Conference USA Football Preview 2016
East
#1 Marshall Thundering Herd
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Coach: Doc Holliday
Offensive Coordinator: Bill Legg Defensive Coordinator: Chuck Heater Stadium: Joan C. Edwards Stadium (38,019) 2015 Record: 10-3 The Breakdown Offense: Chase Litton took over and never looked back. Litton is the next in a long line of great Marshall QB’s. As a freshman he threw for 2,605 yards and 23 TD. He lost his top two targets but they have players ready to fill those voids. Look for Michael Clark to be a threat in the Red Zone with his size. Justin Hunt and Deon-Tay McManus are returning starters. Litton’s top target in the red zone last season was TE Ryan Yurachek. Running back is a big question headed into the season. It will be a committee approach to start but Hyleck Foster and Keion Davis could see the bulk of the carries. Blocking for those guys will be a strong O-line who brings back Clint Van Horn at RT. Defense:Chuck Heater has consistently put a great defense on the field. Secondary has some question but also features a very strong safety duo Tiquan Lang (Recently kicked off team) and C.J. Reavis. Lang is the leader on defense. He had 91 tackles last season. Reavis is a former VT Hokie. Two corner spots are open. Jackson and Allen are likely to man those spots. It will be tough to replace linebackers Evan McKelvey and D.J. Hunter. Frankie Hernandez and Davon Durant will get first run at OLB. Devontre’a Tyler is back at MLB. the front four will set the tone for the team. Gary Thompson and Ryan Bee form a lethal combo at DE. Jason Smith, Nyquan Harris, Malik Thompson and Tomell One will see lots of time at DT. Special Teams: It is safe to say that special teams play will take a step back this season. After four years of punter Tyler Williams is gone.Kaare Vedick is in as the new punter. Nick Smith is back at kicker and hit over 70 percent of kicks. The return game won’t be the same now that Reaves is gone. Overview: The offense is in good hands with Chase Litton. The defensive front will need to be special this season and especially early in the year. The defense will come together with time. The non-conference schedule is loaded. The conference schedule give them MTSU and WKU at home. They will have to go on the road to Southern Miss though. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Chase Litton, FR, QB 11 G, 383 ATT, 230 COMP, 60.1 PCT, 2605 Yards, 23 TD, 8 INT, 132.83 Rating Rushing Hyleck Foster, SO, WR 12 G, 100 ATT, 453 Yards, 3 TD Receiving Ryan Yurachek, SO, TE 13 G, 44 REC, 417 Yards, 9 TD Defense: Interceptions: Rodney Allen, SO, DB 13 G, 3 INT, 0 TD Sacks: Gary Thompson, JR, DE 13 G, 9.0 Sacks Tackles: Tiquan Lang, JR, DB 12 G, 40 Solo, 51 Assisted, 91 Total Last Five Year Win Totals 2015 10-3 2014 13-1 2013 10-4 2012 5-7 2011 7-6 Marshall Scheudle
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#1T Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders
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Coach: Rick Stockstill
Offensive Coordinator: Tony Franklin Defensive Coordinator: Tyrone Nix Stadium: Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium (31,000) 2015 Record: 7-6 The Breakdown Offense: MTSU has one of the best pass catch combinations in the nation with QB Brent Stockstill and WR Richie James. As freshman they hooked up 108 times for 1,346 yards and 8 TDs. Stockstill did spread the ball around totalling over 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns. Terry Pettis might be Stockstill’s second option this season. Former RB Shane Tucker moves to WR. Several newcomers could slide right in as valuable options this season as well with a four WR set. The offensive line is open on the left side but the right side brings back both starters. They will be glad to block for Ole Miss transfer I’Tavius Mathers. Mathers saw sometime at Ole Miss but was never the primary back. Desmond Anderson is a capable back behind Mathers. Defense: There’s a lot to love on defense and some places to question. Not