Arena Fanatic

 Conference USA Football Preview 2019

By Tyler Smith
Conference USA always makes for tough predictions. Since 2012 we have previewed CUSA. In 2014 we had the most accurate Conference USA predictions according to the Stassen. ​

​

CUSA EAST

#1T Marshall 8-4 (7-1)

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​ ​Coach: Doc Holliday
Offensive Coordinator: Tim Cramsey
Defensive Coordinator: Brad Lambert and J.C. Price
Stadium: Joan C. Edwards Stadium (38,019)


Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 9-4
2017 8-5
​2016 3-9
​2015 10-3

2014 13-1


Top Returners


Offense
Passing
Isaiah Green, SO, QB

Rushing
Tyler King, JR, RB

Receiving
Obi Obialo, SR, WR

Defense
Interceptions
6 players tied at 1

Sacks
Channing Hames, SR, DT

Tackles
Chris Jackson, SR, CB

Unit Rankings

Unit CUSA Rank
Offense 3
QB 4
RB 4
WR 6
OL 1
Defense 1
DL 2
LB 4
Secondary 4

Schedule

DATE OPPONENT Picks
Sat, Aug 31 vs VMI W
Fri, Sep 6 @ Boise State L
Sat, Sep 14 vs Ohio L
Sat, Sep 28 vs Cincinnati L
Sat, Oct 5 @ Middle Tennessee W
Sat, Oct 12 vs Old Dominion W
Fri, Oct 18 @ Florida Atlantic W
Sat, Oct 26 vs Western Kentucky W
Sat, Nov 2 @ Rice W
Fri, Nov 15 vs Louisiana Tech W
Sat, Nov 23 @ Charlotte W
Sat, Nov 30 vs Florida International L

Schedule Analysis

Biggest Game: At Boise State
Toughest Road Game: At Boise State
Biggest Conference Game: FIU

Quick Thoughts

​  The offense should be in good hands with QB Isaiah Green having a year of experience under his belt. He should be happy to see incoming WR Tavin Richardson in Huntington. Richardson will pair with senior WR Obi Obialo. The running game led by Brenden Knox and Tyler King should excel behind the leagues top O-line. If they don't turnover the ball 24 times this year, they will be in the hunt for a league title. 
Huntington is home to leagues top defense. It all starts up front with DT Ty Tyler. The senior had 9 sacks last season. (Ty Tyler transferred to Louisville) Look for DE Darius Hodge to emerge this season. The secondary is full of upperclassmen. CB Chris Jackson enters his final season. He is one of the top secondary players in the league. 
The Herd will be tested early in the schedule. Two big home games vs UC and Ohio will be a good barometer of where this team stands. The CUSA slate sets up well for Marshall. Games vs FIU and La Tech are at the Joan. If they win both of those games, they should be in the championship game.  

#1T FIU 9-3 (7-1)

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​Coach: Butch Davis
Offensive Coordinator: Rich Skrosky
Defensive Coordinator: Jeff Kopp and Jerod Kruse
Stadium: FIU Stadium (23,500)
2016 Record: 4-8
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 9-4
​2017 8-5
​2016 4-8
2015 5-7

2014 4-8 


Top Returners 


Offense
Passing
James Morgan, SR, QB

Rushing
D'Vonte Price, JR, RB

Receiving
Maurice Alexander, SR, WR

Defense
Interceptions
Richard Dames, JR, S and Dorian Hall, SO, S

Sacks
Teair Tart, SR, DT

Tackles
Sage Lewis,  SR, LB

Unit Rankings

Unit CUSA Rank
Offense 2
QB 2
RB 5
WR 5
OL 2
Defense 5
DL 10
LB 5
Secondary 2

Schedule

DATE OPPONENT Picks
Thu, Aug 29 @ Tulane L
Sat, Sep 7 vs Western Kentucky W
Sat, Sep 14 vs New Hampshire W
Sat, Sep 21 @ Louisiana Tech L
Sat, Oct 5 vs UMass W
Sat, Oct 12 vs Charlotte W
Sat, Oct 19 vs UTEP W
Sat, Oct 26 @ Middle Tennessee W
Sat, Nov 2 vs Old Dominion W
Sat, Nov 9 @ Florida Atlantic W
Sat, Nov 23 vs Miami L
Sat, Nov 30 @ Marshall W

