Team outlook up after win against Northwestern
After one of the most grueling weeks of the season, head coach Gary Patterson said the team will now focus on little things to prepare for the rest of the season.
By Danny Gillham
Sports Editor

It was a pleasant atmosphere at the John Justin Athletic Center on Tuesday for the Horned Frog media luncheon.

Winning a football game has that kind of affect.

After falling down quickly 10-0 to Northwestern, the Horned Frogs responded with a 29-point second quarter, and a 48-24 victory.

Head coach Gary Patterson said its the kind of performance that reflects the team.

“I’ve been talking about our team like this since January,” Patterson said. “I think its the best chemistry team that we have had in the five years we have been here.”

At the same time, coming from behind is not something the team wants to continually practice.

“I hope the trend doesn’t stay this way,” Patterson said. “Having to fight back from the first quarter is not really the way we would like to do it.”

The Frogs have had a lot to prepare for in the last week. After opening their season with conference foe Cincinnati on a Monday, the team had only five days to prepare for the next game with the Wildcats.

Patterson said the lesser amount of time for preparation did not allow the team much time to improve on its mistakes.

“Defensive line-wise, we’re not where we feel like we have been in the past,” Patterson said. “We feel like we are going to get better. That’s one of the problems with a short week, you don’t get a chance to improve that as much. You have to really work on scheme, and what the other team is playing. This will really give us a chance to do that a little bit better.

“We can get into some real stuff that will allow us to get better up front, both offensively and defensively.”

Now that the team is back on what is considered a normal college football week, Patterson said he is not sure what to make of it.

“Once we get in this cycle, I’m not sure anybody knows which way is up or down,” Patterson said. “About Thursday, I’ll probably realize it. It just seems we have a lot longer time span, and it’s probably going to feel like an eternity by the time we get to Friday.”

Modkins’ stock rising
Head coach Gary Patterson was pleased with the performance of sophomore Jeremy Modkins in his first career start at safety. Modkins had 10 tackles in the Northwestern game, one of which going for a three-yard loss.

Hobss impresses Patterson
True freshman Lonta Hobbs has caught the eyes of the Frog coaching staff. Now getting some representation with the first and second teams, Hobbs has a chance to receive some snaps at tailback in upcoming games.

Gunn probable for Saturday
Redshirt freshman quarterback Tye Gunn dislocated his pinky finger on his throwing hand in Saturday’s contest. After getting the finger put in place by the head trainer, Gunn returned later in the game and is supposed to be available for Saturday’s contest with SMU.

Godbolt improving
Sophomore safety Marvin Godbolt has made improvement after his ankle injury suffered in the Cincinnati game. Thought to be out several weeks, Godbolt has an outside opportunity to play in Saturday’s game.

LaMarcus leads in tackles
Senior lineback LaMarcus McDonald has picked up right where he left off last season. Through two games, McDonald leads the team in tackles with 29, and has six tackles for losses. He had 25 in 11 games last season.