My long-awaited CFB preview thread 2022

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Ohio

Preview segment: The Ohio Bobcats

Last season: The Bobcats were thrown for a loop last July when Frank Solich retired from coaching due to ongoing heart problems. So under the new head man Tim Albin, Ohio went 3-9 (their worst record since 2003). Maybe with a full offseason, Tim Albin and the Bobcats will do better.

Good news: The defense returns 8 starters, and hopes are high that QB Kurtis Rourke will do a better job at commanding the Ohio offense.

Bad news: Kurtis might be the only playmaker on offense right now, as the RB and WR positions are lacking talent. Plus, early trips to Penn State and Iowa State will sorely test the Bobcats D-line.

Key games:
9/24 vs. Fordham (Included in that awful 3-9 season a year ago was a loss to FCS team Duquesne.)
10/1 @ Kent State (This one is definitely winnable for Ohio. I mean, Kent State should be all tuckered out after their trip to Athens, Georgia.)
10/8 vs. Akron (Another winnable game for the Bobcats.)
11/8 @ Miami-Ohio (Ohio was able to beat their rivals from Oxford last year 35-33.)

Bottom line: Line play should be a strength for Ohio, but they are not going back to the postseason unless their offense wakes the hell up.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Miami-Ohio

Preview segment: The Miami-Ohio Redhawks

Last season: A 7-6 season that saw Miami-Ohio take a bowl trophy in Frisco, Texas, but also saw Miami-Ohio fail to win the MAC East in the last game of the regular season.

Good news: Last year, Brett Gabbert showed off his great talents, and now he enters 2022 as maybe the best QB in the MAC. And he'll have a good O-line and a healthy Jaylon Bester to help out.

Bad news: Graduation and transfers took a toll on the Redhawks in the offseason, and that talent drain could be most felt on the defense; defensive end and safety are the two positions that were hardest hit.

Key games:
9/17 vs. Cincinnati (Miami-Ohio's non conference slate could be a beast; they must deal with Kentucky, Northwestern, and a Cincinnati team that can now claim they were in the CFP.)
10/8 vs. Kent State (The Redhawks will get to host the Golden Flashes in this big rematch from last year.)
10/15 @ Bowling Green (But of course, Miami-Ohio must be careful of not slipping up against the Falcons the following week.)
11/8 vs. Ohio (2 points separated these rivals last year, and the Redhawks will want to get revenge...)
11/16 @ Northern Illinois (...before they travel to Dekalb 8 days later.)

Bottom line: It may sound strange, but I'm making the favorite in the MAC East my "wild-card team" in the MAC in 2022. That's right! Miami-Ohio may have the best QB in the conference, but they also must replace a LOT of leadership from the 2021 team. If the offense can't lift up a rebuilding defense, the East division might slip out of the Redhawks' grasp... again.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Northern Illinois

Preview segment: The Northern Illinois Huskies

Last season: Entering 2021, coach Thomas Hammock was in trouble at Northern Illinois. So he turned to a crop of transfers that included former Michigan State QB Rocky Lombardi and said "PLEASE!! Please help me get out of this mess!!"
And it worked! Northern Illinois would start the year with a win at Georgia Tech, and ended it with a MAC championship. Are happy times truly back in Dekalb, Illinois? This season should tell us.

Good news: Rocky Lombardi is back, and so is most of the young talent that got NIU that conference title. Of note, line play should be awesome on both sides of the ball. Oh, and if Rocky somehow goes down with an injury, NIU has several other talented QB's they can plug in.

Bad news: Sadly, RB Jay Ducker is NOT returning to Dekalb, as he is now with the Memphis Tigers. Wide-receiver could also be a minor annoyance.

Key games:
9/17 vs. Vanderbilt (So if Northern Illinois was able to beat an ACC team last year, what would it mean for the program if they can defeat an SEC team this year?)
10/8 vs. Toledo (The beginning of the MAC schedule for NIU is pretty tough. First they must visit rival Ball State, and then they'll host another bitter rival...)
10/15 @ Eastern Michigan (...before going to visit another MAC West challenger.)
11/2 vs. Central Michigan (Only 1 point separated these two teams last year, Be careful, Huskies!)

