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Football comes back to this forum! (2023 CFB Preview thread)

Dolgevillefootballfan

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So @li0lsh is worried about the college football forums going to shit, right? Well, not to worry, sir! I'm still here! And I'm here to say that my yearly previews are ready to go!

First off, I should give you guys the itinerary for my football previews for 2023:

Group of Five Conferences (done on this thread):
Independents-
Like UMass, UConn, and Army.
Sun Belt (Can Troy or South Alabama be the next to crash the "New Year's Six" party?)
Conference USA (It's a new day in this league, but who will carry the day?)
MAC (Amidst all the turmoil in the game today, the MAC remains quiet and happy. If Toledo fixes their D-line, though...)
Mountain West (This conference took a small slide downwards last year, so can it rebound?)
American (UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston are gone. But Tulane is still here, and here comes the Roadrunners!)

Power 5 Conferences (to be done on separate threads):
ACC
(Is Florida State ready to return to the playoff? Dabo Sweeney REALLY hopes not.)
Big 10 (Plotlines abound here! Will Michigan finish the job? Can Ohio State regain control? Is Pat Fitzgerald REALLY in trouble at Northwestern?)
SEC (Will Nick Saban FINALLY lose his dynasty? The SEC's new leader [Georgia] shall give us the answer... or will it be LSU? Or Tennessee?)
PAC-12 (The top of the conference looks AWESOME. If the season lives up to expectations, maybe USC and UCLA will stay.)
Big 12 (SPOILER ALERT: I'll probably be doing the Texas preview last.)

So... what do you guys think? I'll check back tomorrow, when I'll begin.
 

socaljim242

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USC and UCLA aren't staying in the PAC. Should be a good fight with Utah ,SC, UCLA , Oregon and Washington,
 

Dolgevillefootballfan

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UConn

The first preview segment for the 2023 season: The Connecticut Huskies

Last season: We're actually starting the 2023 previews on a high note, thanks to the surprising UConn Huskies! With new head coach Jim Mora helping steer the ship, the Huskies got a surprise bowl berth thanks to wins over teams like Liberty and Fresno State.
And they now want to do that all over again this year.

Good news: UConn has a strong nucleus on defense, an experienced O-line, and Victor Rosa as their feature running-back. And UConn might have 2 QB's (Ta'Quan Roberson and Zion Turner), but I think they'll be fine with either of them at the helm.

Bad news: Depth at linebacker is a worry, but the biggest problem could be at wide-receiver; UConn will be relying on transfers to cover the loss of 3 of their top pass catchers.

Key games:
9/2 vs. NC State (An interesting season opener for both teams. Can the UConn defense handle this challenge?)
10/7 @ Rice (This could be a swing-game for the postseason for both Rice and UConn.)
10/28 @ Boston College (This starts a VERY hard road trip for the Huskies. Luckily for them, UConn actually got the Eagles last year 13-3.)
11/11 @ James Madison (And then after going to Knoxville, UConn heads to Harrisonburg to face the Dukes. But maybe James Madison will be caught looking ahead to App. State and Coastal Carolina coming up.)

Bottom line: UConn athletics is on a roll! Their basketball team just won a national title, their baseball team wants to make more headway in the playoffs, and their football team might indeed survive as an independent club. Another surprise bowl trip is the goal for UConn in 2023, but they won't be sneaking up on anyone this time.
 

Dolgevillefootballfan

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Army

Preview segment: The Army Black Knights

Last season: A blah 6-6 record, with no bowl. But at least 3 of those losses were close ones. And at least Army finished the year with 3 straight wins, including beating Navy in overtime.

Bad news: During the offseason, coach Jeff Monken announced that Army will be switching it's offense from the flexbone to the shotgun. Uh, are you SURE that the Black Knights can run it well? And the defense will be missing two of it's captains: Andre Carter III and Marquel Broughton.

Good news: Great individual pieces are still here at the academy, including right-guard Connor Finucane. And Connor will lead an O-line that has adjusted well to the new blocking schemes. And Army does have gamebreakers at WR that can help with the new offense.

