Sep 14, 2013; Denton, TX, USA; A view of a North Texas Mean Green helmet during the game between the Mean Green and the Ball State Cardinals at Apogee Stadium. The Mean Green defeated the Cardinals 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
This game is placed at the perfect time for the Tennessee Vols late in the season, and it is the perfect team for them to beat up on. While there is indeed one team at a lower level than the Mean Green, there are a few factors that make North Texas easier.
The first is when the game is played. It comes on Nov. 14, and while that is sandwiched between South Carolina and Missouri, the Vols will know exactly how successful the season has been to that point already. If it is another lost season, they don’t have anything to care about and can just beat up on the Mean Green.
If it is a successful one and they are in contention for the SEC East, well, this is a relaxing game in the midst of a brutal SEC schedule where they can blow somebody out, so it will be relief.
Analyzing this North Texas team, they went 4-8 last year in the Conference USA, made up of former Sun Belt teams, meaning they are a step away from being FCS. Add in the fact that half of their starters from last year are gone, and there is really not much development to expect out of these guys this year.
So this is the one game that Vol fans should almost be 100 percent certain of a victory, even if they have a terrible game. And being in the middle of November, late in the season, it could get a little chilly but not too cold in Knoxville, so it’ll be a relaxing game to head to and enjoy. There is no reason to lose this one.
Next: #11: Western Carolina Catamounts