one starter returns at LB. D.J. Sanders and Darius Harris bring the most experience. Myles Harges is a favorite to start at MLB. While they have downfalls at linebacker they should be fine since they have a great defensive line and secondary. The line is full of seniors. DE’s Steven Rhodes and Chris Hale will bring it off the edge. Shaquille Huff returns at DT. They also have talented youth behind them. The secondary features the top corner combination in the league. Mike Minter and Jeremy Cutrer combined for 22 passes defended. Both safety spots are open but Alex Dale should lock one of those down. Special Teams: Canon Rooker and Crews Holt are both hoping to win the place kicking job. Punter Matt Bonadies had a great freshman year. The punt return unit needs to be better this season. They were near the bottom in return yards last season. Overview: MTSU is loaded on offense. Adding I’Tavius Mathers gives this team another dynamic. Tony Franklin coming back to Murfreesboro was a big move too. The defense should be hovering around 24-27 PPG this season. Huge game on November 12, at trip to Huntington to face Marshall. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Brent Stockstill, FR, QB 13 G, 490 ATT, 327 COMP, 66.7 PCT, 4005 Yards, 30 TD, 9 INT, 151.92 Rushing Shane Tucker, JR, RB 11 G, 127 ATT, 413 Yards, 2 TD Receiving Richie James, FR, WR 13 G, 108 REC, 1346 Yards, 8 TD Defense: Interceptions: Jeremy Cutrer, JR, DB 12 G, 3 INT Sacks: Chris Hale, JR, DL 12 G, 4.0 Sacks Tackles: Michael Minter, SO, DB 11 G, 43 Solo, 12 Assisted, 55 Total Last Five Year Win Totals 2015 7-6 2014 6-6 2013 8-5 2012 8-4 2011 2-10 MTSU Schedule
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#3 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
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Coach: Jeff Brohm
Offensive Coordinator: Jeff Brohm Defensive Coordinator: Nick Holt Stadium: Houchens Industries-LT Smith Stadium (22,113) 2015 Record: 12-2 The Breakdown Offense: Don’t expect the Hilltopper offense to slow down in 2016 due to some key departures. They have the best offensive line in the conference to help run the show. Forrest Lamp and Brandon Ray will lead the push for running back Anthony Wales. Wales walked into the role last season due to injuries and ran with it. Behind him is the very capable, D’Andre Ferby. The passing attack will be led by Mike White. White is a transfer from USF. He will have plenty of good targets to spread the ball around to. Tawayn Taylor is the most talented WR in CUSA. Nicholas Grant had a nice season with 63 grabs last year. They will need someone to emerge at TE. Defense: The defense made vast improvements last season. They held opponents to 25.9 ppg in 2015, 2014 39.9. The defensive line will needs to replenish as they lose 3 starters. DE Derik Overstreet returns and they add DE Nick Dawson-Brents from Louisville. The team’s leading tackler, T.J. McCollum returns at OLB. Keith Brown comes in from just up north in Louisville and will man the ILB spot. The secondary returns both safeties. Corner will be the biggest question mark this season. Joe Brown, De’Andre Simmons are two upperclassmen vying for the position. Two underclassmen A.J. Jackson and Jordon Gonzalez have a shot too. Special Teams: Jake Collins is likely to handle both punting and kicking duties. The return is always exciting with Kylen Towner. He took one to the house last season. Overview: The influx of transfers keeps the defense from falling. The offense will run smooth is Mike White grabs the job and runs with it. They have the best O-line and skill position players so once it gets going, good luck trying to stop it. The conference slate is full of tough road games at LA Tech, MTSU and Marshall. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Nelson Fishback, JR, QB 6 G, 8 ATT, 7 COMP, 87.5 PCT, 70 Yards, 0 TD, 0 INT, 161 Rating Rushing Anthony Wales, JR, RB 11 G, 155 ATT, 1091 Yards, 9 TD Receiving Taywan Taylor, JR, WR 14 G, 86 REC, 1467 Yards, 17 TD Defense: Interceptions: Joe Brown, SO, DB 13 G, 1 INT Sacks: TJ McCollum, SO, LB 14 G, 3.0 Sacks Tackles: TJ McCollum, SO, LB 69 Solo, 37 Assisted, 106 Total Last Five Year Win Totals 2015 12-2 2014 8-5 2013 8-4 2012 7-6 2011 7-5 WKU Schedule
