2019 Sun Belt Preview

Even a heralded coaching change won't be enough to stop the App train from rolling to another Sun Belt crown.

Zac Thomas (Appalachian State Athletics)

Scott Satterfield packed up for Louisville, and in his place is NC State OC Eli Drinkwitz, who is running his first program. And he picked a good landing spot.

Appalachian State is the most talented team in the league, and its trio of QB Zac Thomas, RB Darrynton Evans and WR Corey Sutton are about as lethal as you'll find. It might be hard to top last year's 37.3 ppg tally, but Drinkwitz likely has some tricks up his sleeve to keep things going. The defense was lethal, allowing just 15.5 ppg, and just 3.4 yards per carry. LB Akeem Davis-Gaither is a beast and S Desmond Franklin is one of the best of a talented group of SBC defensive backs. App State will earn everything is gets this season, traveling to North Carolina and South Carolina.

Troy also welcomes in a new coach, Chip Lindsey, who takes over for now-West Virginia coach Neal Brown. Lindsey was QB coach at Troy in 2010 and was last the OC at Auburn, but he will cede playcalling duties. That's fine because the Trojans are a solid group (30.7 ppg), led by QB Kaleb Barker and talented RB BJ Smith (1186 yards, 13 TD). A good O-line returns mostly intact, while the defense welcomes back six starters. Chief among them LB Carlton Martial, who tallied 76 stops and 5.5 TFL in 2018. Troy had the nation's #2 special teams unit last year, and was able to affect field position. That will change this year as chief return men Cedarius Rookard and Marcus Jones are gone. Troy hosts Southern Miss early in an intriguing matchup, and goes to Missouri in October.

Defense is the name of the game for Georgia Southern, which may sound odd considering the Eagles scored over 30 ppg in 2018. Seven starters are back on the stop side, include one of the top CB duos in the entire country in Kindle Vildor (42 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 11 PBU, 4 INT) and Monquavion Brinson (67 tackles, 10 PBU). Throw at them at your own risk. The Eagles posted 26 sacks a year ago, their most since 2012, and could be better in year two of DC Scott Sloan. The offense may take a back seat to the D, but it's just fine, thanks. QB Shai Werts ran for 15 touchdowns and threw for 10 more (with zero INTs), and RBs Wesley Kennedy and JD King give the Eagles option attack three lethal weapons. Georgia Southern opens at LSU and also travels to Minnesota, but fortunately gets an off week before beginning league play.

Georgia State cratered last year (two wins) after winning seven and making a bowl game in 2017. Some of it was injuries, but a lot of it was youth. This year, with a more veteran squad, the Panthers should be much more competitive. A solid recruiting class and a year of maturity should help the offense, which is led by dual threat QB Dan Ellington (12 TD passing, 5 rushing) and has a nice receiving corps but currently lacks a home run threat. LB Ed Curney led the team with 81 tackles a year ago and leads a unit that must get better against the run (6.6 YPC) and at forcing turnovers (-8, only six INTs, among the lowest figures in the nation).

It was a nice forward move by Coastal Carolina last year, winning five games and flirting with bowl eligibility right to the end. With 15 returning starters, there could be more of the same, but the Chanticleers are one of the least experienced teams in the conference. Look for RB CJ Marable (719 yards, 6.1 YPC) to make a leap this year as CC focuses on the run game. Quarterback is a bit murky as Fred Payton and Bryce Carpenter both played last year, each showing flashes in their freshman seasons. The defense has to improve if Coastal is to make the postseason. The Chanticleers allowed 33.2 ppg, including 6.5 against the run. A solid recruiting class could help, and LB Silas Kelly is usually near the action.

An influx of JUCO talent makes Arkansas State a prohibitive favorite in the West, though the Red Wolves have a nice returning nucleus to work with. RB Marcel Murray ran for nearly 900 yards and scored eight TDs, showing nice balance and explosiveness through the hole. Look for him to be challenged by JUCO AA Ryan Graham. Kirk Merritt was a revelation at receiver, catching 83 passes and scoring seven times. It's on D where the Red Wolves should be really nasty, though. Angry after allowing 25.6 ppg, NB Darreon Jackson, LB Tajhea Chambers and mammoth (6-1, 340) NG Forrest Merrill will step up their production this season. Jerry Jacobs (4 INT, 8 PBU) and BJ Edmonds are part of a very good secondary. ASU goes to Georgia in mid September and must go to Troy later in the month.

