Conference USA Football Predictions 2017
By Tyler Smith
Conference USA Preview
East Division
#1T Western Kentucky
Coach: Mike Sanford
Offensive Coordinator: Junior Adams Defensive Coordinator: Clayton White Stadium: Houchens Industries-LT Smith Stadium (22,113) 2016 Record: 11-3 The Breakdown Offense: Western Kentucky always puts up a lot of points. In 2017 they led the nation with 45.5 ppg. With the return of Mike White at QB they should be over 40 again. He had 37 touchdowns and could of easily surpassed 40. White will have to find new favorite targets now that Taywan Taylor and Nicholas Norris are gone. Those two combined for 31 touchdowns and 174 catches. Narcarius Fant returns but only had 29 catches last season. Plenty of talent was sitting in the wings though. Several three star talents are ready to emerge. Quin Jernighan and Xavier Lane should be next in line. Mik'Quan Deane a JUCO transfer will start right away at TE. Lucky Jackson played as a freshman and grabbed 26 balls. The running game should be back in full force with D'Andre Ferby returning. He was injured after one carry last season. Ferby was the second leading rusher in 2015. What makes this Hilltopper offense so hard to stop is their offensive line is top notch. They have several linemen that could end up on the first team. Defense: The Western Kentucky defense came to play last season. the Hilltoppers had a four game stretch where their opponents only averaged 9.25 points per game. They had the top defense in CUSA last season and they have a chance to do it again this season. Derik Overstreet and Chris Johnson give the offensive line two threats to get at the QB. Moving to linebackers where Joel Iyiegbuniwe is bound to be a star. With is ten tackles for loss last season and the amount of top tacklers that have departed from the team he will be on everyone's radar. The secondary is full of seniors. Joe Brown and D'Andre Simmons are returning starters. Leverick Johnson will start at nickel back. He was fourth in tackles last season. Safety Juwan Gardner played in all 14 games last season. Marcus Ward only played in two games due to injury. In his sophomore and junior season he had over 50 tackles. Special Teams: When both of your returns are first team CUSA talents you have to feel good. Fant and Towner both scored on special teams plays last year. Towner was tough to bring down on returns, he led the nation in yards per return with 40.3. Fant was 5th in yards per punt return. Jake Collins is a top punter in the league. Kicker Skyler Simcox will get a lot of action again this season. Final Thoughts: It is hard not to like this Hilltopper team, great QB, offensive line will lead to a lot of points. The defense will do enough to keep them in every game. Three games that will determine their season at Vanderbilt, Louisiana Tech and Middle Tennessee. If they win those games an undefeated season is in the works. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Mike White, SR, QB Rushing Quinton Baker, SO, RB Receiving Nacarius Fant, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Tacorian Darden, SO, CB and Leverick Johnson, SR, NB Sacks: Chris Johnson, SR, DT and Derik Overstreet, SR, DE Tackles: Joel Iyiegbuniwe, JR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 11-3 2015 12-2 2014 8-5 2013 8-4 2012 7-6 |
#1T Middle Tennessee
Coach: Rick Stockstill
Offensive Coordinator: Tony Franklin Defensive Coordinator: Scott Shafer Stadium: Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium (31,000) 2016 Record: 8-5 The Breakdown Offense: One of the best WR/QB combos in College Football resides in Murfreesboro Brent Stockstill and Richie James. James has 213 receptions in just two years. Stockstill has 61 passing touchdowns. MTSU will have plenty of firepower again this season. Running back will be a question mark for this team as Mathers has graduated. The returning leading rusher for the Blue Raiders is Richie James if that tells you anything. Maurice Gordon comes in from the JUCO ranks. Gordon should work his way into plenty of carries. Shane Tucker started in 2015 at RB before moving to WR last season and getting injured. While he has the experience he was only able to run for 3.25 yards a carry in '15. Richie James is not the only WR the Blue Raiders have. Patrick Smith and Ty Lee return. Lee was great with over 60 catches and 9 scores as a freshman. Zack Dobson could be the freshman playmaker this season. The right side of the line returns but everywhere else will be new faces to the starting unit. Fall camp will be important for the offensive line. Defense: Enter Scott Shafer to fix the issues at MTSU. Shafer has 8 starters back but needs to build a new defensive line. A few former three star players will get a shot Malik Manciel, Rakavian Poydras and Rosheem Collins.Collins being a 3 star JUCO transfer. A transfer from Missouri, Walter Brady, comes in having put up big numbers while he was a Tiger. Middle Tennessee has the best linebacker unit in the conference. It starts with Chris Melton who is the returning leader in both sacks and tackles. Darius Harris and