Independent Football Preview 2018
By Matt Hetzler
Army 8-4
Coach: Jeff Monken
Offensive Coordinator: Brent Davis
Defensive Coordinator: Jay Bateman
Stadium: Blaik Field at Michie Stadium (38,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 10-3
2016 8-5
2015 2-10
2014 4-8
2013 3-9
Offensive Coordinator: Brent Davis
Defensive Coordinator: Jay Bateman
Stadium: Blaik Field at Michie Stadium (38,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 10-3
2016 8-5
2015 2-10
2014 4-8
2013 3-9
Overview
Army led the nation in rushing yards per game (362.3) behind the attack of QB Ahmad Bradshaw. Bradshaw has moved on and Army is stuck with a big question mark at QB. Kevin Hopkins will get the first crack at running the triple option attack. Kell Walker will be the leading back and he’s the most explosive. Walker averaged 7.3 yards per carry, leading the team. Darnell Woolfolk was a first-team all conference performer after finishing with 14 rushing TD. Andy Davidson and Jordan Asberry should see some carries as well. Army needs to retool the offensive line. C Bryce Holland is the only returning starter, but a good one, earning all-conference honors in ‘17.
Army had one of the better defenses in the country last season and return 8 starters. The Black Knights are stout at the linebacker position. Leading tackler James Nachtigal (103) returns, as well as Cole Christiansen (84 tackles) and Kenneth Brinson (38 tackles, 4 sacks). Raymond Wright is a big run stopper in the center of the defensive line. In the secondary, 3 starters return. James Gibson is the leader and was a main reason Army finished 14th in passing defense. Once again, the Black Knights will have one of the premier defensive units in the nation.
It’s always hard to replace a productive player on the offensive side of the ball but Bradshaw was a huge part of the program. It’ll be interesting to see if Hopkins can fill that role immediately. Army will once again feature a run heavy attack. If Army is to win double digit games again it will be on the backs of the defense. Army opens at Duke and a win could set the tone for an impressive season. The schedule is set up for another bowl game opportunity and I’d certainly take that bet.
Army had one of the better defenses in the country last season and return 8 starters. The Black Knights are stout at the linebacker position. Leading tackler James Nachtigal (103) returns, as well as Cole Christiansen (84 tackles) and Kenneth Brinson (38 tackles, 4 sacks). Raymond Wright is a big run stopper in the center of the defensive line. In the secondary, 3 starters return. James Gibson is the leader and was a main reason Army finished 14th in passing defense. Once again, the Black Knights will have one of the premier defensive units in the nation.
It’s always hard to replace a productive player on the offensive side of the ball but Bradshaw was a huge part of the program. It’ll be interesting to see if Hopkins can fill that role immediately. Army will once again feature a run heavy attack. If Army is to win double digit games again it will be on the backs of the defense. Army opens at Duke and a win could set the tone for an impressive season. The schedule is set up for another bowl game opportunity and I’d certainly take that bet.
Top Returners
Offense:
Passing
Kevin Hopkins Jr., Jr, QB
Rushing
Darnell Woolfolk, SR, FB
Receiving
Kell Walker, JR, SB
Defense:
Interceptions:
Max Regan, SR, S
Sacks:
James Nachitgal, SR, ILB
Tackles:
James Nachitgal, SR, ILB
Passing
Kevin Hopkins Jr., Jr, QB
Rushing
Darnell Woolfolk, SR, FB
Receiving
Kell Walker, JR, SB
Defense:
Interceptions:
Max Regan, SR, S
Sacks:
James Nachitgal, SR, ILB
Tackles:
James Nachitgal, SR, ILB
Army Schedule
BYU 5-7
Coach: Kalani Sitake
Offensive Coordinator: Jeff Grimes
Defensive Coordinator: Ilaisa Tuiaki
Stadium: LaVell Edwards Stadium (63,470)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 4-9
2016 9-4
2015 9-4
2014 8-5
2013 8-5
Offensive Coordinator: Jeff Grimes
Defensive Coordinator: Ilaisa Tuiaki
Stadium: LaVell Edwards Stadium (63,470)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 4-9
2016 9-4
2015 9-4
2014 8-5
2013 8-5
Overview
For the BYU faithful and head coach Kalani Sitake the new season can’t come soon enough. Last season was about as bad as it could get in Provo. Offensively, the Cougars were one of the worst in the country. QB Tanner Mangum returns for his senior season, although it feels like he’s been there for a decade. Squally Canada and Zach Katoa will prove to be a talented 1-2 punch in the rushing attack. Sophomore TE Matt Bushman was the lone bright spot for the Cougars a season ago. Bushman led the offense with 49 receptions and 520 yards. BYU is young, but have some talent on the offensive line. Rhett Almond connected on only 13-19 FG’s in ‘17.
