Strike Point Sports will look at two teams, North Texas and Central Florida, each week with extensive analysis and a game prediction. There are great opportunities to make money by following some of the major college programs. That is the point of this weekly column.

North Texas

It certainly wasn't the ideal start for the Mean Green to open conference play, getting shutout at home, 35-0. Last year was thought to be an aberration, and unlikely to repeat this season. Well, five games into the 2006 campaign and North Texas is sitting on a 1-4 record.

Without a doubt their loss to Middle Tennessee State was the worst of the season. Gaining just 103 total yards, nothing went right offensively. Quarterbacks Woody Wilson and Daniel Meager combined to complete just seven passes, while two were completed to the other team in the form of interceptions. Running back Jamario Thomas has yet to put two consecutive good outings together. Against the Blue Raiders he carried 12 times for 52 yards.

Middle Tennessee State compiled 366 yards and forced three turnovers, allowing none on their behalf. Quarterback Clint Marks was efficient, going 13/18 for 154 and one score. The Blue Raider ground game used three solid backs to rack up more than 200 yards and add balance to the offensive attack.

North Texas earned just eight first downs to their opponents 24, holding just half the time of possession that MTSU did. It was simple; North Texas was dominated in every facet of their Sun Belt opener.

Predicted Score: North Texas 17, Middle Tennessee State 13

Actual Score: Middle Tennessee State 35, North Texas 0

Week 6 Upcoming Game: Florida International at North Texas, 10/7 - 7:00 p.m.

Finally, a team North Texas will be favored against. Winless FIU visits Fouts Field as each team looks for its first win in Sun Belt play. As bad as FIU has been, they are an offensive juggernaut compared to the Mean Green. The Golden Panthers are not going to put up a lot of points. North Texas has to score and this should be the game where the offense breaks out. Both teams are at the bottom of the standings in total yards, rushing yards and points scored. A field goal could easily win this game - no joke.

Both starting quarterbacks have more than twice as many interceptions as touchdown passes. Mean Green rusher Jamario Thomas is desperate to get off in this game and should carry for at least 150 against Florida Int'l. In a game where points will be hard to come by, expect the home team to edge out a victory.

Prediction: North Texas 13, Florida International 7

Central Florida

With its second C-USA game being played this Wednesday against Marshall, UCF is in need of a win to get back towards the top of the East division. Winning the division last year, Central Florida needs most importantly to prove that its giant turnaround from 2004 was no fluke. However, a win will not be easy, especially with a struggling Steven Moffett.

The Golden Knights' senior quarterback played poorly last week at home against Southern Miss. In fact, he was one more bad play away from getting yanked. Head coach George O'Leary was warming up the back-up after Moffett threw an interception returned for a touchdown, falling behind by two scores. Moffett then responded with a touchdown drive and saved his job for at least one more week.

Although Moffett has been disappointing at times, he gives the Knights the best chance to win. Despite being 1-3, UCF is just 0-1 in conference and a win could jump them back into second place behind UAB. The success Central Florida will have comes in the form of sophomore rusher Kevin Smith. He has been electric in the backfield and simply takes pressure off Moffett from feeling like he needs to carry the team. Smith's four-yards per carry is very good, however only two scores in four games is not what most expected from this second year star at this point in the year.