Scheudle Analysis

​Biggest Game: Miami
Toughest Road Game: At FAU
Biggest Conference Game: At Marshall

Quick Thoughts

​ For those FIU fans who visited the site last year. You were 100 percent correct, I was wrong. FIU was on a mission last season. This year you will see more of the same with James Morgan under center. Morgan will have the luxury of a stout line in front of him. They should be fine at the skill spots, but if a big playmaker emerged that could take this team to another level. D'Vonte Price could be that guy at RB. 
The secondary is loaded. The depth they have there is hard to find at the G5 level. They also have a top LB Sage Lewis. Lewis had 132 tackles last year. The line is the biggest weakness on the team. Teams ran with ease against them last year. There isn't a massive difference between their starters and the second unit on the line. One player that could separate himself, DE Jason Mercier, if he does he would be a nice pairing with Noah Curtis.
The Panthers have winnable games up and down this schedule. They also get Miami at Marlins Park! The two most important games in conference play will be road trips to FAU and Marshall. A special season could be in the works in Miami. 

#3 FAU 7-5 (5-3)

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​Coach: Lane Kiffin
Offensive Coordinator: Charlie Weis Jr.
Defensive Coordinator: Glenn Spencer
Stadium: FAU Stadium (30,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 5-7
​2017 11-3
2016 3-9
​2015 3-9

2014 3-9

Top Returners


Offense
Passing
Chris Robison, SO, QB

Rushing
Chris Robison, SO, QB

Receiving
Willie Wright, JR, WR

Defense
Interceptions
Rashad Smith, SR, LB

Sacks
Tim Bonner, SR, DE

Tackles
Rashad Smith, SR, LB

Unit Rankings

Unit CUSA Rank
Offense 4
QB 6
RB 6
WR 7
OL 4
Defense 3
DL 3
LB 6
Secondary 5

Schedule 

DATE OPPONENT Picks
Sat, Aug 31 @ Ohio State L
Sat, Sep 7 vs UCF L
Sat, Sep 14 @ Ball State W
Sat, Sep 21 vs Wagner W
Sat, Sep 28 @ Charlotte W
Sat, Oct 12 vs Middle Tennessee W
Fri, Oct 18 vs Marshall L
Sat, Oct 26 @ Old Dominion W
Sat, Nov 2 @ Western Kentucky L
Sat, Nov 9 vs Florida International L
Sat, Nov 23 @ UTSA W
Sat, Nov 30 vs Southern Mississippi W

Schedule Analysis

​Biggest Game: At UCF
Toughest Road Game: At Ohio State
Biggest Conference Game: FIU

Quick Thoughts

​Things didn't go as planned last season especially at QB. Several QBs will be coming for Chris Robinson's job. Robinson flashed some good moments last season, but all in all, it was disappointing. After last season it looked like FAU would have the top WR unit in 2019, but 5 FAU WRs left the team. That leaves Willie Wright as the go-to guy. They will look to Harrison Bryant at TE as well. It will be impossible to replace Devin Singeltary's production. They still have talent at the RB though. The line staying mostly intact will help that transition. 
The defense was almost as disappointing as the QB play. They will be led by star OLB Rashad Smith who led the team in tackles and interceptions. The line has a new look but will be a force with incoming transfer Noah Jefferson. Tim Bonner and Leighton McCarthy will apply pressure from the end. The secondary has the potential to be top tier in the conference by the end of the year. 
Games against FIU, Marshall, and USM are all at home. FAU will need to win 2 of 3 there to have a shot at the division this season. That will largely depend on the production at QB.  

