September 20, 2012

The Edge - North Texas

TroyReport.com staff
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North Texas

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Troy Trojans

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PASSING ATTACK

North Texas is allowing 192 passing yards per game, but haven't faced an offence like Troy's. The Trojans 144 pass attempts nearly doubles North Texas' 73. The Mean Green lead the Sun Belt Conference in interceptions with five. Zac Whitfield leads the team with two.

Corey Robinson had another soild outing last week against Mississippi State. The junior threw for 343 yards, but he was also picked off twice. For the first time this season, Chip Reeves and Eric Thomas had balanced production.

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GROUND ATTACK


Junior Zach Orr is second on the team in tackles. The Mean Green are allowing 163 rushing yards per contest, including 316 to LSU in Week 1. If Troy can get a lineman on Orr, they have a good shot at breaking some long runs.

Shawn Southward had a good game against Mississippi State rushing for 137 yards on 20 carries. Look for the Trojans to try and establish an early run game on the road.

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OFFENSIVE LINE


North Texas has recorded six sacks in its first three games this season. Led by reserve defensive end Aaron Bellazin with two sacks, the Mean Green like to apply pressure from the edges testing their opponents tackles and running back protection.

Right guard Zach Johnson looks like he's done for a while with a concussion. Jimmie Arnold did a fine job replacing Johnson against Mississippi State and as a unit, Troy has alowed just one sack all season.

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SECONDARY


If quarterback Derek Thompson can be as efficient as he was last week against Kansas State (25-for-28 for 208), North Texas will have a chance against anybody.

Troy has a turnover margin of -5, which is not good. The offense has had its share of turnover, but the defense is not forcing them eaither. The secondary needs to shut Thompson down before he gets into a rhythm.

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LINEBACKERS


North Texas has played LSU and Kansas State this season so their rushing numbers may be a little scewed. In their second games of the season against Texas Southern, the Mean Green rushed for 365 yards led by freshman Antoinne Jimmersonand junior Brandin Byrd.

Troy contained Mississippi State's ground game for the most part. Brannon Bryan and Kanorris Davis lead the team in tackles and are ball hawks.

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DEFENSIVE LINE


Three sophomores and two seniors make up North Texas' offensive line. Anchored by senior center Aaron Fortenberry, this group has allowed three sacks in as many games.

Troy got some pressure on the qaurterback last week, but it came on linebacker stunts. We have yet to see defensive ends Tony Davis and bandit linebacker Tyler Roberts get consistant pressure in a game.

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SPECIAL TEAMS


Kicker Zach Olsen is 2-for-3 on the season with a long of just 34 yards. The one was miss was blocked. Punter Will Atterberry is averaging 40.3 yards per punt.

Will Scott missed a 26-yarder last week, but came back to hit a 40-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. Scott is now 3-for-4 on the season. Troy's kick return game has got to improve. twice last week they bobbled kickoffs, one resulting in a start from their own 10-yard line.
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Final Analysis & Prediction


Troy's offense has proven it can move the football on anyone. The defense, on the other hand, has been gashed for big plays, but has shown signs of impovement. North Texas will try to control the clock and the football, limiting Troy's opportunities.


Score Prediction: Troy 27, North Texas 21



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