Bottom line: Hammock restored some of the old luster that NIU had last season, but now the program must handle being a favorite again. Not to mention that they have a hard early schedule, and people like Central Michigan and Toledo wanting a conference crown too. But the Huskies are loaded, so expect them to fight for a repeat MAC title this year.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Central Michigan

Preview segment: The Central Michigan Chippewas

Last season: Thanks to the emergence of running back Lew Nichols III, Central Michigan was able to win 6 of their last 7 regular season games. Then, Miami was unable to play in the Sun Bowl and Central Michigan filled in for them. And guess what? The Chippewas upset Washington State in El Paso 24-21! With that kind of progress, I kinda want Central Michigan to win the MAC West this year.

Bad news: However, the defense only returns 3 starters from a year ago; the D-line in particular will be lacking experience. And CMU will also be missing Kalil Pimpleton, who is now in the NFL.

Good news: At least Lew Nichols III is still here, and QB Daniel Richardson did well as a freshmen last year; I'd love to see him on the field after a full offseason. The kicking game has the pieces to be great.

Key games:
9/1 @ Oklahoma State ("Why this game", you ask? Hmm, let me think... Wait! I just remembered! Didn't the Chippewas steal a win over the Cowboys the last time they met?)
10/1 @ Toledo (Central Michigan hasn't won at Toledo since 2008. But if the Chippewas want to win the MAC West this year, they'll have to do it this time.)
11/2 @ Northern Illinois (As mentioned earlier, NIU defeated CMU by only 1 point last year. And as it turned out, that loss costed the Chippewas a trip to Detroit a month later.)
11/16 vs. Western Michigan (What a way to end the season, dealing with the rival Broncos...)
11/25 @ Eastern Michigan (...and the rival Eagles in consecutive weeks.)

Bottom line: It's been a steady upward trend for Central Michigan over the first 3 years of Jim McElwain's tenure. Now let's see if CMU can keep it going and take the MAC West title away from their competitors in 2022. Their defense, however, might hold them back.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Toledo

Preview segment: The Toledo Rockets

Last season: Toledo had a slightly disappointing 7-6 season last year, and thanks to a few close losses in conference Toledo couldn't really compete for the MAC West title. Now the pressure is on Jason Candle and his staff to deliver a MAC title this time around.

Good news: The reason for all of this pressure? Just look at all of the talent Toledo has! All-MAC caliber talent on defense, a good O-line, and proud young QB Dequan Finn.

Bad news: The running game, though, MIGHT be a bit iffy with Bryant Koback now in the NFL; finding a new running back will be key for Toledo during summer practice.

Key games:
9/24 @ San Diego State (Toledo beating Ohio State? Pshh, no way. Toledo winning at San Diego State? Definitely doable.)
10/1 vs. Central Michigan (For the 2nd year in a row, Toledo must face Central Michigan...)
10/8 @ Northern Illinois (...and rival Northern Illinois in consecutive weeks. By the way, Toledo lost to both CMU and NIU last year.)
11/25 @ Western Michigan (Toledo's MAC West chances could die here if they are not careful.)

Bottom line: With a solid 45-27 record at Toledo, it really is surprising that Jason Candle would be facing so much pressure heading into a season. But he has hauled in the best recruiting class of any MAC school year after year, and he has the team that can get the Rockets a much-needed conference title, so there we are.
I think that this year, Toledo is gonna do it and take the MAC. Good luck, Candle!

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Buffalo

The last preview segment for the MAC: The Buffalo Bulls

Last season: Man. I almost forgot about Buffalo while making these posts about the MAC! ...Then again, a lot of people forgot about Buffalo during the 2021 season, as the Bulls dropped their last 4 games to finish 4-8.

Good news: The defense has some good pieces, including LB James Patterson and some high-impact transfers in the secondary. The wide-receiver group looks pretty good.

Bad news: The offense only returns 2 starters, and RB Kevin Marks Jr. is not one of them. Neither is QB Kyle Vantrease (now at Georgia Southern).

2022 X-factor: QB Matt Myers- He has been a backup QB for Buffalo for 3 years, and with Vantrease now gone it looks like Matt is gonna be the head man. Does he have what it takes to run the show?

Key games:
9/24 @ Eastern Michigan (The conference opener for Buffalo could be a tone-setter for the rest of the season.)
10/1 vs. Miami-Ohio (These teams have split the last 4 meetings.)
10/22 vs. Toledo (By this time, Buffalo's offense should be running well. Plus, Toledo has lost the last 2 meetings with the Bulls.)
11/26 vs. Kent State (Senior Day for the Bulls.)

Bottom line: Coach Maurice Linguist is still trying to get his culture in place at Buffalo, so the Bulls might be doomed to finish in the middle of the MAC East once again. Maybe all of those transfers that Buffalo got can help out...

