Dville's 4th annual CFB preview thread

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Nevada-Las Vegas

Preview segment: The UNLV Rebels

Last season: So the NCAA's punishment for Louisville's "escort scandal" has been laid down... So now Louisville is on 4 years probation, they may be forced to return their championship hardware from 2013, and the guy responsible (Andre McGee) gets a 10-year "show-cause" penalty. Now the big question is "What will this mean for North Carolina?". I mean, a staffer gives some basketball players some girls, and Louisville gets crippled for 4 years. What's gonna happen to them with their academic fraud charges?
...Wait, what? You're here for UNLV? Dammit! Why does this keep happening when I talk about bad teams? ...Well, UNLV went 3-9 last season.

Good news: The cornerbacks impressed during spring camp, and the skill positions on offense (RB and WR) are loaded.

Bad news: Just one tiny problem for UNLV; None of the QB's on their roster had thrown a pass in college. So there's no way of knowing what the offense will do until time passes. Uncertainty is on the D-line as well.

X-factor for the next few years: The Las Vegas Raiders- More importantly, that new stadium the Raiders will have. I've read that it'll be UNLV's new home stadium, too (which you know will help with recruiting). So the quicker the stadium goes up, the better off UNLV will be.

Key games:
9/30 vs. San Jose State (The Mountain West opener for the Rebels. And if they win...)
10/7 vs. San Diego State (...it may give them a boost of confidence entering this fight with the 2-time defending champs.)
11/11 vs. BYU (On UNLV's Senior Day, they'll try to distract BYU with luxury suites and free drinks at the Venetian. At least, that's what I'm hoping for.)
11/25 @ Nevada (Winning back the "Fremont Cannon" has to be high on UNLV's 2017's checklist.)

Bottom line: Tony Sanchez is continuing to build momentum for UNLV, but will it translate to more wins in 2017? Well, the West division is a little weak, so it's a possibility.
But until UNLV finds a QB that can handle college ball, let's hold off on the bowl talk, OK?

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Wyoming

Preview segment: The Wyoming Cowboys

Last season: Craig Bohl was doing good things for Wyoming in his first 2 years at the school; we were all just waiting for those efforts to show up in the win-loss column. Well, in 2016 we got that quantum leap as the Cowboys shocked teams like San Diego State and Boise State, and used those wins to take the Mountain division.
However, coming up short in the MW title game and in the Poinsettia Bowl against BYU shows that Wyoming still have a ways to go.

Good news: QB Josh Allen is causing NFL scouts to trip over-themselves to draft him in the first round, and if he cuts back on his INT's that love-fest will continue. The defense looks to make a big improvement; just ask emerging star-LB Logan Wilson.

Bad news: Josh Allen may have to do everything on offense early on; both of his go-to guys on offense (RB Brain Hill and WR Tannar Dentry) are gone. Special teams may also be an early adventure for Wyoming.

Key games:
9/2 @ Iowa (For some reason, I think Wyoming can stun Iowa in their opener. It all depends on Josh Allen finding a go-to receiver quickly.)
10/21 @ Boise State (This starts a critical 3-week stretch for the Cowboys. On the one hand Boise will be exhausted from it's early schedule, but on the other hand Boise will want revenge on Wyoming.)
10/28 vs. New Mexico (And on that note, a week later Wyoming will seek revenge on the Lobos. Not easy when the Lobos want a division title, too.)
11/4 vs. Colorado State (When Wyoming took the Bronze Boot from the Rams last year, they knew that 2016 could be a good year for them. In the rematch, I'm expecting a slugfest.)

Bottom line: Wyoming is starting to return to the national spotlight, and Craig Bohl couldn't be any prouder. But fixing holes on WR and RB will be critical for his team to return to the Mountain West title game. If they do that and toughen up the defense, Boise may wanna be careful.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Boise State

Preview segment: The Boise State Broncos

Last season: Jeez, you guys. Bryan Harsin has done a good job leading his alma-mater in Boise to 31 wins over the past 3 seasons. Yet his fans are complaining about losing to Wyoming and going 10-3 in 2016?
...Maybe they're just not used to losing in the Mountain West; they've only had 1 conference title in the last 4 years.

