North Texas Football: Preview, predictions for 2019 season

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – DECEMBER 16: Colton McDonald #41 of the North Texas Mean Green and Ashton Preston #27 tackle John Johnson #2 of the Troy Trojans in the first half during the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 16, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Defense continuing to improve

One of the biggest improvements North Texas made as a team last year was on the defensive side of the ball. The Mean Green offense was already good, but their defense took a big step in the right direction.

In 2017, North Texas’ defense gave up over 6,000 total yards with an average of giving up 431 yards per game. In 2018 those numbers were much better as they gave up less than 5,000 total yards and allowed just 375 yards per game. The improvement on defense allowed North Texas to stay in ball games even if their offense was taking a few drives to get their rhythm going.

North Texas does lose their top two tacklers from last season as well as their top two defensive backs. The two defensive backs they lost accounted for 11 combined interceptions.

While they do lose some of the guys they relied on heavily in 2018, their defense will still be good enough to help keep them in games. Even if they do have a drop-off this year, I don’t expect it to be anything like their defense was in 2017.

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