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

MAC Predictions

Now let's see where everyone in the MAC will land in the upcoming season:

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

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

Starting tomorrow, I'll start looking at a gutted Conference USA.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Louisiana Tech

The first preview segment for Conference USA: The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

Last season: The Bulldogs went 3-9 in Skip Holtz's last year in Ruston, as Skip left after the season and Sonny Cumble is now in as the head man.

Good news: La-Tech's new defensive coordinator (Scott Power) should have an easy time installing his new defense; it returns 8 starters including some strong corners and Tyler Grubbs on the D-line. There are playmakers at wide-receiver...

Bad news: ...but not too many players at running back. The QB spot is unsettled, which will be trouble over their first 3 games (Missouri, Clemson, and a Stephen F. Austin team that knows Scott Power's schemes quite well).

Key games:
9/24 @ South Alabama (After that tough early road, La-Tech will have this winnable game.)
10/8 vs. UTEP (The Bulldogs will have a bye week to prep for this conference opener.)
11/5 vs. Middle Tennessee (A swing game for La-Tech's season.)
11/26 vs. UAB (This will be a tough Senior Day game for La-Tech to handle.)

Bottom line: There's a new energy in the program with the hiring of Cumble, and the defense has the chance to carry the team. But unless the offense does something good, expect La-Tech to finish near the bottom of C-USA in 2022.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

North Texas

Preview segment: The North Texas Mean Green

Last season: I'm actually gonna share this preview with my dark side! You know, North Texas had a 6-7 record last year.
Dark side: "Heh".
Me: "But UNT was able to rally from a 1-6 start to make a bowl game."
Dark side: "AMAZING!"
Me: "And you can thank a reborn running game and a improved defense for that."

Good news: That running game that ranked 5th in the nation last year? Most of it is back, including a good O-line. And that reborn defense? Coordinator Phil Bennett is still here, so hopes are high that it can continue to shine.

Bad news: Only 1 place on the team is a worry spot, but sadly it's the most important one: Quarterback. Can Austin Aune hang on to the starting job, or will he be replaced? And if that happens, can the replacement lift up the passing game?

Key games:
8/27 @ UTEP (The Mean Green HAS to get off to a better start this year. Hopefully they'll kick some butt against in-state foes like the Miners...)
9/3 vs. SMU (...and the rebuilding Mustangs.)
10/22 @ UTSA (Easily the biggest win North Texas got last year was when they stunned undefeated UTSA 45-23. Trouble is, this rematch is in San Antonio.)
11/12 @ UAB (Oh dear. ANOTHER hard conference game on the road for North Texas. Hopefully their offense is ready for this.)

Bottom line: Time is running out for coach Seth Littrell to get North Texas back to the top of Conference USA. Thankfully, he and his team are in better shape than some of the other guys in the conference. I can sum up UNT's prospects for 2022 easily.
If things stay the way they are: Heh.
If the QB position wakes up: AMAZING!!

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Charlotte

Today's preview segment: The Charlotte 49ers

Last season: The 49ers would finish 5-7 (with a 3-game losing streak to end things) thanks to a defense that let them down one too many times.

Good news: The offense shouldn't miss a beat with 8 starters coming back, including QB Chris Reynolds and a proud trio of WR's.

Bad news: The defensive staff has a whole bunch of new faces, but it remains to be seen how much improvement we'll actually get. Oh, and Charlotte will be missing kicker Jonathan Cruz, who is now at Ole Miss.

Key games:
8/27 @ Florida Atlantic (Lindy's magazine has Charlotte starting 1-4 this year? Then that means this season opener at Florida Atlantic is a must-win.)
10/1 vs. UTEP (A simple swing-game for the 49ers.)
10/15 @ UAB (Maybe the hardest conference game the 49ers will have this year. Plus, this may be the last chance Charlotte will get to beat UAB in a while.)
11/5 vs. Western Kentucky (A "shootout alert" may be needed for this big contest.)

Bottom line: I actually like Charlotte's chances to make a bowl game in 2022, especially with that offense of theirs. If they are able to shore up their defense, the postseason should be a gimme for these guys.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Florida Atlantic

Preview segment: The Florida Atlantic Owls

Last season: Entering the month of November, Florida Atlantic was doing well as they were 5-3 and chasing the C-USA East division. They just needed one more win for bowl eligibility. They never got it. In fact, the Owls lost their last 4 games by double-digits. Now with a move to the AAC upcoming, the pressure is on for Willie Taggart and his squad.

Good news: If QB N'Kosi Perry can find more consistency, the passing game can be lethal.

