Normal college football is back... we hope! (2021 CFB Preview thread)

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Georgia State

Preview segment: The Georgia State Panthers

Last season: Another okay year for the Panthers as they got 6 wins and a bowl trophy. So in 2021, is there a chance that Georgia State can compete for the Sun Belt east?

Good news: Well, Georgia State is REALLY taking advantage of this "super senior" rule for 2021; they have 21 starters coming back to the team. They include a proud O-line, running backs and WR's that can make plays, and a secondary that returns everyone.

Bad news: One guy that ISN'T here is QB Dan Ellington. Oh, and that secondary didn't do a good job last year, so it needs to get better.

2021 X-factor: QB Cornelious Brown IV- Last year, Cornelious was able to win a QB competition to become the starter, but had some trouble with turnovers. If he cuts back on those, maybe the offense won't miss a beat.

Key games:
9/4 vs. Army (An interesting season opener; Army is always a tough out these days.)
10/2 vs. Appalachian State (GSU almost got the Mountaineers last year in Boone.)
10/30 @ Georgia Southern (Here is where a REALLY tough part of GSU's schedule begins. First, the Panthers must go see their in-state rivals [who they beat last year].)
11/4 @ Louisiana (Then 5 days later, they must visit the loaded Ragin' Cajuns. But hey! At least they pushed the Cajuns to OT last season!)
11/13 @ Coastal Carolina (And then it's the topper: Going to Conway to deal with the proud Chanticleers.)

Bottom line: Georgia State also has road dates with North Carolina and Auburn, so I think the schedule is gonna hold the Panthers back in their quest to go bowling in 2021. But at least the Panthers have an experienced squad to try and stay afloat in the Sun Belt.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Arkansas State

Preview segment: The Arkansas State Red Wolves

Last season: Ark. State's passing game was brilliant! Sadly, that fact was pointless as their s--tty defense ruined everything and the Red Wolves went 4-7.

Good news: The secondary will be a strength on defense, and the WR group is DEEP and talented.

Bad news: There are some holes to fill on the defensive front-7, and the RB position will be a question mark unless Lincoln Pare or Marcel Murray recovers from health issues.

2021 X-factor: Quarterback- I was just gonna throw praise at Layne Hatcher and call it a day, but in the spring James Blackman (formally from Florida State) joined the Red Wolves. I don't know if this will create a QB competition or what, but I'd watch this carefully.

Key games:
9/11 vs. Memphis (This is part of a tough non-conference slate that includes trips to Washington and Tulsa.)
10/7 vs. Coastal Carolina (Let's all hope for a offensive showcase here.)
10/21 vs. Louisiana (This is a "must-win" for Arkansas State if they want any chance at the West division in 2021. It'll be pretty hard, but at least the game's in Jonesboro.)
11/6 vs. Appalachian State (Another fun-looking glamour game in the Sun Belt.)

Bottom line: 2020 was the first losing season Arkansas State endured in 10 years. But like most people in the world, they're looking to sweep 2020 under the rug and start over again. If the defense gets better, the Red Wolves could find their way back into the postseason.
But beating the Ragin' Cajuns and winning the West division? Uh, I don't think that'll happen in 2021.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Appalachian State

Preview segment: The Appalachian State Mountaineers

Last season: I'm sure App. State was happy with that 9-win season they got last year. I just think they were a little sad they couldn't get their 5th-straight league title. Oh well, they still got a fabulous chance to do more good stuff.

Bad news: App. State were the most penalized team in the Sun Belt last year, so they could be more disciplined. And the App. State offense doesn't have QB Zac Thomas.

Good news: However, maybe transfer QB Chase Brice (from Clemson) can hold down the fort. Camerun Peoples is a 1,000-yard rusher, and we got another proud veteran defense to marvel over.

Key games:
9/11 @ Miami (The Mountaineers have a rematch with Marshall on 9/23, but this is the glamour non-conference game they can get the most attention in.)
10/12 @ Louisiana (The Cajuns clipped App. State in Boone last year 24-21. This Tuesday night game should be pretty.)
10/20 vs. Coastal Carolina (A must-win for the Mountaineers if they are to take back the East division title from the Chanticleers.)
11/20 @ Troy (A road game at a Troy team that'll possibly fighting for the postseason... with rival Georgia Southern right afterwards? Tricky, tricky!)

