College Football News Preview of SMU-UNT

[Big10Ponyfan]

They better be right about this:

SMU (0-1) at North Texas (0-1) 7pm EST Saturday, September 9th
Why to watch: SMU has the type of team that could make some noise in the Conference USA race, but it could use a shot of confidence after getting bombed on for 363 yards in a 35-3 loss to Texas Tech. With North Texas this week and Sam Houston State and Arkansas State coming up, the Mustangs have the potential to tune everything up and be ready to hit the Conference USA ground running against Tulane at the end of September. North Texas was led to the slaughter last week in a 56-7 loss to Texas, but the SMU game will be a better indication of where the program is at following a disastrous 2005.
Why SMU might win: North Texas is trying to find its groove on offense. The Mean Green has Jamario Thomas running the ball, and Jamario Thomas running the ball. This isn't a high-octane UNT attack with little to no passing game to worry about. The Mustang linebackers should be able to cheat up all game long and focus just on stopping Thomas. While it didn't show much against Texas Tech, the SMU secondary is good enough to pick off a few passes and keel UNT under 200 passing yards.
Why North Texas might win: SMU's offense was hardly sharp against Texas Tech having major problems with the running game and failing to convert third down tries on a consistent basis. If UNT can somehow control the clock and keep SMU's offense off the field, it'll have a great shot at keeping this close late. With a back like Thomas, hanging on to the ball for 35 minutes is possible. Texas Tech had it for 34 and had few problems getting the win.
Who to watch: SMU QB Justin Willis is the present and the future of SMU football. The star recruit is far from a finished product, but he was able to show off a little of his mobility and all-around skills against the Red Raiders last week. He has the speed to tear off yards in chunks, but the real test will be to see if he can get the passing game going. This has to be the game that things start to click, or SMU's resurgence will be delayed that much further.
What will happen: SMU's defense will have a strong game while Willis will come close to 100 yards rushing.
CFN Prediction: SMU 26 ... North Texas 13 ... Line: SMU -6

[SmooBoy]

I would take 26-13, but I would much rather see a 30-6 or a 42-10. Let's have our offense BREAK OUT, please!

[OC Mustang]

42-0 SMU.
Defense posts an unmitigated shutout with NTSU having less than 150 total yards period.

Not a prediction. Just is what I want.

[GoRedGoBlue]

I would like 1TD pass, 2TD runs - one from short yardage on 3rd down and one from 40 yards out, a short FG, and a 45 yd FG for good practice.

Willis to be 20-25-1-0 passing for 220 yards
Martin 18-105 yards, Mapps 10-55 yards

And the defense may allow 1 TD and 2 FGs spread out throughout the game (That is, we are up 27-10 and they get a late FG).

27-17 is acceptable.


--OR--

We are up 28-3 at half and I can go watch the rest of the UT game.