Crimson Query about North Texas with Underdog Dynasty

1.     Indiana fans have not forgotten the 24-21 loss to the Mean Green when these teams first met in 2011 in Kevin Wilson's first year as coach. What has changed about the North Texas program in those past three years that IU fans should know about?

Adam: Well for one, Lance Dunbar doesn't run for the school anymore. I think more than anything Dan McCarney has further put his imprint on the program. 2011 was his first year (the team ended up going 5-7) and in 2014 you're seeing what he's really about- Defense, Defense and defense. I think a culture of winning has also been established with our 9-4 record last year.

2.     UNT has had an up-and-down season this year, with two blowout victories and two blowout losses. What do the Mean Green need to accomplish in order to get more consistency in their performances?

Adam: Quarterback play. I think the La Tech game was an absolute fluke and COdy Sokol had a career game. Josh Greer simply wasn't ready for prime time and it showed in the overall game plan. Also, better play from the Cornerbacks, but half of that is probably due to the defense being on the field so long.

3.     Dajon Williams had a terrific first start against Nicholls State, leading UNT to a 77-3 victory. What should the IU defense expect from the redshirt freshman this weekend, and how do think Williams will deal with his first road start?

Adam: The Indiana game will be a true test for him. Nicholls State is a bad bad team. Like really bad. But it allowed him to gain confidence for the rest of CUSA play. I'm hoping OC Mike Canales opens up the playbook, but he may stay conservative. I think Dajon does well- 200 yards, 50 rush yards.

4.     Last year, the Mean Green went 9-4 and 6-2 in Conference USA, ending their season with a victory in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. Already, UNT has a conference loss to Louisiana Tech, but how do you expect them to fare during the rest of their C-USA schedule, and what are their biggest games coming up after IU?

Adam: It's been a blowout season for the Mean Green, literally. I think UNT wins 7 games total- with the biggest games against FAU, UAB and UTSA in the finale. It's a mostly young team and even the coaches have hinted that anything above 6 wins is a success.

5.     North Texas is a large geographical area, but the university is located in Denton, Texas. Tell us more about what goes on in this city that is located in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area.

Adam: Denton is one of the farthest points north in DFW. It's a town known as "little austin" but who is burgeoning with chain restaurants hoping to break into the ever-expanding market. It's got a great music scene- Bowling For Soup and the Eli Young Band are two bands who have come out of Denton. Many students commute from other Dallas suburbs, but the University is growing in terms of resident population. One thing I hate- they allow smoking in bars. It's an interesting town (though I had no desire to live there after college)

6.     Obligatory basketball question: UNT men's basketball hasn't made the NCAA tournament since 2010, and they finished 16-16 last year. What's the outlook with the basketball team, in the ever-changing lineup of C-USA teams?

Adam: Jesus, dont get me started on Tony Benford. I'm hearing rumors that this year is the big deciding year for the 3rd year coach. Don't be fooled by the record- half those wins were against D2 quality teams, and the schedule this year features Creighton, Arkansas, Iona and OK State, not to mention the addition of WKU and ODU to basketball..... I'm predicting another long season.

7.     Prediction time: How do you see Saturday's game playing out?

Adam: Unfortunately I'm predicting an Indiana win 28-20 -- revenge for 2011. I think the Green Guys still have road woes that we still haven't shaken.....

Thanks, Adam! The Hoosiers take on the Mean Green from Bloomington on Saturday at 2:30pm. The game can be seen on Big Ten Network.