2015 Season Prediction Thread

[BoiseStateFan27]

Florida International Panthers




Preview: FIU enjoyed a bit of a rebound season last year, after dropping off majorly to 1-11 in Ron Turner’s first year they rebounded to 4-8 this past year, while better keep in mind a 4-8 record after two great prior years is what got Mario Cristobel fired from FIU. The season sure didn’t start off well with a loss to Bethune-Cookman(which I predicted) in the opener, but FIU did have a good stretch at one point in the year where they beat UAB and Florida Atlantic, the few periods where the offense and defense both played well, for the early portion of the year the offense struggled but the defense played well, but then late in the year the offense improved but the defense dropped off. The offense returns QB Alex McGough who started most of the year as a true freshman last year, he had some good and bad moments throughout the year. The running game was one that really struggled early in the year but really picked up later on, responsible for that surge was running back Anthon Samuel, who looks promising as a starter this year. Receiver is a major question with no starters returning, but the offensive line appears to be solid. The defense returns 8 starters, but a lot of its issues were its ability to give up big plays, the front 7 looks solid, but the secondary is a concern with the safeties departing after they already gave up a lot of big plays. The schedule isn’t the best FIU plays UCF and Indiana OOC, and they get Louisiana Tech and UTEP from the West division two of the better teams from that side, FIU also doesn’t have a single bye week. FIU could still potentially hit bowl eligibility if they really improve, but if receivers don’t emerge they could regress.

Predictions:

Sept. 3 @ UCF: FIU actually stands a decent chance in this game due to UCF’s run defense, but overall UCF is better still and FIU loses. L

Sept. 12 @ Indiana: FIU’s defense struggles to stop Indiana in this game, and they lose. L

Sept. 19 North Carolina Central: North Carolina Central is a mediocre FCS school, they won’t win this. W

Sept. 26 @ Louisiana Tech: FIU has a tough time moving the ball against Louisiana Tech’s defense and is blown out. L

Oct. 3 @ Massachusetts: Massachusetts found a great passing game last year and should excel at it this year too, they got a lot of big plays and beat FIU. L

Oct. 10 UTEP: FIU struggles to completely stop UTEP’s running game in this game, they still keep it close but come up short and lose. L

Oct. 17 @ Middle Tennessee State: FIU doesn’t have as much success on offense against Mid Tenn State this year and loses. L

Oct. 24 Old Dominion: Old Dominion no longer had Taylor Heinicke at QB and without him they lack the big plays they got last year allowing FIU to beat them in this game. L

Oct. 31 @ Florida Atlantic: FIU falls short in a battle between them and their rivals. L

Nov. 7 Charlotte: FIU has no problem moving the ball in this game and wins easily. W

Nov. 14 @ Marshall: Marshall gets a lot of big plays against FIU and blows them out. L

Nov. 21 Western Kentucky: Finally the 12th game in a row for FIU, and they are blown out in this game. L


Record: 3-9(2-6)

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs




Preview: Louisiana Tech had a fantastic second season under Skip Holtz, they were off to an uneven start with a surprising win over Louisiana-Lafayette, but yet a surprising loss to Northwestern State of FCS, they also lost not surprising games to Oklahoma and Auburn. They finished the year with a 9-5 record they barely lost the conference USA championship but did pummel Illinois in the heart of dallas bowl. The offense last year was excellent after the success of transfer QB Cody Sokol from Iowa, he is now gone so Louisiana Tech will now have a new graduate transfer QB in Jeff Driskel from Florida in hopes of success. Driskel was a heralded recruit coming out of high school but was a major disappointment at Florida, oddly enough just a few years ago him, Tyler Murphy and Jacoby Brissett were all battling for the starting QB job at Florida, now all three will end their careers elsewhere, Driskel was the winner of that battle and the other two Tyler Murphy at Boston College and Jacoby Brissett at NC State were far more successful at their new stops than they were at Florida, so Driskel could perhaps be in for a very successful season at Louisiana Tech. Louisiana Tech also has a great running back in Kenneth Dixon who returns as well as some great receivers and 3 starters are back on what was one of the better offensive lines last year. The defense meanwhile was great also leading FBS in turnovers forced last year, they will most certainly not repeat that number but should still be good, the defensive line will certainly be good but depth is an issue both there and at linebacker, the secondary returns 3 of 4 starters so it should still be excellent. The schedule isn’t the easier, Louisiana Tech has non-conference games against Kansas State, Mississippi State, and a good mid major in Louisiana Lafayette, they also bring three road games against Western Kentucky, Rice and UTEP. Overall Louisiana Tech is a contender for the Conference USA championship and perhaps stand a chance of being in a New Years 6 bowl if they can upset a power 5 program.

Predictions:

Sept. 5 Southern: Southern is a non-threatening FCS opponent so Louisiana Tech should win easy. W

Sept. 10 @ Western Kentucky: This will be a very tough road game for Louisiana Tech and perhaps a preview of the conference USA championship, Louisiana Tech’s defense will force turnovers against Western Kentucky’s high flying offense which will allow Louisiana Tech to win. W

Sept. 19 @ Kansas State: Louisiana Tech puts up a good fight in this game but falls just short of the big upset. L

Sept. 26 FIU: Louisiana Tech’s offense hits big plays and Louisiana Tech’s defense dominates FIU’s offense in a win. W

Oct. 3 Louisiana-Lafayette: Louisiana Tech’s defense gives the Ragin Cajuns a tough time on offense and they stifle to Ragin Cajuns for a win. W

Oct. 10 @ UTSA: UTSA has a massive rebuilding effort this year so Louisiana Tech rolls. W

Oct. 17 @ Mississippi State: Louisiana Tech will give Mississippi State’s offense a tough test in this game, but Louisiana Tech falls just short of the upset. L

Oct. 24 Middle Tennessee State: Louisiana Tech has a favorable matchup in this game as Mid Tenn State’s QB is good but also turnover prone, Louisiana Tech takes advantage and wins this game. W

Oct. 30 @ Rice: This is a tough 6 day turnover but Louisiana Tech still powers their way past Rice to win. W

Nov. 7 North Texas: Louisiana Tech rolls past North Texas in this game for the win. W