Bad news: There are a few worrisome trends. For example, depth at WR and RB are not good, so if injuries hit the Broncos it could be game over. Linebacker is also a worry thanks to a lack of experience.

Good news: But if those newcomers play well, that won't matter. The defense looks to be more aggressive, so expect more turnovers. And the offense will be fine; just ask QB Brett Rypien. He'll help out in a lot of ways.

Key games:
9/9 @ Washington State (The Paloose is gonna be loud for this big game; a game where the winner leaves with their big dreams for the season enhanced.)
9/14 vs. New Mexico (If you ask any Boise State fan, they'll most likely tell you that they wanna see the Broncos dominate their conference like they used to do. That won't be easy to do in 2017, as the Lobos will come into Boise with confidence.)
9/22 vs. Virginia (The second part of this "home-and-home" series between the two, and Boise had better not underestimate the Cavs.)
10/14 @ San Diego State (Boise didn't get to play the Aztecs the last 2 seasons, but now they can! Just one problem...)
10/21 vs. Wyoming (...Josh Allen and the Cowboys will be waiting for Boise afterwards.)

Bottom line: At first, I thought a lack of experience at key areas would doom the Broncos to "just" an 8-win season. But Boise DOES have that winning culture in place, so if newcomers step up to the plate they'll be no excuse for Boise not winning the Mountain division.
And how about this for some encouragement: If you guys go undefeated against that schedule you have, maybe you CAN compete for a national championship. Just like the good ol' days!

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Hawaii

The last preview segment for the Mountain West: The Hawaii Warriors

Last season: Nick Rolovich may be on his way to being the best coach in the Mountain West right now! How do I know, you ask? Because he took a young roster, flew over 44,000 miles to play a 13-game schedule, and STILL got Hawaii to a 7-7 mark (including a bowl win)! And I got a feeling that Hawaii will continue to be fun to watch.

Good news: Finally! For the first time since 2011, Hawaii has a QB (Dru Brown) that they can depend on! And with a gaggle of good WR's to throw to, I think Hawaii will score more than 28.3 PPG (which they averaged last year) in 2017.

Bad news: A new defensive coordinator (the 6th since 2013) could mean Hawaii will give up as many points as they score. And like Boise State, Hawaii has to watch out for the injury bug (especially on the O-line).

2017 X-factor: The kicking game- All-new starters in the kicking game could mean some miscues on special teams. Or maybe not; I heard some good things about Stan Gaudion.

Key games:
8/26 @ UMass (A long trip to Boston + a Minutemen team looking for a good start to the season could = a tricky opener for Hawaii.)
9/23 @ Wyoming (It's the battle of the junior QB's: Josh Allen vs. Dru Brown!)
10/28 vs. San Diego State (Far and away the most important game in the West division. If Hawaii upsets the Aztecs, expect utter chaos.)
11/25 vs. BYU (On Hawaii's Senior Day, they'll try to silence BYU for the first time since 2001.)

Bottom line: Depth is still a problem in Honolulu, but thanks to the coaching staff it's getting better. And let's face it; in the weak West division Hawaii's the only one that can challenge San Diego State. If they avoid injuries and the offense gets better, they have a chance.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Mountain West predictions

West division:
1. San Diego State (Conference champs)
2. Hawaii
3. UNLV
4. San Jose State
5. Nevada
6. Fresno State

Mountain division:
1. Boise State
2. Wyoming
3. Colorado State
4. New Mexico
5. Air Force
6. Utah State

And by the way, if you guys thought I've forgotten about the big Boise State/BYU game, you're wrong. I'm saving that one for tomorrow, when I preview the Cougars!

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Brigham Young

Preview segment: The BYU Cougars

Last season: Considering the schedule BYU had to go against, I think their 2016 season was a great success. They went 9-4 with a bowl win, beat teams like Michigan State and Mississippi State, and were only 8 points away from going undefeated!
...Maybe their only regret was not defeating Utah in that Holy War.

Good news: An experienced O-line will only help QB Tanner Mangum put up numbers, and the secondary headlines what will be a stout defense.

Bad news: There is SOME level of concern about the D-line; it's talented but inexperienced. But my biggest worry about BYU is the running game; Jamaal Williams is gone and BYU may have to use a committee of RB's.

