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

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Toledo

Preview segment: The Toledo Rockets

Last season: Call me crazy, but the last 4 games of Toledo's 2022 season was kinda like the "Arthur" episode 'Desk Wars'. In that episode, a classroom in the summer heat explodes in a chaotic desk war, and then everyone goes swimming after school and they're all like "What were we mad about again?".
Toledo was doing fine in 2022, starting 7-3 and clinching the MAC West title. But then they drop their last 2 regular season games, the alumni sees the MAC title slipping away, and they then they wanted to kill the coach. One month later, Toledo had won the MAC championship and their bowl game, and all the alumni said "You're forgiven, Mr. Candle!".

Good news: Hope is high for a repeat title in 2023, as QB Dequan Finn is back. Also back is RB Jacquez Stuart, a selection of good WR's, a veteran O-line, and quality safeties.

Bad news: About the only place to worry about for Toledo is the defensive line, where 3 starters from last year must be replaced.

Key games:
9/2 @ Illinois (A big test comes right away for Toledo, as they'll visit an Illini team with a powerful running game. But if Toledo pulls off the upset, could talk about the "New Year's Six" be far behind?)
9/30 vs. Northern Illinois (Word of warning to Toledo: I don't think your old rivals from DeKalb is gonna go 3-9 again this season.)
10/21 @ Miami-Ohio (A QB duel between Dequan Finn and Brett Gabbert may happen here.)
11/8 vs. Eastern Michigan (This might be the biggest threat to Toledo in the MAC West in 2023.)
11/14 @ Bowling Green (I think the Rockets want to pay back the Falcons for that 42-35 loss they suffered on their Senior Day.)

Bottom line: Last year, Toledo was the shaky favorite to win the MAC. But this year, there's no doubt about it. With SO much production from last year coming back, the Rockets should waltz away with their 2nd straight conference title. And if the defense keeps it together, who knows what else they can do?

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Ball State

Preview segment: The Ball State Cardinals

Last season: Ball State actually had a better 2022 than I expected. Hell, I expected them to get only 3 to 4 wins. But they actually started out 5-4, and it was only a cruel twist of fate that they missed the postseason.
One point. One stinking point against Miami-Ohio in the regular season finale...

Good news: The front-7 on the Cardinals defense looks pretty good, and they have two productive tight-ends on offense. Marquez Cooper will step in as the feature back...

Bad news: ...but Marquez is no Carson Steele, who transferred to UCLA in the winter. QB John Paddock also transferred out (to Illinois), and we won't know his replacement until August. And the secondary is almost all-new.

Key games:
9/9 @ Georgia (How's THIS for a nightmare start? Ball State goes to Kentucky to start the year, and then must go to Athens for the worst mismatch of the year.)
10/21 vs. Central Michigan (This MAC game looks winnable.)
11/7 @ Northern Illinois (Ball State looks to defend the "Bronze Stalk" trophy when they visit the rival Huskies.)
11/25 vs. Miami-Ohio (Last year's game between these two teams was for bowl eligibility. And as I mentioned, Ball State lost by only 1 point.)

Bottom line: Sorry, Mike Neu. It looks like your Cardinals are doomed to finish last in the MAC West this year; there are just too many things going against them. Finding a new QB and getting the secondary to jell quickly will be key for BSU to advert this cruel fate.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Ohio

Preview segment: The Ohio Bobcats

Last season: What a quantum leap the Bobcats took last year! In Tim Albin's 2nd year, Ohio went from 3 wins to 10! And it included an exciting bowl win over Wyoming.
Shame that they couldn't beat Toledo for the MAC title, though. Maybe that'll be their goal for the 2023 season.

Bad news: Line play on both sides of the ball is a weak-spot for Ohio, more so on defense. The kicker transferred out in the winter, and QB Kurtis Rourke has become a bit injury-prone.

Good news: But when Kurtis IS healthy, he is a beast. And even if he isn't, Ohio has quality backups they can plug in. RB Sieh Bangura has become a beast on the field, and the secondary is loaded.

Key games:
8/26 @ San Diego State (This looks like an interesting challenge match on Week Zero. A low-scoring affair is expected.)
9/23 @ Bowling Green (Whether it's with Kurtis Rourke or backup C.J. Harris, the QB game will be crucial for Ohio to win at the rival Falcons.)
10/28 vs. Miami-Ohio (The "Battle For the Bricks" rivalry should decide who will win the MAC East title this season.)
11/7 @ Buffalo (Of course, Ohio must be careful of a hangover when they visit the capable Bulls.)