#4 WKU 5-7 (4-4)

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​Coach: Tyson Helton
Offensive Coordinator: Brian Ellis
Defensive Coordinator: Clayton White
Stadium: Houchens Industries-LT Smith Stadium (22,113)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 3-9
2017 6-7
2016 11-3
​2015 12-2

2014 8-5


Top Returners

Offense
Passing
Steven Duncan, JR, QB

Rushing
Joshua Samuel, SO, RB

Receiving
Lucky Jackson, SR, WR

Defense
Interceptions
Ta'Corian Darden, SR, NB and Devon Key, JR, S

Sacks
DeAngelo Malone, JR, DE

Tackles
Ta'Corian Darden, SR, NB and Devon Key, JR, S

Unit Rankings

Unit CUSA Rank
Offense 6
QB 8
RB 7
WR 4
OL 3
Defense 12
DL 8
LB 12
Secondary 9

Schedule

DATE OPPONENT Picks
Thu, Aug 29 vs Central Arkansas W
Sat, Sep 7 @ Florida International L
Sat, Sep 14 vs Louisville * L
Sat, Sep 28 vs UAB L
Sat, Oct 5 @ Old Dominion W
Sat, Oct 12 vs Army L
Sat, Oct 19 vs Charlotte W
Sat, Oct 26 @ Marshall L
Sat, Nov 2 vs Florida Atlantic W
Sat, Nov 9 @ Arkansas L
Sat, Nov 23 @ Southern Mississippi L
Sat, Nov 30 vs Middle Tennessee W

Schedule Analysis

Biggest Game: Vs. Louisville 
Toughest Road Game: At FIU
Biggest Conference Game: MTSU

Quick Thoughts

​ I have some faith in this team being competitive this season. They bring back 9 starters. None of the 9 returning starters is a proven QB. QB Steven Duncan is the front runner but will enter a competition with former Arkansas QB Ty Storey. Per usual, the Hilltoppers will be loaded at WR with Lucky Jackson, being the best of the bunch. RB Joshua Samuel made some noise last year as a freshman. Samuel will be familiar with the line as all 5 starters are back. 
Now comes the major concerns. More specifically at LB where they lost both starters. The line has great potential with sophomore DE Juwaun Jones returning.  He had five sacks last season, earning Freshman All-American honors. Opposite of Jones is DeAngelo Malone, who had six sacks. The Hilltoppers top returning tacklers are found in the secondary. 
WKU drew UAB and Southern Mississippi from the West. That draw will likely keep them from making a bowl this season.  

#5 MTSU 4-8 (3-5)

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​Coach: Rick Stockstill
Offensive Coordinator: Tony Franklin
Defensive Coordinator: Scott Shafer
Stadium: Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium (31,000)

Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 8-6
2017 7-6
2016 8-5
​2015 7-6

2014 6-6

Top Returners


Offense
Passing
Asher O'Hara, SO, QB

Rushing
Chaton Mobley, SO, RB

Receiving
Ty Lee, SR, WR

Defense
Interceptions
Reed Blankenship, JR, FS

Sacks
DQ Thomas, JR, LB

Tackles
Reed Blankenship, JR, FS

Unit Rankings

Unit CUSA Rank
Offense 8
QB 9
RB 8
WR 3
OL 10
Defense 6
DL 7
LB 3
Secondary 7

Schedule

DATE OPPONENT Picks
Sat, Aug 31 @ Michigan L
Sat, Sep 7 vs Tennessee State W
Sat, Sep 14 vs Duke L
Sat, Sep 28 @ Iowa L
Sat, Oct 5 vs Marshall L
Sat, Oct 12 @ Florida Atlantic L
Sat, Oct 19 @ North Texas L
Sat, Oct 26 vs Florida International L
Sat, Nov 2 @ Charlotte W
Sat, Nov 16 vs Rice W
Sat, Nov 23 vs Old Dominion W
Sat, Nov 30 @ Western Kentucky L

Schedule Analysis

Biggest Game: Marshall
Toughest Road Game: At Michigan
Biggest Conference Game: Marshall


Quick Thoughts

​ It will be hard for MTSU to duplicate what they did with Brent Stockstill under center last season. Asher O'Hara and Randall Johnson will battle this fall for the starting job. You will likely see both under center. They will have one of the best WR in MTSU history to throw to, Ty Lee. They will have a poor line and non-existent running game to work with too. 
The defense could keep them in games this season. OLB's Khalil Brooks and DQ Thomas were all over the field last season. Thomas had 8 sacks for the Blue Raiders. The secondary could be special if they find two corners. Safeties Jovante Moffat and Reed Blankenship could both earn first-team honors. Blankenship led the team in tackles and interceptions. 
November will be a huge month for this team. Games against Charlotte, Rice, ODU, and WKU are all winnable. Last year's team surprised some, (Not me) don't expect that to happen this year though. 