Key games:
9/2 vs. LSU [in Houston] (Another front-loaded schedule awaits the Cougars in 2017. And this one looks like a cool "culture clash": Fun-loving Southerns vs. Buttoned-Up religious folk.)
9/9 vs. Utah (This, however, will not be a cute "culture-clash"; this one's gonna be a fight as usual.)
9/16 vs. Wisconsin (It's in Provo, but this still may be the toughest game BYU has in 2017.)
10/6 vs. Boise State (Ah! THERE'S the game I was talking about! And these two already have had some classic games together over the last few years.)
10/14 @ Mississippi State (Remember that 28-21 double-OT game BYU won against the Bulldogs? MSU will look to pay back that insult here.)

Bottom line: Once again, the schedule lightens up by late October. So I think if BYU has a 4-3 mark (5-2 ideally) before that, they can claim a 10-win season and make the Big 12 regret not taking them. It all depends on that offense not skipping a beat.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

UTEP

The first preview segment for Conference USA: The Texas El-Paso Miners

Last season: I'll be honest with you guys; I've been dreading the Conference USA previews. Blame it on a HUGE amount of uncertainty within the conference, or just the sheer number of mediocre teams.
One of those teams in 2016 was UTEP, whose lack of offensive zing resulted in a 4-8 mark.

Good news: The Miners defense may be the best in C-USA, with a strong secondary and a good pack of linebackers. The O-line is big and experienced.

Bad news: Losing key offensive players (like TE Hayden Plinke) won't help UTEP improve on offense, and special teams look mediocre at best.

2017 X-factor: QB Ryan Metz- Mr. Metz had been a good game manager in the past, but with uncertainty at RB and WR he must step up to the plate. If he improves his numbers through the air, it'll do nothing but good.

Key games:
9/9 vs. Rice (This game's more important than at first glance. Both Rice and UTEP needs to start off well in their division.)
10/14 @ Southern Miss (One reason why UTEP's offense must improve: The Golden Eagles will have some questions on defense, so they'll have a chance to beat them.)
10/28 vs. UTSA (Remember: The Miners and Roadrunners played a 5-OT game last year, with UTEP winning 52-49.)

Bottom line: For UTEP, moving up in the C-USA West will require finding help for the QB. If that doesn't happen, their defense won't be enough for them to go bowling.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Western Kentucky

Preview segment: The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

Last season: Looks like the Hilltoppers have made themselves comfortable in C-USA! With the best scoring offense in the country guiding them, WKU scored an 11-3 mark, a bowl win, and most importantly their 2nd straight conference title.
But Jeff Brohm has left the state of Kentucky to try to rebuild Purdue, so I don't know if another title will come to the Hilltoppers.

2017 X-factor: New head coach Mike Sanford- Thing is, WKU has gone from Willie Taggart to Bobby Petrino, and then to Jeff Brohm. So maybe the Hilltoppers can go from Brohm to Sanford and not miss a beat, especially since he's had jobs at places like Stanford and Boise State.

Bad news: Of course, there's the chance transition shock can derail the team. But a more immediate problem lies in line play: The defense lost it's top 3 tacklers, and the O-line may be weak up front.

Good news: Thing is, QB Mike White is one hell of a stabilizer; with his help WKU should still put up some points. The secondary looks good, and WKU's special teams are VERY dangerous.

Key games:
9/9 @ Illinois (If that Hilltopper defense holds up, this game is winnable.)
9/16 vs. Louisiana Tech (Yes! Another installment of the battle between the 2 top teams in C-USA.)
10/20 @ Old Dominion (Careful Hilltoppers, the Monarchs will most likely have their s--t together by this point. Remember, ODU tied you guys for the East last year.)
11/17 vs. Middle Tennessee (A 44-43 double-OT game took place the last time these 2 teams met.)

Bottom line: With so many other C-USA teams having their own problems, Western Kentucky's looks small by comparison. And if you add Mike White and those special teams, that might be enough to give the Hilltoppers their 3rd straight C-USA title.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Rice

Preview segment: The Rice Owls

Last season: Confession time, folks: I've been watching WWE Monday Night Raw almost every week since 1997. That being said, I had sat through some pretty boring shows. Remember that boring Raw episode from London that took place 6 weeks ago?
Well, Rice football in 2016 was just like that Raw show: Boring; they went 3-9 as their defense sucked.