DJ Sanders join him. Myles Harges and Khalil Brooks provide great depth as they both had over 35 tackles last year. The secondary was not great last season. All four starters are back which should be a good thing with Shafer changing things up. If they can improve here this team will for sure improve on their 2016 record. Special Teams: Good news in the special teams unit. Kicker Canon Rooker is back after his first team all conference performance. #99 Matt Bonadies is back at kicker after a sub par year but he proved his freshman season that he can perform. Final Thoughts: The defensive line will be a lot better than what people are saying now. The offense will be explosive as long as Stockstill and James are their. The secondary has to be better in order to win in this conference. Non-conference play features 3 power 5 teams, all winnable. Conference play has UTEP and UAB from the West so no test their. The big game is at WKU on November 17th. This will be a special season for the Blue Raiders. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Brent Stockstill, JR, QB Rushing Richie James, JR, WR Receiving Richie James, JR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Three players tied with 2 Sacks: Chris Melton, JR, LB Tackles: Chris Melton, JR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 8-5 2015 7-6 2014 6-6 2013 8-5 2012 8-4 |
#3 Old Dominion
Coach: Bobby Wilder
Offensive Coordinator: Brian Scott Defensive Coordinator: Rich Nagy Stadium: Foreman Field (20,118) 2016 Record: 10-3 The Breakdown Offense: Old Dominion will have to find a new QB again. Washington got the start last season and put up big numbers leading ODU to 10 wins. Blake LaRussa and Drayton Arnold are the top options coming into the season. How one of those two perform will go a long way for this team. Having Ray Lawry at Running back will help any QB. Lawry has been sensational over his career at ODU. He has been the starting running back in Norfolk since his freshman year. Cox returns as well. He led the team in rushing touchdowns last year with 13. This is the best one-two punch in the conference. Don't be surprised if this years team averages over 200 yards per game on the ground. The line should be strong for the backs to get those yards with 3 starters back and nice depth. Zach Pascal is a household name in the ODU program. He has graduated so the Monarch receiving corps will need to step up. The good news is everyone from last years team but Pascal are back. Jonathan Duhart leads all returning players with 48 catches and 735 yards. Noah Ellison has the potential to be the next big WR from ODU. Defense: Overall the defense looks good. Biggest questions at linebacker though. A lot of youth and inexperience come into play. Three spots are up for grabs and all three could be held by freshman and sophomores by the end of the season. The secondary is strong with three of four starters returning. The safety position is strong with Rob Thompson, Sean Carter and Justice Davila all with quality experience. Brandon Addison is a all conference contender at corner. Jamez Brickhouse, Jelani Carter and Akim Bundu-Fitz are all sophomores that will play key roles at corner. The front four is really strong and will be a force all year long. Oshane Ximines led the team in sacks and tackles for loss. On the opposite side is Bunmi Rotimiwho was second in sacks and tackles for loss. With the pressure coming from the ends this team should be even more dangerous this season. They were 28th in the nation in '16. The depth on the line is impressive at any level. Special Teams: The Monarchs have one of the better kickers in Conference USA in Brad Davis. Bailey Cate landed 25 punts inside the 20 last year. Final Thoughts: The offensive has great running backs and a WR corps that is underrated. QB is the biggest question. So far ODU has been able to reload at QB but time will tell for this current situation. It is hard not to like this defense even with the concern at linebacker. This will be another good season for ODU with the right QB at play. If they find him they could contend for first in the East. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Blake LaRussa, SO, QB Rushing Ray Lawry, SR, RB Receiving Jonathan Duhart, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Three players tied with 2 Sacks: Oshane Ximines, JR, DE Tackles: Sean Carter, JR, S Last Five Year Win Totals 2016: 10-3 2015 5-7 2014 6-6 2013 NA 2012 NA |
#4 Florida Atlantic
Coach: Lane Kiffin