An embarrassment of backfield riches is what Louisiana has, with the three-headed monster of Trey Ragas, Elijah Mitchell and Raymond Calais. Ragas is the lead dog who gets the tough yards while Mitchell is explosive (6.7 YPC). Both are also good receivers out of the backfield, and Calais is lethal as a return man. They will operate behind an offensive line that returns all five starters, including all-SBC candidate Kevin Dotson at guard. LB Jacques Boudreaux (93 tackles, 3.5 TFL) leads a defense that allowed 34.2 ppg and had trouble getting foes off the field (45.1 third down conversions). Mississippi State and Ohio U are among the challenges on the schedule, which includes Georgia Southern, App State and Arkansas State in a four-week span.

Matt Viator made some progress last year at Louisiana-Monroe, guiding the Warhawks to a 6-6 mark after consecutive four-win seasons. The offense has to improve (26.6 ppg) if ULM wants to continue its ascension, and QB Caleb Evans is a nice start. Accounting for 26 total TDs, Evans is steady and has gotten better with his decision making (INTs down from 16 to 12 a year ago), though his receiving corps is new. The offensive line returns all five starters, so Evans should have time to operate. The defense was a mess, allowing 31.8 ppg and finishing 125th in turnover margin, at -12. Eight starters are back, with LB Chase Day (48 tackles, 5.5 TFL) the best of them. Viator recruited the JUCOs hard, which could help the cause. Trips to Florida State and Iowa State will challenge, as will a home date with Memphis and road trips to App State and Georgia Southern. This may be a better team that last year's, but the record may not show it.

It won't be easy for Jake Spavital in his inaugural season at Texas State, but there is a little optimism for the former West Virginia DC as he returns 10 starters from a group that was aggressive but inexperienced last year. Bryan London (109 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 6 PBU) is a machine at middle linebacker, and running mate Frankie Griffin added 71 stops and 6 TFL. The secondary returns intact, but the D-line must improve. This is a solid group that should thrive under Spavital's guidance. The offense was a dud, averaging 19.8 ppg and scoring seven points in each of the final three contests of 2018. JUCO transfer Gresch Jensen could be the answer at quarterback, and though there is a deep stable of backs none stand out. Jeremiah Haydel has shown big play potential at receiver. Texas State opens at Texas A&M and must go to Arkansas State and App State late in the season.

South Alabama is still looking for its first FBS winning season, coming closest in 2013 (6-6), 2014 (6-7, bowl berth) and 2016 (6-7, bowl berth). It could a struggle again as the Jaguars are one of the least experienced teams in the nation and must face Nebraska and Memphis in non-league play. Tra Minter is a bright spot out of the backfield (801 yards, 4 TD) and is a weapon in the return game ((15.2 PR, 1 TD). WR Kawaan Baker could break out if the Jags get any kind of quarterback play from sophomore Cephus Johnson, who had a rough time of things in limited action. The defense allowed nearly 39 ppg but brings in a ton of JUCO talent, so it should be better. CB Jalen Thompson is a lone bright spot on D, netting 3 picks and 8 PBU a year ago. JUCO Devin Rockette joins him at the other corner spot, and he has the speed to stay with receivers. Steve Campbell is building the right way, but this is not the year where results will be realized.

SUN BELT PREDICTIONS 
EAST

1 Appalachian State (11-2, 7-1)*R
2 Troy (8-4, 6-2)*
3 Georgia Southern (7-5, 5-3)*
4 Georgia State (4-8, 3-5)
5 Coastal Carolina (4-8, 2-6)

WEST

1 Arkansas State (10-3, 7-1)*
2 Louisiana (7-5, 4-4)
3 UL Monroe (4-8, 3-5)
4 Texas State (3-9, 2-6)
5 South Alabama (2-10, 1-7)

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME 
Appalachian State over Arkansas State

* Bowl participant
R CFB Focus Top 40 team

ALL-SUN BELT
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QB Zac Thomas/Appalachian State
RB Darrynton Evans/Appalachian State
RB BJ Smith/Troy
WR Corey Sutton/Appalachian State
WR Kirk Merritt/Arkansas State
WR Ja'Marcus Bradley/Louisiana
TE  Collin Reed/Appalachian State
OT Victor Johnson/Appalachian State
OT JL Gaston/Troy
OG Kevin Dotson/Louisiana
OG Kirk Kelley/Troy
 C  Jacob Still/Arkansas State

