Ok, let's get this out of the way right off the bat -- losing to anyone 41-3 isn't good.

Giving up 92-yard punt returns -- not good.

Scoring just three points against anyone, you got it -- not good.

Take a closer look at the Mean Green's loss to LSU on Saturday and there was some good to come out of this game, though. UNT actually moved the ball pretty well at times against the seventh-ranked team in the country. Middle linebacker Tobe Nwigwe had another solid game with nine tackles.

UNT's margin of defeat was actually its lowest in the four-game series that LSU has dominated by a total score of 198-13. The Mean Green's previous low when it comes to margin of defeat against the Tigers was 42 points.

For what it's worth, Les Miles said that he was impressed with UNT and expects the Mean Green to contend for a the Sun Belt Conference title.

UNT head coach Todd Dodge said he was proud of the way his team hung in there for a while with one of the top teams in the country. He should be happy. At this point, UNT looks like it could take a big step forward when it enters conference play.

UNT still has a lot to work out, like how to improve its special teams play, especially its punt and kick return coverage that was plain awful against LSU. Those are issues UNT should be able to deal during its bye week.

UNT's loss to LSU wasn't pretty any way one slices it, but Dodge believes there might be a silver lining in the way the Mean Green improved in a few key areas. UNT will have to show that he is right over the next few weeks, but there is no reason to doubt him now.

Post your thoughts on the blog.