Bottom line: It was tough for a little bit when Albin took over for Frank Solich, but now things are fine in Athens, Ohio. Once the offense gets cooking, I think that Ohio will make another run at the MAC title and take out the Redhawks. But it'll all depend on the line play and the people they'll be protecting.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Central Michigan

The last preview segment for the MAC: The Central Michigan Chippewas

Last season: A poor start, a raft of injuries, and the offense regressing all conspired to give CMU a 4-8 record in 2022.

Good news: The Chippewas have a proud offensive line to protect everyone, and 9 starters return from a good defense last year.

Bad news: That O-line must protect a offense that has no standout wide-receivers and 2 QB's fighting for the starting spot. The kicking game REALLY needs an upgrade after it sucked last year, and a rough non-conference slate (games at Michigan State, Notre Dame, and South Alabama) could equal another slow start.

Key games:
9/30 vs. Eastern Michigan (After that rough early slate, upsetting the rival Eagles would be a great relief for the Chippewas.)
10/21 @ Ball State (CMU lost to Ball State by only 1 point last year.)
10/31 vs. Northern Illinois (The Chippewas have beaten NIU 7 of the last 9 times they've met.)
11/7 @ Western Michigan (These 2 rivals will meet for the 95th time this season.)

Bottom line: Coach Jim McElwain have rightly called the 2022 season "an embarrassment", and he is hoping that Central Michigan can bounce back. The defense will keep them in the MAC West race, but they won't win it (or return to a bowl) if the offense doesn't get better.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

MAC Predictions

So after a pleasant spring, it's back to the same ol' crap during the summertime. But before I go and set up the air-conditioner, let me give you my picks for the MAC this year:

East division:
1. Ohio
2. Miami-Ohio
3. Buffalo
4. Bowling Green
5. Akron
6. Kent State

West division:
1. Toledo (Conference champs)
2. Eastern Michigan
3. Northern Illinois
4. Central Michigan
5. Western Michigan
6. Ball State

But coming up tomorrow is the start of my look at the Mountain West!

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Hawaii

The first preview segment for the Mountain West Conference: The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors

Last season: Let's face it, Timmy Chang had no chance in his first year at Hawaii. And it showed, as the Warriors went 3-10. But things SHOULD be better in Year 2, due to the return of the four-wide passing attack Hawaii had so much success with.

Good news: Directing this attack will be the tough QB Brayden Schager, and he'll have do-everything RB Tylan Hines to help him. There's also no big worries on defense...

Bad news: ...although that defense can do a better job in forcing turnovers. The O-line only has 1 starter from last year coming back.

Key games:
9/1 vs. Stanford (Hawaii has to deal with three "Power 5" schools early in the year, but they DO have a chance to win this one.)
9/30 @ UNLV (A winnable conference game for Hawaii.)
10/14 vs. San Diego State (Last year, Hawaii lost to the Aztecs by only 2 points. Plus. Hawaii will get a bye week to prep for it.)
11/11 vs. Air Force (By this time, we'll know how good Hawaii's defense really is.)

Bottom line: With cohesiveness on the rise in Honolulu, the team is hoping to get better results on the field. A bowl berth might not be doable, but Hawaii should easily eclipse their poor record from a year ago.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

San Diego State

Preview segment: The San Diego State Aztecs

Last season: Somewhat of a disappointment. Yeah, San Diego State went bowling, but their offense sucked. And they might have beaten all the teams they should have beaten, but against tougher opponents (like Arizona, Boise State, Fresno State, etc.) they fell flat and finished 7-6.

Good news: Despite returning only 4 starters, everyone is expecting SDSU's defense to be great again (no doubt thanks to the experience it has). QB Jalen Mayden has emerged as the starter...

Bad news: ...but he needs to be more consistent. The rest of the offense is still a question mark, as the O-line must be better and the WR group has a lot of newbies.

2023 X-factor: New offensive coordinator Ryan Lindley- To Brady Hoke's credit, he knew that he needs to stop running it all the time. So he has hired Ryan Lindley (a former Aztec passing great) to kick the passing offense into gear. We'll see how well Lindley does in the development of Jalen Mayden and his teammates.