Key games:
9/15 @ UTSA (This will be Army's 1st real test of the 2023 season. Here's hoping that the new shotgun offense is up and running by the time this game happens.)
10/14 vs. Troy (Army's schedule for this year is pretty rough, as schools like Syracuse and LSU and Coastal Carolina are on it. And Army also has Troy, but at least they'll get the Trojans at home.)
11/4 vs. Air Force [from Denver, CO] (But ask any Army personnel, and they'll tell you that Priority #1 for the football team is taking down the Air Force academy...)
12/9 vs. Navy [from Foxborough, MA] (...and staying on top of those darn Midshipmen.)

Bottom line: I have talked a lot about Army's new shotgun attack, but it really will be the X-factor for the 2023 season. Especially with a hard schedule staring them in the face and with a solid defense in need of new leadership. If Army returns to a bowl this year, I'll be presently surprised.
 

Dolgevillefootballfan

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UMass

Preview segment: The Massachusetts Minutemen

Last season: A terrible 1-11, with no wins against FBS teams. Coach Don Brown is still facing a massive rebuild over here.

Good news: The Minutemen defense was actually OK last year, and it should be salty once again with improved depth all over the place and a proud secondary. The running game should also be a strength.

Bad news: The quarterback room is a complicated mess, as we have FOUR of them fighting it out for the starting job.

Key games:
8/26 @ New Mexico State (A good start is critical for UMass, as they'll take on a former "brother-in-misery" in New Mexico State.)
9/9 vs. Miami-Ohio (This game is winnable if UMass settles their QB problem in time.)
10/14 @ Penn State (This will be the 2nd-worst mismatch of the year, as Penn State will likely use UMass as a scratching post to prepare themselves for the Ohio State game the following week.)
11/25 vs. UConn (At this time, both the Huskies and the Minutemen are trying to get this game onto a neutral site. Stay tuned for further reports.)

Bottom line: It could be another tough season for UMass in 2023. But historically, teams coached by Don Brown are much improved in his 2nd year on the job; maybe the Minutemen could surprise.
 

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South Alabama

The first preview segment for the Sun Belt Conference: The South Alabama Jaguars

Last season: 2022 was a brilliant year for this young FBS program, as the Jaguars got their first-ever 10 win season. And their 2 losses in the regular season were by a combined 5 points! Now the folks in Mobile, Alabama wants the conference title that eluded them last year.

Good news: Experience is EVERYWHERE on this team. It includes people like QB Carter Bradley, a 1,000-yard rusher in La'Damian Webb, and great line play on both sides of the ball.

Bad news: Problems here are minor in nature; the Jaguars are just looking to cut back on penalties and find some extra depth at the corner spot.

Key games:
9/2 @ Tulane (South Alabama will get 2 early chances to insert themselves into the "New Year's Six" conversation. The first is visiting a team that went to the "New Year's Six" last year.)
9/16 @ Oklahoma State (And the 2nd chance will be here in Stillwater. Don't forget, the Jaguars went to UCLA last year and almost shocked the Bruins.)
10/17 vs. Southern Miss (OK, on to serious business; Southern Miss looks to be a contender now in the Sun Belt West.)
10/28 vs. Louisiana (Oh, and the Cajuns are looking for a rebound year in 2023.)
11/2 @ Troy (This WILL be the biggest game in the West division this year. In 2022 South Alabama lost to their rivals 10-6, and Troy took it all the way to the conference title.)

Bottom line: The schedule is tougher than last year's, but coach Kane Wommack and his team shouldn't panic; this is the deepest team that South Alabama has ever had. Another solid season is in the works, and if they beat Troy this time around, the Jaguars could get that Sun Belt title.
 

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Dolgevillefootballfan

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Louisiana-Monroe

Preview segment: The UL-Monroe Warhawks

Last season: Considering that they had 2 new coordinators to work in, I think UL-Monroe's 4-8 record was actually OK last year. Let's see if they can get out of the rut this season.

Bad news: UL-Monroe got gutted in the transfer portal, as their starting QB and two of their top runners flew the coop. The defensive line is undergoing a complete rebuild.

Good news: At least UL-Monroe found their replacement QB in Jiya Wright. And the secondary does look good.

Key games:
9/2 vs. Army (Let's see how well the Warhawk offense does in their season opener against Army.)
10/14 @ Texas State (This Sun Belt game looks winnable for UL-Monroe.)
10/28 vs. Arkansas State (See above game.)
11/25 @ Louisiana (The Warhawks were able to beat the Cajuns last year! Let's hope they can do that again.)