Bottom line: Circle App. State for another bowl appearance this season. And if Chase Brice keeps the Mountaineer offense rolling, then a upset win over Coastal Carolina (and maybe another Sun Belt title) could be in their future.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Georgia Southern

The last preview segment for the Sun Belt: The Georgia Southern Eagles

Last season: The Eagles got 2 good things out of the 2020 season: A clean medical bill (no cancellations) and another bowl trophy after a 8-5 campaign. But I honestly don't know what they'll get this year in the crowded Sun Belt East.

Good news: Once again, Georgia Southern should have an excellent running game thanks to a veteran O-line and people like J.D. King in the backfield. Justin Tomlin has some experience at QB...

Bad news: ...but he'll be replacing a 4-year starter like Shai Werts (who transferred to Louisville as a WR for his last year). The secondary, though, could be the big worry; it got burned QUITE a few times last season.

Key games:
9/18 @ Arkansas (This could be a chance for GSU to get some more publicity for the Sun Belt. Don't forget; this is the first time ever Arkansas will see the Eagles' triple-option offense, and it'll be right after they play Texas.)
9/25 vs. Louisiana (Georgia Southern drove the Cajuns crazy last year in Lafayette. What's gonna happen when the Eagles get to host them in Statesboro?)
11/6 vs. Coastal Carolina (Man. Coastal Carolina is gonna have a lot of challengers in the East division this year, aren't they?)
11/20 vs. BYU (Another first-time encounter for Georgia Southern, this time against the pass-happy Cougars.)
11/27 @ Appalachian State (Ooooo! How good is THIS rivalry game gonna look like when we see it on "Rivalry Saturday"?)

Bottom line: I honestly don't know how the Eagles' 2021 season is gonna go. I mean, the East division is packed, but with that triple-option offense you should NEVER count them out. If Georgia Southern scores some good early wins, it'll bode well for their postseason chances.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Sun Belt predictions

East Division:
1. Coastal Carolina
2. Appalachian State
3. Georgia Southern
4. Georgia State
5. Troy

West Division:
1. Louisiana-Lafayette (Conference champs, maybe "New Year's Six")
2. Arkansas State
3. South Alabama
4. Texas State
5. Louisiana-Monroe

There's only one more conference left to go on this thread, and it'll be the Mountain West conference! And it starts tomorrow...

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Hawaii

The first preview segment for the Mountain West conference: The Hawaii Warriors

Last season: Once again, I found a school that did well in 2020 (given the circumstances), as Hawaii was able to get a winning season and a bowl trophy. Now what'll happen when Todd Graham gets a full spring practice for his squad?

Good news: One place that WILL benefit from the spring program is the offense; it has QB Chevan Corderio, a pro prospect in center Kohl Levao, and a multiple threat in RB Calvin Turner.

Bad news: The kicking game could stand to do better, but the pass-rush is the bigger issue that needs to be fixed.

2021 X-factor: Hawaii's temporary home stadium- For the time being, Aloha Stadium is closed because of structural issues that must be addressed. So for right now, Hawaii is playing on a field that can only hold around 9,000 people. I'm dying to see how the Warriors (and their home opponents) will treat this.

Key games:
8/28 @ UCLA (Well, back to the old grind of the 13-game schedule. At least Hawaii can try again to beat UCLA for the first time ever.)
9/18 vs. San Jose State (Hawaii's conference opener will be against the surprise champions from last year.)
10/2 vs. Fresno State (Despite the pandemic last year, Hawaii was able to meet [and defeat] their old rivals from Fresno.)
11/6 vs. San Diego State (This game might decide if Hawaii goes bowling or not in 2021.)

Bottom line: The Mountain West is going back to having divisions in 2021, and that's bad news for Hawaii. That's because they'll be in the loaded West division, where everyone but UNLV has a chance to win it. The offense could keep Hawaii afloat, but I think the rebuilding will continue for the Warriors as they sit at home come Christmas time.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Colorado State

Preview segment: The Colorado State Rams

Last season: I don't know; they only played 4 games.