Defensively, the Cougars should be stout once again. DE Corbin Kaufusi was one of 3 all-conference performers in ‘17. Kaufusi led the BYU defense with 6 sacks. Sione Takitaki is the leading returning tackler (79, 7.5 TFL). Butch Pau’u and Zayne Anderson complete a solid linebacker corps. Dayan Ghanwoloku headlines an impressive group that returns 3 starters in the secondary. Troy Warner and Chris Wilcox will spoil the passing game of opponents. Australian punter Danny Jones is a new addition in the kicking game.
It was a unusually bad season for the Cougars offense in ‘17. Tanner Mangum is the key to the Cougars success this year. Mangum has potential breakout stars around him. Mangum can rely on his great defense to protect a lead. I don’t foresee a 8-9 win season that have been common in Provo for years. BYU has an unbearable schedule for an Independent. Road games at Arizona, Wisconsin, Washington, Boise State and Utah will be tough to win. BYU will need to make the most of their chances at home if they want to return to bowl season.
Defensively, the Cougars should be stout once again. DE Corbin Kaufusi was one of 3 all-conference performers in ‘17. Kaufusi led the BYU defense with 6 sacks. Sione Takitaki is the leading returning tackler (79, 7.5 TFL). Butch Pau’u and Zayne Anderson complete a solid linebacker corps. Dayan Ghanwoloku headlines an impressive group that returns 3 starters in the secondary. Troy Warner and Chris Wilcox will spoil the passing game of opponents. Australian punter Danny Jones is a new addition in the kicking game.
It was a unusually bad season for the Cougars offense in ‘17. Tanner Mangum is the key to the Cougars success this year. Mangum has potential breakout stars around him. Mangum can rely on his great defense to protect a lead. I don’t foresee a 8-9 win season that have been common in Provo for years. BYU has an unbearable schedule for an Independent. Road games at Arizona, Wisconsin, Washington, Boise State and Utah will be tough to win. BYU will need to make the most of their chances at home if they want to return to bowl season.
Top Returners
Offense:
Passing
Tanner Magnum, SR, QB
Rushing
Squally Canada, SR, RB
Receiving
Matt Bushman, SO, TE
Defense:
Interceptions:
Two players tied at 2
Sacks:
Corbin Kaufusi, SR, DE
Tackles:
Sione Takitaki, SR, LB
Passing
Tanner Magnum, SR, QB
Rushing
Squally Canada, SR, RB
Receiving
Matt Bushman, SO, TE
Defense:
Interceptions:
Two players tied at 2
Sacks:
Corbin Kaufusi, SR, DE
Tackles:
Sione Takitaki, SR, LB
BYU Schedule
Liberty 3-9
Coach: Turner Gill
Offensive Coordinator: Joe Dailey
Defensive Coordinator: Robert Wimberly
Stadium: Williams Stadium (25,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
N/A previously FCS
Offensive Coordinator: Joe Dailey
Defensive Coordinator: Robert Wimberly
Stadium: Williams Stadium (25,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
N/A previously FCS
Overview
There’s a new program in 2018 entering the FBS level, everyone please welcome the Liberty Flames! Liberty joins fellow independents after leaving the FCS Big South Conference. The Flames are led by head coach Turner Gill and shouldn’t be overlooked by their opponents.