Nov. 21 @ UTEP: With the bye week prior Louisiana Tech is able to be rested for this game against UTEP, their offense runs wild in this win. W

Nov. 28 Southern Miss: Random conference upset here, Southern Miss starts playing better later in the year and stuns Louisiana Tech. L

Record: 9-3(7-1)

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Marshall Thundering Herd




Preview: Marshall had an excellent year last year, Marshall rolled off to an 11-0 start and was in contention with a New Year’s 6 bowl before they lost an upset to Western Kentucky in a crazy 66-67 offensive shootout. Marshall still won the Conference USA championship and destroyed Northern Illinois in their bowl game for a 13-1 finish. The offense was great last year but it will lose QB Rakeem Cato who was an absolute star, his replacement will be Michael Birdsong a former James Madison QB, he won the starting job right away which is promising. The star of the offense will be RB Devon Johnson, receiver Tommy Shuler is gone but they had a very deep group of receivers last year so there’s still a lot of talent for Michael Birdsong to throw to, the offensive line that was good returns 3 starters from last year. The defensive line and linebackers will need some replacements after losing several players there last year, the linebackers will at least be assisted by Maryland transfer Shawn Petty who infamously played QB for them late his freshman year thanks to the massive amount of injuries they had there. The secondary though will be the strength of the defense as almost everyone is back. The schedule isn’t bad, the only power 5 opponent is Purdue, who calling a power 5 opponent is using the term lightly, Marshall draws North Texas and Southern Miss from the west division, but has to play Western Kentucky and Mid Tenn State their two biggest division competitors on the road.

Predictions:

Sept. 6 Purdue: Marshall’s offense will have a lot of success against Purdue’s defense and they will win a shootout. W

Sept. 12 @ Ohio: Ohio will be a tricky road game for Marshall, but Marshall’s offense will be too much. W

Sept. 19 Norfolk State: Norfolk State is a non-threatening FCS opponent, so Marshall wins easily. W

Sept. 26 @ Kent State: Kent State struggled last year but should at least be a little better this year that won’t be enough for them to beat Marshall though. W

Oct. 3 Old Dominion: Marshall’s offense will roll over Old Dominion in this game. W

Oct. 9 Southern Miss: Southern Miss will be improved but Marshall will blow them out in this game. W

Oct. 17 @ Florida Atlantic: Marshall will take advantage of Florida Atlantic’s new secondary and dominate them in this game. W

Oct. 24 North Texas: Marshall will pummel North Texas in this game. W

Oct. 31 @ Charlotte: Marshall’s offense will have a ridiculous amount of success against Charlotte’s defense, they could very well have at least 40 by halftime. W

Nov. 7 @ Middle Tennessee State: Mid Tenn State ends up upsetting Marshall in this game. L

Nov. 14 FIU: Marshall’s offense runs wild against FIU and wins. W

Nov. 27 @ Western Kentucky: This will be a shootout once again and Marshall ends up losing close in this shootout. L

Record: 10-2(6-2)

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders



Preview: Mid Tenn State has been very consistent lately under Rick Stockstill, they have been at least .500 every year since 2011, last year was a bit down compared to the previous years before though, Mid Tenn State dropped to 6-6, and weren’t selected for a bowl despite being eligible. Mid Tenn State’s offense was good last year, when it didn’t turn the ball over. QB Austin Grammar is back and he was a good passer as a sophomore last year, as well as being a dual threat, but he unfortunately was also a dual threat in turnovers and sacks, turning it over 17 times while being sacked 26 times, with another year’s experience he should improve in both. The running game loses its leading rusher but it was a split carries attack last year so there’s still some good options. There’s some solid returning receivers and the offensive line brings back 3 starters. The defense had issues with fading late during games last year and it really cost Mid Tenn State some potential wins, the defensive line though is expected to improve this year, and two good linebackers are back as well, the secondary returns 3 of 4 starters including Kevin Byard who had 6 interceptions last year tied for 7th in the country. The schedule is pretty tough, with Mid Tenn State having to face 3 power 5 opponents, though two of the power 5 opponents in Illinois and Vanderbilt are winnable, Alabama meanwhile is just a blowout loss Mid Tenn State will have to take. Overall Mid Tenn State should be solid again, and be bowl eligible, and perhaps be selected this time.

Predictions:

Sept. 5 Jackson State: Jackson State is a non-threatening FCS team so an easy season opening win. W

Sept. 12 @ Alabama: Unfortunately Mid Tenn State will just have to suffer a blowout here. L

Sept. 19 Charlotte: Mid Tenn State will at least get to recover against Charlotte and their struggling defense. W

Sept. 26 @ Illinois: Mid Tenn State gives Illinois a tough time but comes short of the win. L

Oct. 3 Vanderbilt: And they fall just short again against Vanderbilt, done in by turnovers this time. L

Oct. 10 @ Western Kentucky: They test Western Kentucky in this game but Mid Tenn State struggles to stop their offense, while Western Kentucky’s improved defense will cause Mid Tenn State to turn it over. L

Oct. 17 FIU: Mid Tenn State runs their way past FIU in this game. W

Oct. 24 @ Louisiana Tech: Tough game here for Mid Tenn State as they are undone by turnovers again in a loss. L

Nov. 7 Marshall: With a bye week prior Mid Tenn State grabs a much needed win in an upset of Marshall. W

Nov. 14 @ Florida Atlantic: Mid Tenn State starts going on a roll now with reduced turnovers they roll. W

Nov. 21 North Texas: Mid Tenn State downs North Texas as well. W

Nov. 28 @ UTSA: UTSA could be playing their best football at this point, but Mid Tenn State will be playing well too and win. W

Record: 7-5(6-2)

 

[nddulac]

in re: Alabama scheduling UNC-Charlotte

I'm sure they will still be on Alabama's schedule for their first game prior to SEC play shortly though

The earliest they can get 'er done is 2018. The 2016 schedule is fill (with Southern Cal, Western Kentucky, Kent State, and Chattanooga.) There is only room for an FCS team in 2017 (as the Gumps are already slated to face Florida State, Fresno State and Colorado State.) But in 2018, the only team that the Alabamas have tied up (get it?) is Louisville (at Orlando.)