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#4 FIU Panthers
Top Returners:
Offense:
Passing
Alex McGough, SO, QB
12 G, 420 ATT, 269 COMP, 64.0 PCT, 2722 Yards, 21 TD, 8 INT, 131.18
Rushing
Alex Gardner, SO, RB
12 G, 186 ATT, 760 Yards, 9 TD
Receiving
Thomas Owens, SO, WR
12 G, 51 REC, 638 Yards, 8 TD
Defense:
Interceptions:
Jeremiah McKinnon, SR, DB
12 G, 3 INT, 1 TD
Sacks:
Xavier Hines, SO, DB
12 G, 1.0 Sacks
Tackles:
Anthony Wint, SO, LB
12 G, 41 Solo, 47 Assisted, 88 Total
Last Five Year Win Totals
2015 5-7
2014 4-8
2013 1-11
2012 3-9
2011 8-5
Offense:
Passing
Alex McGough, SO, QB
12 G, 420 ATT, 269 COMP, 64.0 PCT, 2722 Yards, 21 TD, 8 INT, 131.18
Rushing
Alex Gardner, SO, RB
12 G, 186 ATT, 760 Yards, 9 TD
Receiving
Thomas Owens, SO, WR
12 G, 51 REC, 638 Yards, 8 TD
Defense:
Interceptions:
Jeremiah McKinnon, SR, DB
12 G, 3 INT, 1 TD
Sacks:
Xavier Hines, SO, DB
12 G, 1.0 Sacks
Tackles:
Anthony Wint, SO, LB
12 G, 41 Solo, 47 Assisted, 88 Total
Last Five Year Win Totals
2015 5-7
2014 4-8
2013 1-11
2012 3-9
2011 8-5
FIU Schedule
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Coach: Ron Turner
Offensive Coordinator: Steve Shankweiler Defensive Coordinator: Matt House Stadium: FIU Stadium (23,500) 2015 Record: 5-7 The Breakdown Offense: With nine starters back after an improved 2015 season their is hope for bigger things at FIU. Alex McGough had a solid season with 21 touchdowns to 8 interceptions. If he can improve his accuracy from 64.0 to 68-70 this team could compete. His top targets will be Thomas Owens, Jonnu Smith and Alex Gardner. Gardner led the team in rushing yards and catches. The rushing game over well was not good enough. If the running game is to improve, the line will have to better. They need a newcomer to come in and make big plays. D’Angelo Ware (RB) or Tony Gaiter (WR) make an impact as a freshman. Defense: Linebacker is strong for the Panthers. They bring back two starters and depth. Wint returns as the team's top tackler. Vontarius West will need to be more of threat in the backfield this season. Treyvon Williams and Davison Colimon are back from injury to make noise in their senior season. Both players were top 5 in tackles in 2014. The secondary brings back one starter Niko Gonzalez. Gonzalez had a team high 2 interceptions last season. They need some young players to emerge at corner. It will be hard for this team to much better than they were last year. Special Teams: This is an area of positives. Austin Taylor did well at kicker last season. Stone Wilson is one of the better punters in the conference. Anthony Jones does it all for the Panthers and he will be featured in the return game as well. Overview: The linebackers look great but production might be down elsewhere. Alex McGough makes another step forward as well as the line and this team could put up points. They face LA Tech, MTSU, WKU, and Marshall in consecutive weeks. That will be hard to get through. |
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#5T Florida Atlantic Owls
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Coach: Charlie Partridge
Offensive Coordinator: Travis Trickett Defensive Coordinator: Roc Bellantoni Stadium: FAU Stadium (30,000) 2015 Record: 3-9 The Breakdown Offense: The offense will be looking different this season. A lot of up-tempo is on its way to Boca Raton. Jason Driskel is the QB to lead this offense. The line is strong with Reggie Bain at LT. Running back is a place where they are OK they have Howell and Warren back but the newcomer Singletary has promising upside. Things seem to be trending up at WR. Nate Terry could be the top receiver this season. His upside is higher than any receivers. Tyler Cameron is capable of making plays at TE. Henry Bussey and Kalib Woods are the top returners. This unit is deep and could surprise conference USA fans. Defense: Here is where the Owls could really make noise this season. The good news is this defense is so young they will be good for another 2 years. Trey Hendrickson was a beast last season with 13.5 sacks. DE Hunter Snyder was second on the team in sacks with 5. Don't be surprised if you see Kevin McCrary is in the DT rotation. Linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair and Nate Ozdemir are both back. They combined for 155 tackles and 9.5 TFL last year. Three starters are back in the secondary including Jalen Young and Ocie Rose who led the team with 3 interceptions each. Ocie Rose also scored 3 touchdowns. Herb Miller had 7 passes defended. Special Teams: Dalton Schomp is one of the best punters in the country. Greg Joseph is still the kicker at FAU. Henry Bussey is the team's best returner. Overview: You gotta love this defense. They look good from top to bottom. The offense needed a jolt and the new offensive scheme should help. Hard to see this team getting to a bowl game but it could happen. |
Top Returners: Offense: Passing Jason Driskel, FR, QB 10 G, 151 ATT, 77 COMP, 51.0 PCT, 965 Yards, 3 TD, 4 INT, 105.93 Rating Rushing Greg Howell, SO, RB 12 G, 133 ATT, 598 Yards, 3 TD Receiving Kamrin Solomon, SO, WR 12 G, 22 REC, 382 Yards, 2 TD Defense: Interceptions: Ocie Rose, 3 INT, 2 TD Sacks: Trey Hendrickson, JR, DL 12 G, 13 Sacks Tackles: Azeez Al-Shaair, FR, LB 12 G, 50 Solo, 44 Assisted, 94 Total Last Five Year Win Totals 2015 3-9 2014 3-9 2013 6-6 2012 3-9 2011 1-11 FAU Schedule
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#5T Old Dominion Monarchs
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Coach: Bobby Wilder
Offensive Coordinator: Brian Scott Defensive Coordinator: Rich Nagy Stadium: Foreman Field (20,118) 2015 Record: 5-7 The Breakdown Offense: The Monarchs enter another season that has questions at QB. Shuler Bentley and David Washington will be battling this fall and likely this season until someone can grasp the position. They are sure of what they have at RB. Ray Lawry is one of the top backs in the conference. The receiving core gives whoever is under center a chance to succeed. Zach Pascal has been a staple of the receiving corps. Marques Little and Jonathan Duhart both return as well. The offensive line is having somewhat of a youth movement. If they can be stable, the QB has another chance to succeed. Last season was not pretty. This year has a chance to be better but they are still suck at QB. A JUCO option would have been nice. Defense: One of the worst defenses in the country last season brings back 7 starters. The defensive line has 3 starters back and great depth. Bunmi Rotimi led the team with 4.5 sacks. The line should be a strength of the team. T.J. Ricks is back after a season that saw him as one of the best LB in the conference. Ricks had 123 tackles a year ago. Two young players to watch in the secondary are Sean Carter and Denzel Williams both safeties. Forcing more turnovers will be important in turning this defense around. Special Teams: Sophomore Chris Kirtley only attempted 13 kicks last season. Dalton Fraser will be the starting punter. Overview: Hopefully the youth movement turns into more wins but it seems unlikely. They have winnable conference games early. If they get the QB situation figured out they won’t win. The defense should be improved this season. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Shuler Bentley, FR, QB 10 G, 269 ATT, 140 COMP, 52 PCT, 1432, 12 TD, 6 INT, 107.02 Rating Rushing Ray Lawry, SO, RB 11 G, 194 ATT, 1136 Yards, 11 TD Receiving Zach Pascal, JR, WR 12 G, 69 REC, 975 Yards, 8 TD Defense: Interceptions: TJ Ricks, JR, LB 12 G, 1 INT, 0 TD Sacks: Oshane Ximines, FR, DL 12 G, 5.0 Sacks Tackles: TJ Ricks, JR, LB 12 G, 47 Solo, 76 Assisted, 123 Total Last Five Year Win Totals 2015 5-7 2014 6-6 2013 NA 2012 NA 2011 NA ODU Scheudle
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#7 Charlotte 49ers
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Coach: Brad Lambert