Bottom line: Coach Terry Bowden is hoping that his team can compete for the postseason in 2023, but he has a LOT of personnel to replace on the offense. Another 4-win season looks likely for UL-Monroe this year.
 

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Arkansas State

Preview segment: The Arkansas State Red Wolves

Last season: A rough 3-9.

Good news: The transfer market has given Arkansas State a pair of strong WR's (Courtney Jackson and Corey Rucker). And the Wolves got the top recruiting class in the Sun Belt two years in a row now, so I'm sure some of those new guys can help.

Bad news: If transfer J.T. Shrout (from Colorado) doesn't come through, the QB position could become iffy. And line play is in need of an overhaul on both sides of the ball.

Key games:
9/9 vs. Memphis (This is a big early game in terms of seeing how the Red Wolves offense will look like.)
9/23 vs. Southern Miss (Ark. State lost to these guys by only 1 point last year.)
10/21 vs. Coastal Carolina (If J.T. Shrout DOES come through for Ark. State, we'll have a QB duel between him and Grayson McCall.)
11/18 vs. Texas State (Senior Day in Jonesboro, and I think the Red Wolves want revenge for that 3-point loss the Bobcats gave them last year.)

Bottom line: It's hard to generate excitement for Arkansas State right now, so I think they'll sit through another losing record this year. Maybe in 2024, they'll get back to the top...
 

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Louisiana-Lafayette

Preview segment: The Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns

Last season: Back to earth. After a wonderful joyride from 2018 to 2021, last season the Cajuns went 6-7. And in 1-score games, Louisiana went 0-4. Now in 2023, coach Mike Desormeaux have BETTER show off his coaching chops.

Bad news: So many players departed Lafayette after last season, with 2 of their top receivers and 2 of their QB's transferring away, along with other guys going to the NFL. And as for the QB's that are here now, 2 are injured and the other is a redshirt freshmen.

Good news: At least the O-line looks good, and the secondary has a fair bit of experience.

Key games:
9/9 @ Old Dominion (The Cajuns need to get off to a better start in conference play this season, and beating the Monarchs will help.)
9/16 @ UAB (A solid challenge match for both teams, and by this time we SHOULD know which QB the Cajuns will trust this season.)
10/28 @ South Alabama (Maybe the Cajuns can catch the Jaguars looking ahead to their big game against Troy.)
11/25 vs. UL-Monroe (Louisiana just wants to get revenge against the Warhawks here. This one may also decide a bowl berth for the Cajuns.)

Bottom line: Look. I WANT the Ragin' Cajuns to come back to us as a power in the Sun Belt. But with the personnel losses they suffered, and with Troy and South Alabama loaded for bear, Louisiana might just be stuck fighting for the postseason this year.
 

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Georgia Southern

Preview segment: The Georgia Southern Eagles

Last season: So in 2022 Georgia Southern had a new head coach by the name of Clay Helton, and he was replacing their famous "triple-option" offense with a more balanced attack. And the year turned out... actually OK, as they went bowling while fielding a Top-10 passing attack. I'd love to see what GSU can do in Year 2 under Helton.

Good news: GSU had success with a transfer QB last year (Kyle Vantrease), so perhaps Tulsa transfer Davis Brin will light up the scoreboard as well. They'll also have RB Jalen White and WR Khaleb Hood ready, too.

Bad news: A defense that ranked 128th overall last year is missing 8 of it's top 10 tacklers and has a new coordinator trying to pick up the pieces.

Key games:
9/9 vs. UAB (The Eagles will host Trent Dilfer and the Blazers in a game that could be a toss-up.)
9/30 vs. Coastal Carolina (A big early game in the Sun Belt East race. Could we get a shootout here?)
10/26 vs. Georgia State (Another toss-up game for the Eagles. Georgia State has won 3 straight against their hated rivals.)
11/25 @ Appalachian State (GSU won a 51-48 slugfest against the Mountaineers to get bowl-eligible last year.)

Bottom line: I'm going to buy a bit of stock on Georgia Southern this year; they finally got a modern offense and a workable schedule that'll help them get back to a bowl game. Now if only their defense can show improvement... THEN I can see them challenging for the East division.
 