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

in re: Alabama scheduling UNC-Charlotte



The earliest they can get 'er done is 2018. The 2016 schedule is fill (with Southern Cal, Western Kentucky, Kent State, and Chattanooga.) There is only room for an FCS team in 2017 (as the Gumps are already slated to face Florida State, Fresno State and Colorado State.) But in 2018, the only team that the Alabamas have tied up (get it?) is Louisville (at Orlando.)

Perhaps they could attempt to move back Western Kentucky to 2018, in order to schedule Charlotte next year

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

North Texas Mean Green or Eagles




Preview: North Texas had a rough year last year, as they were hit hard with injuries and just struggled overall. North Texas when they did win they did win big, so they seemed to be a team reliant on being better than their opponent. QB Andrew McNulty returns as the starter but was wasn’t very productive in doing so, RB has a competition between last year’s starter Antoinne Jimmerson and Jeffrey Wilson who impressed as a rusher late in the year. The offenses strength will be its receivers with 4 of 5 top receivers returning. The offensive line is a huge question mark with 4 long time starters all gone. The front 7 doesn’t return a lot of starters from last year, and the secondary is promising. Overall they’re replacing a lot but at least an extended group got experience last year due to injuries. The schedule though is a rough one, with Tennessee and Iowa as non-conference opponents, only an improved SMU and Portland State are winnable games, the conference usa schedule is close to as bad as could be with North Texas drawing Marshall, Mid Tenn State and Western Kentucky the best three teams from the East division. North Texas could be better overall yet post a worse record thanks to the unfavorable schedule.

Predictions:

Sept. 12 @ SMU: SMU was absolutely terrible last year but with a new head coach in Chad Morris they will be improved this year, and SMU will take down North Texas in this game. L

Sept. 19 Rice: North Texas has a tough time stopping Rice in this game, and they lose. L

Sept. 26 @ Iowa: Yes North Texas will get dominated in this one. L

Oct. 3 @ Southern Miss: I think Southern Miss will finally take a step forward this year, and they show it here by beating North Texas. L

Oct. 10 Portland State: Portland State is towards the bottom of FCS teams so North Texas should win this. W

Oct. 15 Western Kentucky: Western Kentucky’s offense will be near unstoppable for North Texas, and North Texas’ offense won’t have enough success to keep up. L

Oct. 24 @ Marshall: North Texas will have a tough time stopping Marshall’s running game, and their offensive line won’t be able to stop Marshall’s pass rush. L

Oct. 31 UTSA: North Texas finally has some success as they’re able to pass the ball all over UTSA’s defense. W

Nov. 7 @ Louisiana Tech: North Texas will be forced into a lot of turnovers in this one as Louisiana Tech’s defense rushes McNulty’s decision making. L

Nov. 14 @ Tennessee: North Texas will all around be dominated by Tennessee. L

Nov. 21 @ Middle Tennessee State: They lose again to Mid Tenn State. L

Nov. 28 UTEP: North Texas fights hard for a win in this game, but falls just short against UTEP. L

Record: 2-10(1-7)

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Old Dominion Monarchs




Preview: Old Dominion had a successful first year in FBS in which they had some interesting ups and downs. They had some great performances, like when they beat Rice and Louisiana Tech, as well as performing admirably against power 5 foes, they also had some ridiculous games which includes a 51-66 loss to Western Kentucky. In the end Old Dominion ended the year with a 6-6 record, they were not eligible for a bowl due to being new to FBS. Old Dominion’s offense was explosive and one run similar to Oregon’s style, except with more passing, but they may go more to a run based attack thanks to the graduation of star QB Taylor Heinicke. Redshirt freshman Shuler Bentley is expected to take over the starting job, RB is the strength this year with the return of star freshman Ray Lawry and he will be the go to player, Old Dominion loses their top receiver in Antonio Vaughan, but most of the rest are back, and the offensive line returning 5 starters will be the best in Old Dominion’s history. The defense has struggled for several seasons, but it did show improvement late in the year, the defensive line should be solid but needs to generate a better pass rush, the linebacker position has had issues with depth but two of three starters are back so there’s some hope there. The secondary is mostly underclassmen, but there’s some help from UAB transfer Devon Brown. The schedule overall isn’t tough, the only power 5 opponent they play is NC State and they get them at home, and Old Dominion gets UTEP, Southern Miss and UTSA from the West, which isn’t the best but also isn’t the worst combination. Old Dominion has some losses but yet thanks to the easier schedule they could repeat their 6 win performance from last year.

Predictions:

Sept. 5 @ Eastern Michigan: Eastern Michigan should be improved this year, but their defense that couldn’t stop anyone last year will have a tough time making stops against Old Dominion, allowing Old Dominion to roll to a victory. W

Sept. 12 Norfolk State: Old Dominion’s foe from across town is not much of a threat to FBS teams, allowing Old Dominion to roll in this game. W

Sept. 19 NC State: Old Dominion’s offense will do a solid job keeping them in the game, but the defense won’t be able to stop NC State’s offense, and they end up losing. L

Sept. 26 Appalachian State: Appalachian State returns more starters than anyone from a team that really was on a roll late last year, both of these teams are in their second season in FBS, Old Dominion ends up losing this game in a close one. L

Oct. 3 @ Marshall: Old Dominion’s defense won’t be able to stop Marshall in this game and Marshall’s defense stops their offense a few times to cause Old Dominion to lose. L

Oct. 17 Charlotte: Old Dominion comes off a bye week and pretty much gets another one, Charlotte’s offense will be able to score on Old Dominion but Old Dominion will be unstoppable for Charlotte’s bad defense so Old Dominion wins, and the box score for this one could look ridiculous. W

Oct. 24 @ FIU: Old Dominion hits big plays against FIU’s defense but FIU also has success against Old Dominion’s defense, and Old Dominion has some late turnovers that cause them to lose this one. L

Oct. 31 Western Kentucky: These two once again get into an offensive shootout, a situation in which Western Kentucky is all too comfortable in, Old Dominion tires out late and losses. L

Nov. 7 @ UTSA: Old Dominion takes advantage of UTSA’s rebuilt defense and wins. W