Offensive Coordinator: Jeff Mullen Defensive Coordinator: Matt Wallerstedt Stadium: Jerry Richardson Stadium 2015 Record: 2-10 The Breakdown Offense: Charlotte has some decent pieces but they won’t move forward until they find a QB. Kevin Olsen comes from the JUCO ranks. If Olsen can refrain from turning the ball over then he will be an upgrade over last season’s QBs. RB Kalif Phillips is a special player. He should be a 1,000 yard runner in his final season. The receiving corps looks really good this season. Austin Duke, Trent Bostick, T.L. Ford all started last season. Duke the best of the bunch with 53 catches. The offensive line has 4 starters back. Defense: The defense was consistently on the field with the offense turning it over and not being able to convert first downs. Eight starters are back. Larry Ogunjobi was a beast in 2015. He has 14.5 TFL last year. DE Zach Duncan led the team in sacks. Senior starters Nick Cook and Daquan Lucas will make the LB corps strong. The secondary was a positive last season as they ranked 4th in the conference in yards allowed. CB Terrance Winchester had 4 interceptions. Special Teams: Blake Brewer enters his final season as the kicker. He is capable of hitting from 50 plus but his accuracy is mediocre. Arthur Hart could earn an all conference selection this season. Overview: They need to come out of non-conference play at 2-2. They have some winnable conference home games this season. The defense and offense need to make strides. Will that happen this season? Probably not. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Lee McNeill, JR, QB 12 G, 189 ATT, 100 COMP, 52.9 PCT, 878 Yards, 1 TD, 10 INT, 83.11 Rating Rushing Kalif Phillips, JR, RB 11 G, 190 ATT, 961 Yards, 5 TD Receiving Austin Duke, JR, WR 12 G, 53 REC, 534 Yards, 5 TD Defense: Interceptions: Terrance Winchester, JR, DB 12 G, 4 INT, 0 TD Sacks: Zach Duncan, FR, DL 12 G, 4.0 Sacks Tackles: Nick Cook, JR, LB 10 G, 50 Solo, 23 Assisted, 73 Total Last Five Year Win Totals 2015 2-10 2014 NA 2013 NA 2012 NA 2011 NA Charlotte Schedule
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West
#1 Southern Miss Golden Eagles
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Coach: Jay Hopson
Offensive Coordinator: Shannon Dawson Defensive Coordinator: Tony Pecoraro Stadium: M.M. Roberts Stadium (36,000) 2015 Record: 9-5 The Breakdown Offense: Nick Mullens is a star. He passed for 38 touchdowns and 4,476 yards last season. He losses several of his top targets but they should be able to replenish. WR D.J. Thompson is the team's top returner. JUCO transfer Isaiah Jones should catch a lot of ball this season. Ito Smith handles the rushing attack. Smith will be running behind a solid offensive line with the best center in conference, Cameron Tom. He totaled over 1,100 yards and 10 scores last season. They do have a new coaching staff but things should still be clicking. They should be averaging in the upper 30s again this season. Defense: The defense made big strides in 2016 as well. They went from be a big laugh in conference to one of the top defenses in the conference. Six starters are back and ready to carry the momentum. Both OLB are back. D’Nerius Antoine brings his 103 tackles back. They will have their top recruit JaCorey Morris featured in the two deep depth chart. The secondary is good, really good. Cornell Armstrong and Picasso Nelson Jr. have a lot of experience. Devonta Davis and Deshadrick Truly will work in at the safety spots. The line features Dylan Bradley and Darian Yancey. Bradley had 6.5 sacks last season. Special Teams: Special teams proved to be a weakness amongst all the other improvement last season. Kicker Stephen Brauchle had a below average season. Tyler Sarrazin was one of the worst in the nation. Overview: The offense will be fine with Mullens around. The defense has stars at every level. This team could go 1-1 vs. SEC teams. Conference play features two big home games, Marshall and La Tech. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Nick Mullens, JR, QB 14 G, 521 ATT, 331 COMP, 63.5 PCT, 4476 Yards, 38 TD, 12 INT, 155.15 Rating Rushing Ito Smith, SO, RB 14 G, 171 ATT, 1128 Yards, 10 TD Receiving D.J. Thompson, JR, WR 14 G, 55 REC, 779 Yards, 6 TD Defense: Interceptions: Cornell Armstrong, SO, DB 13 G, 2 INT Sacks: Dylan Bradley, JR, DL 14 G, 6.5 Sacks Tackles: D’Nerius Antoine, JR, LB 14 G, 75 Solo, 28 Assisted, 103 Total Last Five Year Win Totals 2015 9-5 2014 3-9 2013 1-11 2012 0-12 2011 12-2 Southern Miss Schedule