#6 Charlotte 4-8 (2-6)

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​Coach: Will Healy
Offensive Coordinator: Alex Atkins
Defensive Coordinator: Brandon Cooper and Marcus West
Stadium: Jerry Richardson Stadium

Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 5-7
​2017 1-11
2016 4-8
​2015 2-10

2014 NA


Top Returners

Offense
Passing
Chris Reynolds, SO, QB

Rushing
Benny LeMay, SR, RB

Receiving
Victor Tucker, SO, WR

Defense
Interceptions
Three Players Tied at 1

Sacks
Jeff Gemmell, LB, SR

Tackles
Ben DeLuca, SR, FS
​

Unit Rankings

Unit CUSA Rank
Offense 10
QB 11
RB 3
WR 10
OL 11
Defense 8
DL 6
LB 2
Secondary 12

Schedule

DATE OPPONENT Picks
Thu, Aug 29 vs Gardner-Webb W
Sat, Sep 7 @ Appalachian State L
Sat, Sep 14 vs UMass W
Sat, Sep 21 @ Clemson L
Sat, Sep 28 vs Florida Atlantic L
Sat, Oct 12 @ Florida International L
Sat, Oct 19 @ Western Kentucky L
Sat, Oct 26 vs North Texas L
Sat, Nov 2 vs Middle Tennessee L
Sat, Nov 9 @ UTEP W
Sat, Nov 23 vs Marshall L
Sat, Nov 30 @ Old Dominion W

Schedule Analysis 

Biggest Game: UMASS
Toughest Road Game: At Clemson
Biggest Conference Game: At UTEP

Quick Thoughts

 I have Charlotte weak at QB and upfront. Nearly impossible to be competitive under those circumstances. The 49ers do have one of the best running backs in the league, Benny LeMay. He should see the rock plenty of times this season, so look for a monster year out of him. 
The defense will be better than their numbers this season. The offense will put them in plenty of tough spots. They have one of the best LB duos in CUSA, Anthony Butler and Jeff Gemmell. The line is led by first-team All-CUSA DE Alex Highsmith. The secondary has room for improvement. With the players in front of them, they should improve. 
Will Healy's squad has a shot to start the season 2-1. If they don't, cancel the season.  

#7 ODU 2-10 (1-7)

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​Coach: Bobby Wilder
Offensive Coordinator: Brian Scott
Defensive Coordinator: Dvid Blackwell and Gary Brown
Stadium: Foreman Field (20,118)

Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 4-8
​2017 5-7
2016 10-3
​2015 5-7

2014 6-6


Top Returners

​Offense
Passing
Steven Williams, SO, QB

Rushing
Kesean Strong, SR, RB

Receiving
Kesean Strong, SR, RB

Defense
Interceptions
Geronda Hall, SO, NB

Sacks
Marcus Haynes, SO, DE

Tackles
Lawernce Garner, JR, LB

Unit Rankings

Unit CUSA Rank
Offense 11
QB 10
RB 10
WR 11
OL 14
Defense 10
DL 13
LB 7
Secondary 4

Schedule 

DATE OPPONENT Picks
Sat, Aug 31 vs Norfolk State W
Sat, Sep 7 @ Virginia Tech L
Sat, Sep 21 @ Virginia L
Sat, Sep 28 vs East Carolina L
Sat, Oct 5 vs Western Kentucky L
Sat, Oct 12 @ Marshall L
Sat, Oct 19 @ UAB L
Sat, Oct 26 vs Florida Atlantic L
Sat, Nov 2 @ Florida International L
Sat, Nov 9 vs UTSA W
Sat, Nov 23 @ Middle Tennessee L
Sat, Nov 30 vs Charlotte L

Schedule Analysis

Biggest Game: ECU
Toughest Road Game: At Virginia Tech
Biggest Conference Game: Charlotte

Quick Thoughts

​ ODU lost too much on both sides of the ball to be uber-competitive this season. The two starters they do bring back are apart of the worst o-line in the league. This looks like a pure rebuild year for ODU. I know saying rebuild isn't as trendy as reload, but that isn't where ODU currently is. 
The defense has a chance to be productive despite not having a senior in the projected starting 11. The secondary has depth and talent. LB Lawrence Garner returns as the teams leading tackler. The line is the biggest question mark on defense. 
Questions about Wilder's job are going to come up this season. He has been with the program for 10, going on 11 years. If Wilder can show a strong nucleus for next season, he could save his job, but it could be time for a change in Norfolk.  