Nov. 14 UTEP: Old Dominion has a lot of success against UTEP’s defense, and slows down UTEP’s running attack enough to win. W

Nov. 21 @ Southern Miss: Old Dominion drops this one to an improved Southern Miss. L

Nov. 28 Florida Atlantic: Old Dominion outscores Florida Atlantic in this one thanks to Florida Atlantic not having enough firepower on offense to keep up. W

Record: 6-6(4-4)

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Rice Owls




Preview: Secretly Rice is on their programs best 3 year run in program history, and they have been bowling every year since 2011, that is pretty remarkable, and yet no one has really noticed. In fact most people remember Rice because they played Texas A&M in a season opener that Johnny Manziel was suspended a half for. Last year Rice didn’t get off to the best of starts or best of finishes, they opened the year 0-3, but two of the losses to Notre Dame and Texas A&M were expected, the loss at home to Old Dominion was a surprise, Rice won their next 6 games, before being blown out by Marshall, and lost out on the West division in spectacular fashion by getting destroyed 76-31 by Louisiana Tech, they did end the year being the beneficiary of Fresno State’s terrible bowl appearances. The offense was good last year, but it does lose quite a bit, the good news is it brings back QB Driphus Jackson who was a very good dual threat. Rice also brings back a good running back duo, but loses star receiver Jordan Taylor, the offensive line returns only two starters and is overall very young. The defense last year had good and bad moments, and this year the entire defense returns just 3 starters. Overall Rice is an incredibly young team, they still have a better foundation of talent than other teams in the conference, but a drop off is still possible, or they could just be inconsistent. The schedule isn’t bad Rice has to take their lumps against Texas and Baylor, but the conference schedule has Western Kentucky as a tough cross division opponent, but they do get Florida Atlantic and Charlotte as the others. Overall Rice could continue to contend for Conference USA, or could have a drop off.

Predictions:

Sept. 5 Wagner: Wagner is a non-threatening FCS team so Rice should win this one easily. W

Sept. 12 @ Texas: Yes Rice will take their usual blowout loss to Texas. L

Sept. 19 @ North Texas: North Texas tests Rice in this game but Rice outscores them .W

Sept. 26 @ Baylor: Rice might not stop Baylor’s first team offense once. L

Oct. 3 Western Kentucky: Rice’s defense will have a very difficult time stopping Western Kentucky in this game, they keep it a shootout for a while but fade in the fourth quarter. L

Oct. 10 @ Florida Atlantic: Rice has some good success on offense in this game and they outscore Florida Atlantic. W

Oct. 24 Army: Despite the bye week Rice still surprisingly drops this game due to a young defense not ready to defend the option. L

Oct. 30 Louisiana Tech: Rice will get blown out again but not give up 76 points this time. L

Nov. 6 @ UTEP: Just when things are looking down for Rice they pull together a great performance and take down UTEP. W

Nov. 14 Southern Miss: Rice follows it up with a good win over Southern Miss. W

Nov. 21 @ UTSA: Rice’s young team pull a complete stinker in this one, and is stunned. L

Nov. 28 Charlotte: Rice does pummel Charlotte though. W

Record: 6-6(4-4)

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles




Preview: Yet another year of asking what in the world happened to Southern Miss? Back in 2011 they were a fixture among the top of group of 5 programs, suddenly they just collapsed and still haven’t recovered. Last year was another miserable year they went 3-9 and their largest margin of victory was by 10 points, 3-9 at least still was more wins than the two years before combined. The offense was decent but not great, it should improve though, QB Nick Mullins returns and he has been a solid starter, but he has some new competition in a more talented QB in TCU transfer Tyler Matthews, the running game has to improve though, but Southern Miss has improved depth now at receiver and on the offensive line. The defense is going to replace a lot of starters, and the defensive line is the biggest question with the loss of defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches. The linebacker position will be solid, and the secondary should be improved thanks to some junior college transfers. The schedule isn’t overly bad, Southern Miss will take some losses to Mississippi State and Nebraska OOC, they draw a decent mix from the East in Marshall, Charlotte and Old Dominion. Overall one big thing Southern Miss has had in the past three years is continuity, I actually think it will pay off and Southern Miss rebounds, perhaps to bowl eligibility.

Predictions:

Sept. 5 Mississippi State: Mississippi State will beat Southern Miss pretty easily in this game. L

Sept. 12 Austin Peay: Austin Peay is a non-threatening FCS opponent who Southern Miss will beat. W

Sept. 19 @ Texas State: Southern Miss plays a pretty solid Texas State team and loses in a close one. L

Sept. 26 @ Nebraska: Southern Miss will take a blowout loss in this game. L

Oct. 3 North Texas: Southern Miss will beat North Texas in this game, as their offense has some great success. W

Oct. 9 @ Marshall: Southern Miss gets pummeled by Marshall, though not as bad as last year’s 63-17 whooping. L

Oct. 17 UTSA: Southern Miss downs a rebuilding UTSA team in this game. W

Oct. 24 @ Charlotte: Southern Miss will beat Charlotte in this one, as Charlotte won’t be able to stop them. W

Oct. 31 UTEP: Southern Miss slows down UTEP’s running game and edges past them. W

Nov. 14 @ Rice: The bye week helps Southern Miss but not quite enough as they lose in a close game. L

Nov. 21 Old Dominion: Southern Miss outscores Old Dominion to beat them in this game. W

Nov. 28 @ Louisiana Tech: Kind of random but Southern Miss stuns Louisiana Tech in the conferences’s biggest upset of the year. W

Record: 7-5(6-2)

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Texas-El Paso Miners




Preview: After a pretty bad first year Sean Kugler quickly got things going at UTEP his second year, they were good throughout the year, going 7-5, with two close losses, then losing their bowl game to Utah State, but making a bowl was better than expected for UTEP. The story behind UTEP’s great improvement was the offense and it’s punishing power running game, they averaged incredibly over 200 yards rushing per game, and ran the slowest pace in college football, the QB last year Jameil Showers is now gone the new starters is expected to be Mack Leftwich, who actually redshirted last year, but started 4 games in 2013, the RB Aaron Jones was a star, and will be even more of one this year. The receivers and tight ends are all gone from last year though, so the passing game is a major question, but the offensive line is returning 4 starters and is just a great line for this attack. UTEP’s defense has high ratings in Conference USA, but that’s because the slow pace of the offense makes all the stats reduced against their defense except yards per play which is a pretty bad 6.3. The defensive line and linebackers are pretty promising for this year, though the secondary is a major question after it was one of the better ones in conference usa last year. UTEP’s schedule is tough to open with road games against Arkansas and Texas Tech, but beyond that they drew FIU, Florida Atlantic and Old Dominion from the east which are all winnable. The schedule is a little easier this year, but with a passing game that could be non-existent some regression could be possible, still that running game combined with their slow pace will keep UTEP in a lot of games this year.