Liberty returns the majority of its offensive production from last year, including a group that beat Baylor. QB Steven Calvert threw for over 3,300 yards and 29 TD. Returning with Calvert are two all-conference WR’s, Antonio Gandy-Golden (69,1,066,10) and BJ Farrow (32, 571,10). Senior Damian King is dangerous in the slot, he finished with 66 receptions in ‘17. RB Frankie Hickson will enter the season as the clear-cut replacement for Carrington Mosley. Four offensive lineman return, including all-conference performer Dontae Duff at guard.
Liberty’s defense returns 7 starters, including multiple all-conference winners. This defensive unit will look to improve on the 30.4 ppg against a season ago. DE Juwan Wells is the heart of the defense, Wells led the Flames in tackles (74), sacks (4.5) and tackles for loss (6.5). Brandon Tillmon added 60 tackles at LB and will be the focal point once again. CB Jeremy Peters (3 INT, 8 PBU) returns after an All-Big South Junior season. Peters is one of 3 returning starters in the secondary. The Flames are expecting a better season from kicker Alex Probert (14-20, 49) and are breaking in a new punter.
Turner Gill returns to the FBS level in his 7th season at the helm. Liberty is an interesting team, they started 3-0 a year ago before fading mid-season. Liberty’s offense will allow them to compete in some games. Liberty has New Mexico State on the schedule twice. Overall, the schedule allows Liberty to reach 6 wins, but I wouldn’t bet on it. 3-4 wins would be a great first year at the FBS level.
Liberty returns the majority of its offensive production from last year, including a group that beat Baylor. QB Steven Calvert threw for over 3,300 yards and 29 TD. Returning with Calvert are two all-conference WR’s, Antonio Gandy-Golden (69,1,066,10) and BJ Farrow (32, 571,10). Senior Damian King is dangerous in the slot, he finished with 66 receptions in ‘17. RB Frankie Hickson will enter the season as the clear-cut replacement for Carrington Mosley. Four offensive lineman return, including all-conference performer Dontae Duff at guard.
Liberty’s defense returns 7 starters, including multiple all-conference winners. This defensive unit will look to improve on the 30.4 ppg against a season ago. DE Juwan Wells is the heart of the defense, Wells led the Flames in tackles (74), sacks (4.5) and tackles for loss (6.5). Brandon Tillmon added 60 tackles at LB and will be the focal point once again. CB Jeremy Peters (3 INT, 8 PBU) returns after an All-Big South Junior season. Peters is one of 3 returning starters in the secondary. The Flames are expecting a better season from kicker Alex Probert (14-20, 49) and are breaking in a new punter.
Turner Gill returns to the FBS level in his 7th season at the helm. Liberty is an interesting team, they started 3-0 a year ago before fading mid-season. Liberty’s offense will allow them to compete in some games. Liberty has New Mexico State on the schedule twice. Overall, the schedule allows Liberty to reach 6 wins, but I wouldn’t bet on it. 3-4 wins would be a great first year at the FBS level.
Top Returners
Offense:
Passing
Stephen Calvert, JR, QB
Rushing
Frankie Hickson, JR, RB
Receiving
Antonio Gandy-Golden, JR, WR
Defense:
Interceptions:
Jeremy Peters, SR, CB'
Sacks:
Juwan Wells, SR, DE
Tackles:
Juwan Wells, SR, DE
Passing
Stephen Calvert, JR, QB
Rushing
Frankie Hickson, JR, RB
Receiving
Antonio Gandy-Golden, JR, WR
Defense:
Interceptions:
Jeremy Peters, SR, CB'
Sacks:
Juwan Wells, SR, DE
Tackles:
Juwan Wells, SR, DE
Liberty Schedule
New Mexico State 6-6
Coach: Doug Martin
Offensive Coordinator: Doug Miller
Defensive Coordinator: Frank Spaziani
Stadium: Aggie Memorial Stadium (30,343)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 7-6
2016 3-9
2015 3-9
2014 2-10
2013 2-10
Offensive Coordinator: Doug Miller
Defensive Coordinator: Frank Spaziani
Stadium: Aggie Memorial Stadium (30,343)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 7-6
2016 3-9
2015 3-9
2014 2-10
2013 2-10
Overview
Last season, the New Mexico State Aggies ended a near six-decade bowl drought, with a win in the Arizona Bowl. They’ll need production from some new players if they have any chance to duplicate that success. Tyler Rodgers, a 4,000-yard passer has departed. Nick Jeanty and Matthew Romero will contend for the starting job. Romero seems like the perfect QB for this system, but we will have to wait and see.
