Improving offense, running game are main goals for next contest, coach says
Head coach Gary Patterson is looking for his team to make more plays on offense to help provide some relief for his defense.
By Danny Gillham
Sports Editor

Head coach Gary Patterson said he was pleased with his improving defensive line, and Saturday’s game with North Texas could be the first time that the starting four could play together.

However, one of the main goals of the team heading into its final game before an off-week was to open up the offense.

Through three games, the Frog’s leading receiver has been senior LaTarence Dunbar, who has 11 catches. Patterson said the Frogs need more big plays in the passing game.

“You have to throw vertical, just to see if they can defend you sometimes,” Patterson said. “We want to put the balls in the hands of our seniors, and let them make plays.”

Patterson also said the running game must improve.

“We haven’t had any games where a running back makes a guy miss, and you have a 40 or 60-yard run,” Patterson said. “It’s not just been the offensive line, we need to block better as a wide receiver group to get where we need to get. We have to be able to control the football. There is only one way to keep offenses from scoring a lot of points, and that is when they don’t have the football. That’s the best defense I know, and its been that way forever.”

Battling the injury bug
Junior linebacker Josh Goolsby injured his ankle in last weekend’s game with SMU, and is questionable for Saturday’s matchup with North Texas. Senior linebacker LaMarcus McDonald was suffering groin problems in the SMU game, but Patterson said he fully expects McDonald to be starting against the Mean Green.

Senior tight end Quint Ellis was held out of practice Tuesday, but Patterson said he has made dramatic improvements, and he will decide if Ellis will start later in the week.

Godbolt to start
Sophomore weak safety Marvin Godbolt will be making his first start since the season opener against Cincinnati. Godbolt injured his ankle while returning an interception against the Bearcats. Originally thought to be out six to eight weeks, Godbolt is slated to go on Saturday.

Battle continues at the kickoff spot
Senior wide receiver Shane Hudnall looks to be the favorite in handling the kickoff duties on special teams. Hudnall has shared time with redshirt freshman Mike Wynn, but Patterson said he would give the nod to Hudnall, based on his experience.

Gunn will play
Patterson said redshirt freshman Tye Gunn, the heir apparent at quarterback, will play in selected series against North Texas. There were fears of putting Gunn in a scoreless game against SMU, but Patterson said this weekend he’ll play in at a scripted time, regardless of the score.

Powell to move back to center
Senior Jamal Powell will be moving back to his natural position of center, after sophomore Chase Johnson went down with an ankle injury against SMU. Powell was moved to right tackle to fill a void caused by injuries, but the expected return of senior tackle Brady Barrick helps to lift that load.

Practices moved to old baseball field
In an effort to give the team fresh legs, Patterson said, the team is moving practices from the worn down grass of the normal practice field, to the grass of the old baseball stadium. He said the hope is that the softer grass will be less stressful on the players, resulting in a fresher team for Saturday’s game.