The Mean Green's upcoming bye week probably comes at an ideal time.

A week after earning its first win of the season at Western Kentucky, UNT (1-9, 0-5) were whipped 46-13 at Florida Atlantic.

An extra week to prepare for Middle Tennessee -- on both sides of the ball -- should be beneficial.

The Blue Raiders are primarily a passing team offensively, so the struggling Mean Green secondary can benefit from the extra week of watching film.

Offensively, the Mean Green will have extra time to prepare for the Blue Raiders' aggressive style and multiple blitzing schemes.

Second-year coach Todd Dodge has endured a difficult season on and off the field, but to his credit, he hasn't lost his team.

However, if the Mean Green are going to win a Sun Belt Conference game, they'll have to play much better than they have all season. Perhaps this week's open date is exactly what they need.

SEASON RECAP

Kansas State 45, North Texas 6: The Mean Green fell behind 28-0 at halftime and was never competitive against the Wildcats. The only score was a nine-yard TD pass from Giovanni Vizza and Alex Lott.

Tulsa 56, North Texas 26: The Golden Hurricane jumped all over North Texas in the first half and built a 42-10 halftime lead. UNT did some positive things in the second half, but the damage was done.

LSU 41, North Texas 3: The Mean Green fell behind 27-0 in the first half and predictably outmanned by the defending national champion. UNT made some progress, but it simply didn't show against the Tigers.

Rice 77, North Texas 20: Chase Clement threw three TD passes to Jarett Dillard and had five TD tosses in the game. Giovanni Vizza had three interceptions, two returned for fourth-quarter TDs.

Florida International 42, North Texas 10: Paul McCall threw for 234 yards and four touchdowns to lead Florida International to a 42-10 victory over North Texas. Giovanni Vizza passed for 274 yards and threw three interceptions for North Texas, which has yet to lead in a game this season.

Louisiana-Lafayette 59, North Texas 30: Jason Chery scored a record-tying five touchdowns for Louisiana-Lafayette, all in the first half. Casey Fitzgerald caught 14 passes for 231 yards and a touchdown for UNT.

Louisiana-Monroe 35, North Texas 23: Kinsmon Lancaster ran for two touchdowns and threw for one score to lead his Warhawks to a 35-23 victory over the Mean Green. Giovanni Vizza completed 37 of 61 passes for 362 yards and two touchdowns for North Texas.

Troy 44, North Texas 17: The Mean Green fell behind 25-7 at halftime and never recovered. The defense allowed almost 400 yards passing as UNT fell to 0-8 overall and 0-4 in the Sun Belt.

North Texas 51, Western Kentucky 40: The Mean Green won their first game of the season when junior linebacker Tobe Nwigwe returned an interception 97 yards on the game's final play.

Florida Atlantic 46, North Texas 13: The Mean Green trailed just 9-6 in the second quarter before allowing 37 unanswered points. The Mean Green remain winless in Sun Belt play.

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