Independent Football Preview 2019
By Matt Hetzler
Army 12-1
Coach: Jeff Monken
Offensive Coordinator: Brent Davis
Defensive Coordinator: John Loose
Stadium: Blaik Field at Michie Stadium (38,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 11-2
2017 10-3
2016 8-5
2015 2-10
2014 4-8
Offensive Coordinator: Brent Davis
Defensive Coordinator: John Loose
Stadium: Blaik Field at Michie Stadium (38,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 11-2
2017 10-3
2016 8-5
2015 2-10
2014 4-8
Top ReturnersOffense:
Passing Kelvin Hopkins Jr., SR, QB Rushing Kelvin Hopkins Jr., SR, QB Receiving Kell Walker, SR, RB Defense: Interceptions: Jaylon McClinton, Sr, S Sacks: Edriece Patterson, JR, DE Tackles: Cole Christiansen. SR, LB |
Army Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: Navy
Toughest Road Game: At Michigan |
Quick Thoughts
Jeff Monken has done a wonderful job, especially in the last two seasons. Army has won a total of 21 games since 2017 and there is little reason to believe that the Black Knights won’t add a double-digit total to this season.
Kelvin Hopkins is the general of the offense. He’s not flashy, but he’s able to run the triple-option with precision. Connor Slomka will likely see more carries. Artice Hobbs will see a big jump in carries as he moves into the main role. Army’s OL is punishing and a top 15 unit in CFB.
Defensively, there’s some turnover. They just replace 14 sacks on the defensive line. Cole Christiansen returns and is the leader on the defensive side. Army’s secondary is very good, returning most of the production from ‘18.
Army should enter the season ranked in the Top 25 and they will end there. The schedule presents little challenge. I have Army winning 12 out of its 13 games. Army’s only loss will come at Michigan in week 2. Let’s hope they can make it game as they did against Oklahoma last season.
Kelvin Hopkins is the general of the offense. He’s not flashy, but he’s able to run the triple-option with precision. Connor Slomka will likely see more carries. Artice Hobbs will see a big jump in carries as he moves into the main role. Army’s OL is punishing and a top 15 unit in CFB.
Defensively, there’s some turnover. They just replace 14 sacks on the defensive line. Cole Christiansen returns and is the leader on the defensive side. Army’s secondary is very good, returning most of the production from ‘18.
Army should enter the season ranked in the Top 25 and they will end there. The schedule presents little challenge. I have Army winning 12 out of its 13 games. Army’s only loss will come at Michigan in week 2. Let’s hope they can make it game as they did against Oklahoma last season.
BYU 6-6
Coach: Kalani Sitake
Offensive Coordinator: Jeff Grimes
Defensive Coordinator: Ilaisa Tuiaki
Stadium: LaVell Edwards Stadium (63,470)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 7-6
2017 4-9
2016 9-4
2015 9-4
2014 8-5
Offensive Coordinator: Jeff Grimes
Defensive Coordinator: Ilaisa Tuiaki
Stadium: LaVell Edwards Stadium (63,470)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 7-6
2017 4-9
2016 9-4
2015 9-4
2014 8-5
Top ReturnersOffense:
Passing Zach Wilson, SO, QB Rushing Lopini Katoa, SO, RB Receiving Matt Bushman, JR, TE Defense: Interceptions: Isaiah Kaufusi, JR, OLB and Austin Lee, SR, S Sacks: Lorenzo Fauatea, SO, DT Tackles: Isaiah Kaufusi, JR, LB |
BYU Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: Utah
Toughest Road Game: At Tennessee |
Quick Thoughts
BYU bounced back to bowl eligibility last season. A win in the Potato Bowl gave the Cougars momentum heading into the new season. With 17 returning starters, expectations will be high. QB Zach Wilson is the guy after spending time behind Tanner Mangum last season. Wilson’s Top 3 receivers a back and he’s working behind a veteran OL.
BYU loses its two best defensive players from a year ago. It’ll be hard to replace Kaufusi but there’s a reason to like the DL with Tonga and El-Bakri in the middle. The LB corps is stout. Isaiah Kaufusi should be put up Takitaki type numbers this season. The secondary is experienced with 3 returning starters. Kicker Skylar Southam hit 11-16 FG’s as a freshman.
BYU has an absolutely brutal schedule. They open with Utah, at Tennessee, USC, and Washington. It’s hard to imagine them winning any of those games. The Cougars then get some very good G5 teams with Toledo, USF, Boise and Utah St. The back end of the schedule is where the W’s will have to come if they want to return to a bowl game.
BYU loses its two best defensive players from a year ago. It’ll be hard to replace Kaufusi but there’s a reason to like the DL with Tonga and El-Bakri in the middle. The LB corps is stout. Isaiah Kaufusi should be put up Takitaki type numbers this season. The secondary is experienced with 3 returning starters. Kicker Skylar Southam hit 11-16 FG’s as a freshman.
