2014 Schedule Preview: North Texas Mean Green

Jan 1, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; North Texas Mean Green linebacker Derek Akunne (7) and defensive back James Jones (13) celebrate the sack of UNLV Rebels defensive back Marc Philippi (7) during the first half at the Cotton Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Secondary

Perhaps the biggest test for Texas will come against the North Texas secondary. This group is deep and battle-tested. It actually looks like a mismatch in the Mean Green’s favor, especially if Jaxon Shipley is out. It will be the young Texas receivers who will have to overcome opening day jitters.

Kenny Buyers was an all-conference selection at corner last year. He had 78 tackles to go along with three interceptions and five pass break-ups. He probably draws Marcus Johnson. James Jones racked up 67 tackles and an interception in 2013. He also had three tackles for a loss and two sacks. Don’t be surprised to see defensive coordinator John Skladany blitz Jones from the corner to try and disrupt the timing of the Texas offense. If Texas has a true freshman in the backfield, you can almost count on it.

Safety Lairamie Lee is an honorable mention all-conference safety. The senior from Tyler finished 2013 with 74 tackles – including four for a loss – and three interceptions. If Texas has early success running the ball, Skladany could bring Lee closer to the line of scrimmage. The corners would be left on an island. This will be one of battles worth watching. Texas fans will want to see David Ash throw the ball. If the Longhorn receivers can’t get separation from the defensive backs, it could be a tough day for Ash and the passing game.

The bottom line is Texas should win this game. The running game can have success against this front seven. The defense needs to hound Mean Green quarterbacks all day. More importantly, we will finally get to see how the culture change has translated onto the football field.