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DE William Bradley-King/Arkansas State
DE Tyree Turner/South Alabama
DT Forrest Merrill/Arkansas State
DT Chauncey Manac/Louisiana
LB Akeem Davis-Gaither/Appalachian State
LB Bryan London/Texas State
LB Carlton Martial/Troy
CB Kindle Vildor/Georgia Southern
CB Jerry Jacobs/Arkansas State
 S  Desmond Franklin/Appalachian State
 S  Tyler Murray/Troy

FIRST TEAM SPECIALISTS
 K Tyler Bass/Georgia Southern
 P  Cody Grace/Arkansas State
RS Tra Minter/South Alabama

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QB Shai Werts/Georgia Southern
RB Elijah Mitchell/Louisiana
RB Marcel Murray/Arkansas State
WR Kawaan Baker/South Alabama
WR Tray Eafford/Troy
WR Omar Bayless/Arkansas State
TE Isaiah Likely/Coastal Carolina
OT Robert Hunt/Louisiana
OT Hunter Atkinson/Georgia State
OG TJ Fiailoa/UL Monroe
OG Tristan Crowder/Troy
 C  Noah Hannon/Appalachian State

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DE Tarron Jackson/Coastal Carolina
DE Raymond Johnson/Georgia Southern
DT Ty Phillips/Georgia Southern
DT Dontae Wilson/Georgia State
LB Tajhea Chambers/Arkansas State
LB Frankie Griffin/Texas State
LB Jordan Fehr/Appalachian State
CB Monquavion Brinson/Georgia Southern
CB Jalen Thompson/South Alabama
 S  Darreon Jackson/Arkansas State
 S  Anthony J Taylor/Texas State

SECOND TEAM SPECIALISTS
 K Massimo Biscardi/Coastal Carolina
 P Clayton Howell/Appalachian State
RS Raymond Calais/Louisiana 

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Zac Thomas
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Kindle Vildor
COACH OF THE YEAR: Eli Drinkwitz/Appalachian State
TOP NEWCOMER: WR Reggie Todd/Troy (JUCO) 

TOP FIVE GAMES (NONCONFERENCE)
Georgia Southern at LSU (Aug 31)
Arkansas State at Georgia (Sept 14)
Southern Miss at Troy (Sept 14)
Appalachian State at North Carolina (Sept 21)
Appalachian State at South Carolina (Nov. 9) 

TOP FIVE GAMES (CONFERENCE)
Arkansas State at Troy (Sept 28)
Appalachian State at Louisiana (Oct 9)
Georgia Southern at Appalachian State (Oct 31)
Georgia Southern at Troy (Nov 9)
Appalachian State at Troy (Nov. 29) 

TOP FIVE INCOMING FRESHMEN
LB Brendon Harrington/Appalachian State
CB Reddy Stewart/Troy
OG Javonte McGriff/Georgia Southern
NG Tahji Gilbert/Georgia State
 S   Kevin Anderson/Texas State

TOP FIVE TRANSFERS
S Donald Rutledge/Georgia Southern (Savannah State)
LB Kyle Wright/Georgia State (North Carolina)
WR Sam Denmark/Coastal Carolina (Virginia Tech)
WR Tre'Veon Hamilton/South Alabama (Memphis)
RB Charles Strong/Troy (Texas A&M)

TOP FIVE JUCO TRANSFERS
WR Reggie Todd/Troy
QB Gresch Jensen/Texas State
CB Devin Rockette/South Alabama
RB Ryan Graham/Arkansas State
DE Aaron Donkor/Arkansas State 

2019 Mountain West Preview

The Mountain West always seems to have a team in the running for the coveted New Years Six bowl berth -- whether it's Boise State or Fresno State or San Diego State. Those are the same teams in the mix this year, though the expectations may need to be lowered just a tad as a national run might be a bit out of reach.

Curtis Weaver (Magic Valley)

Boise State has become a "program," a team that fans respect and believe can stand up to the big boys. Since 2015 the Broncos have beaten Washington and Washington State in the regular season and Oregon in the postseason, so folks know what they're getting with Boise State. This year will be a little different as there is quite a bit of turnover, especially at the skill spots. Brett Rypien is gone (finally) and freshman Hank Bachmeier steps in. The highest rated QB recruit (#14 nationally) in school history, Bachmeier will have to find his feet quickly as Boise opens with Florida State and Marshall. The offensive line returns intact so he should have time to operate, and he has a deep receiving corps to work with, though no real standout. The defense was excellent last year, among the national leaders in sacks (12th) and opponents third down percentage (11th). Rush end Curtis Weaver is at times unblockable, and when he can't get to the quarterback a deep, talented secondary can erase any issues.

