North Texas is 1-0 on the year and Ohio is 0-1. On paper, the matchup appears to heavily favor UNT and give them a record of 2-0 for the first time since 1994. Take your pick on what’s different on the North Texas team. Everything is improved. There really isn’t a wrong answer.

I know it was the first game of the season, so it’s hard to judge a team, but North Texas looked nothing like the team last year or two years ago for that matter. North Texas came out and dominated a team that went 10-0 last year, before losing their final two.

The Mean Green also limited a very powerful rushing attack led by MiQuale Lewis, who many consider to be one of the best backs in the nation. He did get 103 yards, but that’s an accomplishment.

There was also no sacks given up by North Texas. I don’t know who to credit that to the new quarterback  or better offensive line, but no sacks is huge.

The defense failed to hold any opponent below 33 points last year, Ball State got 10 and that was in the second half.

North Texas has true athletes on the field, especially at the wide receiver position. Michael Outlaw and Jamaal Jackson can make people miss after the catch for big yardage.

But that’s enough of what North Texas has going for it. There’s plenty more to choose from. Their opponent for this week is Ohio.

Ohio was a threat in recent years, but the team is in a down year under head coach Frank Solich. Yes, he’s the same coach who controlled the Nebraska team earlier this decade.

If there was one thing North Texas had going during its 1-11 season last year, it’s the running game. If UNT would have ran the ball, I’m confident the Mean Green would have won more games. Things have changed for numerous reasons this year, but the North Texas rushing game is the most important.

The rushing attack for North Texas is key to victory against Ohio. Ohio gave up 259 yards on the ground versus UConn. That bodes well for North Texas after they put up 296 yards of their own against Ball State. North Texas has three legitimate rushers to chose from, including the quarterback. Cam Montgomery is the leader after he came just shy of 150 yards last week, but still managed to have an average of almost 9 yards a carry. Riley Dodge, who is the qb, ran for 70 yards of his own which was good for 6 yards per attempt. That’s where this battle is going to be won or lost, but I think North Texas will be to much for Ohio in the end.

I’m curious to see the Riley Dodge passing attack, but it’s probably going to be put on hold for at least another week. I don’t think the 216 yards of passing last week was what Dodge is fully capable of.

My final prediction is North Texas 34 Ohio 17.