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#2 UTEP Miners
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Coach: Sean Kugler
Offensive Coordinator: Brent Pease Defensive Coordinator: Tom Mason Stadium: Sun Bowl (51,500) 2015 Record: 5-7 The Breakdown Offense: Aaron Jones return from injury will be welcomed. He is one of the best backs in the league and is certain to top over 1,000 yards rushing. The team also bring back their best WR in Tyler Batson and Jaquan White. White led the team with 41 catches last year. The line should be strong with 3 starters coming back. Insert Jerrod Brooks at RT. Tanner Stallings will play center and was one of the top recruits from the 2016 class. QB is the only thing holding this team back from breaking out and winning the West. Zack Greenlee won the job in the fall. The Fresno State transfer will get the first go but don’t be surprised if you see the other QBs along the way. Defense: UTEP is moving to a 3-4 defense. They have depth at NG with Dino Bresolin and Sky Logan. The line will beef up at the end spots this season with Brian Madunezim and Mike Sota. The linebackers unit should be strong with Alvin Jones back. Jones led the team in sacks and tackles. The secondary should improve this season with both sophomore corners earning valuable experience last year. They also welcome back safety Devin Cockrell. Special Teams: Fans will be interested to see what return man, Terry Juniel can do. Jay Mattox made 15 of 19 field goals. Alex Luna averaged over 44 yards per punt. Overview: Not to put too much pressure on Zack Greenlee but this season rides on him. The pieces are there for this team to be successful. The defense should improve under Tom Mason this season. The schedule is very manigale and should result in a good season for the Miners. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Mark Leftwich, SO, QB 8 G, 192 ATT, 105 COMP, 54.7 PCT, 1228 Yards, 9 TD, 3 INT, 120.76 Rating Rushing Aaron Jones, JR, DB 2 G, 73 ATT, 209 Yards, 1 TD Receiving Jaquan White, JR, WR 12 G, 41 REC, 494 Yards, 7 TD Defense: Interceptions: Nik Needham, FR, DB 11 G, 1 INT, 0 TD Sacks: Alvin Jones, SO, LB 12 G, 6.5 Sacks Tackles: Alvin Jones, SO, LB 12 G, 48 Solo, 45 Assisted, 93 Total Last Five Year Win Totals 2015 5-7 2014 7-6 2013 2-10 2012 3-9 2011 5-7 UTEP Schedule
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#3 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
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Coach: Skip Holtz
Offensive Coordinator: Todd Fitch Defensive Coordinator: Blake Baker Stadium: Joe Aillet Stadium (30,600) 2015 Record: 9-4 The Breakdown Offense: Ryan Higgins hasn’t been the man under center since 2013. Higgins will need to watch his turnovers and keep his completion percentage high. He has a great target in Trent Taylor. Taylor had 99 receptions last season. He may not reach those numbers this season but should get close. Alfred Smith could make life difficult for CUSA corners this season. Smith transfers in from Utah and has serious speed. Carlos Henderson and Kam McKnight both started last season. They won’t replace RB Kenneth Dixon. They will go for a committee approach unless someone breaks through. Boston Scott will likely get the most carries. The offensive line is strong with the return of Darrell Brown and O’Shea Dugas. This offense should be good again this season. A lot rests on how well Higgins performs. Defense: Only three guys are back from last year’s great defense. The good news is tat Xavier Woods is back. Woods is one of the top safeties in the league. He had 56 tackles and 3 interceptions