2014 Schedule Preview: North Texas Mean Green

Jan 1, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; North Texas Mean Green running back Brandin Byrd (24) runs for a first down against the UNLV Rebels during the second half at the Cotton Bowl Stadium. The Mean Green defeated the Rebels 36-14. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Running back

The Mean Green must also replace its leading rusher from 2013, Brandin Byrd. Byrd rushed for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns last year. The team is a little more experienced at the running back position than at quarterback. Reggie Pegram and Antoinne Jimmerson are two bowling balls in the backfield. Pegram is 5-foot-9 and 230 pounds, while Jimmerson is 5-foot-9 and 222 pounds. Jimmerson was the third-leading scorer for North Texas last season. Pegram transferred from the Purdue Boilermakers in 2012, and was the Mean Green’s third-leading rusher.

These two backs should provide a challenge to the Texas run defense. If North Texas can run the ball and control the clock, it will look like 2013 all over again, much to the chagrin of the home crowd. Texas must stop the run and force as many third and long situations as possible.