College Football Predictions – North Texas Mean Green 2017 NCAA Football Preview
2016 Recap
2016 Record – 5-8
2016 ATS – 7-6
Say what you want but the Mean Green were scrappy and got rewarded with a bowl game appearance. They finished up at 5-7 for the regular season but got invited to the Heart of Dallas Bowl as a result of good academics. Army took them down in that game but reaching a bowl game was a fine accomplishment for a rebuilding team. Let’s examine if the improvement can continue.
2017 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating
Conference USA – TBD
West Division – TBD
OFFENSE
The Mean Green look to be in good shape for the next couple of seasons with sophomore QB Mason Fine leading the way. He had his ups and downs last year in his freshman season but should take a nice step forward this year if he can stay healthy. The targets at his disposal are a bit of an unknown as WR Turner Smiley led the returning players in receptions during the 2016 campaign (33-389). 2nd year OC Graham Harrell should get the passing game going but the Mean Green need to cut down on the sacks allowed (43 last season).
North Texas will need more great play from RB Jeffrey Wilson if they want to get back to a bowl game. Wilson rushed for 936 yards and 14 (!) TDs last season while catching 29 balls out of the backfield. Depth is a bit of a concern. The offensive line should be fine with three starters returning including LT Jordan Murray who weighs in at an impressive 6-9, 351.
DEFENSE
North Texas has to figure out a way to stop getting pulverized by opponents’ running games. They were 2nd last in the conference in run defense last season and dead last in 2015. Things were looking up with the addition of run stopper Bryce English to the defensive line but MEGALOCKS NORTH TEXAS INSIDERS have alerted us to the fact that he is out indefinitely with a foot injury. They do bring back solid LB Joshua Wheeler and 3/4 starters in the secondary including 2nd Team CUSA honoree Kishawn McClain but will still likely struggle on defense this year.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The unit takes a hit this season with the departure of excellent punter Eric Keena. PK Trevor Moore hit 9/13 FG last season.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot
September 30 – at Southern Miss. This will be their 3rd road date in four weeks with a bye on deck. We could see an early deficit and mail-it-in scenario.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
The last conference title for the Mean Green was back in 2004 when they won the Sun Belt. That was their 4th consecutive Sun Belt crown (shared in 2001). It’s been a while between drinks.
The only Mean Green NFL Hall of Fame inductee was the great “Mean” Joe Greene.
MEGALOCKS ATS Value Rating (10) 3.0
MEGALOCKS says:
Overall, we give the MEAN GREEN a 3.0 ATS Value Rating (Poor) this season.
This team appears to be on the upswing there is no doubt about that. We do worry, however, about the ability of the offense to keep up in the HOT AND HEAVY Conference USA were points often come by the bushel-full. The defense appears to be in need of a talent upgrade and the schedule is going to make it tough to get 5-6 wins.
We were dead wrong about North Texas last season. We predicted a fiasco and they made a bowl game and finished up 7-6 ATS. Odds are good we may miss the boat with this prediction as well, but to be honest, we have to call it like we see it. Tread with caution.
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