Junior RB Jason Huntley will look to fill the cleats of Larry Rose. Huntley had solid production as the back up in ‘17. His average of 6 yards per carry led the team. The Aggies lose their top two receivers from a year ago but return the following 4. Huntley (39 receptions) is a weapon in the passing attack. Keep an eye on freshman Tevis Abraham and senior Johnathan Boone at WR. Four offensive lineman return, giving them stability in the trenches.
The defense returns many starters. The Aggies D was middle of the road nationally last season. Herrington will be a big loss but there are plenty of guys that could match his level of production. DE Malik Demby and Cedric Wilcots are a solid duo of edge rushers, finishing with 15 sacks combined in ‘17. Terrill Hanks will be the leader of the defense and the most likely to have an explosive year. Hanks finished with an impressive 111 tackles and 7 sacks. Ron Laforce headlines a veteran group in the secondary. The Aggies return both kicker (Dylan Brown) and punter (Payton Theisler). Overall, this is a solid and underrated defense in Las Cruces.
While the offense needs to replace a ton of production from last seasons, the Aggies defense is going to be the focal point. It feels like Romero will be the answer at QB and with a veteran OL & WR corps, they could make some noise. The schedule allows the Aggies to contend for another bowl spot. Not having a conference tie-in could be tricky. This is a team that could win as many as 8 games and goes bowling for a second consecutive year.
Junior RB Jason Huntley will look to fill the cleats of Larry Rose. Huntley had solid production as the back up in ‘17. His average of 6 yards per carry led the team. The Aggies lose their top two receivers from a year ago but return the following 4. Huntley (39 receptions) is a weapon in the passing attack. Keep an eye on freshman Tevis Abraham and senior Johnathan Boone at WR. Four offensive lineman return, giving them stability in the trenches.
The defense returns many starters. The Aggies D was middle of the road nationally last season. Herrington will be a big loss but there are plenty of guys that could match his level of production. DE Malik Demby and Cedric Wilcots are a solid duo of edge rushers, finishing with 15 sacks combined in ‘17. Terrill Hanks will be the leader of the defense and the most likely to have an explosive year. Hanks finished with an impressive 111 tackles and 7 sacks. Ron Laforce headlines a veteran group in the secondary. The Aggies return both kicker (Dylan Brown) and punter (Payton Theisler). Overall, this is a solid and underrated defense in Las Cruces.
While the offense needs to replace a ton of production from last seasons, the Aggies defense is going to be the focal point. It feels like Romero will be the answer at QB and with a veteran OL & WR corps, they could make some noise. The schedule allows the Aggies to contend for another bowl spot. Not having a conference tie-in could be tricky. This is a team that could win as many as 8 games and goes bowling for a second consecutive year.