Good news: Almost every starter from 2020 is back. That includes good line play on both sides of the ball and a running game that is looking to benefit.

Bad news: Quarterback play may be a season-long problem; all the Rams have at that position are some unproven transfers. The secondary is still inexperienced, and special teams were terrible last year.

Key games:
9/11 vs. Vanderbilt (The Rams can strike another blow for the Mountain West if they can [once again] defeat a downtrodden SEC team.)
10/16 @ New Mexico (A winnable game for the Rams in the Mountain West.)
10/30 vs. Boise State (Some people are saying that with the facilities that Colorado State has, they have the chance to be right up there with Boise State. So how come CSU has never beaten the Broncos? Ever?!)
11/6 @ Wyoming (At least Colorado State did one thing right in 2020: Take back the "Bronze Boot" from Wyoming.)

Bottom line: With all of these starters returning, Colorado State SHOULD be able to move up in the Mountain Division. But WILL they? Not if the Rams can't get the quarterback position settled down.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Wyoming

Preview segment: The Wyoming Cowboys

Last season: A lack of quality QB play would doom Wyoming to a 2-4 record.

Good news: Wyoming has some good pieces; the defense should be great once again, and so should the running game with RB Xazavian Valladay running behind a good line.

Bad news: There are some depth problems in the secondary, but the biggest worry is those darn QB's. Sean Chambers is good, but can he stay healthy this time. And if Levi Williams fills in, can he step up to the mark?

Key games:
9/18 vs. Ball State (The non-conference slate for Wyoming is pretty good, with Ball State their toughest opponent. If the Cowboy offense gets going, maybe the Cardinals will succumb to the altitude of Laramie.)
10/9 vs. Fresno State (A swing game for Wyoming's postseason chances.)
10/23 @ San Jose State (Wyoming's toughest stretch of 2021 starts when they'll visit a loaded Spartans team that wants another Mountain West title.)
10/30 vs. Colorado State (Then, it's the yearly rivalry with Colorado State, and the Rams want to keep the Bronze Boot.)
11/6 @ Boise State (And finally, the Cowboys must visit Boise State. And that is never, EVER easy.)

Bottom line: Ah, Wyoming will be fine. They should recover and get back to the postseason. But there's NO WAY they're competing for the Mountain division in 2021 if the QB spot sucks again.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Utah State

Preview segment: The Utah State Aggies

Last season: A 1-5 record was the least of Utah State's troubles in 2020. Not only was there the pandemic, there was Gary Andersen being fired in the middle of the season, a multitude of players either leaving or being dismissed, and then a boycott during the last week of said season.
Phew! That's a lot to take in, especially for a "Group of Five" team. Now with Blake Anderson coming in from Arkansas State to coach the team, let's hope things are more stable from now on in Logan.

Good news: The special teams look good, and the WR's should do well in Utah State's new offense.

Bad news: The defense could stand to make some improvements. Like, at every position.

Key games:
9/4 vs. Washington State (Andrew Peasley did OK as Utah State's new QB when he stepped in at the middle of last season. I'm dying to find out how he'll handle a home game against a PAC-12 team.)
10/1 vs. BYU (Aww! After a year off, we'll have a tender reunion between these two rivals as they face off for the Beehive Boot for the 90th time.)
10/23 vs. Colorado State (A winnable conference game for the Aggies.)
10/30 vs. Hawaii (See above game.)

Bottom line: The cupboard isn't bare, so if the new coaching staff can settle things down the Aggies could win a few more games this year. But a bowl game is not gonna happen for Utah State this year if the defense stinks again.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Nevada-Las Vegas

Preview segment: The UNLV Rebels

Last season: Here's another team that got f--ked over by COVID last year. UNLV had no spring practice, and had to stop playing and practicing a few times during the season. So after a winless season, UNLV has nowhere to go but up for 2021.

Good news: Running-back and wide-receiver should be the best positions on the whole squad; watch for Charles Williams to chase down some school records.