Offensive Coordinator: Kendal Briles Defensive Coordinator: Chris Kiffin Stadium: FAU Stadium (30,000) 2016 Record: 3-9 The Breakdown Offense: Kendal Briles comes into FAU to get away from all the issues at Baylor. Briles will welcome in former FSU QB De'Andre Johnson. Johnson went to East Mississippi CC to get a fresh start as many other successful FBS players have. Johnson is a primary pocket passer that can run. At the JUCO level he took care of the ball with only 6 INTs and 26 TD. Johnson will look to Kalib Woods often this season. Woods was the only threat last season. JUCO transfer DeAndre McNeal could be the secondary option that the Owls desperately need. With a solid offensive line led by LT Reggie Bain the rushing attack should be impressive. With the threat of Johnson at QB and Devin Singletary it should keep defenses on their toes. Singletary had over 1,000 yards on 152 carries. Howell is a great option as well. He ran for 13 scores last season. Defense: Kiffin's brother will be over the defense. Monte will be around as a consultant too. Well, the Kiffin's have their work cut out for them. Statistics say this was a bottom 5 defense. The Owls didn't do anything right. Two bright spots for the defense Azeez Al-Shaair and Jalen Young. Between those two they have 212 tackles. They need players around them to emerge for this defense to turn things around. The defensive line brings back two starters and adds to JUCO transfers. Carson Lydon is a former Virginia Tech Hookie that was going to possibly play at Ole Miss before Kiffin came over. If these new additions FAU should improve but by how much? Special Teams: Teams will look to stay away from returners Devin Singletary and Kerrith Whyte. Ryan Rickel will now handle punting duties. Greg Joseph has been about a 70 percent kicker for his career. Final Thoughts: Kiffin is in as the head coach in Boca Raton. His offense will be impressive with all the talent he has. The defense has several new comers that will need to make impacts right away. If not a mediocre season is ahead. Most of their wins will be from home this schedule. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Jason Driskel, JR, QB Rushing Devin Singletary, SO, RB Receiving Kalib Woods, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Three players tied with 2 Sacks: Three Players tied with 2 Tackles: Azeez Al-Shaair, JR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 3-9 2015 3-9 2014 3-9 2013 6-6 2012 3-9 |
#5 Marshall
Coach: Doc Holliday
Offensive Coordinator: Todd Goebbel and Bill Legg Defensive Coordinator: Chuck Heater Stadium: Joan C. Edwards Stadium (38,019) 2016 Record: 3-9 The Breakdown Offense: A lot went wrong last season for the Herd. One main issue is they could not run the ball. They lost over 900 yards of production from the previous year. Place the blame where you would like but the offensive line was simply not good. With the second unit being filled with freshman linemen if the first unit fails look for these guys to get an opportunity. They will be blocking for JUCO transfer Trey Rodriguez. This is an addition that could go a long way for the Herd. Chase Litton is back at QB. Litton was solid last season despite all of the issues. He will need to take his game one more level for this team to take the next step though. The offensive line play may hold him back though. No starter returns at WR but they welcome in Tyre Brady. Brady did not play a lot as a Hurricane but he will be featured at Marshall. Janiero Crankfield and Monterio Hunt are two true freshman that could work themselves into the lineup. Defense: Chuck Heater has been as consistent as the Ohio River is flowing. 2016 however was ugly. They gave up just over 35 points per game. Since Heater has arrived he has given up no more than 22.9 ppg. Seven starters are back and they do have talent here. Between the reutnring players, JUCO transfers and youth this group should flip the script. The linebacker group was poor last season. No doubt they will be better this season. JUCO transfers Donyea Moody and Artis Johnson should start right away. Add in Omari Cobb and Chase Hancock who are returning starters adds good depth. All eyes will be on freshman Jaquan Yulee who is a a four star prospect who had to sit out last season. Secondary has returning talent with Rodney Allen and Kendall Gnat. Gnat led the team in tackles last season. Allen has the capabilities to earn accolades this season. C.J. reavis played in 9 games last season and will be a starter in his final season. The defensive line is the one area where concern lies. Ryan Bee has moved to DT after he was second on the team in sacks last season. They desperately need someone else to emerge on the line for this team to get back to form. Special Teams: Herd Nation can only hope that freshman Cole Phillips can cure all of their issues at kicker. Kaare Vedvik struggled in 2016 but should get back on track this season. Final Thoughts: Marshall was a favorite to win the East last season. Nothing went right. This season they have very little expectations and could surprise a lot of people. The defense will get back to usual with the influx of talent. With Chase Litton at QB this team will be good their but elsewhere you have to question before seeing the results. The schedule is not kind to the Herd. Marshall has to face Southern Miss and UTSA from the West. Non-conference they will have be in battles with everyone but Kent. Game one vs. Miami (OH) will be a good test to see where this team is heading into 2017. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Chase Litton, JR, QB Rushing Keion Davis, JR, RB Receiving Ryan Yurachek, SR, TE Defense: Interceptions: Rodney Allen. SR, CB and Chris Jackson, SO, CB Sacks: Ryan Bee, JR, DT Tackles: Kendall Gant, SR, S Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 3-9 2015 10-3 2014 13-1 2013 10-4 2012 5-7 |