last season. One way to reload is bringing in transfers. Ronald Lewis and Ephraim Kitchen both started at Arizona State and now are starting at La Tech. Lots of concern around what is happening at linebacker, no starter returns. The middle of the line could be slow to be established but they have great DEs. DE Jaylon Ferguson had 6 sacks last season. Special Teams: Jonathan Barnes proved to be reliable last season at kicker. Gerald Shouse held is own at punter. Henderson and Taylor form a dangerous return game. Overview: Higgins has a lot of pressure on him with all the talent at WR. The defense should come along well with all the new transfers. Conference road schedule takes them to Southern Miss and MTSU. Another bowl game is ahead. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Ryan Higgins, JR, QB 7 G, 25 ATT, 15 COMP, 60 PCT, 138 Yards, 1 TD, 3 INT, 95.57 Rating Rushing Boston Scott, SO, RB 11 G, 34 ATT, 275 Yards, 0 TD Receiving Trent Taylor, JR, WR 13 G, 99 REC, 1282 Yards, 9 TD Defense: Interceptions: Xavier Woods, JR, DB 13 G, 2 INT Sacks: Jaylon Ferguson, FR, DE 12 G, 6.0 Sacks Tackles: Xavier Woods, JR, DB 13 G, 37 Solo, 19 Assisted, 56 Total Last Five Year Win Totals 2015 9-4 2014 9-5 2013 4-8 2012 9-3 2011 8-5 LA Tech Schedule
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#4 Rice Owls
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Coach: David Bailiff
Offensive Coordinator: Larry Edmondson and Billy Lynch Defensive Coordinator: Chris Thurmond Stadium: Rice Stadium (47,000) 2015 Record: 5-7 The Breakdown Offense: Tyler Stehling has been in the program for a while and now he earns the starting spot. He is a big QB that can move around in the pocket. Every running back that contributed last season is back. The Owls had the second best rushing attack in the conference last year. Zach Wright returns to a thin receiving corps. The line should take a step forward in year two of the youth movement that started last year. Defense: Due to injury the front four now has a lot of depth. This will play well for keeping a fresh front and continuous pressure. Derek Brown and Brian Womac proved they could make plays at DE. Grayson Sanchez made plays as just a freshman at DE but missed last season due to injury. As a whole they should do better than 16 total sacks this season. Last year they were one of the youngest defenses in the nation. This year they hope that pays off. The secondary doesn’t bring back a player who made an interception. Alex Lyons returns at MLB. He is the top returning tackler. Special Teams: Hayden Tobola attempted just 13 kicks last season. Jack Fox enters as the new punter. Austin Walter is likely to break one for a touchdown or two this season. Overview: The running attack should be well on its way to another good season. The passing game needs to progress. With all the depth on defense this team should improve on 35.8 ppg. To win the west they have to win at Southern Miss, WKU and La Tech. A tough non-conference slate keeps them around 6 wins. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Tyler Stehling, JR, QB 5 G, 48 ATT, 24 COMP, 50.0 PCT, 320 Yards, 1 TD, 2 INT, 104.54 Rushing Darik Dillard, JR, RB 12 G, 135 ATT, 698 Yards, 5 TD Receiving Zach Wright, JR, WR 12 G, 39 REC, 554 Yards, 5 TD Defense: Interceptions: N/A Sacks: Brian Womac, SO, DL 12 G, 4.0 Sacks Tackles: Alex Lyons, JR, LB 12 G, 39 Solo, 38 Assisted, 77 Total Last Five Year Win Totals 2015 5-7 2014 8-5 2013 10-4 2012 7-6 2011 4-8 Rice Schedule
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#5 UTSA Roadrunners
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Coach: Frank Wilson