Bad news: Both returning QB's didn't look so good in spring practice, so that spot could be a worry. Oh, and the defense needs a full rebuild... AGAIN.

Key games:
9/25 @ Fresno State (Here's hoping that the UNLV defense is ready for this hard conference opener.)
10/16 vs. Utah State (A winnable game in conference for the Rebels.)
10/30 @ Nevada (Included in that winless season for UNLV was a 37-19 loss to their in-state rivals.)
11/6 @ New Mexico (Another winnable game for UNLV.)

Bottom line: Coach Marcus Arroyo is beginning to treat the 2020 season like a glorified spring practice, and is hoping to REALLLY start the rebuilding of UNLV in 2021. But you can ignore the Rebels this year, as the rebuilding is still gonna take a while.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Fresno State

Preview segment: The Fresno State Bulldogs

Last season: . Fresno got messed up by the pandemic, too. At least the offense ran well.

Good news: Jake Haener did well after transferring from Washington, and now this QB will have some good wide-outs and RB Ronnie Rivers to help in putting up more points. The D-line looks to be good.

Bad news: However, the defense needs to do better at stopping the run. And the O-line has some holes to fill in.

Key games:
9/18 @ UCLA (Hey, kids! Did you know that Fresno State actually has a 3-game winning streak in this in-state series?)
10/23 vs. Nevada (Just a straight forward "revenge game" for Fresno after Nevada beat them last year 37-26.)
10/30 @ San Diego State (Maybe the saddest part about 2020 for Fresno State was the fact they couldn't face either the rival Aztecs...)
11/27 @ San Jose State (...OR the rival Spartans.)

Bottom line: Head coach Kalen DeBoer never really got a chance to get going last year, so he's hoping that an experienced team will give Fresno a proud 2021 campaign. With a proud offense, Fresno should be fine this year, but they'll be a step behind Nevada and San Jose State in the West division.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Nevada

Preview segment: The Nevada Wolfpack

Last season: Nevada had a pretty good season last year, as they only had 2 losses and won a bowl game. Sadly, one of those losses were against San Jose State... who would eventually win the conference.
Oh well. Nevada can try to win it again this year.

Good news: And, oh LORD does Nevada have offensive talent. Just look at this; an NFL Draft prospect like QB Carson Strong. Wide-receivers like Romeo Doubs and Elijah Cooks. And a O-line that's looking to be better than they were last year.

Bad news: The running game, though, could stand to be a more physical threat. And the secondary will be sorely tested this year.

Key games:
9/4 @ California (Nevada's 2021 schedule is LOADED with challenges. Just ask the Cal Bears, who wants to use their own passing game to kick the Wolfpack's @$$.)
9/18 @ Kansas State (In the "Little Apple", Nevada will have another proud offense to worry about.)
10/2 @ Boise State (At least Nevada has a bye week to prep for THIS tough road game.)
11/6 vs. San Jose State (The previous 3 games I mentioned should all be fun. This one, though, will be serious business as the West division may be decided here.)
11/13 @ San Diego State (Oh, and the Wolfpack must visit the Aztecs right afterwards.)

Bottom line: Nevada certainly has the talent and the firepower to win the Mountain West this season. Question is, will all of these road games derail the dream, or give the Wolfpack the chance to win some national headlines? I honestly don't know how well Nevada will do in 2021, but I wish them all the best.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Boise State

Preview segment: The Boise State Broncos

Last season: Boise's 2020 season was all over the place. To be fair, the pandemic caused 2 cancellations for Boise, so it was hard for them to get a good rhythm going. But on the other hand, they lost the conference title game to San Jose State!
Now Boise is hoping that with a new coach, they can get back to being the bullies of the Mountain West.

Bad news: The defense has to force more turnovers, and the new head coach (Andy Avalos) may need an adjustment period. Plus, Boise may have Hank Bachmeier coming back as their QB, but he needs to step up his game.

Good news: Fortunately for Hank, he's got some good WR's and his top RB George Holani is back from injury. The D-line could be the best unit on the team, as it is very deep. Plus, Avalos does know Boise State's program inside and out.