#6T Florida International
Coach: Butch Davis
Offensive Coordinator: Rich Skrosky Defensive Coordinator: Brent Guy Stadium: FIU Stadium (23,500) 2016 Record: 4-8 The Breakdown Offense: Alex McGough has started for the Panthers since he was a freshman. FIU hasn't averaged over 25.5 points per game in that time period. That will need to change for FIU to get to .500. McGough needs to get back to his 2015 form where he threw for 21 scores and had a completion percentage over 60. Last season he took a step back. He does have some good options though. Alex Gardner like McGough has started since his freshman season. His junior campaign was his best he averaged over 5 yards per carry and nearly had 1,000 yards on 181 carries. Anthony Jones is a nice option behind Gardner. Gardner can get it done receiving as well. Thomas Owens led the team in receptions last season but will need a number two guy now that TE Jonnu Smith is gone. Stanley Thomas showed some promise in his freshman season. Issues are found across the offensive line. Two starters are back with zero depth and not a lot of known options to turn to. This is where the FIU offense could be held back. Defense: This is where the Panthers will excel, defense. Nine starters are back from a roster that did have it's struggles. Brent Guy is in at DC and will help this team with Butch Davis's guidance. The secondary is the teams best unit. They have four starters back. Xavier Hines and Niko Gonzalez are both senior, safeties. Isaiah Brown had great freshman year with 3 interceptions, 7 passes broken up. Linebacker is in good shape too with Treyvon Williams and Anthony Wint back. Williams had 109 tackles to lead all returning players. The weakest spot for FIU is defensive line. Fermin Silva proved his worth last season with a team high 5 sacks. The problem is the rest of the line wasn't producing in the pressure department. If the push up front improves this defense will put the pressure on the offense to make plays. Special Teams: Stone Wilson was about as bad as it gets last season only averaging 37.6 per punt. If he doesn't improve the offense will be in an even tougher spot. Jose Borregales will take over as the place kicker. However the Panthers have two dangerous threats in Gardner and Owens to make plays on returns. Final Thoughts: It is hard for me to see a way that FIU can improve on what they were able to do last season. The pieces that they have back on offense haven't proved much so far. The ability to win field position battles is not in their favor either. The schedule isn't brutal but will they take that next step is the question. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Alex McGough, SR, QB Rushing Alex Gardner, SR, RB Receiving Thomas Owens, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Isiah Brown, SO, CB Sacks: Fermin Silva, JR, DE Tackles: Treyvon Williams, SR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 4-8 2015 5-7 2014 4-8 2013 1-11 2012 3-9 |
#6T Charlotte
Coach: Brad Lambert
Offensive Coordinator: Jeff Mullen Defensive Coordinator: Matt Wallerstedt Stadium: Jerry Richardson Stadium 2016 Record: 4-8 The Breakdown Offense: The 49ers went from 17 points per game to 25. They return 6 starters. QB Hasaan Klugh is one of the key returnees. He was OK when called upon and limited turnovers. This year he will need to get his completion percentage up and add more touchdowns. It would be nice for a WR to emerge as a true threat. T.L Ford and Workpeh Kofa are the veterans of the group. A sophomore or freshman showing promise would be a good sign for a unit that will lose a lot after this season. The running game had some positives last season. Klugh gives the offense a different dynamic with his ability to run. He had eight scores last season on the ground. Robert Washington will get the bulk of the carries this season. He averaged over 5 yards per carry in a back up role. Both tackles return on the line. Greg Adkins hopes to make gains with this unit as they have been among the worst in conference USA. Defense: While the offense made progress in year two, the defense did not. Teams unloaded on them in the passing game ranking 124th in the country. They did however do a good job at stopping the run. That front is in large part gone. They will need to test their depth this year and it has promise. Karrington King is the best defensive player they have. Don't be shocked if he goes over 100 tackles this season. Three sophomores Anthony Butler, Tyriq Harris, and Jeff Gemmell will see a lot of time next to him at linebacker. The defense produced a lot of interceptions last season. They will need to put up those type of numbers again this season. They have great depth at safety but cornerback will see several faces throughout the season in hopes to find a combination that works. Special Teams: Aurther Hart was one of the worst kickers in the nation if you look at net yardage (39.2). Fall camp will be when the kicking slot is filled. Chris Montgomery will be the primary kick returner. Final Thoughts: Year two was better for Charlotte with 4 wins. Year three doesn't look to be a repeat of that. It is nice to have a returning QB that you have hopes for but every where else you look, the confidence fades. They have winnable games early so if they can gain momentum we will see what happens. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Hassan Klugh, JR, QB Rushing Robert Washington, SO, RB Receiving T.J. Ford, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Ed Rolle, JR, S Sacks: Karrington King, SR, LB and Tyriq Harris. SO, LB Tackles: Karrington King, SR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 4-8 2015 2-10 2014 NA 2013 NA 2012 NA |
West Division
#1 Louisiana Tech
Coach: Skip Holtz
Offensive Coordinator: Todd Fitch Defensive Coordinator: Blake Baker Stadium: Joe Aillet Stadium (30,600) 2016 Record: 9-5 The Breakdown Offense: Another high scoring Conference USA team which finished right behind WKU nationally with 44.3 PPG. QB Ryan Higgins is gone but Bulldog fans should be excited about J'Mar Smith. Smith was a three star prospect with offers from Memphis and Miss State. He is a dual threat QB who was an effective passer when called upon last season. Smith will have four receivers to pass to in the LA Tech offensive scheme. Transfer Teddy Veal figures to make a big impact. Veal was the top receiver for Tulane in 2015. They switched schemes which led to his depart. Adrian Hardywas orginally signed with Oklahoma before coming to La Tech. He has good size and will be a threat in the red zone. Kam McKnight will play a large role this season as well. Jared Craft is the one returning playmaker. He leads the team in receiving and rushing yards. RB Boston Scott is capable of making big plays. They will have a solid front to run behind. Defense: Is this the year the defense breaks through? It is possible when you have a great defensive line. Jaylon Ferguson is a NFL prospect after the season he put together last season. He had 14.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss. Deldrick Canty will be a big threat with Ferguson getting all the attention this season. Jordan Bradford and Cedric Johnson will man the middle. Russell Farris is the teams top tackler with 75 take downs last season. They have experience here and add Randy Hogan from the JUCO ranks. Brandon Durman was top ten in tackles. The secondary has issues outside of Secdrick Cooper. Cooper had 73 tackles, 7 broken up passes and 6.5 tackles for loss. They will need two corners to emerge in order for this team to improve on their 116th ranked pass defense. It could come in the form of true freshman Amik Robertson if things don't improve. Special Teams: Jonathan Barnes might be the best kicker in the country this season. The past two seasons he has hit over 80 percent of his kicks. Davan Dyer is a former rugby kicker who has come over to give it a go for the Bulldogs. Final Thoughts: While they only bring back 10 starters total their is still a lot to like about La Tech. J'Mar Smith is the next big thing. He has talent targets with a great o-line. The secondary is the biggest concern to date. If they fix that issue they will be back at the top. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing: J'Mar Smith, SO, QB Rushing Jarred Craft, SR, RB Receiving Jarred Craft, SR, RB Defense: Interceptions: Ronald Lewis,JR, CB and L'Jarius Sneed, SO, CB Sacks: Jaylon Ferguson, JR, DE Tackles: Russell Farris, SR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 9-5 2015 9-4 2014 9-5 2013 4-8 2012 9-3 |
#2 UTSA
Coach: Frank Wilson
Offensive Coordinator: Frank Scelfo Defensive Coordinator: Pete Golding Stadium: Alamodome (65,000) 2016 Record: 6-7 The Breakdown Offense: UTSA had its ups and downs last season on offense. Expect more consistent play this year with an improved passing attack. Dalton Sturm is back under center for his final season. He didn't make too many mistakes last season and will need to do the same this year. His top four targets are back. Josh Stewart led the team in receptions and yards. Kerry Thomas Jr. found the end zone 8 times. With all the familiarity UTSA should improve a lot in the passing game. The offensive line which was one the strength of the team is currently a weakness. They gave up 43 sacks last season. Three senior starters fill out both guard and center spots. What happens with the new starters at tackle will make or break this offense. Josh Dunlop is the man pegged for left tackle. UTSA has only had a 1,000 yard rusher once in five seasons. Don't be surprised if Jalen Rhodes becomes the next guy to do it. He was the 2nd back last season and averaged over 5 yards on 155 attempts. Defense: This year's defense has the chance to be great. They made big strides last season. Seven starters from that team return. The Roadrunners only feature two linebackers, they have two great ones. Josiah Tauaefa was a freshman All-American after his 115 tackle season. La'Kel Bass led the team in tackles for loss with 11. That combo is tough