North Texas 2018 Betting Preview: Defense Still Optional for Mean Green

North Texas 2018 Betting Odds

• To win the National Title: +999999
• To win the C-USA: +1300
• Win Total: 8 (over +110, under -140)

Always shop for the best line.

North Texas 2018 Schedule, Betting Odds

The Action Network Projected Wins: 7.8

Bet To Watch

North Texas Under 8 wins (-140)

North Texas comes off a Conference USA West division title, but may of had a bit of luck with a 2nd Order Win Total of -1.2, meaning their true performance was 1.2 wins worse than their record. Two losses to Florida Atlantic last year highlight the issues with Seth Littrell's team — a highly dynamic offense with a defense that ranked 119th in points per game and 94th in yards per play allowed.

The formula may be the same in 2018, with plenty of JUCO transfers and freshman filling the gaps on a defense that ranks 83rd returning production. The offense will continue to hum, with quarterback (and Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year) Mason Fine returning with most of his offensive line. A boost to this offensive line came in the form of right tackle Riley Mayfield getting extra year of eligibility from the NCAA.

The Mean Green do not have a schedule conducive to getting nine wins with that optional defense philosophy. Arkansas and Florida Atlantic have high-powered offenses should overpower the North Texas defense. North Texas would need to sweep coin-flip games against SMU, Louisiana Tech, UAB, and a tough road spot at Old Dominion to his this over. Take North Texas Under 8 (-140) until the defense has a pulse.

What else you need to know about North Texas

In two games last season, North Texas gave up a combined 1, 224 yards to Florida Atlantic. The Owls come to Denton on Nov. 17 looking to once again take advantage of the Mean Green defense. Consider adding Florida Atlantic -6 to your game of the year futures.

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