Bad news: The defense is still a big work-in-progress; newcomers are expected to help out everywhere on that unit.

Key games:
8/27 vs. Charlotte (A conference game to start the season? I hope FAU's defense is ready for a challenge right away.)
9/17 vs. UCF (Just a simple challenge match in the state of Florida.)
10/29 vs. UAB (What's this I'm hearing about UAB having a new head coach? And can FAU take advantage of this development?)
11/12 @ Florida International (FIU might be a mess right now, but the Owls shouldn't let their guard down.)
11/26 vs. Western Kentucky (Fans of the Owls are hoping that this game will have a bearing on the C-USA race.)

Bottom line: Willie Taggart has got to get the kids in Boca Raton back to a conference title. I mean, those turnaround jobs he did at Western Kentucky and South Florida are proof of his coaching talent... right?!
So here's hoping that his new players on defense can help out. Otherwise, the Owls may be looking at a middle-of-the-pack finish in 2022.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Florida International

Preview segment: The Florida International Golden Panthers

Last season: A miserable 1-11 record, with no wins over an FBS team. Oh, and Butch Davis got fired as coach. And then Butch claimed that the athletic department at FIU is an awful train-wreck.
Enter new coach Mike MacIntyre, as FIU is trying to prove Butch wrong.

Good news: The wide-receiver group looks good, and there is a healthy competition for the starting QB job.

Bad news: Only 6 total starters from last year's season are back, so newcomers and transfers will be everywhere on the team.

Key games:
9/9 @ Texas State (Thankfully for FIU, the non-conference slate is very easy. Maybe the Panthers can take a win away from Texas State.)
10/15 vs. UTSA (By this time, FIU's defense will hopefully be ready for this big home test.)
11/12 vs. Florida Atlantic (FIU has now lost 5 in a row against the hated Owls.)

Bottom line: The 2022 season could be tough going for FIU; MacIntyre and his staff are basically starting from scratch. I'm not gonna ignore FIU this year, but they look like a sure-lock for last place in Conference USA.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Middle Tennessee

Preview segment: The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

Last season: Amidst rumors that he could be on the way out of Murfreesboro, Rick Stockstill rallied his team to a bowl game in the Bahamas. And they won it over Toledo! Now the Blue Raiders want to keep going and challenge for the C-USA title again.

Bad news: Trouble is, Middle Tennessee will have a LOT of new faces on the team (they only had about 60 players available during spring ball). This will be most felt on the offense, where the run game needs a big jolt.

Good news: At least the passing game should be good, with starting experience at QB and some good WR's. The D-line should be the best spot on the whole team.

Key games:
9/3 @ James Madison (This opening game...)
9/10 @ Colorado State (...and this road game looks winnable for the Blue Raiders. At the very least, these 2 games should help MTSU figure out the offense for the season.)
10/15 vs. Western Kentucky (This rivalry series is now tied at 35-35-1.)
11/19 vs. Florida Atlantic (When MTSU defeated Florida Atlantic last year, they accomplished 2 things: They got bowl-eligible, and Stockstill got his 100th win as head coach. Now MTSU gets to host the Owls for their Senior Day.)

Bottom line: Middle Tennessee is my "wild-card" in Conference USA for the 2022 season. They want to go for the C-USA title (or at least make another bowl), but they need to solve their depth issues during summer ball. AND their offense could use a jolt of energy, too. This could be a "wait-and-see" season for these guys.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Alabama-Birmingham

Preview segment: The UAB Blazers

Last season: Okay, so UAB was unable to get another C-USA title in 2021. But they did get 9 wins, including a upset bowl win over BYU. Now they are at the level where they can annually challenge for conference championships... and 2022 is no different. Even if things may never be the same...

Bad news: Shocking news! Due to health issues, coach Bill Clark is stepping down. So now Bryant Vincent is the interim head man, and there WILL be transition pains for the team. Some positions are a little bare like tight-end and on the pass rush.

Good news: Thankfully for UAB, this team is loaded with talent and leadership. A stout secondary, QB Dylan Hopkins, RB DeWayne McBride, and some good WR's are all at UAB's disposal this year.

Key games:
9/10 @ Liberty (A great first test for UAB's new players on defense.)
10/22 @ Western Kentucky (The Blazers didn't get to play the Hilltoppers last year. No worries, this contest should be a doozy.)
11/5 vs. UTSA (Last year, UTSA and UAB played a doozy of a game where UTSA won 34-31. And UTSA would go on to win the conference, while UAB sat on their @$$. These two might have the game-of-the-year in Conference USA again this year.)
11/12 vs. North Texas (Of course, UAB needs to avoid the hangover when they play a determined North Texas team.)