Good news: With a new defensive coordinator and new schemes, Rice HAS to be better than last year's 123rd ranking. The O-line looks very good, which means Rice could have a good run attack...

Bad news: ...and they can ride it until they figure out who their starting QB is. And with maybe the hardest non-conference slate among-st the "Group of 5" schools, that new defense has to jell quickly.

Key games:
8/26 vs. Stanford [in Sydney, Australia] (Stanford fans are probably wondering "Why do we have to go to Australia to play Rice? And I'll bet Rice fans are asking themselves that same question.)
9/9 @ UTEP (Like I said yesterday, this game is important for both teams as they desire to move up in the C-USA West.)
10/28 vs. Louisiana Tech (By this time, Rice SHOULD have a good QB at the helm... which they'll need to stun the Bulldogs.)
11/25 vs. North Texas (On their Senior Day, Rice will seek revenge on the Mean Green for that 2-OT loss last year.)

Bottom line: Sadly for Rice, there are too many uncertainties holding them down. Continued worries about the defense, a fight at the QB spot, and a hard schedule all translates to no bowl game for the Owls.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Marshall

Preview segment: The Marshall Thundering Herd

Last season: Look, Marshall. We've known each other since 2014, when I picked you guys to crash the "New Year's Six" and you almost did it. We have a good understanding about each other, don't we?
Well, I just wanna ask you one question about 2016: WHAT THE F--K HAPPENED TO YOU?! Yes, you had some injuries, but your defense imploded and you went 3-9?! I mean, you're not gonna be bad 2 years in a row, are you?

Good news: The defense returns 7 starters, including a experienced secondary. Improved speed at WR will be most welcome.

Bad news: Can QB Chase Litton win back the trust of his teammates? And can the D-line recover as well (it was a big weakness in 2016)?

Key games:
9/2 vs. Miami-Ohio (For Chase Litton and Marshall, starting off on the right foot will be key. And don't forget; last time Marshall played a MAC team they gave up 65 points. At home!)
10/7 @ Charlotte (When Charlotte stunned the Herd in Huntington, it took the wind right out of Marshall's sails. Now in Marshall's 2017 C-USA opener, it's payback time.)
10/14 vs. Old Dominion (Then a week later, Marshall will look to stop the Monarchs and their new QB.)
11/11 vs. Western Kentucky (Remember when the Hilltoppers embarrassed Marshall at home 60-6? Well, thanks to a scheduling quirk, Marshall will get another try to beat WKU at home.)

Bottom line: This is a critical year for Marshall; after a couple of fun seasons the bottom fell out in Huntington, and now we'll see if they can pick up the pieces. If they can't at least make a bowl in 2017, Marshall will be in REAL trouble.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Louisiana Tech

Preview segment: The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

Last season: Another successful campaign for the Bulldogs of La-Tech, as they scored 9 wins. Included in that package was gaudy passing numbers, a bowl win, and another C-USA West title. Shame they couldn't topple Western Kentucky, though.
And honestly, I don't see that happening this season, either.

Bad news: It all starts with the departure of Ryan Higgins and Carlos Henderson, both of them great players and now no longer in Ruston. The pass defense is also a BIG question mark (116th last season).

Good news: But maybe the defense can improve with a better pass rush from a good D-line. The skill positions on offense are still loaded, with RB Jarred Craft the one to watch.

2017 X-factor: QB J'Mar Smith- Last time I checked, Smith was the starting QB over at La-Tech. He could add a mobile running set to the offense, but I think his big concern should be staying healthy; La-Tech's QB group lost a lot of depth in the spring.

Key games:
9/9 vs. Mississippi State (The big worry for La-Tech here will NOT be dealing with Nick Fitzgerald and his MSU offense...)
9/16 @ Western Kentucky (...it'll be not looking at this big game on the horizon. The Hilltoppers and Bulldogs split their meetings in 2016.)
10/21 vs. Southern Miss (This game...)
11/25 vs. UTSA (...and this game will help decide the C-USA West again. And both games are in Ruston.)