Top Returners
Offense:
Passing
Nick Jeanty, SR, QB
Rushing
Jason Huntley, JR, RB
Receiving
OJ Clark, SR, WR
Defense:
Interceptions:
Shamad Lomax, JR, S
Sacks:
Cedric Wilcots II, JR, DE
Tackles:
Terrill Hanks, SR, OLB
Passing
Nick Jeanty, SR, QB
Rushing
Jason Huntley, JR, RB
Receiving
OJ Clark, SR, WR
Defense:
Interceptions:
Shamad Lomax, JR, S
Sacks:
Cedric Wilcots II, JR, DE
Tackles:
Terrill Hanks, SR, OLB
New Mexico State Schedule
Notre Dame 10-2
Coach: Brian Kelly
Offensive Coordinator: Chip Long
Defensive Coordinator: Clark Lea
Stadium: Notre Dame Stadium (78,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 10-3
2016 4-8
2015 10-3
2014 8-5
2013 9-4
Offensive Coordinator: Chip Long
Defensive Coordinator: Clark Lea
Stadium: Notre Dame Stadium (78,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 10-3
2016 4-8
2015 10-3
2014 8-5
2013 9-4
Overview
Brian Kelly enters his ninth season as head coach of the Fighting Irish. Expectations are high in South Bend after a 10 win season in 2017. Star QB Brandon Wimbush returns for his junior season. Wimbush played a key role in the Irish rushing attack, finishing with 803 rushing yards and 14 TD’s. Wimbush struggled in the passing game with only 50% completion and sporting an unimpressive 121.4 QBR. Dexter Williams was a homerun threat every time her touched the pigskin last season. Williams averaged over 9 yards per carry and should get plenty of carries this year. Chase Claypool and Miles Boykin are two big time targets, but until Wimbush can improve his passing skills, they’ll be overshadowed by the running backs. All-Conference performers Sam Mustipher and Alex Bars return on the offensive line.
Notre Dame returns 9 starters from a defense that finished 46th nationally in the total defense. Te’Von Coney may be the biggest and best athlete on the defense. Coney finished last season with 116 tackles and 10 for loss. He plays an extremely vital role in the Irish front seven. Fellow linebacker Drue Tranquill is bringing back his 85 tackles and 9 for loss. The Fighting Irish are well positioned at LB. Senior DT Jerry Tillery had a monster 2017 season. Tillery recorded 56 tackles and 4.5 sacks, which was good enough to led the team. The secondary is where Notre Dame is the strongest this season. Julian Love is coming off of an all-conference sophomore season, after putting up 20 PBU and 3 INT. Love has the opportunity to make the jump to the NFL after this season. Outside of Love, the Irish return every starter from a season ago.
South Bend is buzzing with high hopes heading into the 2018 season. Brian Kelly will rely heavily on Wimbush if the Irish are going to make a playoff run. It’ll be interesting to see if Kelly will turn to sophomore Ian Book if Wimbush starts the season slow. Notre Dame cannot afford to start slow out of the gate. Michigan comes to town on opening weekend. Notre Dame also gets Stanford, Navy and Florida State at home. They’ll head out on the road for games against Northwestern, Virginia Tech and USC. I’m not ready to put the Irish on the short list of CFP playoff caliber teams but Notre Dame should have a very nice season, possibly reaching double digit wins in the regular season.
Notre Dame returns 9 starters from a defense that finished 46th nationally in the total defense. Te’Von Coney may be the biggest and best athlete on the defense. Coney finished last season with 116 tackles and 10 for loss. He plays an extremely vital role in the Irish front seven. Fellow linebacker Drue Tranquill is bringing back his 85 tackles and 9 for loss. The Fighting Irish are well positioned at LB. Senior DT Jerry Tillery had a monster 2017 season. Tillery recorded 56 tackles and 4.5 sacks, which was good enough to led the team. The secondary is where Notre Dame is the strongest this season. Julian Love is coming off of an all-conference sophomore season, after putting up 20 PBU and 3 INT. Love has the opportunity to make the jump to the NFL after this season. Outside of Love, the Irish return every starter from a season ago.
South Bend is buzzing with high hopes heading into the 2018 season. Brian Kelly will rely heavily on Wimbush if the Irish are going to make a playoff run. It’ll be interesting to see if Kelly will turn to sophomore Ian Book if Wimbush starts the season slow. Notre Dame cannot afford to start slow out of the gate. Michigan comes to town on opening weekend. Notre Dame also gets Stanford, Navy and Florida State at home. They’ll head out on the road for games against Northwestern, Virginia Tech and USC. I’m not ready to put the Irish on the short list of CFP playoff caliber teams but Notre Dame should have a very nice season, possibly reaching double digit wins in the regular season.