Air Force is coming off of consecutive 5-7 seasons, but there is optimism due to the fact that four of last year's losses were by one score -- including three of four points or less. The Falcons throw the ball more than the other two service academies, and have a quarterback in Donald Hammond who can make enough throws to keep defenses honest. The offensive line is veteran, and this year's offense should be one of the most prolific under Troy Calhoun. The defense cut their points allowed by over a touchdown by being nails against the run (3.5 ypc). Safety Jeremy Fejeldelem did a little bit of everything, making 104 tackles and picking off three passes.

There is a lot of love for Utah State, and some of it is justified -- the defense should be outstanding. But it's hard to see how this bunch will contend with just two starters back on offense. One is QB Jordan Love (64%, 24-6), and he always gives you a chance. Gerold Bright was second fiddle in the rushing attack last year but scored 10 TDs and ran for over 800 yards, so he'll be good. But the receivers and O-line are basically brand new. The defense has some real studs, notably LB David Woodward (134 tackles, 5 sacks, 7.5 TFL, 3 PBU, 2 INT). But LB Tipa Galeai, NG Christopher Unga and NB DJ Williams are all high-level players. The Aggies open at Wake Forest and later go to LSU, and must travel to San Diego State, Air Force and Fresno State. They get BYU and Boise State at home. A bowl is likely, but a return to the upper reaches of the league would be a surprise.

If Wyoming can navigate the first two-thirds of its schedule it could be in position for a return to the postseason after last years 6-6 campaign. The Cowboys finish at Boise State, at Utah State, home with Colorado State and at Air Force, so they'll need to build up some capital. They should have enough firepower on offense to make teams sweat a bit more than last year (20.7 ppg), with WR Austin Conway (32 catches) in line for a big season. Getting RB Trey Smith from Louisville should give a big boost to the ground game. LB Logan Wilson anchors a hard-hitting defense, and he'll look to go out with a bang after amassing 103 tackles and 9 TFL in 2018.

This is a crucial year for Mike Bobo at Colorado State, on the heels of a 3-9 campaign thanks largely to defensive deficiencies. That group allowed 36.8 ppg and caused very little trouble for quarterbacks (15 sacks). Grad transfers Jalen Bates (Arizona State) and Tron Folsom (Troy) should help bring the numbers down a bit, but much of the back seven is low on experience. Auburn transfer Nate Craig-Myers highlights a receiving group that's solid but needs to take the next step. Warren Jackson could be a breakout performer outside with his great size (6-5,220) and physical play. San Diego State, Air Force and Boise State all come to Fort Collins, where the Rams will be looking to return to competitiveness.

You have to wonder how much longer they will put up with Bob Davie at New Mexico. Back to back 3-9 seasons don't sit too well with admins who expect more, and with just 10 players back bettering that record could be a chore. The offense returns eight starters, though no rusher had over 300 yards, and only two returning receivers broke that mark in 2018. The offensive line is experienced but allowed 27 sacks last year. A slew of injuries affected the defense, which led to 36.2 ppg allowed. An infusion of JUCO transfers could help on that side of the ball, most notably DL Joey Noble and LB James Lewis, both of whom were among the top 200 JUCOs available. Trips to Notre Dame -- Davie's former employer -- and Boise State will be tough, but the schedule is mostly manageable.

It looks like a two-team race in the West, with San Diego State holding the edge over last year's champ Fresno State.

The Aztecs have 12 returnees, including a healthy Juwan Washington at running back. He missed a portion of the season with a collarbone injury and the ground game suffered. His return means SDSU can go back to the physical style it prefers, and should mean a boost from last year's 20.8 ppg. The defense should be nasty once again, thanks to the presence of LB Kyahva Tezino (127 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 6 TFL, 17 QB hurries) and safety Tariq Thompso (60 tackles, 8 PBU). San Diego State gets Fresno at home, which is key as the Aztecs are 27-7 as a host the last five years.

The Bulldogs were two touchdowns away from an unbeaten season, losing by seven to Minnesota and Boise State, before knocking off the Broncos in the MWC title game. Only three return on offense, which was prolific in 2018 (34.6 ppg). One is RB Ronnie Rivers, who averaged nearly six yards per carry and found the end zone 10 times. If Fresno can get any kind of quarterback play from Jorge Reyna, who coaches say processes information quickly, then the offense should be good. The defense allowed just 14.1 ppg last year and could duplicate that thanks to a stellar secondary and active LB Mykal Walker (87 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 9.5 TFL). Fresno opens at USC then hosts Minnesota, but misses Boise State. It does go to San Diego State in mid-November, most likely with the division title on the line.

