5 Takeaways from the North Texas vs. SMU Game

By Quinne Lowe

5 Takeaways from the North Texas vs. SMU Game

North Texas — There are a lot of thing you can take away from the 43-6 blowout victory by North Texas over local rival SMU, but these five things are the most interesting and pressing as both teams look to move forward in the rest of the season.

5. June Jones May not Make itThrough the Season

june jones

5. June Jones May not Make itThrough the Season

June Jones — Jones has a reputation of being an innovative play caller, but it seems as if that has escaped him this season. After finishing 4-8 in 2013, there was a great expectation of improved play from the team. That has yet to be seen, and after going 10 without a touchdown, the one thing he was known for could be the thing that gets him fired -- an inept passing offense.

4. Running the Ball is the Key to Success for the Mean Green

Reggie Pegram

4. Running the Ball is the Key to Success for the Mean Green

Reggie Pegram — North Texas rushed for 245 yards against SMU, and when you consider that the rush offense carried the team even in the defeat against Texas, head coach Dan McCarney realizes the strength of the team. In the victory over the Mustangs, four running backs had at least 40 yards rushing led by senior Reggie Pegram's 81 yards. Being able to run the ball will help neutralize the better offenses they face as the season progresses.

3. The Defense Has Plenty of Playmakers

North Texas

3. The Defense Has Plenty of Playmakers

North Texas — They may not have one individual star like their program namesake, but the North Texas defense has a collection of players that have made big plays so far this season. Seven turnovers in two games, including two defensive touchdowns shows that North Texas can rely on their defense to keep them in the game if their offense does bog down.

2. SMU Quarterback Situation is a Mess

SMU

2. SMU Quarterback Situation is a Mess

SMU — SMU knew replacing Garrett Gilbert would be a difficult task, but no one figured it would be this tough. In two games, the three mustang quarterbacks: Neal Burcham, Kolney Cassel and Matt Davis have combined for only 357 yards one touchdown and three interceptions -- with that touchdown coming at the end of the North Texas game. The short pass offense hasn't helped much as it compresses the field and makes it difficult to run the ball.

1. Josh Greer Will Have to do More at Quarterback

Josh Greer

1. Josh Greer Will Have to do More at Quarterback

Josh Greer — Josh Greer's modest stats of 9-of-12 for 86 yards won't cut it against better competition as the season progresses. He must show the ability to lead the Mean Green offense if the opposing defense has success in limiting their run game. He doesn't have to be a 250-plus yard performer, but it would be nice to see the pass offense crack the 100-yard plateau in a game.

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SMU Mustangs

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