BYU has an absolutely brutal schedule. They open with Utah, at Tennessee, USC, and Washington. It’s hard to imagine them winning any of those games. The Cougars then get some very good G5 teams with Toledo, USF, Boise and Utah St. The back end of the schedule is where the W’s will have to come if they want to return to a bowl game.
Liberty 8-4
Coach: Hugh Freeze
Offensive Coordinator: Kent Austin and Maurice Harris
Defensive Coordinator: Scott Symons
Stadium: Williams Stadium (25,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 6-6
Offensive Coordinator: Kent Austin and Maurice Harris
Defensive Coordinator: Scott Symons
Stadium: Williams Stadium (25,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 6-6
Top ReturnersOffense:
Passing Buckshot Calvert, SR, QB Rushing Frankie Hickson, SR, RB Receiving Antonio Gandy-Golden, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Isaac Steele, JR, S and Bejour Wilson, SR, CB Sacks: Jessie Lemonier, SR, DE Tackles: Solomon Ajayi, SR, LB and Elijah Benton, SR, S |
Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: Syracuse
Toughest Road Game: At Virginia |
Quick Thoughts
Liberty is one of the more interesting teams heading into the new season. Hugh Freeze was given his second chance and I honestly believe this team is going to win a lot of games. The offense put up tons of points last season and returns 8 starters.
Stephen Calvert is a 3,000-yard passer. The running game will be stacked with Joshua Mack and Frankie Hickson (1,000-yard rusher last season). Antonio Gandy-Golden is a big-time playmaker on the outside.
Defensively, Liberty was really bad last season and I’m not looking for this group to improve all that much. The Flames do return 7 guys, including DE Jessie Lemonier, who led the team with 10 sacks. Solomon Ajayi led the Flames in tackles and returns at MLB. The secondary is led by CB Bejour Wilson (10 PBU).
The schedule presents itself with an opportunity to get bowl eligible in the programs first year of eligibly. I think this team is capable of winning 8 games. The offense is going to be phenomenal to watch. The Syracuse game is going to be an offensive display that shouldn’t be missed. Liberty gets a bowl game and Hugh Freeze starts to build a consistent winner.
Stephen Calvert is a 3,000-yard passer. The running game will be stacked with Joshua Mack and Frankie Hickson (1,000-yard rusher last season). Antonio Gandy-Golden is a big-time playmaker on the outside.
Defensively, Liberty was really bad last season and I’m not looking for this group to improve all that much. The Flames do return 7 guys, including DE Jessie Lemonier, who led the team with 10 sacks. Solomon Ajayi led the Flames in tackles and returns at MLB. The secondary is led by CB Bejour Wilson (10 PBU).
The schedule presents itself with an opportunity to get bowl eligible in the programs first year of eligibly. I think this team is capable of winning 8 games. The offense is going to be phenomenal to watch. The Syracuse game is going to be an offensive display that shouldn’t be missed. Liberty gets a bowl game and Hugh Freeze starts to build a consistent winner.
New Mexico State 1-11
Coach: Doug Martin
Offensive Coordinator: Doug Miller
Defensive Coordinator: Frank Spaziani
Stadium: Aggie Memorial Stadium (30,343)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 3-9
2017 7-6
2016 3-9
2015 3-9
2014 2-10
Offensive Coordinator: Doug Miller
Defensive Coordinator: Frank Spaziani
Stadium: Aggie Memorial Stadium (30,343)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 3-9
2017 7-6
2016 3-9
2015 3-9
2014 2-10
Top ReturnersOffense:
Passing Josh Adkins, SO, QB Rushing Christian Gibson, SR, RB Receiving OJ Clark, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions: 4 players tied at 1 Sacks: Cedric Wilcots II, SR, DE Tackles: Javahn Ferguson, SR, LB |
Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: UTEP
Toughest Road Game: At Alabama |
Quick Thoughts
Doug Martin enters his 7th season in Las Cruces. A season removed from the Aggies first bowl appearance in 57 years, New Mexico State won just 3 games in 2018. QB Josh Adkins needs to take a step forward after a decent freshman season. Jason Huntley is the do-everything type running back. He’s the leading returner in catch total with 47.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Aggies will really struggle. Leading tackler LB Javahn Ferguson returns. DE Cedric Wilcots led the Aggies in sacks with 7, last season. This is a defense that gave up over 41 pts per game. It’s going to rough year for the Aggies, 3-4 wins would be a massive achievement.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Aggies will really struggle. Leading tackler LB Javahn Ferguson returns. DE Cedric Wilcots led the Aggies in sacks with 7, last season. This is a defense that gave up over 41 pts per game. It’s going to rough year for the Aggies, 3-4 wins would be a massive achievement.