Bottom line: The conference draw is mostly favorable, so if La-Tech fixes their problems on defense they could get yet another shot at the C-USA title. However, if that is to happen the Bulldogs can't afford to have a problem at QB.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

North Texas

Preview segment: The North Texas Mean Green

Last season: Okay, so North Texas went 5-7 in the regular season, their offense was terrible, and yet they STILL made a bowl game?
...At least it was better than that 1-11 disaster in 2015. Nice job, Seth Littrell!

Good news: UNT's secondary may be the best in Conference USA, with Kishawn McClain the one to watch. The running game looks potent as well.

Bad news: Playmakers at wide-receiver must be found, and QB Mason Fine must get better. Otherwise, that offense ain't going anywhere with opponents sitting on the run game.

2017 X-factor: The defensive line- There's not much experience returning to the D-line, but they DO have a few players there that can play. We'll see how it holds up.

Key games:
9/9 @ SMU (Early momentum [and variable recruiting ground] is on the line for these two Texas schools.)
9/23 vs. UAB (North Texas has to be the one to welcome back the Blazers to Conference USA. How embarrassing do you think it'll be for the Mean Green if they lose this one?)
10/14 vs. UTSA (To me, this is the most important game for North Texas in 2017. The loser may have their C-USA West hopes severely crippled.)
11/25 @ Rice (In yet another scheduling quirk, North Texas must visit Rice for the second year in a row. And UNT's hoping it'll go just like last year's game [a 42-35 win].)

Bottom line: Worming their way into a bowl game was a good first step for Seth Littrell and his team, but in 2017 it's all about moving up in the C-USA ranks. 6 wins will be hard to get, though, if the passing game doesn't take a step forward.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Florida International

Preview segment: The Florida International Golden Panthers

Last season: A mediocre 4-8 that was actually more exciting off the field than on it. First Ron Turner gets dumped after starting 0-4, then Ron Cooper (a former coach at Eastern Michigan, Louisville, and Alabama A&M) fills in and goes 4-4 (which isn't too bad), then Cooper left to be at Texas A&M, and that leaves Butch Davis to fill the coaching vacancy.

Good news: QB Alex McGough is back, and he has a solid group of WR's to throw to. 9 starters return on defense.

Bad news: Those 9 starters were part of a defense that finished 104th in scoring defense in 2016. Adjustments must be made.

Key games:
9/2 @ UCF (This opener will be VERY important in the state of Florida, as the battle for valuable recruiting ground wages on. Plus, FIU doesn't want to get embrassed by the Golden Knights for the 2nd year in a row.)
10/28 @ Marshall (FIU did beat Marshall last year 31-14.)
11/18 @ Florida Atlantic (So here we are... Round 1 between Butch Davis and Lane Kiffin. And if the Panthers win it...)
11/25 vs. Western Kentucky (...it'll be a HUGE pick-me-up for this season finale.)

Bottom line: I have faith in Butch Davis; he's a heck of a recruiter and knows the state of Florida really well. And with 16 starters returning to this Miami school, FIU will have a shot at a bowl in 2017.
But to me, 4 or 5 wins looks more likely.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Old Dominion

Preview segment: The Old Dominion Monarchs

Last season: I'll admit it, Old Dominion. When you announced that you would be joining college football at the FBS level 4 years ago, I thought you guys were going to get swallowed up. But I was wrong.
With a steady offense and a good QB, the Monarchs stunned quite a few people in 2016 with their first-ever 10-win season and first-ever bowl win. And with 16 starters returning, maybe the Monarchs can keep it going.

Bad news: There's only 1 issue on offense, but it's a BIG one: Quarterback. If sophomore Blake LaRussa struggles, it won't bode well for ODU's offense. The D-line may be a little weak as well.

Good news: Other than that, ODU looks just fine; the corps at RB and WR looks good and the O-line returns 4 starters. On defense, the fans are expecting a strong pass-rush.

2017 X-factor: The schedule- Not because it's hard (it really isn't), but because of the travel: It'll be home/away/home/away for the whole season. In fact, ODU won't have consecutive home games in 2017. It may not be a big problem, but it's something to keep an eye on.