top. The line features another good combo with defensive ends Kevin Strong Jr. and Marcus Davenport. The two combined for 16.5 TFL. Davenport led the team in sacks and QB hurries. Expect a consistent rotation at DT. The secondary will welcome in two new safeties but don't expect much of a fall off. Nate Gaines is the real deal at safety. He leads the team in passes knocked down and tallied 81 tackles. Corners Austin Jupe and Teddrick McGhee will need to force more turnovers. The team had 7 interceptions last season. Special Teams: Matt Guidry will be seen returning punts and kicks this season. Kicker is up in the air but Victor Falcon will get the bulk of the kicks. Yannis Routas after a above average 2016 campaign. Final Thoughts: With the defense the Road Runners are putting on the field this team has a chance to win the West. The offensive line, more specifically the tackle spots will be crucial after another disastrous season giving up sacks. The non-conferene schedule features three Texas schools. Texas State will be a win, Houston and Baylor will be tough. Overall conference slate is pretty weak setting this team u for a great season. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Dalton Sturm, SR, QB Rushing Jalen Rhodes, JR, RB Receiving Josh Stewart, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Four Players Tied At 1 Sacks: Marcus Davenport, SR, DE Tackles: Josiah Tauaefa, SO, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 6-7 2015 3-9 2014 4-8 2013 7-5 2012 8-4 |
#3 Southern Miss
Coach: Jay Hopson
Offensive Coordinator: Shannon Dawson Defensive Coordinator: Tony Pecoraro Stadium: M.M. Roberts Stadium (36,000) 2016 Record: 7-6 Offense: The Golden Eagles are really talented at the skill spots. Running back Ito Smith is a first team all conference player. Smith had a total of 19 touchdowns last season. He was a threat not only running the ball but as a receiver. He was third on the team with 43 catches. Wide receivers Allenzae Staggers and Isaiah Jones are firs team talents as well. Staggers emerged as a deep threat last season coming from the JUCO ranks. He was the teams leader in receptions, yards and touchdowns. Isaiah Jones didn't have as big of an impact last season but this year he should break out. The offensive line and QB pose questions. The lines two deep is full of freshman and sophomores. Two starters return. JUCO Transfer Jimmie Terry will likely get the starting spot at LG. The line will be blocking for either Keon Allen or Kwadra Griggs. Howard struggles in his breif stent under center last season. Griggs comes in off a redshirt season. This battle will be decided in the fall. Defense: The defense was impressive at times but if you look at last year's losses you can see the defense under performed. In those losses they averaged 42.5 points. 13 points above their season average. The good news is 3 of 5 starters return from a secondary that was dominant last season. They were 10th in the nation in passing yards. NB Picasso Nelson Jr. led the team in tackles. While the secondary played well the team as whole was -17 in TO Margin ranking 125th nationally. That will be one area where they can improve on. Only five fumbles were recovered last year as well. The defensive line shouldn't fall off too much with the return of DE Xavier Thigpen. Who emerges at the other DE spot will be important to attract away from Thigpen. The Golden Eagles will play 2 linebackers behind the front four. Sherrod Ruff should have a monster year. He emerged as a pass rushing threat last season. Special Teams: Kelsey Douglas is slated to start at punter. Parker Shaunfield had a great 2016 campaign. Allenzae Staggers is always a threat in the return game. Final Thoughts: Southern Miss has a lot of talent across the board. They brought in a top CUSA recruting class as well this season. They are weak at QB on offensive line but with the skill they have on offense they should be able to put up points. They bring in Kentucky in week one a team they beat last season. The schedule has them going on the road to both UTSA and LA Tech this season. They will need to win at least one of those game to have a shot at the West. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Keon Howard, SO, QB Rushing Ito Smith, SR, RB Receiving Allenzae Staggers, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Three players tied with 2 Sacks: Xavier Thigpen, SR, DE Tackles: Picasso Nelson Jr., SR, NB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 7-6 2015 9-5 2014 3-9 2013 1-11 2012 0-12 |
#4 North Texas
Coach: Seth Littrell