Jay Norvell worked some miracles last year getting Nevada to a bowl game and 8 wins a year after changing the culture -- seeing players leave in the process -- and winning just three games. He is definitely the man in charge, which is a good thing as the Wolf Pack returns just 11 players. Fortunately, most are skill position players, including RB Toa Taua, who dazzled as a freshman (872 yards, 6 TD) and WR Kaleb Fossum (70 catches). Whoever wins the QB job --and JUCO transfer and "Last Chance U" star Malik Henry seems to have the inside track -- will have talent to work with. The defense, led by LB Gabe Sewell (92 tackles), should be good out of its 3-3-5 scheme, which utilizes speed and aggressiveness. Nevada opens with Purdue and Oregon, so it could be climbing out of a hole as league play starts. Trips to San Diego State and Fresno State in November will make it tough to contend, but this should at least be a bowl team.

Expectations are high at Hawaii, which won the most games (8) since the 2010 squad went 10-4. Nick Rolovich has one of the most fun offenses around, and QB Cole McDonald (59%, 36-10) is back to once again wreak havoc on opposing defenses. Cedric Byrd (79 catches, 9 TD) and JoJo Ward (51, 9) will be the primary weapons, but not the only ones in the Warriors pass-happy attack. The defense gave up fewer yards than in 2017, but more points (35.1), and that will have to change if it wants to return to a bowl game. LB Solomon Matautia (92 tackle, 4 PBU) is active and can hit, and NG Blessman Ta'ala takes up space inside with his 310-pound frame, allowing the LBs and safeties to run to the football. Corner Rojesterman Farris is a sticky cover man (11 PBU). Hawaii opened 6-1 last year, but won't do so in 2019 with a schedule that opens with Arizona, Oregon State and Washington. There is also a visit from Army the last day of November, a game that could determine Hawaii's postseason fate.

San Jose State hopes that an influx of JUCO talent helps bring about some victories, since there was only one last year. The Spartans did have three losses by a touchdown or less, which signals improvement, but that rings hollow at the end of the day. The offense (21.6 ppg) and defense (36.6 allowed) both need to improve, and it will all start up front. Four members of an offensive line that gave up 39 sacks return in 2019, so the pressure is on. QB Josh Love (56.1, 14-9) did well considering what he had to work with, and as a senior he'll want to go out with a bang. LB Ethan Aguayo (106 tackles, 4 TFL, 5 PBU) is a standout, bu there aren't enough like him to go around. San Jose State faced 955 plays last year and allowed over 200 plays of 10-plus yards. Simply unacceptable. The added experience and an easier schedule means the Spartans should at least double last year's win total.

You have to believe that the Tony Sanchez experiment at UNLV is just about over. Sanchez, a wildly successful high school in the Las Vegas area, was hired to turn around the fortunes of the struggling Rebels football program. Going into his fifth season, one would have to say it's been pretty much a disaster. UNLV has yet to win more than five games in a season under Sanchez, and you know he's feeling the heat because he hit the JUCOs hard, inking eight prospects. The offense is actually decent, as long as QB Armani Rogers is healthy. He hasn't progressed much as a thrower, but is dynamic with the ball in his hands (6.1 YPC, 8 TDs). USC transfer Randal Grimes should help the receiving corps and the offensive line returns largely intact. The defense allowed 37.3 ppg last year and lacked speed, and needs to get to the quarterback more often (21 sacks). LB Javin White neted 74 tackles and 4.5 TFL in 2018 and rush end Gabe McCoy added 9.5 TFL. UNLV goes to Northwestern early and faces all of the MWC heavy hitters -- Boise State, Fresno State and San Diego State. If Sanchez is standing at the end of the season then expectations were exceeded.

MOUNTAIN WEST PREDICTIONS
MOUNTAIN

1 Boise State (10-3, 7-1)*R
2 Air Force (8-4, 6-2)*
3 Utah State (6-6, 5-3)*
4 Wyoming (7-5, 4-4)*
5 Colorado State (3-9, 2-6)
6 New Mexico (3-9, 1-7)

WEST

1 San Diego State (9-4, 7-1)*
2 Fresno State (8-4, 6-2)*
3 Nevada (6-6, 4-4)
4 Hawaii (4-8, 3-5)
5 San Jose State (3-9, 2-6)
6 UNLV (2-10, 1-7)

* Bowl participant
R CFB Focus Top 40 team

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Boise State over San Diego State