Predictions:

Sept.5 @ Arkansas: UTEP will not have it easy going in this opener, they’ll lose pretty easily. L

Sept. 12 @ Texas Tech: That run game could keep UTEP in this for a half, but Texas Tech will pass all over them. L

Sept. 19 @ New Mexico State: Their rivals have dropped a level below them now, UTEP wins. W

Sept. 26 Incarnate Word: What? W

Oct. 3 UTSA: UTEP will take advantage of a rebuilding UTSA and win this game. W

Oct. 10 @ FIU: UTEP will overpower the strongest part of FIU’s defense, leaving the weakest part to defense, so UTEP wins. W

Oct. 24 Florida Atlantic: UTEP runs over Florida Atlantic in this game. W

Oct. 31 @ Southern Miss: UTEP is stunned by Southern Miss in this one. L

Nov. 6 Rice: This one is a close one and Rice wins based on the better QB to make plays at the end. L

Nov. 14 @ Old Dominion: UTEP is unable to stop Old Dominion’s offense in this one, and they lose a shootout. L

Nov. 21 Louisiana Tech: UTEP couldn’t run much on Louisiana Tech last year, and it was disaster, they have the same issue again this year. L

Nov. 28 @ North Texas: UTEP gets past North Texas to reach bowl eligibility. W

Record: 6-6(4-4)

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners

Preview: UTSA suffered such a disappointing year last year, it started out promising with a dominant 27-7 win over a good Houston team in the opener, then nearly taking down Arizona at home, but thanks to a lot of injuries their season quickly faded to a 4-8 disappointment. Now they have to rebuild, due to being a newer program UTSA had a lot of seniors in the two deep and now all of them are gone, UTSA returns the fewest starters in college football overall. The QB position last year was hit with injuries, and the starter will likely be Blake Bogenschutz who started just one game, and played in two others before he got hurt, he’s a lot more promising than Austin Robinson who played even more last year but wasn’t very productive. Jarveon Williams is the top returning RB, he too missed time last year due to injury. The top receiving threat is TE David Morgan II, who you guessed it, also missed games due to injury last year. The WR are very inexperienced. There’s two linemen who have some experience, the rest have very little. Let’s start with this stat for the defense, of the 22 players in the two deep, only 8 have started at least one game, the defensive line brings back one experienced player in Jason Neill, he had 3.5 sacks last year tied for the team lead. Linebackers have one good player in Drew Douglas who has experience, the rest are a question, the secondary brings back the most experience, but it’s still not much. The schedule is pretty brutal, the non-conference is games against Arizona, Oklahoma State, Kansas State and Colorado State, I can’t even see UTSA getting close to winning one of those. Overall UTSA is in a major rebuilding year, it will be a long one for them, but hopefully they can find solutions for the future.

Predictions:

Sept. 3 @ Arizona: UTSA almost upset Arizona early last year, both those teams went in completely different directions ever since, Arizona will pummel them here. L

Sept. 12 Kansas State: Kansas State will dominate UTSA in this game. L

Sept. 19 @ Oklahoma State: Yes this will be a blowout, Oklahoma State will have no problem with UTSA. L

Sept. 26 Colorado State: UTSA will take another blowout loss here. L

Oct. 3 @ UTEP: UTEP will run over UTSA in this game, UTSA’s offense will finally have some success in this loss at least. L

Oct. 10 Louisiana Tech: Yes UTSA will get pummeled in this one too. L

Oct. 17 @ Southern Miss: UTSA loses to an improved Southern Miss here. L

Oct. 31 @ North Texas: UTSA’s best early season win opportunity, but they fall just short as North Texas barely edges past them. L

Nov. 7 Old Dominion: UTSA can’t stop Old Dominion’s offense in this one and their offense won’t keep up with them. L

Nov. 14 @ Charlotte: With Charlotte having such a bad defense, UTSA’s offense has an excellent game and UTSA finally grabs a win. W

Nov. 21 Rice: With the confidence gained from that win, UTSA plays another great game and stuns Rice. W

Nov. 28 Middle Tennesse State: They give Mid Tenn State a tough time in this game but still lose. L

Record: 2-10(2-6)

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

Preview: Western Kentucky was really one interesting team last year, they had a ridiculous offense, but a bad defense, they were in a lot of shootouts, and their defense along with their offense slowing down in the 4th quarter resulted in an 8-5 season that was good but could even have been better, everyone knows Western Kentucky’s situation pretty well after their Bahamas bowl win where they would have blown a 49-14 fourth quarter lead if not for a stopped two point conversion after a touchdown on the final play of the game. Western Kentucky blew a lot of 4th quarter leads. Back to that great offense, it was incredible, averaging over 40 points per game, QB Brandon Doughty was awesome, he threw for 4,830 yards and 49 touchdowns last year, thanks to getting an injury hardship waiver, he gets a 6th year this year, their top two RBs from last year in Leon Allen and Anthony Wales are back, so are 4 of their top 6 receivers, the offensive line returns a good amount of starters but does lack depth so there’s a concern there. The defense was bad last year, it allowed just under 40 points a game. The defense does bring almost everyone back so it should be improved, the defensive line is perhaps the biggest area that will improve, with a lot of good players back there who will improve what was a terrible pass rush last year, linebackers return most everyone and brings in T.J. McCollum from UAB, the secondary had injuries to deal with but it looks very promising this year with perhaps the best set of names for a starting corner duo in Prince Charles Iworah and Wonderful Terry. Overall with so many players back from an offense that put up almost absurd numbers last year, and from a defense that looks like it will greatly improve, this could be a special year for Western Kentucky. Western Kentucky’s schedule features a non-conference with two winnable power 5 opponents in Vanderbilt and Indiana, and one that pretty much isn’t in LSU. They draw Old Dominion and the Florida teams from the east.

