North Texas’ defense gave up an average of 49 points in its five losses last season. Sometimes, calculating out the necessary improvements to win a conference title only takes a cursory glance at the schedule. Mean Green coach Seth Littrell knows it, too.

“We got people in long-yardage situations this year and didn’t get off the field. We gave up way too many big plays on third down,” he said. “Those are the things we’re stressing.”

Opponents converted 44 percent of their third downs against UNT in 2017, which ranked 107th nationally. The Mean Green also gave up 41 plays longer than 30 yards. Only five teams gave up more.

They’ll have to fix it without five starters from last season, including standout safety Kishawn McClain, who made 96 stops and picked off two passes in 2017.

Tackle Roderick Young gives UNT a senior up front, and newcomers Darrian McMillan and Tuulau Sa’afi could challenge La’Darius Hamilon and Tony Krasniqi for playing time in the defensive line rotation. Promising but injury-prone Kansas State transfer Bryce English is still fighting to get on the field, too.

Seniors E.J. Ejiya and Brandon Garner should make linebacker the strength of the defense after combining for nine sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss as juniors in 2017. Nickel back Ashton Preston could help the defense start at least seven seniors, too. He made 41 stops with 4.5 tackles for loss and a pair of pass breakups as a junior. C-USA All-Freshman Teamer Joe Ozougwu is well-positioned to replace Joshua Wheeler at the jack linebacker spot.

Sophomore Makayle Sanders and converted running back Tre Siggers should challenge to replace McClain at safety and start alongside Khairi Muhammad.