North Texas Vs Texas State: An In-Depth Comparison Of The Two Football Programs
Football fans in Texas are blessed with a multitude of great college football teams to root for. Two programs that often get overlooked on the national stage are the North Texas Mean Green and the Texas State Bobcats. If you’re trying to decide which of these two teams to support, this comprehensive guide will outline everything you need to know about the key differences between the North Texas and Texas State football programs.
If you don’t have time to read the full article, here’s a quick summary: North Texas has historically been the more successful program with 9 bowl wins, while Texas State has struggled since moving up to the FBS level in 2012. North Texas plays in Conference USA which is seen as a stronger conference top-to-bottom than Texas State’s Sun Belt Conference. Both teams play in 30,000+ seat stadiums located in college towns.
Conference Affiliation and Competition Level
North Texas plays in Conference USA which has produced nationally ranked teams and BCS bowl winners.
Conference USA, also known as C-USA, has a rich history of competitive football programs. Over the years, several teams from this conference have achieved national recognition and success. Programs like Marshall, Southern Miss, and UCF have not only been ranked in the top 25 nationally but have also made appearances in prestigious BCS bowl games.
This level of competition within Conference USA ensures that North Texas is constantly challenged and pushed to elevate their game.
Texas State is in the Sun Belt Conference which is seen as one of the weaker FBS conferences.
The Sun Belt Conference, where Texas State competes, is often regarded as one of the weaker conferences in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). While this doesn’t mean that the teams in the Sun Belt are not capable of success, it does suggest that the level of competition may not be as intense as some of the other conferences.
Programs in the Sun Belt Conference have historically struggled to gain national attention and secure major bowl game appearances. However, this doesn’t take away from the fact that there are talented players and passionate fans within the conference.
When comparing the conference affiliations and competition levels of North Texas and Texas State, it is clear that North Texas plays in a more competitive conference. The presence of nationally ranked teams and BCS bowl winners in Conference USA provides North Texas with a challenging schedule and opportunities for significant achievements.
On the other hand, Texas State competes in the Sun Belt Conference, which may not offer the same level of competition as Conference USA. However, it’s important to note that every football program has its unique strengths and challenges, and Texas State has its own set of talented players and dedicated fans.
Bowl Game History and Recent Success
North Texas has 9 bowl wins in its history including 4 over Power 5 conference teams.
When it comes to bowl game success, North Texas has a storied history. With 9 bowl wins under their belt, the Mean Green have shown time and time again that they have what it takes to compete on the big stage.
What’s even more impressive is that 4 of those wins came against Power 5 conference teams, demonstrating North Texas’ ability to go toe-to-toe with some of the nation’s top programs.
These victories are a testament to the talent and determination of the North Texas football team. They have consistently shown that they are not afraid to take on tough competition and come out victorious.
It’s no wonder that fans and alumni alike are proud to support a program with such an impressive bowl game record.
For more information on North Texas’ bowl game history, you can visit their official athletics website here.
Texas State has never won a bowl game.
While North Texas has had great success in bowl games, Texas State has yet to taste victory on the postseason stage. Despite their best efforts, the Bobcats have been unable to secure a bowl win in their history.
This is not to say that they haven’t had their fair share of close calls and competitive performances, but the elusive bowl game victory has remained just out of reach.
However, this does not mean that Texas State should be discounted or underestimated. The fact that they have consistently qualified for bowl games shows that they are a program on the rise. With each passing season, they inch closer to that coveted first bowl win, and it’s only a matter of time before they break through and make history.
To learn more about Texas State’s football program and their journey towards a bowl game victory, you can visit their official athletics website here.
It’s important to note that bowl game history is just one aspect of a football program’s success. While North Texas has an impressive record in this area, Texas State has shown resilience and determination despite not yet securing a bowl win.
Both programs have their own unique strengths and achievements, and it will be exciting to see how they continue to grow and compete in the future.
Stadium and Game Atmosphere
North Texas plays at Apogee Stadium which seats 30,850 fans. Texas State’s Bobcat Stadium seats 30,000.
When it comes to stadium capacity, both North Texas and Texas State offer a similar experience for their fans. North Texas plays home games at Apogee Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 30,850. On the other hand, Texas State’s Bobcat Stadium can accommodate up to 30,000 spectators.
While there is a slight difference in capacity, both stadiums provide ample seating for fans to enjoy the game.
Both stadiums provide an intimate atmosphere compared to the bigger venues in Texas.
One of the advantages of attending a North Texas or Texas State football game is the intimate atmosphere that both stadiums offer. Unlike some of the larger venues in Texas, such as AT&T Stadium or Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, Apogee Stadium and Bobcat Stadium provide a more close-knit and personal experience for fans.
The smaller size of these stadiums allows spectators to feel closer to the action and creates a sense of camaraderie among attendees.