Key games:
9/9 vs. UCLA (Any time that SDSU gets to host a "Power 5" school from their home state of California, they come out swinging.)
9/22 vs. Boise State (A tremendous conference opener for both teams, as Jalen Mayden will look to keep up with Boise's QB Taylen Green.)
9/30 @ Air Force (Trouble for the Aztecs is, they'll have to go to Air Force 8 days later.)
11/18 @ San Jose State (The 2023 season will end on a BIG note for SDSU, as the Aztecs will deal with the rival Spartans...)
11/25 vs. Fresno State (...and the rival Bulldogs in consecutive weeks.)

Bottom line: The defense should do it's part for San Diego State once again, so it'll be all up to the offense to return the Aztecs to conference contention. If they beat either Boise State or Air Force early on, it'll bode well for 2023, so good luck!

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

New Mexico

Preview segment: The New Mexico Lobos

Last season: A 2-1 start imploded for New Mexico, thanks to them sporting the worst offense in the entire nation. Now the Lobos enter the 2023 season on a 9-game losing streak.

Bad news: The defense (New Mexico's strong suit over the last 3 years) could be in big trouble; coordinator Rocky Long is now at Syracuse, and the line lost quite a few starters. The offense is still a major worry...

Good news: ...but maybe new offensive coordinator Bryant Vincent can help. And he brought his QB Dylan Hopkins along for the ride! And at least the defense still has quality depth.

Key games:
9/16 vs. New Mexico State (Lobos! Your in-state rivals were able to make a bowl game last year! You need to drag them back down to your level.)
10/14 vs. San Jose State (If Dylan Hopkins comes through for the Lobos, we'll have a QB duel between him and Chevan Cordeiro.)
10/21 vs. Hawaii (Another winnable conference game for the Lobos.)
11/4 vs. UNLV (See above game.)

Bottom line: Progress must be shown this year in Albuquerque. Otherwise, this may be Danny Gonzales' last year on the job. The offense will be the ultimate decider; it can't be any worse than it was last year... right?!

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Boise State

Preview segment: The Boise State Broncos

Last season: Things were looking bad for Andy Avalos and Boise State in late September; they were 2-2, had just fired their offensive coordinator, and Taylen Green was stepping in at QB after Hank Bachmeier left the program.
3 months later, everyone in Boise was upbeat again! Taylen Green did a great job as the replacement QB, and Boise State had won the Frisco Bowl to finish the year at 10-4. All while sporting a Top-10 defense.

Good news: If Taylen Green improves his throwing of the football, the Boise offense will be flying! Hell, it already has two stud RB's in George Holani and Ashton Jeanty. All 3 starting receivers from last year are back...

Bad news: ...but one of them has to step up and be a playmaker. And even with DJ Schramm coming back, the D-line still has some holes to fill. The secondary will also be missing someone: Current Denver Bronco JL Skinner.

Key games:
9/9 vs. UCF (The start of Boise State's season will be something to see; they'll visit Washington to start, and then they'll host Central Florida [who's now in the Big 12].)
9/22 @ San Diego State (Wait. I just thought of something. With the PAC-12 soon to be missing some big names, could both Boise State and San Diego State be asked to fill in?)
11/4 @ Fresno State (A rematch of last year's Mountain West title game, where Fresno defeated Boise 28-16... in Boise.)
11/25 vs. Air Force (And speaking of the Mountain West title game, this may be the first of 2 consecutive matchups between the Broncos and the Falcons.)

Bottom line: It looks like the Hank Bachmeier departure was a blessing in disguise for Andy Avalos; now he has a team that he can call his own. And it's a team that looks ready to reclaim their spot as Mountain West champions... at least on the offensive front. It'll be the new faces on the defense that'll tell us if Boise State will take back their throne.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Air Force

Preview segment: The Air Force Falcons

Last season: Okay, so Air Force couldn't win the Mountain West. That was the only thing that went wrong for the Falcons in 2022; they got their 3rd straight 10-win season! They had the #1-ranked defense in the country and defeated Baylor in a bowl game! And most importantly, they won the "Commander-in-Chief's Trophy" for the first time since 2016! These are truly bullish times for Air Force.

Bad news: Sadly, fullback Brad Roberts and QB Haaziq Daniels are no longer here. And with a 3-way dance going on for the starting QB spot, expect the Falcon offense to take a slide backwards.

Good news: 7 starters return from that top-ranked defense from a year ago. And line-play should be great, especially on an offensive line protecting the new players.