Predictions:

Sept. 5 @ Vanderbilt: Western Kentucky’s offense will have good success against Vanderbilt’s defense, meanwhile Vanderbilt’s struggling offense will certainly make Western Kentucky’s defense look improved.

Sept. 10 Louisiana Tech: Short week doesn’t really help Western Kentucky, they have a tough time against Louisiana Tech’s defense, and with them not having much tape to prepare for an improved Jeff Driskel their defense struggles too and they lose this one. L

Sept. 19 @ Indiana: Western Kentucky’s offense will be tough to stop for Indiana and they pass all over them, and outlast Indiana in a shootout. W

Sept. 26 Miami(OH) : Western Kentucky will pummel Miami of Ohio in this game. W

Oct. 3 @ Rice: Western Kentucky dominates Rice in this game for a good win. W

Oct. 10 Middle Tennessee State: Western Kentucky gets in a shootout here, but interceptions by Wonderful Terry and Prince Charles Iworah allow them to win. W

Oct. 15 @ North Texas: Short week doesn’t bother Western Kentucky much against an outmatched North Texas, they blow them out. W

Oct. 24 @ LSU: They at least get 9 days in advance of this one, the LSU defense will be something they haven’t seen all year which causes them to struggle, they will almost certainly lose. L

Oct. 31 @ Old Dominion: Western Kentucky scrapes past Old Dominion in a shootout. W

Nov. 7 Florida Atlantic: Western Kentucky blows out Florida Atlantic in this one. W

Nov. 21 @ FIU: With the bye week Western Kentucky blows out FIU. W

Nov. 28 Marshall: Western Kentucky and Marshall don’t quite repeat the ridiculous 67-66 shootout again this year, but Western Kentucky still wins though. W

Record: 10-2(7-1)

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Conference-USA

East

1. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 10-2(7-1)

2. Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders 7-5(6-2)

3. Marshall Thundering Herd 10-2(6-2)

4. Old Dominion Monarchs 6-6(4-4)

5. Florida Atlantic Owls 2-10(2-6)

6. Florida International Panthers 3-9(2-6)

7. Charlotte 49ers 1-11(0-8)

West

1. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 9-3(7-1)

2. Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles 7-5(6-2)

3. Rice Owls 6-6(4-4)

4. Texas-El Paso Miners 6-6(4-4)

5. Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners 2-10(2-6)

6. North Texas Mean Green 2-10(1-7)


Conference USA Championship: Western Kentucky over Louisiana Tech, Western Kentucky wins the rematch over Louisiana Tech, finding a way to pass on their defense, allowing Western Kentucky to take the Conference USA crown.

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Army West Point Black Knights




Preview: Army had a decent debut in Jeff Monken’s first year, they went 4-8. None of their wins stood out really, they did have a loss on the road to Yale, yes Yale last year, that was in overtime and the week before they barely lost to Wake Forest, so Army actually was pretty close to a bowl game, they also were close to finally beating Navy, but came a touchdown short. Monken has some work to do this year, and that’s because the offense loses a lot. Army’s entire starting backfield is gone, QB Angel Santiago is now gone, and the QB battle will go down to A.J Shurr who has had injury troubles and Ahmad Bradshaw(not the NFL one) who is a really fast QB. RBs Terry Baggett, Raymond Maples and FB Larry Dixon are all gone and at one point in each’s career they had a 1,000 yard year so those are some good players gone. The receivers return a top target in Edgar Poe, who they use often during the times they actually pass. Army had 9 different offensive line combinations in 2014, they will need more consistency there. The defense was pretty bad last year it only held Navy to below 21 points all of last year. Army loses their entire defensive front, but the linebackers are a very promising group, and Army has an excellent CB tandem in Josh Jenkins and Chris Carnegie. Overall with such losses on the offense Army will likely hover around the same record again, but Monken definitely looks like the guy to turn Army around.

Predictions:

Sept. 4 Fordham: Army played Fordham last year and won 42-31, Fordham is still pretty good at the FCS level, but Army will beat them here. W

Sept. 12 @ Connecticut: Army struggles to score in this game, and barely loses to UConn. L

Sept. 19 Wake Forest: Army once again struggles to score, and once again loses a close game. L

Sept. 26 @ Eastern Michigan: Army finally has more success scoring and they win. W

Oct. 3 @ Penn State: Army gets pummeled in this game. L

Oct. 10 Duke: Duke has always had tremendous success against option teams, which is bad for Army, they lose. L

Oct. 17 Bucknell: Bucknell should have one of their better teams every this year, but it still won’t be good enough for them to upset Army. W

Oct. 24 @ Rice: Army has a very good performance here as their defense gives Rice’s offense a tough time and Army has a lot of running success on Rice. W

Nov. 7 @ Air Force: Air Force is overall better than Army right now and Air Force beats them. L

Nov. 14 Tulane: Army struggles offensively in this game and loses a close one. L

Nov. 21 Rutgers: Army is dominated by Rutgers in this game. L

Dec. 12 Navy(Philadelphia): Army once again falls just short of beating their rival. L

Record: 4-8

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Brigham Young Cougars




Preview: Last year was the perfect example of an up and down year for BYU. They opened the year 4-0 beating Connecticut, destroying Texas on the road, surviving a Houston comeback and beating an improved Virginia. Everything was great with the schedule getting easier, but then BYU lost the game to Utah State and lost Taysom Hill their star, for the rest of the year, BYU then collapsed, losing to UCF, Nevada and being blown out by Boise State. BYU recovered with 4 straight wins to end the year, but then lost to Memphis in a crazy 55-48 overtime shootout in the Miami Beach bowl that later ended with a brawl. BYU’s offense was of course up and down as well, QB Taysom Hill was absolutely incredible last year while he was healthy, he made great progress and is now back this year. RB Jamaal Williams is good but he was hurt late last year. BYU’s WRs are very talented, and the offensive line is very good. The defense is a different story, BYU used to have a dominant defense under Mendenhall but it struggled lately. The front seven replaces a lot, but still looks very promising, the secondary though is its biggest concern. Overall BYU has a good team, though with a challenging schedule, they play Nebraska, Michigan, UCLA, and Missouri, as the two top group of 5 contenders in Cincinnati and Boise State, East Carolina and rival Utah State are no walks in a park either. BYU most likely would be considered a top 25 team if they can win 8 games again this year, they are really good though so I think they can match it.