Key games:
9/16 vs. North Carolina (Old Dominion should be 2-0 entering this important barometer game.)
10/20 vs. Western Kentucky (Let me just say this: The C-USA East race will pivot on this game. And for ODU's sake, let's hope their defense is ready for it.)
10/28 @ North Texas (8 days later, ODU may have a hangover from that previous game, so they'll need to be careful in Denton.)
11/25 @ Middle Tennessee (Wait, these 2 division rivals didn't play each other last season? That's a shame.)

Bottom line: After that breakthrough in 2016, the Monarchs are ready to keep the positive momentum going. But if the QB play is below par, a bowl berth may be the ceiling for ODU this year.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Alabama-Birmingham

Preview segment: The UAB Blazers

What happened?: In the CFB media, we talk ad-nauseum about conference titles, Heisman awards, and people who can make an NFL roster. But for about 85% of the players, it's all about the love of the game; they play this sport because they want to.
But sometimes it can be expensive for some schools to play football.
So at Alabama-Birmingham in 2014, the school decided to drop football to save about $49 million over five years. Happily, this shutdown only lasted 6 months, as after a fund-raising campaign and public outcry, the university agreed to bring football back in 2017.

Key games:
9/2 vs. Alabama A&M (UAB's grand return to the football stage.)
9/23 @ North Texas (The Blazers's first game back in Conference USA.)
10/7 vs. Louisiana Tech (And here's their first C-USA game at home.)
11/18 @ Florida (And finally, UAB's first "cash-grab" game they'll play since their return.)

Bottom line: A lot of things are still being worked out within the program and it's roster, so it's hard to say what'll happen to UAB this year. But right now, who cares? The kids of Birmingham are back playing football... and right now, that's all they want.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Southern Miss

Preview segment: The Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles

Last season: In terms of statistics, Southern Miss had a lot of success in 2016. But record-wise, it was a sightly-disappointing 7-6 season. And it MAY be that way again with record-setting QB Nick Mullens gone.

Bad news: Replacing Mullens wouldn't be a problem if the remaining QB's had a strong spring, and sadly neither Keon Howard nor Kwadra Griggs did that. Also, USM's TO-margin in 2016 was minus-17; that of course needs fixing.

Good news: Much like Old Dominion, Southern Miss has a gaggle of weapons to help out the new QB; Ito Smith can both run and catch the ball.

Key games:
9/2 vs. Kentucky (The first big test for the Golden Eagle defense comes early when a confident Kentucky team comes to Hattiesburg for revenge.)
10/7 @ UTSA (If Southern Miss beats the Roadrunners in San Antonio...)
10/21 @ Louisiana Tech (...it'll bode really well for them entering this epic encounter.)
11/25 @ Marshall (This may be a tricky season-finale for the Golden Eagles... and for Marshall, too.)

Bottom line: With only 9 starters total returning and worries at QB, Southern Miss may be looking at a 6-6 season. However, if they cut back on their turnovers and improve on defense, they'll still have a shot at the C-USA West.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Charlotte

Preview segment: The Charlotte 49ers

Last season: By scoring a few more wins in conference play, the 49ers finished 4-8 in 2016. And honestly, that's not too bad considering the program is only in it's 5th year of existence.

Good news: The 49ers have finally found a steady QB: Hasaan Klugh. And Hasaan will have an experienced group of WR's to throw to.

Bad news: Once again, I see a defense in Conference USA that may struggle. Special teams aren't too good, either.

Key games:
9/16 vs. North Carolina A&T (After a likely 0-2 start, the 49ers will try to rebound against a in-state opponent from the FCS. An opponent, by the way, that'll probably be really good again.)
9/30 @ FIU (The 49ers were only 1 point away from putting away FIU last season before losing 27-26.)
10/7 vs. Marshall (I already mentioned how Marshall was embrassed last year by the 49ers. So imagine what could happen if the 49ers do that again.)
11/11 vs. Middle Tennessee (Don't scoff at this; if the 49ers defense keeps it together they'll have a shot.)

Bottom line: The offense should put up more points, but unless the defense gets better Charlotte will be hard-pressed to match it's 4-win total from 2016.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Texas San-Antonio

Preview segment: The UTSA Roadrunners

Last season: It was the 3rd straight losing season for UTSA, but who cares? With the consistent play of Dalton Strum, the Roadrunners made their first bowl game EVER in Frank Wilson's 1st year. Now with the system in place and the positive momentum rolling, the next logical step SHOULD be a division title. But will it happen?