Dolgevillefootballfan

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James Madison

Preview segment: The James Madison Dukes

Last season: Air Force in 1958. Georgia Southern in 2014. Those are just two of the incredible debuts that FCS teams can make after they move over to the FBS. And James Madison's debut... Well, it was up there!
The Dukes went 8-3, and stunned teams like App. State and Coastal Carolina (by 40 points). They even made a brief appearance in the AP Top 25! And even though they STILL can't go to a bowl this year, JMU wants to do more damage in 2023.

Bad news: Trouble is, their superstar QB Todd Centeio has left the building. And overall team depth is still not where JMU wants it to be.

Good news: At least the O-line stays intact, which should help the new QB out immensely. The JMU defense was great last year, and it should be the best one in the Sun Belt this season.

Key games:
9/9 @ Virginia (This is a MONSTER game in the state of Virginia; how big would it be for the Dukes if they win against the Cavaliers?)
9/16 @ Troy (This should be a VERY fun conference opener for both teams.)
9/30 vs. South Alabama (Another big game in terms of conference prestige- Wait. JMU has to deal with both Troy AND South Alabama in conference play?! Now I'm starting to get worried.)
11/18 vs. Appalachian State (It's Senior Day in Harrisonburg, and JMU wants to stun the Mountaineers again.)
11/25 @ Coastal Carolina (...Uh oh. Remember, the Chanticleers lost to JMU last year by 40. AND this will be the curtain call for Grayson McCall at Coastal. The Dukes better brace themselves.)

Bottom line: On paper, James Madison looks ready to repeat their success from last year. But they got perhaps the toughest conference slate out of ANYBODY in the Sun Belt this year, so I don't know... Let's shoot for 7 wins in 2023 and see what happens.
 

Dolgevillefootballfan

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Old Dominion

Preview segment: The Old Dominion Monarchs

Last season: It started off so wonderfully, as ODU shocked Virginia Tech... AGAIN! Sadly, the Monarchs couldn't keep it up, and they would finish 2022 with a 3-9 record, including a 6-game losing streak to end things.

Good news: ODU has a new offensive coordinator, and they have the wide-receivers needed to make the new offense go. On defense, linebacker Jason Henderson is back after making 2nd-team All American last year.

Bad news: In fall camp, ODU will be having a QB battle since last year's starter Hayden Wolff left via the transfer portal. Another big problem is the secondary; can ODU find the right combination over there?

Key games
9/2 @ Virginia Tech (Well, here we go again: ODU visits Blacksburg after stunning them last year in Norfolk. But Va-Tech is still figuring things out, so maybe...)
9/9 vs. Louisiana (As I mentioned 2 days ago, this is a big conference opener for both the Monarchs and the Cajuns.)
10/28 @ James Madison (So we didn't really get a rivalry going between these two last year. Maybe if ODU stuns the Dukes in Harrisonburg, THEN we may get something.)
11/4 vs. Coastal Carolina (Old Dominion actually beat the Chanticleers last year! In Conway! By a score of 49-21! Let's see what happens when Coastal comes over to visit.)

Bottom line: If some transfers come through for Old Dominion, they can get more than 3 wins in 2023. But until then, I'll sadly have to put them in the basement of the Sun Belt East for now.
 

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Texas State

Preview segment: The Texas State Bobcats

Last season: Another 4-win season for the Bobcats. Sadly, Jake Spavital didn't survive 2022, and now a new coach is here in San Marcos.

2023 X-factor: New head coach GJ Kinne- That new head man is GJ Kinne. On one hand, he only has 1 year of head coaching experience under his belt. But on the other hand, that one year was a highly successful one at Incarnate Word (where they made the FCS semifinals). I think it's best to give this guy a couple of years before we can accurately judge him.

Good news: The secondary is the best place on the defense for Texas State, and the skill positions on offense (RB and WR) looks pretty good.

Bad news: It will take a while for Kinne's new fast-paced offense to get going, what with only 2 starters returning and the QB position being all muddled.