Offensive Coordinator: Graham Harrell Defensive Coordinator: Mike Ekeler Stadium: Apogee Stadium (30,850) 2016 Record: 5-8 The Breakdown Offense: The offense still has ways to go but they showed promise heading into this season. They went from 15 points per game to 24 in 2016. They should be able to increase that number this season too. The passing attack will need to be much better this season to take this team to the next level. Mason Fine played in 10 games last season as a freshman. He will have full control this season. Fine only had 6 touchdowns to 5 interceptions last season. He did hit his receivers at a nearly a 60 percent clip though. The Mean Green's top weapon is Jeffery Wilson is back for his final season. Wilson has been a bright spot for this team every season. His health is the biggest concern. He was able to get in the end zone 14 times last season rushing. He is a viable option for the passing attack as well. This is where they could really use him and get him the touches that he needs. The receiving corps is one of the worst in the conference. They need a player to be the go to guy for Fine. Jalen Guyton is the prized JUCO WR that the staff hopes can be that guy. They have several three star WR prospects coming in this season as well Tre Siggers, Jaelon Darden. Greg White could also see time as a freshman. The offensive line has also had problems aka 43 sacks given up last year. If they can't protect Fine than he will never settle in. Defense: North Texas is changing their ways on defense as well. The secondary rose to the occasion with 14 interceptions. All three key contributors are back too. NAte Brooks led the team with 4 interceptions. Safety Kishawn McClain had 91 tackles. This secondary could be even better this season with some help from the front three. The defensive line only accounted for 8 sacks and only 3.5 sacks are back. Roderick Young is the lone returning starter. Bryce English could see a lot of time at DT after transferring from K State. Moving to the middle of the defense North Texas doesn't return one starter. They do have quality experience from Joshua Wheeler, Brandon Garner and E.J. Elijya. If this group excels then North Texas will be contending in all most every game. Special Teams: Austin McGhee comes in from the JUCO ranks to punt. Trevor Moore has proven to be reliable within in his range. Jalen Guyton should be energy to the return unit. Final Thoughts: I was harsh on North Texas last season and they proved me wrong. Seth Littrell and Co have to be happy with 2016 but 2017 is an important year for the program. If they regress after a 5 win season where is the program headed? They could certainly get back there but it won't be easy. Two keys unit offensive line and defensive line, you have to win in the trenches. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Mason Fine, SO, QB Rushing Jeffery Wilson, SR, RB Receiving Turner Smiley, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Nate Brooks, JR, CB Sacks: Joshua Wheeler, SR, DE Tackles: Kishawn McClain, SR, S Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 5-8 2015 1-11 2014 4-8 2013 9-4 2012 4-8 |
#5 UTEP
Coach: Sean Kugler
Offensive Coordinator: Brent Pease Defensive Coordinator: Tom Mason Stadium: Sun Bowl (51,500) 2016 Record: 4-8 The Breakdown Offense: The good news for UTEP is they have a starting QB coming back with a great offensive line in front of him. UTEP has an All-American at LG Will Hernandez. If Greg Long and Jerrod Brooks establish themselves as the right guys at tackle this line could take this team to at least .500. Ryan Metz would like to get a few more touches this season after throwing just 201 balls last year. He should with running back Aaron Jones gone. Who follows Jones the teams all-time leading rusher? A local product Joshua Fields seems promising. He was the only 3 star recruit for the Miners in the 2017 class. Their isn't a lot of experience since Jones has been the primary back since he stepped on campus. The hope is the same will happen for Fields. As mentioned earlier Metz would like to throw the ball more but who is he throwing too? Only one returning player has more than 25 catches sophomore Eddie Sinegal. Tight end was a go to spot for Metz last season and he will now be throwing to JUCO transfer David Lucero. This unit needs a sign of life in a bad way this season for UTEP to get out of this rut. Defense: UTEP only managed 14 sacks last season. Over half of those sacks are gone. Getting pressure on the QB will be a top priority for a line that doesn't return one starter. You could see a sophomore trio of Denzel Chukwukelu, Gene Hopkins and Chris Richardson a lot this season. Alvin Jones is a stud at linebacker. Jones has led the team in tackles in 2015 and 2016. Fellow Senior Dante Lovilotte will join him. The secondary was strong last season. Three starters return and Micheal Lewis a former starter. Forcing more turnovers will be a focus for this team as just 6 interceptions came from the secondary last year. Devin Cockrell has first team potential. Special Teams: I'm not sure how it is possible to kick only 5 FGs but UTEP managed to do that last season. Getting more chances will go a long way for this team. Alan Luna is in his final season as punter for the Miners. Final Thoughts: I really like Ryan Metz at QB. I'm not sure he has the pieces around him to put up big numbers though. The defensive line will need to be more effective this season. They draw Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee State form the East. Need I say more? |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Ryan Metz, JR, QB Rushing Quadraiz Wadley, SO, RB Receiving Eddie Sinegal, SO, WR Defense: Interceptions: Kalon Beverly, JR, CB and Justin Rogers, SO, CB Sacks: Alvin Jones, SR, LB Tackles: Alvin Jones, SR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 4-8 2015 5-7 2014 7-6 2013 2-10 2012 3-9 |
