The North Texas Mean Green pops the cork on its 2015 season with a trip to the SMU Mustangs. We evaluate the matchup below in the SMU vs. North Texas prediction and game preview.

SMU vs. North Texas Prediction & Preview

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Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 12
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Network: ESPN3

Why You Need To Care

Former Conference USA foes, SMU and North Texas, renew acquaintances this Saturday on the Hilltop. The Mean Green will be playing for the first time in 2015, hoping to put last season’s four-win stumble behind it as quickly as possible. The Mustangs hope to build off of an impressive first half versus Baylor by handing Chad Morris his first victory as a college head coach.

Why North Texas Will Win

SMU has plenty of room for growth on defense, and not just because it was gashed in the opener by Baylor. The Mean Green is ready to surround senior QB Andrew McNulty with more weapons than he had a year ago, namely backs Jeffrey Wilson and Antoinne Jimmerson, WR Carlos Henderson and TE Marcus Smith.

Why SMU Will Win

Yeah, the Mustangs were routed by Baylor, but Morris’ offense flashed life. Matt Davis looks like the right quarterback to operate the coach’s system, with his ability to scramble out of pressure and make throws on the move. It’s going to benefit SMU to have popped pads and been tested. Plus, North Texas was an awful road team in 2014.

Player Who Matters

Davis seems to love the size of 6-4 rookie WR Courtland Sutton, who caught two touchdown passes in the opener. But now he has to make better use of veteran Darius Joseph, who had a quiet start to the year.

What’s Going To Happen?

Neither defense has defensive stalwarts, so the offenses will get chance to move the sticks. This will be somewhat of a coming-out party for Davis, who’ll rush for 100 yards in a second straight game, while spurring Morris’ first win as a Mustang.

SMU vs. North Texas Score Prediction

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s that time. The SMU vs. North Texas prediciton is …

Prediction: SMU 35, North Texas 27

Must See Rating: 5: Ferrell Takes the Field – 1: A Walk in The Woods … 1

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