ALL-MWC
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QB Jordan Love/Utah State
RB Toa Taua/Nevada
RB Juwan Washington/San Diego State
WR Cedric Byrd/Hawaii
WR John Hightower/Boise State
WR Warren Jackson/Colorado State
TE  Jared Rice/Fresno State
OT Ezra Cleveland/Boise State
OT Jake Nelson/Nevada
OG John Molchon/Boise State
OG Daishawn Dixon/San Diego State
 C  Keith Ismael/San Diego State

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DE Curtis Weaver/Boise State
DE Emmanuel Jones/Colorado State
DT David Moa/Boise State
DT Christopher Unga/Utah State
LB David Woodward/Utah State
LB Logan Wilson/Wyoming
LB Kyahva Tezino/San Diego State
CB DJ Williams/Utah State
CB Jaron Bryant/Fresno State
 S   Juju Hughes/Fresno State
 S   Kekoa Nawahine/Boise State

FIRST TEAM SPECIALISTS
 K Dominic Eberle/Utah State
 P  Ryan Stonehouse/Colorado State
RS Savon Scarver/Utah State

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QB Cole McDonald/Hawaii
RB Ronnie Rivers/Fresno State
RB Gerold Bright/Utah State
WR Kaleb Fossum/Nevada
WR Jojo Ward/Hawaii
WR Nate Craig-Myers/Colorado State
TE  Parker Houston/San Diego State
OT Teton Saltes/New Mexico
OT Netane Muti/Fresno State
OG Solo Vaipulu/Hawaii
OG Eric Quevedo/Boise State
 C  Keegan Crider/Wyoming

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DE Gabe McCoy/UNLV
DE Kaimana Padello/Hawaii
DT Aaron Blackwell/New Mexico
DT Devin Phillips/Colorado State
LB Tipa Galeai/Utah State
LB Mykal Walker/Fresno State
LB Ethan Aguayo/San Jose State
CB Rojesterman Farris/Hawaii
CB Avery Williams/Boise State
 S   Tariq Thompson/San Diego State
 S   Jamal Hicks/Colorado State

SECOND TEAM SPECIALISTS
 K Cooper Rothe/Wyoming
 P  Blake Cusick/Fresno State
RS Austin Conway/Wyoming

TOP FIVE GAMES (NONCONFERENCE)
Florida State vs Boise State (Jacksonville, Aug 31)
Fresno State at USC (Aug 31)
San Diego State at UCLA (Sept 7)
Utah State at LSU (Oct 5)
Boise State at BYU (Oct 19)

TOP FIVE GAMES (CONFERENCE)
Utah State at San Diego State (Sept 21)
Air Force at Boise State (Sept 21)
Fresno State at Air Force (Oct 12)
Fresno State at San Diego State (Nov 15)
Boise State at Utah State (Nov 23)

TOP FIVE INCOMING FRESHMEN
QB Hank Bachmeier/Boise State
OG Joey Capra/San Diego State
CB Eric Cuffee/New Mexico
ATH Khaleb Hood/Air Force
WR Dante Wright/Colorado State

TOP FIVE TRANSFERS
RB Trey Smith/Wyoming (Louisville)
WR Nate Craig-Myers/Colorado State (Auburn)
OT Quinn Oseland/San Jose State (Minnesota)
LB Tron Folsom/Colorado State (Troy)
WR Siaosi Mariner/Utah State (Utah)

TOP FIVE JUCO TRANSFERS
CB Cortez Davis/Hawaii
 S   Troy Lefeged/Utah State
WR Melquise Stovall/Hawaii
CB Andre Neal/Colorado State
TE Austin Griffin/Boise State

2019 Mid-American Conference Preview

While Ohio and Toledo look like the best teams in the Mid-American Conference on paper, they are far from being locks to win the league. Both have flaws that could keep them from achieving their goal, and allow other teams to sneak past into the title game.

Nathan Rourke (Athens Messenger)

Ohio does appear to be the class of the East, but it lost a bunch of talent on the offensive line, and that is the bread and butter for run-centric coach Frank Solich. There is also a dearth of experience in the backfield after the departure of AJ Ouellette and Maleek Irons exhausted their eligibility. There is SOME good news in Athens, however -- the return of QB Nathan Rourke (60%, 23-8, 15 rush TDs). The senior has become much more of a passing threat since the day he arrived on campus, and he could be in line for a special season. Whether or not there is enough around him is the question. The defense was solid a year ago, allowing 24.6 ppg, and held foes to just 4.3 ypc. Jamal Hudson (12 PBU) and Javon Hagan (78 tackles, 4 PBU) anchor a good secondary. Early trips to Pittsburgh and Marshall will tell the Bobcats how good they are.