CUSA WEST

#1 North Texas 9-3 (7-1)

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​Coach: Seth Litterll
Offensive Coordinator: Bodie Reeder
Defensive Coordinator: Troy Reffett
Stadium: Apogee Stadium (30,850)

Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 9-4
2017 9-5
​2016 5-8
2015 1-11

2014 4-8


Top Returners

Offense
Passing
Mason Fine, SR, QB

Rushing
DeAndre Torrey, JR, RB

Receiving
Rico Bussey Jr., SR, WR

Defense
Interceptions
Khari Muhammad, SR, S

Sacks
LaDarius Hamilton, SR, DE

Tackles
Khari Muhammad, SR, S

Unit Rankings

Unit CUSA Rank
Offense 8
QB 1
RB 2
WR 1
OL 5
Defense 9
DL 9
LB 11
Secondary 8

Schedule

DATE OPPONENT Picks
Sat, Aug 31 vs Abilene Christian W
Sat, Sep 7 @ SMU W
Sat, Sep 14 @ California L
Sat, Sep 21 vs UTSA W
Sat, Sep 28 vs Houston L
Sat, Oct 12 @ Southern Mississippi W
Sat, Oct 19 vs Middle Tennessee W
Sat, Oct 26 @ Charlotte W
Sat, Nov 2 vs UTEP W
Sat, Nov 9 @ Louisiana Tech L
Sat, Nov 23 @ Rice W
Sat, Nov 30 vs UAB W

Schedule Analysis

Biggest Game: UAB
Toughest Road Game: At Cal
Biggest Conference Game: UAB

Quick Thoughts

​ The job that Seth Littrell has done at North Texas is incredible. This year has the potential to be his best yet. It will also be the last year for QB Mason Fine. Fine will be throwing bombs to Rico Bussey Jr. who had over 1,000 yards last season. Fine also has a reliable running back, DeAndre Torrey. Torrey rushed for 15 TDs. Best of luck to all opponents trying to stop this offense. 
The defense lost most of their top defenders. They do return DE LaDarius Hamilton, who posted 7.5 sacks last season. Outside of Hamilton and both safeties spots, positions are up for grabs. 
I don't have the guts to do it, but North Texas has a fair chance at an undefeated season if the defense can be formidable. Road Games at La Tech and USM will be challenging. Any game at home should be money as the Mean Green has posted an 11-1 record the past two years.  

​

#2T La Tech 9-3 (6-2)

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​Coach: Skip Holtz
Offensive Coordinator: Todd Fitch
Defensive Coordinator: Bob Diaco
Stadium: Joe Aillet Stadium (30,600)

​Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 8-5
​2017 7-6
​2016 9-5

2015 9-4
2014 9-5


Top Returners

Offense
Passing

J'Mar Smith, SR, QB

Rushing
Jaqwis, Dancy, SR, RB

Receiving
Adrian Hardy, JR, WR

Defense
Interceptions

Amik Robertson, JR, CB

Sacks
Willie Baker, JR, DE

Tackles
Collin Scott, SR, LB


Unit Rankings

Unit CUSA Rank
Offense 5
QB 3
RB 9
WR 2
OL 6
Defense 4
DL 5
LB 10
Secondary 1

Schedule

DATE OPPONENT Picks
Sat, Aug 31 @ Texas L
Sat, Sep 7 vs Grambling W
Sat, Sep 14 @ Bowling Green W
Sat, Sep 21 vs Florida International W
Sat, Sep 28 @ Rice W
Sat, Oct 12 vs UMass W
Sat, Oct 19 vs Southern Mississippi W
Sat, Oct 26 @ UTEP W
Sat, Nov 9 vs North Texas W
Fri, Nov 15 @ Marshall L
Sat, Nov 23 @ UAB L
Sat, Nov 30 vs UTSA W

