📸: kdow.biz
The start of the 2018 college football season is upon us. There has been plenty of negative news surrounding several universities this summer, but there’s a great level of excitement surrounding a highly anticipated matchup. A lot of great games this opening weekend but none more important in the Metroplex than when the SMU Mustangs travel to Denton and Apogee Stadium to face the North Texas Mean Green. After Chad Morris left for Arkansas, new head coach Sonny Dykes lost his debut to Louisiana Tech 51-10 in the Frisco Bowl; SMU finished the season at 7-6. After three years at The Hilltop, Morris did put SMU football back on the map, making it a more desirable destination for top recruits. The 2018 season is expected to have some hiccups for SMU with a slate of tougher games. The Mustangs will face TCU, Michigan, Navy, Central Florida, Houston and Memphis. The offense behind QB Ben Hicks should score a ton, but the problem is, their defense gives up just as many points. Dallas, Texas will still be a very sought after destination for top talent regardless of how the Mustangs finish the 2018 season. North Texas enters this season with much higher expectations after being undefeated at home last season and finishing the year at 9-5, but losing the New Orleans Bowl against Troy, 50-30. The Mean Green are expected to compete for the Conference USA title and a bowl win to take yet another great leap forward in just Seth Littrell’s third year. Star quarterback Mason Fine will lead an explosive offensive attack with an experienced wide receiver corps. The team will return 17 starters, including Fine and WR Jalen Guyton who are pre-season all conference selections. UNT will look to improve on the defensive side of the ball after allowing 426.7 yards per game last season and 35 points per game. Two programs headed in what seem to be different directions, UNT expected to win now and compete while the Mustangs are expected to stumble while facing stiff competition. This matchup always delivers and be prepared to see some fireworks. Both offenses can light up the scoreboard and have talented wide-outs. Both offenses are led by prolific passers who have made great leaps in their development. Their last meeting on September 9th 2017, Hicks and Fine combined for 7 touchdown passes in an SMU victory, 54-32. Turnovers doomed North Texas and their defense was unable to stop star wide receiver and now NFL player for the Denver Broncos, Courtland Sutton who totaled 4 touchdowns on 163 yards receiving. This matchup will be sure to entertain as both programs look to start their season on the right foot, SMU can earn a huge victory away from home against a very tough opponent that were undefeated at Apogee while the Mean Green look to start their run at another bowl game and a 10 win season.