The 2018 North Texas Mean Green football team represented the University of North Texas as a member of Conference USA (C-USA) during the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by third-year head coach Seth Littrell, the Mean Green compiled an overall record of 9–4 with a mark 5–3 in conference play, placing in a three-way tie for second in C-USA's West Division. North Texas was invited to the New Mexico Bowl, where the Mean Green lost to Utah State. The team played home games at Apogee Stadium in Denton, Texas.
Following a 44–17 victory over Arkansas, which improved the team's record to 3–0, the Mean Green received votes in both the AP poll and the Coaches Poll. It was the first since the 2013 season that North Texas received votes in a major poll.
Schedule North Texas announced its 2018 football schedule on January 23, 2018. The schedule consisted of six home and six away games in the regular season.
Preseason Coaching changes Tashard Choice was named running backs coach.
Award watch lists
Listed in the order that they were released Rimington TrophySosaia MoseCJRMaxwell AwardMason FineQBJRDavey O'Brien AwardMason FineQBJRFred Biletnikoff AwardJalen GuytonWRJRFred Biletnikoff AwardMichael LawrenceWRJRJohn Mackey AwardKelvin SmithTEJRPaul Hornung AwardKelvin SmithTEJRWuerffel TrophyQuinn ShanbourQBSRWalter Camp AwardMason FineQBJRManning AwardMason FineQBJREarl Campbell Tyler Rose AwardMason FineQBJR
Preseason All-CUSA team Conference USA released their preseason all-CUSA team on July 16, 2018, with the Mean Green having two players selected.
Offense
Mason Fine – QB
Jalen Guyton – WR
Preseason media poll Conference USA released their preseason media poll on July 17, 2018, with the Mean Green predicted to finish as champions of the West Division.
Game summaries SMU
The Mean Green's offense went off with 529 total yards, including 444 passing yards from junior quarterback Mason Fine. North Texas's defense held SMU's offense to only 256 yards, forced a turnover, and held the Mustangs scoreless through the first three quarters. 29,519 people attended the game, setting an attendance record at Apogee Stadium. This record would be broken 4 weeks later against Louisiana Tech.
Incarnate Word
At Arkansas
At Liberty
Kickoff was delayed until 6:48 p.m. due to rain and lightning. With the victory, the Mean Green started a season 4–0 for the first time since 1966.
Louisiana Tech
At UTEP
Southern Miss
At UAB
Rice
At Old Dominion
Florida Atlantic
At UTSA
Vs. Utah State—New Mexico Bowl
Statistics
Scoring Scores against non-conference opponents
Scores against C-USA
Scores against all opponents
References