Bottom line: If the new coach can minimize the transition pains on this team, UAB shouldn't miss a beat. The Blazers are an easy choice to return to the C-USA title game... and get a ton of momentum when they move to the AAC next season.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Western Kentucky

Preview segment: The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

Last season: When Zach Kittley came in to Western Kentucky to be Tyson Helton's new offensive coordinator, he also brought along his QB Bailey Zappe. And with those two, the Hilltoppers had a fun 2021 season; they had no blowout losses, ran the 2nd-best offense in the country, and made the C-USA title game. Plus, they outmuscled App. State in their bowl game!
...But now it's 2022. And Western Kentucky has to figure out what to do next.

Bad news: And that's because Bailey Zappe has graduated and Zach Kittley is now at Texas Tech. Can the Hilltopper offense keep their high-octane passing game going? Also, the defense needs a lot of work...

Good news: ...but at least that unit has 7 starters coming back and some new coaches. Depth at wide-receiver is great, and the kicking game is solid.

2022 X-factor: New QB Jarret Doege- Coming in from West Virginia, Doege has over 10,000 passing yards to his credit. Imagine how strong the WKU offense will be if he can come out of the gate strong.

Key games:
9/17 @ Indiana (The Hilltoppers almost got Indiana last year before losing 33-31.)
10/8 @ UTSA (WKU faced the Roadrunners twice last season. And twice, they lost to them by 1 possession.)
10/22 vs. UAB (This game might decide who gets to go to the C-USA title game this season.)
11/12 vs. Rice (The Rice Owls might ruin WKU's Senior Day if the Hilltoppers are not careful.)

Bottom line: The 2022 season will be just one big transition for Conference USA, as they adjust to life without 3 schools... while 6 other schools prepare to leave next season... and 4 other schools are preparing to join them. It's just that Western Kentucky will feel the transition pains more than anyone in the conference, what with all the new faces on offense and defense to deal with.
The Hilltoppers might be forced to outshoot everyone to get another chance at the C-USA title in 2022. Then again, it worked for them last season...

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Texas El-Paso

Preview segment: The Texas El-Paso Miners

Last season: Okay, so UTEP had a tough 2nd half of the season. But let's focus on the positives; they had a winning season for the first time since 2014! And they established a tough, disciplined style of play that could spell even more success down the road.

Good news: Experience! For the first time in a while, UTEP has experienced players across the board. A good O-line, plus Praise Amaewhule still in El-Paso, should make UTEP a tough out. QB Gavin Harrison is also back...

Bad news: ...but Gavin REALLY has to get his accuracy numbers up in order for the offense to keep going. The secondary is rather young, and WR's like Jacob Cowing need to be replaced.

Key games:
8/27 vs. North Texas (In 2022, UTEP won't get the cakewalk they got to start the 2021 season; North Texas will be ready for a fight.)
9/10 vs. New Mexico State (This rivalry game looks easy, right? Well, UTEP will play this game right after a game against Oklahoma, so...)
10/22 vs. Florida Atlantic (UTEP almost got the Owls last season. Hopefully, the Miners passing attack will be rolling by this time.)
11/26 @ UTSA (This could be the last chance for UTEP to beat UTSA for a little while. The Miners last defeated the Roadrunners in 2016.)

Bottom line: Brace yourselves, folks. This year, Texas El-Paso has a chance to have back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2004-2005. But in order for them to do it, they'll have to make sure the offense doesn't let them down.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Texas San-Antonio

Trust me, folks. This USC/UCLA announcement is driving me f--king bananas. I really don't care about "being strong in a competitive market"; WHY in the blue f--k would USC and UCLA leave their west coast audience high and dry to go yuck it up in the midwest?! Leaving an historic conference like the PAC-12 to travel over 2,500 miles and play nobodies like Illinois and Indiana?! UGHHHHHHHHH!!

.
.
.

Sorry, I just had to let that out. Now then...

Preview segment: The Texas San-Antonio Roadrunners

Last season: Predicting San Jose State to win the Mountain West didn't go so well for me last year. Predicting UTSA to win Conference USA, though, worked out wonderfully. The Roadrunners would not only win the conference title, they started off 11-0 and spent a few weeks in the AP rankings. And now it's time for the fun part: Seeing if UTSA can win C-USA again before bolting for a new conference.