It could be another solid season in Buffalo, but the Bulls will be hard-pressed to duplicate last year's surprising 10-win campaign since QB Tyree Jackson went to the NFL and top receiver KJ Osborn transferred to Miami, Fla. But the cupboard is not bare as the 1-2 punch of Jaret Patterson (1013 yards, 14 TD) and Kevin Marks (845 yards, 13 TD) return, and should be more of the offensive focal point in 2019. Linebacker Khalil Hodge also exhausted his eligibility, which means it's time for James Patterson (77 tackles, 8 TFL) to step up. The Bulls face Penn State early but get both Ohio and Toledo at home, which is important as Buffalo has won nine of its last 12 UB Stadium.

Another team low on experience is Miami, which has just 10 back from last year's 6-6 squad. It was a season of could have beens as the RedHawks lost two games by a single point, to Army and Western Michigan and beat Ohio by two, so you have to wonder how good Miami could have been with a little consistency. The receiving corps should be good, led by all-league talent Jack Sorensen, but quarterback and running back and new starters. Doug Costin (52 tackles, 6 sacks, 3 PBU) is nasty in the middle of the defense but may not have enough help around him. A pair of Iowa transfers (Manny Rugamba and Cedric Boswell) could help the secondary, which is ironic since Miami opens the season against the Hawkeyes. They also have back to back road swings to Cincinnati and Ohio State and go to Western Michigan and Ohio.

One of the toughest jobs in America is making Kent State competitive, but second-year boss Sean Lewis looks to be doing just that. Even though the Flashes won just twice in 2018, they were much more competitive in years past. Evidence of that were one-point losses to Ohio and Akron, and one score setbacks to Illinois and Eastern Michigan. So it's coming along. As long as dual threat QB Woody Barrett stays healthy the offense could be good. Kent improved from 12.8 to 23.9 ppg last year, and with Barrett and all of his receivers and four O-line guys back, things should continue trending upward. The D is still a problem, allowing 36.7 ppg, and there is a decided lack of size within the unit. Lewis has mined the JUCO ranks to get better, and couple of those players could end up starting along the defensive line. Trips to Arizona State, Auburn and Wisconsin will put a ceiling on the win-loss record, but this is a team that is going the right direction.

Tom Arth hopes to bring the winning culture he had at DIII John Carroll to Akron, but his first year will be an uphill climb as only 10 players are back from last year's four-win squad. The offense was anemic (18.9 ppg), though QB Kato Nelson should be more consistent throwing the ball than he has been in previous seasons. Andre Williams is solid at one receiver spot and freshman Peter Hayes-Patrick could get a crack at a starting backfield spot. John Lako is a tackling machine from his linebacker spot, netting 120 stops and 9.5 TFLs last year. Safety Alvin Davis is among the league's best secondary players, but the Zips need to increase the talent level if they want to reach the heights Arth is hoping for.

Another first year head coach is on the scene at Bowling Green, where Scot Loeffler takes over after spending eight seasons as OC at Boston College, Virginia Tech, Auburn and Temple. Loeffler promises an uptick in offense, though that could be tough with one of the weaker talent collections in the MAC. He did a boost when ex-BC QB Darius Wade decided to transfer to BG, and he will be able to play immediately. Andrew Clair is underrated at running back (702 yards, 5 TD) but the Falcons must improve their 3.4 YPC if they are to go anywhere. The defense allowed 40 ppg last year but starts eight juniors and seniors, so the hope is they will be better.

Toledo is not used to suffering through 7-6 seasons, so you can bet the sting of last year is something Jason Candle reminds his players about. The Rockets scored 50 or more points six times last, but it was feast or famine as they averaged just 21.8 ppg in their five regular season defeats. An experience core of weapons is back, including QB Mitchell Guadagni, who endured an up and down season marred by injury. Bryant Koback is good out of the backfield and can relieve some of the pressure from the passing game. Jamal Hines is the best of a defense that got to opposing quarterbacks 34 times last season. The schedule is tricky, with the opener at Kentucky and a home game against BYU. Western Michigan and Northern Illinois also visit.