Key games:
9/23 @ San Jose State (This will be Air Force's first big test of the season, as they'll go to San Jose to face Chevan Cordeiro and a potent Spartan offense. Hopefully, the Falcons will have nailed down a starting QB by this time.)
10/21 @ Navy (You can't forget about this game if you're a Air Force fan.)
11/4 vs. Army [in Denver] (So after 2 years in Arlington, this game is now going to be in Denver?! ...At least this will be a home game in disguise for the Falcons.)
11/25 @ Boise State (See my Boise State preview.)

Bottom line: So despite losing Brad Roberts and Haaziq Daniels, Air Force is still a favorite to make it to the Mountain West title game?! Well, they DO have a solid defense, Troy Calhoun still coaching the team, and great line play. Maybe they'll get over the hump this year... IF the offense doesn't totally implode.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Nevada-Las Vegas

Preview segment: The UNLV Rebels

Last season: So Marcus Arroyo is gone from UNLV after a 5-7 season. What a shame; the Rebels actually started 2022 well with a 4-1 start. But then QB Doug Brumfield got injured, and that was that as the Rebels lost 6 straight. In comes former Missouri coach Barry Odom, who is tasked with making UNLV football viable.

2023 X-factor: The health of Doug Brumfield- Needless to say, a lot will depend on the QB and his health; Doug has suffered injuries over the last 2 years now. Let's hope that UNLV and Doug will get better luck from the injury gods.

Good news: The O-line has some size to it, and WR Ricky White should thrive under the new "Go-Go Offense" that UNLV is using.

Bad news: Problems aplenty on the D-line, as it got depleted by graduation and transfers are being counted on to fill in the gaps.

Key games:
9/23 @ UTEP (After games against Michigan and Vanderbilt, UNLV will be glad to go to El Paso for a more winnable game.)
10/14 @ Nevada (Well, UNLV was able to beat Nevada last year. If they do it again this year, it'll bode well for their rebuilding plans.)
10/21 vs. Colorado State (Another winnable game for the Rebels.)

Bottom line: Sorry for only giving you guys 3 "key games" for the Rebels. But UNLV has a LOT to adjust to in 2023; a new coaching staff, a new offense to learn, health concerns at QB, and a defense that could struggle up front. Best to leave them alone this year and let Barry Odom begin the rebuild.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Nevada

Preview segment: The Nevada Wolfpack

Last season: "If by some miracle the offense runs well, Nevada will have a chance at a bowl in Ken Wilson's 1st year". I believe I said this about Nevada last year. And... the offense DIDN'T run well. AT ALL. So Nevada went 2-10 in Ken Wilson's 1st year.

Good news: The D-line has people like Drue Watts on it, so it should be good. And Nevada got some great finds in the transfer portal, like QB Brendon Lewis (from Colorado) and some proud running backs.

Bad news: The running game was putrid for Nevada last year, and it might be again unless the O-line surprises everyone. The secondary is experienced, but lacking in starts.

Key games:
9/9 vs. Idaho (Last year Nevada scored 41 points on Incarnate Word... and still lost. Here's hoping that something like that doesn't happen when Nevada plays this FCS team.)
9/30 @ Fresno State (This will be the final exam for Nevada's offensive personnel.)
10/14 vs. UNLV (Over the last 10 years, this rivalry has been pretty even.)
11/18 @ Colorado State (The Wolfpack should be running well by this time, so maybe THIS is the year they beat their former head coach Jay Novell and the Rams.)

Bottom line: You know, Nevada's conference slate is pretty favorable (no Boise State or Air Force). So for the Wolfpack in 2023, I'll just rehash what I said last year: If by some miracle the offense gets back on track, Nevada will be in the hunt for a bowl.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Colorado State

Preview segment: The Colorado State Rams

Last season: Well, it went as expected as the Rams went 3-9 in Jay Novell's 1st year. At least their defense got better as the season dragged on.

Good news: That defense returns 7 starters from a year ago, so continued improvement is expected. Tory Horton may be the best WR in the whole Mountain West, and QB Clay Millen led the nation in completion percentage last year.

Bad news: About the only problematic spot for Colorado State is the offensive line; it gave up a whopping 59 sacks last year. And even though it returns 4 starters, we won't know until September how much better it is.

Key games:
9/16 @ Colorado (Speaking of September, CSU will have a reunion with the rival Buffaloes on that month. Good luck dealing with the Deion Sanders hype-train, Rams!)
10/7 @ Utah State (I think that CSU can beat their FCS opponent [Utah Tech] this time. But a week after that game, they'll start Mountain West play against another team from Utah.)
11/4 @ Wyoming (Just one point separated CSU and Wyoming last year. These rivals will be meeting for the 115th time.)
11/11 vs. San Diego State (If the Rams offense is doing well, they can win this one against the Aztecs.)

