Kansas State 45, OSM{North Texas} 6

Here's how the North Texas Mean Green started their 2008 season: Run for no gain. Substitution infraction. Run for a three yard loss. Incomplete pass. Thirty yard punt returned 38 yards for a touchdown. But they got a break when the touchdown was called back for a holding penalty, but Kansas State got a 4-yard TD run on their first play of office.

Things did improve for North Texas as the day went along, but not much. Only one other drive lost yardage. All of Kansas State's scoring drives were at least three plays long. North Texas converted only 2 of 13 third downs and managed only 205 yards of total offense while giving up 471 yards to Kansas State. However, they did win the turnover battle, getting an interception and a fumble without turning the ball over themselves. The interception led to their only score, a 9-yard TD pass from sophomore QB Giovanni Vizza to Alex Lott at the end of the third quarter, but the extra point was blocked. But still, their 39-point loss is a better start than last season's 69-point loss at Texas. There are small victories.

Next week North Texas returns to Denton, TX, to host Tulsa, who won 45-22 at UAB today. This could be big for the Shame Masks. If North Texas beats Tulsa, and then Tulsa beats New Mexico, and if New Mexico State doesn't win at Nebraska or UTEP, then the New Mexico and New Mexico State game would unite the two Shame Masks.