Additionally, the intimate atmosphere in these stadiums allows for better visibility of the game. Fans can easily follow the plays and see the action unfold on the field without any obstructed views. The proximity to the field also enhances the overall game experience, as fans can feel the energy and excitement of the players up close.
Both North Texas and Texas State have worked on creating a vibrant game atmosphere, with enthusiastic fans cheering on their teams. The fans’ passion and dedication contribute to the lively ambiance, making every game a memorable experience.
Whether it’s the Mean Green of North Texas or the Bobcats of Texas State, attending a football game at either stadium guarantees an exciting and engaging atmosphere that truly captures the spirit of college football.
Recruiting and Program Resources
North Texas has consistently pulled in more talented recruiting classes with multiple 3-star prospects. Texas State’s location hinders their recruiting.
When it comes to recruiting, North Texas has been able to consistently attract more talented players compared to Texas State. North Texas has had several successful recruiting classes with multiple 3-star prospects, which has helped them build a strong roster.
This can be attributed to their location in Denton, which is just north of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a large pool of talented high school football players in the area, North Texas has been able to tap into this talent pool and bring in top recruits.
On the other hand, Texas State’s location in San Marcos, which is a smaller city located between Austin and San Antonio, has hindered their recruiting efforts. While they still manage to bring in some talented players, they struggle to compete with the larger schools in the area for top recruits.
The proximity of other powerhouse football programs like the University of Texas and Texas A&M also makes it challenging for Texas State to attract top-tier talent.
It’s important to note that recruiting is not solely based on location, but it does play a significant role in a program’s ability to attract talented players. North Texas has been able to take advantage of their location, while Texas State has faced challenges in this aspect.
North Texas invested $72 million in facilities upgrades in 2011. Texas State has struggled to keep up in the facilities arms race.
Facilities and resources are crucial for the success of a football program, and North Texas has made significant investments in this area. In 2011, the university invested a whopping $72 million in upgrading their facilities.
This included improvements to their stadium, training facilities, and locker rooms. These upgrades have helped North Texas create a more attractive environment for recruits and have contributed to their success on the field.
On the other hand, Texas State has struggled to keep up in the facilities arms race. While they have made some improvements over the years, they have not been able to match the level of investment made by North Texas.
This puts Texas State at a disadvantage when it comes to recruiting and player development. Top recruits are often drawn to schools with state-of-the-art facilities, and Texas State’s inability to keep up in this aspect has hindered their ability to attract top talent.
It’s worth mentioning that facilities are not the sole determining factor for a program’s success, but they do play a significant role. Having modern and well-equipped facilities can make a program more appealing to recruits and can contribute to the overall success of the team.
For more information on the recruiting and program resources of these two football programs, you can visit the official websites of North Texas (https://meangreensports.com/) and Texas State (https://txstatebobcats.com/).
Head Coaching Situation
North Texas hired promising new coach Seth Littrell in 2016.
When it comes to head coaching, North Texas made a bold move in 2016 by hiring Seth Littrell. Littrell brought a fresh perspective to the program and quickly made a name for himself. With his innovative coaching style and strategic approach, he has revitalized the North Texas football team.
Littrell’s impact was almost immediate. In his first season, he led the Mean Green to a 5-8 record, a significant improvement from the previous year. The team continued to improve under his guidance, achieving back-to-back nine-win seasons in 2017 and 2018.
His success has not gone unnoticed. Littrell was recognized as the Conference USA Coach of the Year in 2017, cementing his status as one of the top coaches in the conference. His ability to recruit and develop talent has brought new life to the North Texas football program.
Texas State is on their third coach since moving to FBS in 2012.
While North Texas has found stability in their coaching staff, Texas State has struggled to do the same. Since moving to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in 2012, the Texas State Bobcats have gone through three different head coaches.
This constant turnover in coaching staff has hindered the team’s ability to build continuity and establish a winning culture. Each coaching change brings a new system and philosophy, making it difficult for the players to adapt and thrive.
The lack of stability is evident in the team’s performance on the field. Texas State has struggled to achieve consistent success, often finishing near the bottom of their conference standings. The constant coaching changes have hindered the program’s ability to attract and retain top-tier talent.
It is clear that North Texas has the upper hand when it comes to head coaching stability. Littrell’s proven track record and ability to build a winning program have set the Mean Green apart from Texas State in this regard.
Conclusion
While both North Texas and Texas State provide exciting football in the Lone Star State, the overall history andstrength of program tilts heavily in favor of the Mean Green. North Texas has more resources, better facilities, and plays in a stronger conference with a tradition of bowl success. Texas State is still finding its footing in the FBS, so it remains to be seen if the Bobcats can rise up to compete with programs like North Texas on a consistent basis. For now, the edge clearly lies with North Texas as the superior Texas college football program of the two.