Schedule Analysis

Biggest Game: FIU
Toughest Road Game: At Texas
Biggest Conference Game: FIU

Quick Thoughts

​ Last season I thought J'Mar Smith would be a breakout star. That didn't pan out. I am back on the train for his final season at Tech. He will have his top target Adrian Hardy back who caught 75 balls last year. The line has question marks at both tackle spots. Running back has been staple at LA Tech, but last year was a dud. This year they should have a chance to at least establish a couple of options to rely on. Getting a running game that can pose a threat would be huge for Smith. 
Folks, if you didn't see Jaylon Ferguson play these past few years, you missed something special. Replacing a player of his talent is nearly impossible. Especially when no returning starter is back. They do have two players to keep an eye on Willie Baker and transfer Kevin Murphy. The secondary is loaded with talent. Four of five starters return including Amik Robertson. He had 4 interceptions and 12 PBUs.
For La Tech to have a successful season, they will need to win their home contests. They will face top tier opponents FIU, USM and North Texas inside Joe Aillet Stadium.  

#2T UAB 9-3 (6-2)

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​Coach: Bill Clark
Offensive Coordinator: Bryant Vincent
Defensive Coordinator: David Reeves
Stadium: Legion Field (72,000)


Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 11-3
​2017 8-5
2016 N/A
​2015 N/A

2014 6-6

Top Returning Players

Offense
Passing

Tyler Johnston III, SO, QB

Rushing
Spencer Brown, JR, RB

Receiving
Kendall Parham, SR, WR

Defense
Interceptions

Brontae Harris, JR, CB

Sacks
Garrett Marino, SR, DE

Tackles
Fitzgerald Mofor, SR, LB

Unit Rankings

Unit CUSA Rank
Offense 7
QB 5
RB 1
WR 13
OL 7
Defense 7
DL 11
LB 1
Secondary 6

Schedule

DATE OPPONENT Picks
Thu, Aug 29 vs Alabama State W
Sat, Sep 7 @ Akron W
Sat, Sep 21 vs South Alabama W
Sat, Sep 28 @ Western Kentucky W
Sat, Oct 5 vs Rice W
Sat, Oct 12 @ UTSA W
Sat, Oct 19 vs Old Dominion W
Sat, Nov 2 @ Tennessee L
Sat, Nov 9 @ Southern Mississippi L
Sat, Nov 16 vs UTEP W
Sat, Nov 23 vs Louisiana Tech W
Sat, Nov 30 @ North Texas L

Schedule Analysis

Biggest Game: At North Texas
Toughest Road Game: At Tennessee
Biggest Conference Game: At North Texas

Quick Thoughts

  You could argue that UAB is the hottest team in the country. From having their program removed to coming back and winning 19 games in their first two seasons. Bill Clark will have Tyler Johnston III under center this season. The young QB has the luxury of handing the ball off to Spencer Brown who has torn up this league. In his two seasons, he has over 2,500 yards rushing. The biggest issue for UAB is how bare the Blazers are at WR. Their top returning player had 14 catches last season. 
The defense was incredible last season. Will it be 17ppg good this season? No. Could they take a step back and still win 8-9 games. Yes. The weakness is the line which will likely struggle to get to the QB. The secondary will be in good shape with Brontae Harris back. Linebacker is stacked with Fitzgerald Mofor and Kris Moll back.  
​

#4 Southern Miss. 6-6 (5-3)

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​​Coach: Jay Hopson
Offensive Coordinator: Buster Falukner amd Scotty Walden
Defensive Coordinator: Tim Billings and Derek Nicholson
Stadium: M.M. Roberts Stadium (36,000)

Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 6-5
​2017 8-5
​2016 7-6
​2015 9-5

2014 3-9


Top Returners

Offense
Passing

Jack Abraham, JR, QB

Rushing
Trivenskey Mosley, SO, QB

Receiving
Tim Jones, JR, WR

Defense
Interceptions

Ky'el Hemby, JR, S

Sacks
Jacques Turner, JR, DE

Tackles
Ky'el Hemby, JR, S

Unit Rankings

Unit CUSA Rank
Offense 9
QB 7
RB 11
WR 11
OL 8
Defense 2
DL 1
LB 8
Secondary 3

Schedule 

DATE OPPONENT Picks
Sat, Aug 31 vs Alcorn State W
Sat, Sep 7 @ Mississippi State L
Sat, Sep 14 @ Troy L
Sat, Sep 21 @ Alabama L
Sat, Sep 28 vs UTEP W
Sat, Oct 12 vs North Texas L
Sat, Oct 19 @ Louisiana Tech L
Sat, Oct 26 @ Rice W
Sat, Nov 9 vs UAB W
Sat, Nov 16 @ UTSA W
Sat, Nov 23 vs Western Kentucky W
Sat, Nov 30 @ Florida Atlantic L