Key games:
9/4 @ UCF (The new coach will find out what it's like to be the head man VERY early, because Boise will have early road games with UCF...)
9/18 @ Oklahoma State (...and then later against OK State.)
10/2 vs. Nevada (A glamour game for the Mountain West, as the household name takes on a talented upstart.)
11/6 @ Fresno State (Can't forget about this important contest. This will be the first time that Fresno and Boise will face each other in 3 years.)
11/13 vs. Wyoming (The Cowboys might be Boise's toughest challenger in the Mountain division this year.)

Bottom line: Happily for Boise, their raw talent will be able to get them another Mountain division title and a shot at the conference crown. But in order for them to win it, all Avalos has to do is fix some rudimentary problems... like making sure the QB spot doesn't ruin the season.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Air Force

Preview segment: The Air Force Falcons

Last season: The Falcons went 3-3, but had a LOT of absentees due to the pandemic (or turnbacks, as the academy calls it).

Good news: Thankfully, most of those absentees are coming back to the program, including people who'll help out a talented defense (that performed well last year despite everything).

Bad news: The offense might be a hot mess as the QB spot is unsettled and the entire O-line is being replaced.

Key games:
9/11 @ Navy (Again, emotions will run high in this rivalry contest. Just trust me on this one.)
10/9 vs. Wyoming (A brutal, physical game is expected here. Hopefully, Air Force will have a consistent starting QB going...)
10/16 @ Boise State (...because that's what it's gonna take for the Falcons to score an upset here.)
11/6 vs. Army [in Arlington, TX] (The Falcons have now lost 3 of their last 4 games against Army.)

Bottom line: Air Force is the wild-card team of the Mountain West this year; the offense has question marks all over the place, but the defense should keep them in games. Plus, Troy Calhoun has earned the benefit of the doubt, and the Mountain division is a little down. We'll see how the Falcons play the 2021 season after dealing with so many "turnbacks" last year.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

New Mexico

Preview segment: The New Mexico Lobos

Last season: The Lobos had NO chance to succeed in 2020, what with having a new head coach and being forced to play their home games in Las Vegas. But at least New Mexico is entering 2021 on a winning streak.

Good news: The Lobos landed former Kentucky QB Terry Wilson in the offseason, and if he pans out the offense is gonna be great. And in the unlikely event he doesn't, New Mexico can always lean on a good O-line and a above-average run game.

Bad news: A good pass rusher needs to be found on defense, and the secondary also needs to be shored up. The kicking game is also a question mark.

Key games:
9/11 vs. New Mexico State (After a year off, the Lobos will get to face their in-state rivals again!)
10/2 vs. Air Force (The worst loss New Mexico suffered last year was a 28-0 shutout loss to the Falcons.)
10/16 vs. Colorado State (If the Lobos manage to defeat the Rams, it'll REALLY help out in their quest for the postseason.)

Bottom line: A lot of things will have to break the Lobos' way if they are to make a bowl in 2021. But if the defense gets better and Terry Wilson does his thing for the offense, New Mexico will have a chance.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

San Jose State

Preview segment: The San Jose State Spartans

Last season: Much like Buffalo and Ball State in the MAC, San Jose State made the most of their limited screen time in 2020. They found their way into the Mountain West title game, and they won it! AND they toppled Boise State to do it!
Sadly, the pandemic got to them in the Arizona Bowl, so they lost it. But don't worry. Maybe San Jose will get a second chance in 2021!

Bad news: Wide-receiver is by far the biggest area of concern; Bailey Gaither and Tre Walker are gone, so it's lacking experience.

Good news: But it's all right; Nick Starkel returns for one more year, and he can just find some new WR's to throw to. Line play should be exceptional on both sides of the ball.

Key games:
9/4 @ USC (4 meetings with the Trojans, 4 losses. Maybe the Spartans offense can give this USC team a challenge.)
10/16 vs. San Diego State (For the 45th time, these rivals will square off. San Jose broke a 7-game losing streak in this series last year.)
11/6 @ Nevada (Last year, the Spartans defeated Nevada to earn a spot in the MW title game. We might get the same scenario this year, too!)
11/27 vs. Fresno State (San Jose didn't get to face the Bulldogs last year. Lucky for them; I think Fresno State would had beaten them had they DID play.)