Key games:
9/9 @ UTSA (The Bobcats get another chance to shock the Roadrunners and beat them for the first time ever.)
9/23 vs. Nevada (This game looks winnable for Texas State.)
10/14 vs. UL-Monroe (After consecutive road games at Southern Miss and Louisiana, this game will be a welcome sight for the Bobcats.)
11/18 @ Arkansas State (Texas State was able to beat the Red Wolves last year.)

Bottom line: I think we can safely ignore Texas State in 2023, as it could be hard for them to get another 4-win season. At least they'll be scoring a lot more points than usual.
 

Dolgevillefootballfan

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Troy

Preview segment: The Troy Trojans

Last season: Oh, Jon Sumrall didn't do much in his 1st year coaching Troy. No, no! He just led the Trojans to a 12-2 record, a surprise Sun Belt championship, and even got Troy a year-end national ranking (something that Troy legend Neil Brown couldn't do). And a Hail-Mary loss to App. State was the only reason why Troy wasn't considered for the "New Year's Six"!
So after that incredible run... what can Troy do now?

Good news: Troy's defense (which ranked in the Top 20 last year) returns most of it's key pieces, including T.J. Jackson on the D-line. RB Kimani Vidal is back, and so is QB Gunner Watson, so the offense should also be good.

Bad news: Watson could stand to cut back on his INT's, however. And the Troy staff needs to find him some new WR's to throw to, and some new studs on the left side of the O-line.

Key games:
9/9 @ Kansas State (This is the BIG challenge match for the Trojans this season. Don't forget: Tulane won at Kansas State last season, and guess how far the Green Wave took that win in 2022?)
11/2 vs. South Alabama (See my South Alabama preview.)
11/18 vs. Louisiana (If they are not careful, Troy's Senior Day could get ruined by a Cajuns team looking for a rebound season.)
11/25 @ Southern Miss (And speaking of things being ruined, Southern Miss could ruin Troy's run to the division title here.)

Bottom line: It may only be one year, but the Jon Sumrall hire looks like a home run that left the ballpark and still hasn't landed. And in 2023, Troy has a lot of talent coming back, and a break from the Sun Belt scheduling gods (No App. State, only 1 tough road game, and South Alabama at home).
Hmmm... could a back-to-back conference championship be in the works here?
 

Dolgevillefootballfan

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Appalachian State

Preview segment: The Appalachian State Mountaineers

Last season: Over the last several years, App. State has been a solid football program. During the first 3 games of 2022, it looked like more of the same. The Mountaineers only lost to UNC by 2 points. They shocked then #7-ranked Texas A&M in College Station. They hosted "College Gameday" for the first time ever. And on the day of that "Gameday" visit, they defeated Troy thanks to a Hail-Mary. App. State looked like a team of destiny!

...But then something happened. I don't know what it is, but App. State suddenly started to stumble. And the next thing you knew, the Mountaineers were finishing 6-6 and being frozen out of a bowl.

Bad news: Many key players from last year's team is gone, including QB Chase Brice and some key linemen on both offense and defense. Oh, and we don't know yet who will replace Brice as the new starting QB.

Good news: At least the skill positions are rock-solid; RB Nate Noel burst onto the scene last year as a do-it-all guy, and the WR group is deep and experienced. And the O-line should be OK with people like Isaiah Helms anchoring it.

Key games:
9/9 @ North Carolina (A rematch of that epic contest held last year in Boone. Hopefully, App. State will have a QB ready for the attack of UNC and Drake Maye.)
9/16 vs. East Carolina (Here's one of the lesser-known rivalries in the state of North Carolina. And this game should be good as well; ECU is coming off their first bowl appearance in a while.)
10/10 vs. Coastal Carolina (The Chanticleers has taken 2 of the last 3 meetings against App. State. If the Mountaineers can pull the upset here, it'll bode really well for their chances at a bounce-back season.)
11/4 vs. Marshall (Marshall was one of the teams in conference that App. State couldn't put away last year.)
11/25 vs. Georgia Southern (App. State lost a 51-48 thriller to the rival Eagles on the last day of the regular season. One month later, Georgia Southern was in a bowl, and App. State wasn't. Just remember that for this installment.)

Bottom line: The Mountaineers are the "wild-card" team in the Sun Belt in 2023. Last year's 6-6 mark was a shock to the system, and they are losing a lot of key players from that squad. But the cupboard isn't bare over in Boone, and you can't deny their culture either. Maybe if App. State decides on a new QB quickly, they could be right back in the swing of things.
 