Bad news: The defensive line is missing a few key players from last year, and RB Sincere McCormick has left the building.

Good news: QB Frank Harris is still here, and he has a lot of veteran WR's to throw to. And besides, UTSA wasn't so dependent on the run game last season; something tells me they'll be fine over there. Linebackers Jamal Ligon and Trevor Harmanson should buoy the D-line.

Key games:
9/3 vs. Houston (This opener should be a hoot and a half! Houston wants a "New Year's Six" berth this season, but the Roadrunners will be ready to fight.)
9/17 @ Texas (UTSA gets to face the Longhorns for the first time ever this year! And Texas is playing them right after their fight with Alabama, so...)
10/8 vs. Western Kentucky (Last year, UTSA had 2 meetings with the Hilltoppers... and won them both.)
10/22 vs. North Texas (UTSA's only loss in the regular season was against the Mean Green. I don't have to set this game up any further.)
11/5 @ UAB (This may be the first of 2 meetings between the Roadrunners and the Blazers this season.)

Bottom line: In my eyes, there are only 3 teams that can make the C-USA title game in 2022: UTSA, Western Kentucky, and UAB. If UTSA finds a new stud running-back, I can totally see the Roadrunners winning back-to-back C-USA titles... before saying good-bye.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Rice

The last preview segment for Conference USA: The Rice Owls

Last season: Slowly, VERY slowly, it's getting better for Mike Bloomgren and the Rice Owls; they got 4 wins last year. Now can they make another move upwards this season?

Good news: Rice should be able to perform their "run-first" offense thanks to a bevy of options at running-back. The defensive line is deep and strong.

Bad news: 4 starters return on the O-line, but depth is still a worry over there. But the biggest problem is at quarterback; can Rice FINALLY stop the carousel and nail down a reliable starter?

Key games:
9/17 vs. Louisiana (This game is part of another hard non-conference slate, as Rice must also deal with Houston [again] and USC.)
10/1 vs. UAB (The Owls were able to stun UAB last year! Let's see them do that again!)
11/5 vs. UTEP (This is not only a big in-state contest, it could also be a "swing-game" for both teams in their quest for a bowl.)
11/26 @ North Texas (In Rice's final game in Conference USA, they will try to stop the Mean Green.)

Bottom line: The pressure's on for Mike Bloomgren and his coaching staff; he's in the last year of his contract and Rice will be in the AAC next season. Fortunately for him, it won't be impossible for Rice to reach a bowl game this season. He just needs to find a steady QB, because Rice's schedule will be a bear.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Conference USA predications

So I have only 1 more conference left to go on this thread, and that's the Sun Belt. But that starts tomorrow. First, let me give you my views on Conference USA this season:

1. UTSA (Conference champs)
2. UAB
3. Western Kentucky
4. North Texas
5. Florida Atlantic
6. Charlotte
7. UTEP
8. Middle Tennessee
9. Rice
10. Louisiana Tech
11. Florida International

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

James Madison

The first preview segment for the Sun Belt Conference: The James Madison Dukes

The story: Let's start off the Sun Belt with the newest addition to the FBS level. Now, the James Madison Dukes have been a staple in the short list of strong FCS teams. The minute FBS teams thought of James Madison, they thought of a powerful lesser-league school that was gonna give you everything.
But now in 2022, the Dukes have made the jump, and are now trying to play with the big-boys full time. And call me nuts, but this could work out right away.

Good news: Thanks to the COVID-year, the Dukes are close to full depth (which is rare for a program just starting out). Running-back and wide-receiver both look good, and LB Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey is the leader of the defense.

Bad news: The secondary is almost all-new, and the battle to name the starting QB won't be settled until summer camp.

Key games:
9/3 vs. Middle Tennessee (The Dukes' first game as a member of the FBS.)
9/24 @ Appalachian State (The Dukes' first game in the Sun Belt Conference. And oh boy, it's gonna be a big one.)
10/22 vs. Marshall (James Madison will get to host another newcomer to the Sun Belt.)
11/12 @ Old Dominion (Another newcomer to the conference from the state of Virginia? Hmm, could a rivalry game be born between these two teams?)
11/26 vs. Coastal Carolina (The Dukes' first Senior Day game at the FBS level.)

Bottom line: Well, this should be fascinating; James Madison is immediately eligible to win the Sun Belt title, and their depth isn't too bad for a program making the jump from the FCS to the FBS. If they wanna pull off what Georgia Southern did in 2014, however, they have BETTER figure out who their new QB is.