North Texas Football: Preview, predictions for 2019 season

Offense led by an elite gunslinger

I’m going to be blunt here: North Texas’ offense relies on senior quarterback Mason Fine for its success, and most colleges would do the same if they had a quarterback like him under center.

Fine was the Conference USA Offensive Player of The Year in 2017 as well as in 2018. If you need any proof as to what Fine means to their offense, turn to the New Mexico Bowl from 2018 and see what their offense turned into once he got hurt early in the second quarter. He has put up great numbers ever since he took over the starting job his true freshman year in 2016.

I could write a whole article breaking down Fine, and I actually have, but I will leave this one clip of him below that demonstrates his arm strength and ability to move outside the pocket.

Fine will have plenty of weapons to throw to as three of his top four receivers from last year are returning, including last year’s leading pass-catcher, Rico Bussey. He had over 1,000 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns last year.

The Mean Green also return their top two rushers from last year as well. Even though the North Texas offense has been known for their passing game lately, their two leading rushers had over 1,400 yards combined with 19 rushing touchdowns.

The offense as a whole last year averaged right over 36 points per game and even scored 44 points against an SEC opponent in Arkansas.

If North Texas’ offensive line can keep Fine on his feet and give him time, the Mean Green will be just as good on offense this year as they were last year. Losing offensive coordinator Graham Harrell is a big deal (OC at USC), but with a quarterback like Fine leading the way, it won’t be as big of a blow as one may think.