Nicholls State team. For a team that has put up points, they average a mere 313 total yards of offense per game. Clearly the offense is not the strength of this team.

3. But The Offense Takes Advantage of Opportunities- One may ask how a team that averages under 320 yards per contest can put up so many points? Well, that is because the Mean Green knows how to cash in on their opportunities. They are a perfect 13 for 13 in the red zone with 11 of those scores being touchdowns. The Mean Green also has turned those 11 takeaways into 88 points. They may not be a great offense, but North Texas sure knows how to cash in golden opportunities.

4. Expect Two or Even Three Quarterbacks to Play- One of the biggest issues the Mean Green has had this season is the play at quarterback. Three players have thrown 14 or more passes for North Texas in 2014 led by sophomore Josh Greer. Greer (24/50 174 yards 2 INTs) is now listed as the backup behind freshman Dajon Williams (16/21 274 yards 2 TDs). Junior Andrew McNaulty has also seen action going six of 14 with two picks. Needless to say, the Hoosiers must be ready to see two if not all three quarterbacks on Saturday.