Bottom line: Colorado State does have a few good things going their way, so a bowl berth is the goal for them in 2023. But just like Nevada, the Rams will have to kick-start the offense in order to make that goal a reality.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Utah State

Preview segment: The Utah State Aggies

Last season: When Utah State won the Mountain West title in 2021, their passing offense was better than fine. But last year, their PPG fell from 32.6 to 22.2, and so the Aggies slunk to a 6-7 record. Now coach Blake Anderson is looking for his team to rebound.

Bad news: Only 8 starters from last year's team has returned, including 3 on a defense that needs to get their mojo back. And I heard that Anderson himself will be calling plays, so there will be an adjustment period on offense.

Good news: But I also heard that QB Cooper Legas was doing well in spring ball, so maybe he'll help with the transition. And the defense still has quality pieces left, like Utah transfer Malone Mataele and returning star Anthony Switzer.

Key games:
9/9 vs. Idaho State (Last year, Utah State lost to their FCS opponent... by a score of 35-7. Hopefully they'll do better against Idaho State...)
9/16 @ Air Force (...because the Aggies will have a tough conference opener the following week.)
11/11 vs. Nevada (A postseason "swing-game" for both teams.)
11/18 vs. Boise State (Utah State hasn't beaten the Broncos since that 52-26 stomping they gave Boise in 2015.)

Bottom line: I honestly can't get excited for this Utah State team. I mean, the potential is there, but the lack of starters are pointing to another down year. Let's see if they can defy low expectations again.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

San Jose State

Preview segment: The San Jose State Spartans

Last season: Ah, it was OK for the Spartans last year as they went 7-6. But what last season REALLY did was wet the appetite of San Jose fans for this season, where they could shock the Mountain West again.

Good news: I've already talked about QB Chevan Cordeiro, and he's got people like Kairee Robinson and Justin Lockheart. And a VERY experienced O-line is also here, so expect the Spartan offense to be as good as Boise State's this year.

Bad news: Only 4 starters return on defense, and none of them are stars like Cade Hall or Viliami Fehoko. Needless to say, the 2023 defense will need some new mature leaders to step up.

Key games:
8/26 @ USC (Oh dear. San Jose State has a pretty tough non-conference slate; not only must they deal with Caleb Williams, but also teams like Oregon State and Toledo.)
9/23 vs. Air Force (Happily for SJSU, all that should toughen them up for this big conference opener.)
10/7 @ Boise State (The Spartans will get a bye week to prep for the Broncos. And don't forget: The last time they've met, San Jose defeated Boise for the Mountain West title in 2020.)
11/11 vs. Fresno State (Another critical stretch for San Jose State will come when they host the rival Bulldogs...)
11/18 vs. San Diego State (...and the rival Aztecs in consecutive weeks.)

Bottom line: A lot of hype will surround the Spartan offense and their star QB, but it'll be the defense that will decide where San Jose State goes in 2023. If coach Bret Brennan can find new leaders on that side of the ball, the Spartans will be a DANGEROUS dark-horse contender for the Mountain West crown.

 

[southeasttexasboy]

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.

I personally like the idea that Army is switching to the shotgun offense. I think it will be a rocky season for them because of it, but a lot of teams have rocky seasons with the start of a new playbook, I do think the shotgun will be better for them in the longrun.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Wyoming

Preview segment: The Wyoming Cowboys

Last season: Well, at least Wyoming WANTED to be a conference contender last year; they were 7-3 entering their last 2 regular season games. Sadly, they would lose both of them (to Boise State and Fresno State), and then Ohio would break their hearts in their bowl game. So I'm still waiting for Craig Bohl and his team to go back to the Mountain West title game.

Good news: With 9 starters returning, Wyoming's defense could be on par with Air Force's this season. Transfer RB Harrison Waylee (from NIU) is already wowing everyone in Laramie, and we got some playmakers at tight-end.

Bad news: Maybe those tight-ends can help out the Wyoming passing game; it has been s--t ever since Josh Allen left for the NFL. The O-line is in a bit of flux with graduations and the loss of Emmanuel Pregnon to USC.