Good news: The D-line has a crop of young stars, including LB Josiah Tauaefa and DE Marcus Davenport. The running game should be fine, and Dalton Strum is back...

Bad news: ...but Dalton COULD stand to up his completion percentage. That may not be easy to do early on with holes on the O-line.

Key games:
9/23 @ Texas State (Losing the first 2 games to Houston and Baylor would be hard for UTSA, but not unexpected. Now if they lose to Texas State, THAT would be embarrassing.)
10/7 vs. Southern Miss (This is the biggest game UTSA will have early in the season. If they beat the Golden Eagles, the C-USA West title will be in their sights.)
10/14 @ North Texas (However, they'll have to be careful against North Texas the following week. [By the way, this is the 1st of 3 straight games UTSA will have against their in-state rivals in C-USA])
11/25 @ Louisiana Tech (The game's in Ruston, but if the Roadrunner offense is running well they'll have a REAL shot to dethrone the Bulldogs.)

Bottom line: From the looks of it, this young program is ready to win their 1st division title. And if they fill in some holes, that's a real possibility. However, the QB play will have to improve.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Middle Tennessee

Preview segment: The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

Last season: Yet another winning season for Middle Tennessee (8 wins this time), with a Top-10 ranked offense. They DID beat an SEC team in Missouri, so that's something else to cheer about.

Good news: QB Brent Stockstill and WR Richie James are still here, so expect more points from the passing game. The defense should improve; the secondary is a veteran group and I'm not worried about their new D-line.

Bad news: But I AM worried about MTSU's running game; the O-line must replace 3 starters and none of the RB's on the roster have stood out yet.

2017 X-factor: DE Walter Brady- He sat out a season after transferring from Missouri, but now Walter's ready to help shore up that D-line. At least, that's what the Blue Raider fans are hoping for.

Key games:
9/2 vs. Vanderbilt (But easily the biggest hang-up for MTSU is one of the hardest non-conference slates in the country. But on the positive side, the Blue Raiders will win a TON of street-cred in the state of Tennessee if they shock the Commodores.)
9/9 @ Syracuse (But after that, the Blue Raiders must go to Syracuse and then to Minnesota in consecutive weeks.)
10/20 vs. Marshall (Despite their fine season in 2016, I'll bet losing to Marshall still really hurts.)
11/17 @ Western Kentucky (Trust me: This Friday night game WILL decide the East division. If MTSU wins, they'll be on their way to glory...)
11/25 vs. Old Dominion (...if the Monarchs don't steal their lunch 8 days later.)

Bottom line: With the defense ready to step up and Rick Stockstill still here, this could be the year Middle Tennessee takes home a division title. If they survive that non-conference slate with their psyche intact, that's a real possibility.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Florida Atlantic

The final preview segment for Conference USA: The Florida Atlantic Owls

Last season: A drab 3-9 season that saw the end of Charlie Partridge's tenure. In his place we have... THIS!


Good news: The offense should be fine, with good players at RB and WR.

Bad news: Oh, great! ANOTHER bad defense to worry about! Here, it's the defensive line that needs fixing.

2017 X-factor: Defensive coordinator Chris Kiffin- That's right, Lane Kiffin has brought in his own brother to fix that porous defense. The only thing I know about him is that he was once at Ole Miss (and had a few recruiting mishaps of his own during his time there).

Key games:
9/1 vs. Navy (Well, here is where the 3-ring circus will begin for Kiffin and his new team.)
9/30 vs. Middle Tennessee (The low point of 2016 for FAU? Giving up 77 points to Middle Tennessee in the season finale.)
10/28 @ Western Kentucky (However, getting blown out at home by the Hilltoppers was a close second.)
11/18 vs. Florida International (For recruiting, Butch Davis uses his god-given abilities while Kiffin uses awkward YouTube videos. Either way, this in-state rivalry is now 40 times more interesting with these 2 around.)

Bottom line: In 2017, Florida Atlantic will be an enigma. What will happen with the Kiffin brothers, and will it translate to more wins? Either way, this is heaven for a "mid-major" school for FAU; the more publicity for their school, the better.
But the win total for 2017? ...Maybe 5 wins at best. Sorry, Lane.