Predictions:

Sept. 5 @ Nebraska: This game will have a lot of players out with suspensions, but this one turns out to be a great back and forth game but BYU falls short. L

Sept. 12 Boise State: Another tough game for BYU, and it will be another back and forth game, BYU takes advantage of Boise State adjusting to a new QB and wins. W

Sept. 19 @ UCLA: BYU’s offense will be tested by UCLA’s great defense, and BYU is unable to handle them and UCLA QB Josh Rosen picks up BYU’s secondary. L

Sept. 26 @ Michigan: BYU will give Michigan a very tough time in this game, BYU comes close to pulling the upset but I honestly can’t see them winning, BYU usually struggles in tough homefield environments like this. L

Oct. 2 Connecticut: BYU crushes Connecticut in this game. W

Oct. 10 East Carolina: BYU will take down East Carolina in this game. W

Oct. 17 Cincinnati: This game turns out to be a wild shootout, BYU struggles against Cincinnati’s passing game, but Cincinnati can’t stop BYU’s offense either and BYU wins. W

Nov. 6 @ San Jose State: BYU gets an extremely long break prior to this one and they roll to a victory. W

Nov. 14 Missouri(Kansas City): This game goes back and forth but at the end Taysom Hill ends up making the clutch plays for BYU to win. W

Nov. 21 Fresno State: BYU takes advantage of Fresno State in a rebuilding year and pummels them. W

Nov. 28 @ Utah State: BYU struggles against Utah State’s defense in this game, and whichever Utah State QB is starting passes successfully on BYU for Utah State to pull a bit of an upset. L

Record: 8-4

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Notre Dame Fighting Irish




Preview: Notre Dame had a pretty disappointing season last year, and a lot of the disappointment came from the promise of their start. Notre Dame began the year an incredible 7-1 with a close road loss to Florida State. There were cracks in the foundation though, Everett Golston was good but turnover prone, and the defense started to struggle with injuries and just overall struggling. Finally the wheels came off the season against Arizona State in a blowout loss, Notre Dame then lost to Northwestern, Louisville and was blown out by USC to end the regular season. Notre Dame ended the year on a high note though taking down LSU in the Music city bowl. The offense last year was very turnover prone and Brian Kelly is hoping that switching to Malik Zaire as the starter will fix it, and it better work because Golston transferred. Notre Dame could have a very good running game this year especially with the performance they had against LSU. WR Will Fuller is the star of that group and C.J Prosise was great in the spring. Notre Dame should be the same old at TE, the offensive line should be good again and returns 3 starters including star Ronnie Stanley who amazingly returned instead of going to the NFL. The defense returns a lot from last year’s young group that struggled late. The defensive line was slated to return everyone until the season ending injury to Jarron Jones, which was a big disappointment. Jaylon Smith is the best in the linebackers, and the secondary brings back KeiVaree Russell from his suspension. The schedule is tough, Notre Dame gets tough opponents like Georgia Tech, Clemson, USC and Stanford, as well as several games that could trip them up, they do at least gets some breaks with games against UMass, Temple and Wake Forest. Overall Notre Dame should be improved this year, but with such a tough schedule they won’t show the best of improvement on their record.

Predictions:

Sept. 5 Texas: Notre Dame will open the season with a win over Texas, Notre Dame’s offense takes advantage of Texas’s new defensive starters and has a lot of success, while Notre Dame’s defense has a good time against Texas. W

Sept. 12 @ Virginia: Notre Dame has a tricky one here, they actually struggle offensively in this game, but Virginia’s offense won’t do enough against Notre Dame’s defense to pull off the upset. W

Sept. 19 Georgia Tech: Georgia Tech’s offense is a big test for Notre Dame’s defense, as they run an option similar to Navy who ran for over 300 yards against Notre Dame last year, Notre Dame will play well on offense though and escape with the win. W

Sept. 26 Massachusetts: What an odd game, Massachusetts brings an offense that can score but nothing else, Notre Dame rolls. W

Oct. 3 @ Clemson: This game turns out to be a great back and forth game, but DeShaun Watson ends up making more big plays than Malik Zaire and Notre Dame falls just short. L

Oct. 10 Navy: Notre Dame will beat Navy in this one, but Keenan Reynolds and Navy’s option will give Notre Dame a tough test. W

Oct. 17 USC: Notre Dame doesn’t get pummeled like they did last year, but still USC’s offense turns out to be too much for Notre Dame, while their offense is stopped a few times in the second half which means they lose. L

Oct. 31 @ Temple: Notre Dame should roll past Temple in this one, and possibly shut Temple’s bad offense out. W

Nov. 7 @ Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh always seems to give Notre Dame a really difficult time and they do the same here, Narduzzi’s defense confuses Zaire into some turnovers and Pittsburgh gets enough good plays from James Conner and Tyler Boyd for the victory. L

Nov. 14 Wake Forest: Notre Dame will dominate Wake Forest in this game, Notre Dame won’t have the easiest time scoring but there’s no way Wake Forest will score enough on their defense to actually win. W

Nov. 21 @ Boston College(Fenway Park) : Interesting unique game here at Fenway, Boston College is a team that has been an absolute pest to top teams, and in the past they have been a pest to Notre Dame, I say they give Notre Dame all they can handle but Notre Dame escapes with the win. W

Nov. 28 @ Stanford: Stanford’s offense was terrible when these two met last year, now after they got on a roll late Stanford is much improved on offense, and at this point in the year I think Stanford will be playing great on defense too, Notre Dame loses a pretty close loss. L

Record: 8-4

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Sorry Independents but no conference means no overview

