Friday, August 31, 2001

Scott Hall, QB, vs. Chad McCarty, DE

The Matchup: Quarterback Scott Hall is the only player on North Texas’ offense that is close to being a threat. As a true freshman last season, Hall claimed the starting quarterback’s job and started the final nine games for the Mean Green. He completed only 48.7 percent of his passes, but in the final four games had a quarterback rating of 123.60. Defensive end Chad McCarty has the most experience on the defensive line for the Horned Frogs. With defensive end Bo Schobel out, the Frogs will need McCarty more than originally planned.

Effect on the game: Hall had a fair amount of success the final four games of last season and has been able to run and throw out of the Mean Green’s option offense better than anyone else in years. He is the leader of the offense. North Texas will have to put some points on the board if it wants to stay in the game. This will be a tough task against a defense that gave nationally-ranked Nebraska problems. McCarty and the TCU defensive line could have a big game against North Texas’ weak line. If Hall is under pressure most of the game, it will be hard for North
Texas to score.

The stats: Hall threw for 937 yards and ran for 230. He had a passer rating of 104.88, throwing six touchdowns and six interceptions. McCarty had 31 tackles and three sacks last season. The defensive end had five quarterback pressures and forced one fumble.

The winner: Hall and the Mean Green do not stand a chance against last year’s No. 1 defense. Hall is still relatively unproven and does not have the personnel around him to succeed. TCU showed last week it can handle a powerful offense. The Mean Green should be a piece of
cake.