North Texas regressed in 2019 – hard. The Mean Green went from three straight bowl trips to four wins in Mason Fine’s final campaign. The disappointment caused head coach Seth Littrell to fire both coordinators and take over playcalling responsibilities. 

But now, the Mean Green are headed into a future without Fine. Losing spring ball will make the quarterback competition even tighter in the fall. However, this is also where Littrell’s much-improved recruiting will pay off. 

Two new coordinators will make the task hard. No spring practice will make prognostications that much harder. But six months out, here’s how we see North Texas’ 2020 season unfolding. 

Sept. 5: Houston Baptist

The best quarterback in this game will be on the other sideline, as Bailey Zappe has quickly become one of the most electric players in the state. Obviously, it won’t matter against a revamped Mean Green team. It will be a good test for the secondary. 

Prediction: Win (1-0)

Sept. 12: at Texas A&M

This could be one of the Aggies’ best teams since Johnny Manziel. Traveling to Kyle Field this year won’t go well for North Texas. 

Prediction: Loss (1-1)

Sept. 19: SMU

SMU remembered exactly what North Texas did two years ago when these teams met last season. Apogee Stadium should be motivated once again, but SMU is moving another tier above where North Texas is right now. If Zappe was a good first test, Shane Buechele is more of a final boss. 

Prediction: Loss (1-2)

Sept. 26: at Houston

Houston was in the midst of a total panic last season when these teams played, but still dominated North Texas up front on both sides. The Cougars will be much more settled heading into this one, while North Texas will still be trying to find a rhythm. 

Prediction: Loss (1-3)

Oct. 3: Southern Miss

With all the talent Southern Miss had on its roster, a 7-6 campaign was underwhelming. That said, Jack Abraham should rank among the best returning signal-callers in the conference. This will be a big test for an inconsistent North Texas secondary. 

Prediction: Loss (1-4)

Oct. 10: Charlotte

This is by no means the gimme that Charlotte was a few years ago – Will Healy’s outstanding coaching has made sure of that. North Texas learned that lesson the hard way in North Carolina a year ago. However, UNT is well-positioned to take advantage of the attrition on the 49ers defense, especially with Seth Littrell calling plays. 

Prediction: Win (2-4)

Oct. 17: at Middle Tennessee

Rick Stockstill’s squad took a big step back in 2019, like North Texas. However, UNT has recruited at a higher level than the Blue Raiders as of late and have more intriguing options to take over the quarterback position. This will be a critical game for UNT’s bowl hopes. 

Prediction: Win (3-4)

Oct. 31: at UTEP

UTEP is heading into year three of a five-year rebuild. The Miners have won two combined games in the past two seasons. If UNT can’t beat UTEP, they don’t deserve to be in contention for a bowl game.

Prediction: Win (4-4)

Nov. 7: Louisiana Tech

For the first time in program history, Skip Holtz led Louisiana Tech to 10 wins in 2019. That said, the Bulldogs rank bottom 10 nationally in returning production. Unfortunately, North Texas does too. This could be a 50-50 game, but Louisiana Tech is further along under Holtz. 

Prediction: Loss (4-5)

Nov. 14: at UAB

UAB lost almost everyone from the Conference USA championship two years ago. But after a transition year, Bill Clark has the Blazers ready to win the conference all over again. Birmingham proved to be a house of horrors that ultimately cost UNT its best shot at a conference title game in 2018, and things will be no better this time around. 

Prediction: Loss (4-6)

Nov. 21: Rice

Rice showed in the last game of 2019 that Mike Bloomgren has the program heading in the right direction. North Texas will be in the midst of a bowl run with revenge on the mind. Rice’s defense also struggled most defending the pass last season; whoever is under center in Denton will have to come up big. 

Prediction: Win (5-6)

Nov. 28: at UTSA

UTSA is going to be a thorn in UNT’s side for the next half a decade if Jeff Traylor can get the train rolling. The train won’t get rolling in year one. With bowl eligibility on the line, North Texas will come out of the AlamoDome with a big win.

Prediction: Win (6-6)

Bowl Game: Frisco Bowl vs. Miami (Ohio)

The Redhawks won their first MAC title in a decade a year ago and returns the bulk of its production. There’s a question about whether Miami will be able to be as consistent in close games in 2020 – the 5-0 mark in one-score games isn’t sustainable – but Miami will still be the favorite heading into the Metroplex.

Prediction: Loss (6-7)

Final Record: 6-7, 5-3

With all the turnover on North Texas’ roster, it’s hard to know exactly what to expect. There’s talent all over this program. There’s also inexperience. Potentially losing 15 spring practices to get the team acclimated to new coaching will hurt. 

But still, Conference USA remains unpredictable and North Texas has among the best talent and coaching across the board. After the brutal nonconference slate, every game is on the table.