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Marshall

Preview segment: The Marshall Thundering Herd

Last season: Marshall's maiden voyage in the Sun Belt actually went pretty well. Once they got the hang of it, the Herd won their final 5 games to finish at 9-4. They even went over to Notre Dame and got one of their biggest wins ever at their expense!

Good news: The defense should still be good despite returning only 4 starters from a year ago; DE Owen Porter is the one to watch. And expect the running game to be awesome again; the O-line returns mostly intact, and RB Rasheen Ali is back from injury.

Bad news: The passing game really needs a kick in the pants, as it only ranked 109th overall last season.

Key games:
9/23 vs. Virginia Tech (A rare chance for Marshall to host a "Power 5" school, as they look to beat Va-Tech for the first time since 1940.)
10/19 vs. James Madison (This match begins a 3-game odyssey for the Thundering Herd, to see if they can challenge for the East division in 2023. First, they host James Madison as they look to beat down the Dukes again.)
10/28 @ Coastal Carolina (Then, the Herd will go to Conway for the first time ever to face the division favorites.)
11/4 @ Appalachian State (And finally, we'll see if App. State stumbles against the Herd... once again.)

Bottom line: At first, I didn't like Marshall's chances in the Sun Belt in 2023. But if you look hard enough, there's really not much separating the Herd from the rest of the teams in the East division. If Marshall does well in that little "3-game odyssey" in the middle of the season, who knows? Maybe they'll come out of top of the East... IF their offense gets more balanced.
 

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Georgia State

Preview segment: The Georgia State Panthers

Last season: A 4-8 campaign that was dotted with REALLY close losses; North Carolina, Charlotte, UL-Monroe, and James Madison comes to mind right away.

Good news: QB Darren Grainger is back for one more year, and the Panthers running game looks strong (again) thanks to KZ Adams and Marcus Carroll leading the way.

Bad news: The O-line is returning only 1 starter, and the kicking game is all-new. But the biggest worry may be in the secondary; that place is looking QUITE raw with only 1 starter returning there.

Key games:
9/9 vs. UConn (Looks weird, I know. But UConn has momentum on their side, and Georgia State doesn't, so the Panthers need to fix that.)
9/16 vs. Charlotte (A simple "revenge game" for GSU. But if the Panthers can't beat the 49ers THIS time around...)
9/21 @ Coastal Carolina (...then they'll have ZERO chance against the Chanticleers this year.)
10/26 @ Georgia Southern (GSU has won 3 straight against the Eagles... and Georgia Southern wants to fix that little problem.)

Bottom line: Georgia State is hoping that the close games will start to go their way this season, so that they can get back to a bowl. The Panthers started 0-4 last year, so watch them in September. If they swipe at least 2 wins during that month, they should be fine.
 

Dolgevillefootballfan

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Southern Miss

Preview segment: The Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles

Last season: Despite poor QB play, Southern Miss was able to have a winning season and get their first bowl win since 2016. Now they're hoping to move up in their new home in the Sun Belt.

Bad news: The secondary needs to stop giving up "chuck plays", but a lack of depth might hinder those hopes. And the Eagles doesn't know who their starting QB will be at the moment.

Good news: But at least the QB room is the deepest and most experienced in Will Hall's tenure at Southern Miss, so there IS hope that the passing game can wake up. Line play on both sides of the ball should be brilliant, and RB Frank Gore Jr. returns to rack up more yards.

Key games:
9/16 vs. Tulane (Southern Miss actually defeated Tulane last year in their rivalry contest... at Tulane! Let's see if the Golden Eagles can somehow beat the Wave again.)
10/17 @ South Alabama (If Southern Miss shores up their secondary, they can win over in Mobile.)
11/9 @ Louisiana (This is a postseason "swing-game" for both teams.)
11/25 vs. Troy (This Senior Day game has the potential to be REALLY big in the Sun Belt.)

Bottom line: For 2023, Southern Miss HAS to find an answer at quarterback. It may be the only way they can truly compete for the conference title. That, and try to fix their poor secondary.
But they are set everywhere else, so expect the Golden Eagles to find at least another bowl game.
 
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