North Texas @ Florida Atlantic

Scouting Report for North Texas Mean Green (1-3) vs. Florida Atlantic Owls(1-3)
September 29, 2012- FAU Stadium, Boca Raton, FL

North Texas: If there was anything that would drive coach Dan McCarney crazy about the game against Troy (14-7 defeat), it would be all the missed opportunities. Especially missed opportunities that could've won the game.

The Mean Green offense (422 total yards) out gained the Trojans by 40 yards. Ivan Delgado and Brelan Chancellor were accountable for Derek Thompson's 12 completions(16 incomplete) and 133 yards (236 total). Brandon Byrd and Antoinne Jimmerson had 131 combined yards on the ground (186 total). After Thompson's 50 YD TD pass to Chancellor in the first quarter, the offense couldn't capitalize after moving the ball well. Zach Olen missed 2 FG's from 40 and 47 (both wide left) and Zach Paul missed an easy 27 yarder (wide right) to give Troy their first conference win.

Florida Atlantic: Alabama may be beatable, but the Owls were definitely not going to be that team. While they did avoid a shutout at Bryant-Denny Stadium, giving up 40 points to the defending national champs is not something to be smiling about.

The game was over by the 3rd play of the game when Crimson Tide QB A.J. McCarron hit Kenny Bell on 85 YD touchdown reception. The Owls first touchdown came with 2:49 remaining when Alex DeLeon caught a TD pass from 6 yards out. The Owls did recover a Christion Jones fumble (Tim Raber recovered) to extend their second possesion, but that led to Vinny Zaccario's 48 yard FG attempt blocked. Despite Alabama having 4 FGs, the Tide offense scored on their 1st 8 possesions and limited the Owls to 110 total yards.

What to watch for: Marcus Trice and Zach Whitfield should make big impact on the Owls 114th ranked pass offense. But the player who needs to step it up will be Hilbert Jackson. If Jackson can manage to get his first interception of the season, then Graham Wilbert will have a long day. Especially if North Texas offense can put points on the board.

Conclusion: The Mean Green and the Owls have only one thing in common... their overall records. Florida Atlantic's defense have given up 1216 yards against Georgia and Alabama respectively, but that was on the road. The problem for coach Carl Pelini is that his team hasn't had much of a chance against an offense of UNT's caliber. North Texas has the attitude. Sadly, it hasn't translated in to wins against FBS competition this year. This game could go either way if the Mean Green can't cash in on long drives.

Prediction: North Texas by 10.

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