Key games:
9/2 vs. Texas Tech (A big opener for Wyoming in 2023, and we could get an upset if the Cowboy defense stands tall.)
9/16 @ Texas (This will be the only road game for Wyoming over their first 6 games. How bad will this one be? It could depend on what Texas does against Alabama the previous week.)
The month of October (A cop-out? Maybe. But Wyoming's 3 games in October are all against Mountain West contenders. They'll host Fresno State, visit Air Force, and then go to Boise State with 2 weeks of prep. If Wyoming wants to win the conference this year, they've BETTER defeat at least 1 or 2 of these guys.)
11/4 vs. Colorado State (And then, Wyoming will host their old rivals right afterwards.)

Bottom line: This will be Craig Bohl's 10th year at Wyoming (making him the longest tenured coach in program history), and he is determined to "kick the door down" this year. The defense will keep Wyoming in the chase, but a more-balanced offense would go a LONG way to catching up to Boise and Fresno.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Fresno State

The last preview segment for the Mountain West: The Fresno State Bulldogs

Last season: Okay, so it took a BIT longer than expected. But once Jeff Tedford got back in the groove at Fresno State, the Bulldogs were soaring! They took the Mountain West title away from Boise State, beat Washington State in a bowl game, and now enters the 2023 season on a 9-game win streak. Can Fresno State stay on top?

Bad news: Well, they're gonna have to do it without their star QB (Jake Haener) and their star RB (Jordan Mims) from a year ago. Oh, and Mikey Keene and Logan Fife are duking it out for the starting QB spot right now.

Good news: But at least Fresno State will have a solid O-line to help out whichever QB wins the race. And we got another good-looking defense to gush over in the Mountain West; Fresno's D returns 7 starters and is REALLY tough up front.

Key games:
9/2 @ Purdue (Going to West Lafayette to start the year looks weird for Fresno. But hey! Purdue is breaking in a new coach this season.)
9/16 @ Arizona State (Speaking of new coaches, Fresno State would LOVE to feast on Kenny Dillingham and the rebuilding Sun Devils.)
11/4 vs. Boise State (These 2 rivals split the bit last season. Could we see these 2 in the MW title game again?)
11/11 @ San Jose State (Uh oh. Fresno has to face one of their in-state rivals right after the Boise game?!)
11/25 @ San Diego State (Fresno defeated the Aztecs last year in a 32-28 slugfest.)

Bottom line: I don't know about Fresno's chances at a repeat. I mean, their line play looks excellent and the defense should be productive. But how in the hell do you replace people like Haener and Mims?
So... I see Fresno State just missing out on Mountain West title game... UNLESS they find some good replacements for their offense in time.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Mountain West predictions

Just a brief notice for you first: Tomorrow will be a rare day off for me as I start compiling my previews for the American Conference. But for now, here are my picks for the Mountain West in 2023:

1. Boise State (Conference champs)
2. Air Force
3. Fresno State
4. San Jose State
5. San Diego State
6. Wyoming
7. Colorado State
8. Nevada
9. Utah State
10. Hawaii
11. New Mexico
12. UNLV

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Rice

The first preview segment for the American Athletic Conference: The Rice Owls

Last season: Somewhat OK. I mean, Rice might have had another losing season, but at least their high grades landed them in a bowl for the first time in 8 years. Now they're one of 6 teams to leave Conference USA and join the bustling American conference.

2023 X-factor: New QB JT Daniels- Wait a minute. JT Daniels is still here?! And he transferred to another school... AGAIN?!? Strange situations aside, JT is the best QB that Rice has gotten in a while, so we'll see.

Good news: Also here at Rice is some awesome receivers; if Daniels gets cooking, the passing attack can trade fists with anyone that Rice will face. 7 starters return on defense...

Bad news: ...but it will be missing some key players on the line. The middle of the O-line could also use some patchwork.

Key games:
9/9 vs. Houston (Rice is still looking for their first win over the Cougars since 2010.)
9/30 vs. East Carolina (Rice starts life in the AAC against South Florida, but THIS will be the first big test for the Owls in their new league.)
10/28 vs. Tulane (Aww! Rice gets to see Tulane for the first time since 2013. The Owls have won the past 3 meetings.)
11/4 vs. SMU (Speaking of reunions, Rice will also face SMU for the first time in years. Yes, the "Mayor's Cup" will be on the line for the first time since 2012.)

Bottom line: Rice fans are cautiously optimistic about the 2023 season. Sure, they need to replace production on the D-line, and moving to a new conference is always scary. But the passing game could be lethal, and their recruiting classes has been great in recent years. Maybe Rice can make another bowl this year, eh?