#6 Rice
Coach: David Bailiff
Offensive Coordinator: Billy Lynch Defensive Coordinator: Brian Stewart Stadium: Rice Stadium (47,000) 2016 Record: 3-9 The Breakdown Offense: Rice is looking for it's QB of the future this season. Don't be surprised if you see several QB take the field. Rice fans are excited to see what incoming freshman Miklo Smalls from Plano, TX can do. He will have to win that QB battle over Jackson Tyner though. The team brings back 5 offensive starters, all five are on the line. This is good news for all the inexperience under center. The playmakers on this team are virtually unknown. Rice had 483 rushing attempts but they came from 6 different running backs. Samuel Stewart is the running back the Owls would like to see get the bulk of the carries but he is often injured. No one on the receiving unit had over 500 yards last season. Aaron Cephus, Kaylen Granson and Cameron Johnson are a few young talents that could establish something this season. Defense: Anytime you give up over 500 yards per game in a season it leads to few wins. The Owls bring back seven starters from that disaster. The one bright spot on the unit is linebacker Emmanuel Ellerbee. He has 118 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 8 tackles for loss. The unit will need some emergence from the other backers to improve on the 216 yards they lost via the ground game. The line has potential to improve with depth and both starters back at defensive end. Brain Womac and Blain Padgett are capable of making things happen but they will need to do it on a consistent basis. The secondary was poor. They couldn't force turnovers and allowed over 10 yards per catch. Hopefully the return of Justin Bickham's return will help. Special Teams: Rice needs some help at kicker and they went on the recruiting trail to see if they can find their guy. Jack Fox handles both punting and kickoffs. He only kicked 42 percent touchbacks last season. Final Thoughts: Rice is building for next season plain and simple. They need to find their QB of the future this season. The defense has to take steps forward or the Owls will be back at 3 wins. If they can win at UTEP in week two, you know they won't go defeated. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Jackson Tyner, SO, QB Rushing Samuel Stewart, JR, RB Receiving Kylen Granson, SO, WR Defense: Interceptions: Four tied with 1 Sacks: Emmanuel Ellerbee, SR, LB and Preston Gordon, JR, DT Tackles: Emmanuel Ellerbee, SR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 3-9 2015 5-7 2014 8-5 2013 10-4 2012 7-6 |
#7 UAB
Coach: Bill Clark
Offensive Coordinator: Les Koenning Defensive Coordinator: David Reeves Stadium: Legion Field (72,000) 2016 Record: N/A The Breakdown Offense: For a program getting a restart they look OK at QB. A.J. Ederly and Tyler Johnson will compete for the starting spot in the fall. You may remember DJ Law from Last Chance U. He was with the Blazers but is now off the team to pursue other ventures in football. They have several players that will share carries until one emerges. Sadly UAB will be without their top talent running back Greg Bryant Jr. who was killed in May of 2016. UAB has promise at WR with Collin Lisa, Xavier Ubosi and Jonathan Haden but until they start to play it is hard to tell what will happen here. Look for Justin Walker to be a threat in the red zone with his size. The offensive line is going to be a work in progress. If their is one unit this team will want to establish this season it is the line. Defense: The lone holdover from 2014 is Shaq Jones. Jones was one of the Blazers best defenders that year. Don't be surprised if you see true freshman Thomas Johnston at linebacker in year one. All eyes will be on Anthony Rush at DT. Hard to keep your eyes off the guy hes 350 pounds. Expect a heavy rotation throughout the line early in the season. The secondary features some returning players from the 2014 squad. Add in a few JUCO transfer and Duke Culver from Louisville. This looks like the strength of the team. Special Teams: Nick Vogel will start at kicker for UAB. Joel Dixon will bring his rugby style kicking to Birmingham. The return game could bring some excitement to Legion Field this fall. Final Thoughts: UAB FOOTBALL IS BACK! I was very disappointed on how things ended for the program. They had a lot of momentum and talent coming back for a great 2015 season. This season won't be easy but this is a building block for next season. They could very easily start the season 3-0. After that it will get more difficult. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing N/A Rushing N/A Receiving N/A Defense: Interceptions: Shaq Jones, SR, LB Sacks: Shaq Jones, SR, LB Tackles: Shaq Jones, SR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 N/A 2015 N/A 2014 6-6 2013 2-10 2012 3-9 |
