08/29/2008

Associated Press

For the Wildcats, a successful start to the third year of the Ron Prince regime. North Texas would love to avenge that 54-7 shellacking of three years past. The Mean Green will be out to capture a road victory over a Big 12 team to open Todd Dodge's second year as head coach.

Key Matchup

A Kansas State defense that was often embarrassed last year may have a hard time stopping quarterback Giovanni Vizza, who set a number of school records as a freshman last year with North Texas averaging almost 300 passing yards per game.

Players to watch

North Texas: Vizza. As a freshman, he sparked the Mean Green to the 18th-best offense in the country. He'll be looking to build on his 2,388 passing yards of 2007. Casey Fitzgerald ranked right behind Kansas State's Jordy Nelson with 9.25 receptions per game last year.

Kansas State: Junior quarterback Josh Freeman will be under pressure to prove his contention that he's the best in the quarterback-rich Big 12. Freeman set school records last year for yards passing and completions but will be missing Nelson, his favorite receiver.

Facts & Figures

The Wildcats return 39 lettermen and 24 players who made at least one start, including defensive end Ian Campbell, one of the Big 12's best. Center Jordan Bedore is a Rimington Trophy candidate. ... Despite scoring at least 20 points eight times last year, the Mean Green was still only 2-10.