Top Returners
Offense:
Passing
Brandon Wimbush, JR, QB
Rushing
Brandon Wimbush, JR, QB
Receiving
Chase Claypool, JR, WR
Defense
Interceptions
Julian Love, JR, CB
Sacks:
Jerry Tillery, SR, DT
Tackles:
Te'Von Coney, SR, LB
Passing
Brandon Wimbush, JR, QB
Rushing
Brandon Wimbush, JR, QB
Receiving
Chase Claypool, JR, WR
Defense
Interceptions
Julian Love, JR, CB
Sacks:
Jerry Tillery, SR, DT
Tackles:
Te'Von Coney, SR, LB
Notre Dame Schedule
UMass 8-4
Coach: Mark Whipple
Offensive Coordinator: Mark Whipple
Defensive Coordinator: Ed Pinkham
Stadium: William P. McGuirk Alumni Stadium (17,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 4-8
2016 2-10
2015 3-9
2014 3-9
2013 1-11
Offensive Coordinator: Mark Whipple
Defensive Coordinator: Ed Pinkham
Stadium: William P. McGuirk Alumni Stadium (17,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 4-8
2016 2-10
2015 3-9
2014 3-9
2013 1-11
Overview
Massachusetts enters the season with one of the better offensives in the country. Senior QB Andrew Ford returns after an impressive junior campaign. Ford led the Minutemen to the 17th best passing attack in the nation. Ford completed 63% of his passes for 2,924 yards and 22 TD. Ford is accurate and takes care of the football. Marquis Young is featured at the running back position. Young fell just 18 yards short of the 1,000 yard rushing mark. Senior Andy Isabella leads all UMass returning WR’s. Isabella hauled in 65 catches for 1,020 yards and 10 TD. Sophomore Jessie Britt has breakout potential in this offense. Four starters return on the offensive line.
UMass returns six defensive starters, this unit is looking to improve off of last season’s failures in the run game. Sophomore Jake Byczko has the potential for a big season on the edge. Linebacker Bryton Barr led the defense in tackles (105) and added 5 sacks. Isaiah Rodgers is one of 3 starters returning in the secondary. Rodgers and Lee Moses combined for 20 PBU and 7 INT. UMass must replace do-it all kicker/punter Logan Laurent.
UMass enters the season equipped with an offense that could win them a ton of games. Looking at the schedule, the Minutemen could easily reach bowl eligibility. If the defense can improve just slightly, it could be a special season. I’m high on UMass and that offense, 8 wins may be their ceiling but it would be good enough to go bowling.
UMass returns six defensive starters, this unit is looking to improve off of last season’s failures in the run game. Sophomore Jake Byczko has the potential for a big season on the edge. Linebacker Bryton Barr led the defense in tackles (105) and added 5 sacks. Isaiah Rodgers is one of 3 starters returning in the secondary. Rodgers and Lee Moses combined for 20 PBU and 7 INT. UMass must replace do-it all kicker/punter Logan Laurent.
UMass enters the season equipped with an offense that could win them a ton of games. Looking at the schedule, the Minutemen could easily reach bowl eligibility. If the defense can improve just slightly, it could be a special season. I’m high on UMass and that offense, 8 wins may be their ceiling but it would be good enough to go bowling.
Top Returners
Offense:
Passing
Andrew Ford, SR, QB
Rushing
Marquis Young, SR, RB
Receiving
Andy Isabella, SR, WR
Defense:
Interceptions:
Lee Moses, SR, CB
Sacks:
Bryton Barr, SR, LB
Tackles:
Bryton Barr, SR, LB
Passing
Andrew Ford, SR, QB
Rushing
Marquis Young, SR, RB
Receiving
Andy Isabella, SR, WR
Defense:
Interceptions:
Lee Moses, SR, CB
Sacks:
Bryton Barr, SR, LB
Tackles:
Bryton Barr, SR, LB