Offensive Coordinator: Frank Scelfo Defensive Coordinator: Pete Golding Stadium: Alamodome (65,000) 2015 Record: 3-9 The Breakdown Offense: the rushing attack will be front and center this season and they have the star to run the show. Jarveon Williams went over 1,000 yards last season and added 8 scores. The QB battle is still lingering. Jared Johnson and Dalton Sturm are the frontrunners for the spot. If they go to the air look for Kerry Thomas Jr. to be the first option. Marquez McNair could develop into a primary target too. Another reason they may be more run driven? The line gave up 44 sacks last season. Is this offense going to put up huge numbers? No. Can they control the clock and keep themselves in games? Yes. Defense: Well the offense can if the defense can hold up. Stopping teams through the air was a struggle. The front four will need to bring a better pass rush this season. The team's top sack guy is gone and now Marcus Davenport needs to emerge. Safety position is very strong with Nate Gaines the team's leading tackler and Michael Egwuagu. Both players had 3 interceptions last season. They need to find a reliable linebacker that makes plays. Breaking in two new corners could be a positive for a team that gave up so many yards through the air. Special Teams: It was a rough year for the special teams. Daniel Portillo had a rough year at kicker. Yannis Routsas wasn’t much better in the kicking role. They both play in a dome half the year, numbers have to be better. Overview: The passing attack just has to be a threat. Let the running game take over. The defense needs to be great up front. Getting to a bowl is possible but don’t bank on it. They get North Texas and Charlotte at home which helps. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Dalton Sturm, SO, QB 10 G, 212 ATT, 125 COMP, 59.0 PCT, 1354 Yards, 13 TD, 7 INT, 126.25 Rating Rushing Jarveon Williams, JR, RB 11 G, 173 ATT, 1042 Yards, 8 TD Receiving Kerry Thomas Jr., SO, WR 12 G, 52 REC, 541 Yards, 4 TD Defense: Interceptions: Nate Gaines, SO, DB 10 G, 3 INT, 0 TD Sacks: Marcus Davenport, SO, DL 11 G, 4.0 Sacks Tackles: Nate Gaines, SO, DB 10 G, 48 Solo, 28 Assisted, 76 Total Last Five Year Win Totals 2015 3-9 2014 4-8 2013 7-5 2012 8-4 2011 NA UTSA Schedule
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#6 North Texas Mean Green
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Coach: Seth Littrell
Offensive Coordinator: Graham Harrell Defensive Coordinator: Mike Ekeler Stadium: Apogee Stadium (30,850) 2015 Record: 1-11 The Breakdown Offense: The Mean Green averaged 15.2 points per game. That is hard to do in tis day in age of college football. Former Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell is in at OC. He wants otun a spread but e roster isn’t suited for that. Alabama transfer, Alec Morris, will start at QB. Morris never truly saw the field at Bama so it is hard to say how good he can be. No one from the returning roster even has thrown a pass. Turner Smiley and Tee Goree should see their numbers rise this season. Jeffery Wilson was the team's best player last season and he didn’t even crack 100 yards and only scored once. Defense: As bad as the offense is the defense had just as bad numbers. Safety is the strength of the defense. Both Kishawn McClain and James Gray had over 100 tackles. William Johnson is the team's top recruit. The JUCO player should fill in at OLB. Jarrian Roberts led the team in sacks with 6.5. Overall this is a transition year, get the youth out there and see what you have. Special Teams: Kicker Trevor Moore will look to regain form in 2016. Punter Eric Keena played well last season. If they could get anything going in the return game that would be great for the offense. Overview: They went 1-11 last season and it is hard to see them doing much better this year. Their home schedule is very difficult. They need at least one more recruiting class to start the turn around. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing N/A Rushing Jeffery Wilson, SO, RB 10 G, 155 ATT, 830 Yards, 1 TD Receiving Turner Smiley, SO, WR 11 G, 25 REC, 255 Yards, 1 TD Defense: Interceptions: Chad Davis, JR, DB 11 G, 1 INT, 0 TD Sacks: Jarrian Roberts, JR, DL 12 G, 6.5 Sacks Tackles: Kishawn McClain, SO, DB 12 G, 77 Solo, 33 Assisted, 110 total Last Five Year Win Totals 2015 1-11 2014 4-8 2013 9-4 2012 4-8 2011 5-7 North Texas Schedule
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