Schedule Analysis

Biggest Game: At Troy
Toughest Road Game: At Alabama
Biggest Conference Game: At La Tech

Quick Thoughts

​ Scoring is down in Hattiesburg once again. QB Jack Abraham while an accurate thrower didn't impress me as much as others. The good news for Abraham is that WR Quez Watkins looks to be back this fall. Without him this group pedestrian. The line has plenty of experience but needs to solidify a starting unit. 
While I am down on the offense, I'm all-in on the defense. They are my second-best unit in CUSA. The best D-line in the conference is led by DE Jacques Turner. Add in Penn State transfer Torrence Brown, and you have yourself a strong line. The secondary is nearly as strong as the line. Ty Williams (CB) and Ky'el Hemby (S) solidified themselves into the line up last season. Ky'El Hemby was third in the country in interceptions with six. 
USM fans weren't happy with me last year, and they will be disappointed again. This offense isn't going to flip the switch this season. The defense will keep them in games though. If Southern Miss. wants to prove me wrong, October 12th vs North Texas would be a good place to start.  

#5 Rice 2-10 (2-6)

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​Coach: Mike Bloomgren
Offensive Coordinator: Jerry Mack
Defensive Coordinator: Brian Stewart
Stadium: Rice Stadium (47,000)

Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 2-11
​2017 1-11
​2016 3-9
​2015 5-7

2014 8-5


Top Returners

Offense
Passing

Wiley Green, FR, QB

Rushing
Aston Walter, SR, RB

Receiving
Austin Trammell, JR, WR

Defense
Interceptions

Prudy Calderon, SO, S

Sacks
Anthony Ekpe, JR, OLB

Tackles
George Nyakwol, JR, S

Unit Rankings

Unit CUSA Rank
Offense 12
QB 12
RB 13
WR 9
OL 12
Defense 13
DL 14
LB 9
Secondary 13

Schedule

DATE OPPONENT Picks
Fri, Aug 30 @ Army L
Sat, Sep 7 vs Wake Forest L
Sat, Sep 14 vs Texas * L
Sat, Sep 21 vs Baylor L
Sat, Sep 28 vs Louisiana Tech L
Sat, Oct 5 @ UAB L
Sat, Oct 19 @ UTSA W
Sat, Oct 26 vs Southern Mississippi L
Sat, Nov 2 vs Marshall L
Sat, Nov 16 @ Middle Tennessee L
Sat, Nov 23 vs North Texas L
Sat, Nov 30 @ UTEP W

Schedule Analysis

Biggest Game: At UTSA
Toughest Road Game: At UAB
Biggest Conference Game: At UTSA

Quick Thoughts

​ Rice don't let me down! A 5th place finish would be a step in the right direction. I would like to think former Harvard QB tom Stewart wins the job this fall. He will have some decent options to throw to in Austin Trammell and Aaron Cephus (recently suspended). Keep an eye on WR Bradley Rozner in the red zone. RB Juma Otoviano should capture the attention of the league this year, due to his carries increasing. 
The Owls would have had a loaded line had two starters not transferred out. Now they will look to a youth movement to help plug holes. Rice is deep at linebacker with plenty of experience to go around. The secondary is the one position unit that could be much better than my projected 13/14th ranking. The defense was so young last year, so a step forward could be in the works this season. 
This pick is risky because I am relying on Rice to get wins on the road since their home schedule is so loaded. Games vs UTSA and UTEP are the big ones. Win those and 5th place should be in good shape.  