Bottom line: You wanna talk about rarities this season? San Jose State is coming in as a favorite this season, and THAT is rare.
But coach Brent Brennan has turned around the program, and he wants to give San Jose another Mountain West title... or at least get back-to-back bowl berths for the first time since the mid-80's. If the offense doesn't miss a beat, that will happen.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

San Diego State

The last preview segment for the Mountain West: The San Diego State Aztecs

Last season: They went a middling 4-4, all while playing their home games on a soccer field.

Good news: The defense looked darn good last year, and most of it returns for the 2021 campaign (including a proud front-6). The running back position at SDSU still has talent.

Bad news: The passing game, though, is another story; SDSU used 3 QB's last year, and none of them stood out. And they're all coming back.

Key games:
9/11 @ Arizona (Over the last several years, SDSU has won it's fair share of games over PAC-12 teams. Here's a chance to get another one of those.)
9/18 vs. Utah (See above game.)
10/16 @ San Jose State (Up until last year, the Aztecs have had their way with the Spartans. SDSU needs to win this and restore some order.)
10/30 vs. Fresno State (The Aztecs didn't face Fresno last year. Oh well, this year's installment should still be good.)
11/13 vs. Nevada (This bout is a must-win for the Aztecs if they want to take the West division in 2021.)
11/27 vs. Boise State (Whoops, can't forget this one.)

Bottom line: San Diego State has slid down the California football food-chain in recent years, but they have the experience to get back into Mountain West contention. I just listed 6 "key games" for the Aztecs, so if they fix their passing game they'll have a lot of chances to do damage.
But if they can't, it'll just be another middling season for SDSU.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Mountain West predictions

Now listen up! This may be my last post on this thread, as I'll be off tomorrow to set up the schedule for my "Power 5" previews. But until then, here are my picks for the Mountain West:

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

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

 

[Boise4Life]

Mountain West predictions

Now listen up! This may be my last post on this thread, as I'll be off tomorrow to set up the schedule for my "Power 5" previews. But until then, here are my picks for the Mountain West:

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

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

You’re the only one I have seen who has San Jose winning it, but I absolutely agree with you. People see them as a flash in the pan who lost all their stud receivers, but what many don’t realize is they didn’t lose any other starters and oh by the way didn’t lose any of their coaches either. They are stacked across the board especially across both lines and will find replacements at receiver. I expect them to repeat, perhaps even fairly easily.

 

[Wamu]

Nevada-Las Vegas

Preview segment: The UNLV Rebels

Last season: Here's another team that got f--ked over by COVID last year. UNLV had no spring practice, and had to stop playing and practicing a few times during the season. So after a winless season, UNLV has nowhere to go but up for 2021.

Good news: Running-back and wide-receiver should be the best positions on the whole squad; watch for Charles Williams to chase down some school records.

Bad news: Both returning QB's didn't look so good in spring practice, so that spot could be a worry. Oh, and the defense needs a full rebuild... AGAIN.

Key games:
9/25 @ Fresno State (Here's hoping that the UNLV defense is ready for this hard conference opener.)
10/16 vs. Utah State (A winnable game in conference for the Rebels.)
10/30 @ Nevada (Included in that winless season for UNLV was a 37-19 loss to their in-state rivals.)
11/6 @ New Mexico (Another winnable game for UNLV.)

Bottom line: Coach Marcus Arroyo is beginning to treat the 2020 season like a glorified spring practice, and is hoping to REALLLY start the rebuilding of UNLV in 2021. But you can ignore the Rebels this year, as the rebuilding is still gonna take a while.

UNLV now has a great recruiting tool. Allegiant Stadium, home of the Raiders. Sure has hell beats old Sam Boyd Stadium. But until UNLV opens up the wallet and goes after a coach that's had some proven success I think the program will continue to stay in the basement of the MWC. I miss living out there & miss being a season ticket holder (hoops).