Notre Dame 12-0
Coach: Brian Kelly
Offensive Coordinator: Chip Long
Defensive Coordinator: Clark Lea
Stadium: Notre Dame Stadium (78,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 12-1
2017 10-3
2016 4-8
2015 10-3
2014 8-5
Offensive Coordinator: Chip Long
Defensive Coordinator: Clark Lea
Stadium: Notre Dame Stadium (78,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 12-1
2017 10-3
2016 4-8
2015 10-3
2014 8-5
Top ReturnersOffense:
Passing Ian Book, SR, QB Rushing Tony Jones Jr., JR, RB Receiving Chase Claypool, SR, WR Defense Interceptions Jalen Elliott, SR, S Sacks: Julian Okwara, SR, DE Tackles: Alohi Gilman, JR, S |
Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: At Georgia
Toughest Road Game: At Michigan |
Quick Thoughts
Notre Dame was a surprise team in the CFP last season. There are plenty of key guys back to make a return trip in 2019. Ian Book is one of the best QB in the country. Book didn’t start in 2018, but when he got his chance, he never lost the job. His 68% completion rate was one of the best in CFB. Jafar Armstrong will look to eclipse 1,000 yards rushing behind a veteran OL. Chase Claypool is a big-time target on the outside.
The defense is solid. Khalid Kareem and Julian Okwara are fierce edge rushers. Coney will be missed at LB. The Irish lost Julian Love in the secondary. Despite that, Notre Dame has one of the best secondaries in CFB. Troy Pride is the next big CB prospect. Elliot and Gilman are two of the top safeties in the nation.
There’s a lot to like about this Irish team. Looking at the schedule, there are just two games that are potential losses for the Irish. Road trips to Georgia and Michigan. After an embarrassing blowout loss to Clemson and having to hear about how they didn’t deserve to be there (I may have been their biggest critic), I think Notre Dame enters the season looking to prove it belongs among the CFB elite.
That’s why I have the Irish running the table and getting back to the CFP playoffs. Ian Book puts together a great season and gets to New York.
The defense is solid. Khalid Kareem and Julian Okwara are fierce edge rushers. Coney will be missed at LB. The Irish lost Julian Love in the secondary. Despite that, Notre Dame has one of the best secondaries in CFB. Troy Pride is the next big CB prospect. Elliot and Gilman are two of the top safeties in the nation.
There’s a lot to like about this Irish team. Looking at the schedule, there are just two games that are potential losses for the Irish. Road trips to Georgia and Michigan. After an embarrassing blowout loss to Clemson and having to hear about how they didn’t deserve to be there (I may have been their biggest critic), I think Notre Dame enters the season looking to prove it belongs among the CFB elite.
That’s why I have the Irish running the table and getting back to the CFP playoffs. Ian Book puts together a great season and gets to New York.
UMass 2-10
Coach: Walt Ball
Offensive Coordinator: Walt Ball
Defensive Coordinator: Azzaar Abdul-Rahim and Tommy Restivo
Stadium: William P. McGuirk Alumni Stadium (17,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 4-8
2017 4-8
2016 2-10
2015 3-9
2014 3-9
Offensive Coordinator: Walt Ball
Defensive Coordinator: Azzaar Abdul-Rahim and Tommy Restivo
Stadium: William P. McGuirk Alumni Stadium (17,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 4-8
2017 4-8
2016 2-10
2015 3-9
2014 3-9
Top ReturnersOffense:
Passing Micheal Curtis, SR, QB Rushing Bilal Ally, SR, RB Receiving Sadiq Palmer, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Isaoah Rodgers, SR, CB Sacks: Jake Byczko, JR, DE Tackles: Chinedu Ogbonna, JR, LB |
Schedule
Schedule AnalysisBiggest Game: Coastal Carolina
Toughest Road Game: At Army |
Quick Thoughts
There’s a new face at the top of the helm in Amherst, Walt Bell. Bell is tasked with possibly the hardest coaching job in FBS football. Add in the fact that he inherits a depleted roster, things will take time. It’s very rare that I am unable to find positive things about a program.
Offensively the Minutemen will be a mess. JUCO QB Andrew Brito will have a tough time behind a revamped OL and a lack of quality skill guys. WR Brennon Dingle is the best athlete for UMass. On defense, I really like Isaiah Rodgers at corner. I don’t see a path to match last seasons win total for UMass. Bell will have to start from scratch. I like a win ceiling of 2.
Offensively the Minutemen will be a mess. JUCO QB Andrew Brito will have a tough time behind a revamped OL and a lack of quality skill guys. WR Brennon Dingle is the best athlete for UMass. On defense, I really like Isaiah Rodgers at corner. I don’t see a path to match last seasons win total for UMass. Bell will have to start from scratch. I like a win ceiling of 2.