#6 UTSA 2-10 (1-7)

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​Coach: Frank Wilson
Offensive Coordinator: Jeff Kastl
Defensive Coordinator: Jason Rollins
Stadium: Alamodome (65,000)

Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 3-9
​2017 6-5
​2016 6-7
2015 3-9

2014 4-8


Top Returners

​Offense
Passing

Cordale Grundy, SR, QB

Rushing
B. J. Daniels, JR, RB

Receiving
Kirk Johnson Jr., JR, WR

Defense
Interceptions

Cassius Grady, SR, CB
 
Sacks
DeQuarius Henry, JR, DE

Tackles

Cassius Grady, SR, CB and Andrew Martel, SR, LB

Unit Rankings

Unit CUSA Rank
Offense 14
QB 14
RB 14
WR 12
OL 13
Defense 11
DL 4
LB 13
Secondary 10

Schedule 

DATE OPPONENT Picks
Sat, Aug 31 vs Incarnate Word W
Sat, Sep 7 @ Baylor L
Sat, Sep 14 vs Army L
Sat, Sep 21 @ North Texas L
Sat, Oct 5 @ UTEP W
Sat, Oct 12 vs UAB L
Sat, Oct 19 vs Rice L
Sat, Nov 2 @ Texas A&M L
Sat, Nov 9 @ Old Dominion L
Sat, Nov 16 vs Southern Mississippi L
Sat, Nov 23 vs Florida Atlantic L
Sat, Nov 30 @ Louisiana Tech L

Schedule Analysis

Biggest Game: At UTEP
Toughest Road Game: At Texas A&M
Biggest Conference Game: At UTEP

Quick Thoughts

​ If you watched this team play every game last season, I feel bad for you. Averaging 14.2 ppg is hard to do. Two things that will have to happen for this offense to get over 20 ppg. Setting the bar high, I know. The offensive line has to improve. With 4 of 5 starters back there's hope. The second thing that has to happen, a sign of life at QB. Frank Harris should be that sign. Harris missed last season due to injury. 
The one thing UTSA has been able to do despite their record is producing a solid line. This year is no different. The defensive end combination of Jarrod Carter-Mclin and Lorenzo Dantzler is one of the best in the league. They will have to break in two new LBs. The secondary should improve with the return of 3 starters and safety Carl Austin from injury. 
If things aren't going well after the Rice game on October 19th, expect Wilson to be gone.  

#7 UTEP 1-11 (0-8)

Picture
​Coach: Dana Dimel
Offensive Coordinator: Mike Canales
Defensive Coordinator: Mike Cox
Stadium: Sun Bowl (51,500)

Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 1-11
​2017 0-12
2016 4-8
2015 5-7

2014 7-6


Top Returners

​Offense
Passing

Brandon Jones, SR, QB

Rushing
Quardaiz Wadley, SR, RB

Receiving
Keynan Foster, SR, WR

Defense
Interceptions

Justin Rogers, SR, S

Sacks
Denzel Chukwukelu, SR, DE and Dylan Parsee, SR,  LB

Tackles 
Sione Tupou, SO, LB


Unit Rankings

Unit CUSA Rank
Offense 13
QB 13
RB 12
WR 14
OL 9
Defense 14
DL 12
LB 14
Secondary 14

Schedule

DATE OPPONENT Picks
Sat, Aug 31 vs Houston Baptist W
Sat, Sep 7 @ Texas Tech L
Sat, Sep 21 vs Nevada L
Sat, Sep 28 @ Southern Mississippi L
Sat, Oct 5 vs UTSA L
Sat, Oct 19 @ Florida International L
Sat, Oct 26 vs Louisiana Tech L
Sat, Nov 2 @ North Texas L
Sat, Nov 9 vs Charlotte L
Sat, Nov 16 @ UAB L
Sat, Nov 23 @ New Mexico State L
Sat, Nov 30 vs Rice L

Schedule Analysis

Biggest Game: At New Mexico State
Toughest Road Game: At Texas Tech
Biggest Conference Game: UTSA

Quick Thoughts

​A sad, sad scene is underway in El Paso. The talent level isn't improving. They lost their starting QB. The line still has work to do. It is a mess.  At 17.7 ppg last season they are looking for anyone to make a play this season.
The defense was playing fairly well until the last 3 games of the season. If they could improve on one thing this year, it would be forcing turnovers. The Miners ranked 129th in turnover margin last season. 
They have 3 winnable games in conference play. I don't see them winning any of them. As bad as its been, this might be rock bottom in El Paso. 

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