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Akron Zips




Preview: Last year was a disappointing year for Akron, they went 5-7 as injuries and other issues sent the Zips in a spiral the second half of the year. The good news is, Akron is disappointed about a 5-7 season, when Bowden first took over Akron was at the bottom of the Mac and was lucky to win 2 games a year. Akron’s season was so promising though early on as they were off to a 4-2 start with a dominant win over Pittsburgh, and understandable losses to Penn State and Marshall, Akron collapsed and lost 4 of their last 5. The offense last year was pretty mediocre throughout, QB Kyle Pohl had been a steady starter but played hurt late in the year and wasn’t too effective, he now has to compete with two other players to hold on to the starting job. The running game also faltered late, but RB Conor Hundley returns and Akron gets the help from Colorado State transfer Donnell Alexander. The receiver position is pretty unstable and Akron doesn’t have a lot of playmakers there. The offensive line has played poor in the past but returns 4 starters and could be set to improve. The defense though was great last year but it loses a lot of starters last year, they brought in a lot of transfers to help out the defense though, which could make it more talented and faster. The front 7 should be very talented as it brings in a lot of transfers, as well as some other good players, the star of the front 7 has been Ohio State transfer Jamal Marcus, Se’Von Pittman is the other defensive end who came from Ohio State. The secondary returns the majority of its starters. The schedule isn’t too bad, the non-conference is tricky with games against Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, and Louisiana-Lafayette, the good news is outside of Bowling Green the Mac East is still down. I think Akron hits bowl eligibility this year finally.

Predictions:

Sept. 5 @ Oklahoma: Akron will certainly be blown out in this game. L

Sept. 12 Pittsburgh: Akron will fall short of upsetting Pittsburgh a second straight year, they do once again frustrate Pitt’s offense, but lose in a close game. L

Sept. 19 Savannah State: Of the large selection of FCS teams available Savannah State is the worst one possible, congrats Akron you get to play them this year, this will be one fix for Akron’s offense in a win. W

Sept. 26 @ Louisiana-Lafayette: This will be a tough physical game, but Louisiana-Lafayette is better offensively than Akron and they will beat them in a pretty close game. L

Oct. 3 Ohio: Akron will give Ohio’s inconsistent QBs and questionable offensive line a rough time in this game and Akron will pull off the win. W

Oct. 10 Eastern Michigan: Akron won’t be able to roll right into here and leave with an easy win as usual but they will still come out with a victory. W

Oct. 17 @ Bowling Green: Bowling Green’s offense will be tough to stop even for Akron’s defense, and Bowling Green’s defense has a pretty good matchup with Akron thanks to their big defensive line. Akron loses. L

Oct. 31 Central Michigan: Akron takes advantage of the bye week and gives Central Michigan’s fast offense a tough challenge, Akron comes out with the win. W

Nov. 7 @ Massachusetts: Akron struggles against an improved UMass and loses what is a minor upset in the Mac. L

Nov. 14 @ Miami(OH): Miami of Ohio was kept competitive thanks to Andrew Hendrix last year, he graduated and now Miami will struggle to win games this year, Akron dominates them and wins this game. W

Nov. 21 Buffalo: Akron did get destroyed by Buffalo and their interim coach last year, but yet despite Buffalo’s improved coaching I still believe Akron will beat them in a close game here. W

Nov. 27 Kent State: Kent State will be much improved this year as they return a lot of seniors as well as other players who got experience thanks to an extensive amount of injuries last year, Akron is taken down by Kent State in a close game. L

Record: 6-6(5-3)

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Ball State Cardinals





Preview: Last year was a major disappointment for Ball State, they were taking on a lot of losses, losing several great players but did keep Pete Lembo as their head coach, it still wasn’t enough, Ball State looked like they would be good when they nearly upset Iowa in week two, but quickly it became apparent they had issues after they lost to Indiana State, it was part of a 5 game losing streak, Ball State did pull it together and won 4 of the last 6, but still finished 5-7, and the bad news is their competitors in the West either stayed the same in the cases of Northern Illinois and Toledo, but now Western Michigan rose up and took Ball State’s place, Central Michigan was pretty good also. The offense last year had its struggles but there is promise for improvement in QB Jack Miles, who really got the offense playing better until he got hurt, Ozzie Mann the other QB transferred so depth is a concern is Miles is hurt. The RB position is trouble after Jahwan Edwards graduated and Horacitio Banks’ career is now over thanks to injuries. The receivers Jordan Williams and KeVonn Mabon are one of the better combinations in the Mac, and the offensive line returns 5 starters. The defense brings a good amount of starters back and the defensive line and linebackers are both positions with good depth, linebackers being the strongest area. The concern with the defense is the secondary where a lot of players will try to make a comeback from injury. The schedule is tough, Ball State plays Texas A&M and Northwestern out of conference, they play in the tougher Mac West division and draw Bowling Green and Ohio from the East. It’s tough to see Ball State’s record improving this year, but I could be wrong.


Predictions:

Sept. 3 VMI: VMI is a non-threatening FCS opponent, Ball State should have no trouble winning this one. W

Sept. 12 @ Texas A&M: Ball State doesn’t stand a chance in this game. L

Sept. 19 @ Eastern Michigan: Eastern Michigan should be a little improved this year, and this will be a close game where Ball State escapes with a win. W

Sept. 26 @ Northwestern: Ball State gives Northwestern a challenge for the first half but fades late. L

Oct. 3 Toledo: Ball State will be downed by Toledo in this one. L

Oct. 10 @ Northern Illinois: Ball State gives Northern Illinois a tough time in this game but falls short of the upset.

Oct. 17 Georgia State: Ball State is all around better than Georgia State and they will easily beat them in this game. W

Oct. 24 Central Michigan: This game turns out to be a shootout as neither team can stop the other, but Ball State escapes with the win. W

Oct. 31 Massachusetts: Ball State loses this offensive shootout as Massachusetts passes all over them and they get stopped a few times by Massachusetts’ defense. L

Nov. 5 @ Western Michigan: Ball State gets pummeled by Western Michigan in this game. L

Nov. 17 @ Ohio: Despite a long break Ball State falls short of taking down Ohio. L

Nov. 24 Bowling Green: Bowling Green’s receivers will torch Ball State’s secondary in this game, and their offense will roll past Ball State. L

Record: 4-8(2-6)