Experience is plentiful for Western Michigan, which is lurking in the weeds should Toledo fail to live up to billing. The Broncos have struggled a bit since the departure of coach PJ Fleck to Minnesota, but an offense that scored 32 ppg last year could be even better thanks to the veteran presence of QB Jon Wassink ((61.6%, 16-6). Most of his O-line returns, and LeVante Bellamy is one of the best runners in the MAC. The defense was good last year and has 10 back, led by DT Ralph Holley (29 tackles, 7 sacks) and LB Ali Fayad (34 tackles, 7.5 sacks). WMU goes to Michigan State and Syracuse and has to travel to Eastern Michigan, Toledo, Ohio and Northern Illinois in league play. If the Broncos navigate that schedule they will likely be looking at a league championship game berth.

Last year was just the second time since 2009 that Eastern Michigan managed a winning record. Much of the experience from last year departs, but a few key pieces are back, which keeps the Eagles in contention. Mobile quarterback Mike Glass showed real flashes of brilliance (61.1%, 9-1) last year in a shared role, but has the job all to himself now. Arthur Jackson (46 catches, 5 TD) is a force on the outside, and the ground game has a number of candidates. The defense was stout but returns just four, including corner Kevin McGill (6 PBU, 3 INT) and safety Vince Calhoun (84 tackles, 4 PBU). EMU opens with three straight road games, including Kentucky and Illinois, and has to go to Toledo and NIU.

Northern Illinois brought one of its own home when it tabbed Thomas Hammock as head coach. The ex-Huskies running back takes over for Rod Carey, who left for Temple, and he's kept the hard-nosed, physical culture of his predecessor. NIU allowed just 22.6 ppg last year and has a standout at each level -- DT Jack Heflin (33 tackles, 6 sacks), LB Antonio Jones-Davis (130 tackles, 10.5 TFL, 6 PBU) and S Mykelti Williams (75 tackles, 3 PBU, 2 INT). Defense isn't the issue in DeKalb, however. Rejuvenating an offense that managed just 20.8 ppg and scored in single digits four times is Hammock's challenge. He has Tre Harbison (1034, 5 TD) to hand off to and a tough minded offensive line. The Huskies to to Utah and Nebraska early and face Ohio and Toledo on the road.

It's pretty apparent that Jim McElwain is much better as a G5 coach than he is in the big time, so there should be optimism as he begins a stint at Central Michigan. The Chippewas have eight back on offense, but it's a new face, ex-Tennessee and Houston QB Quinten Dormady, that could be a real difference maker. There are some questions with the skill positions -- one reason CMU averaged just 15 ppg last season -- so new OC Charlie Frye has his work cut out. The defense wasn't bad, holding foes to 4.4 ypc and posting 28 sacks. Safety Devonni Reed had 97 tackles a year ago, but he doesn't have much help so the unit may struggle. Trips to Wisconsin, Miami Fla and Western Michigan could sap morale, though there is an easier stretch in the middle of the season with New Mexico State and Bowling Green.

The clock is ticking on Mike Neu, who has won just 10 games in three seasons at Ball State. The Cardinals have been bad defensively his entire tenure, but have nine returnees so this could be the year something happens. LB Ray Wilborn led the team with 83 stops, including 7.5 TFL and is the leader of the unit. Riley Miller is a standout at receiver, catching 61 passes and scoring seven times a year ago. An intact offensive line should help improve a ground attack that averaged just over four yards per tote. Ball State travels to NIU, Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan but gets Toledo and Ohio at home.

MAC PREDICTIONS
EAST

1 Ohio (10-3, 6-2)*
2 Buffalo (7-5, 5-3)*
2 Miami, Ohio (6-6, 5-3)
4 Kent State (4-8, 3-5)
5 Akron (3-9, 2-6)
6 Bowling Green (2-10, 1-7)

WEST

1 Toledo (9-4, 7-1)*
2 Western Michigan (7-5, 5-3)*
2 Eastern Michigan (7-5, 5-3)*
2 Northern Illinois (6-6, 5-3)*
5 Central Michigan (4-8, 2-6)
5 Ball State (3-9, 2-6)

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Ohio over Toledo

* Bowl participant

ALL-MAC
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QB Nathan Rourke/Ohio
RB Jaret Patterson/Buffalo
RB LeVante Bellamy/Western Michigan
WR Riley Miller/Ball State
WR Jack Sorenson/Miami
WR Arthur Jackson/Eastern Michigan
TE  Giovanni Ricci/Western Michigan
OT Evin Ksiezarczyk/Buffalo
OT Steve Nielsen/Eastern Michigan
OG Mike Caliendo/Western Michigan
OG Jarrett LaRubbio/Miami
 C  Bryce Harris/Toledo

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DE Jamal Hines/Toledo
DE Ali Fayad/Western Michigan
DT Doug Costin/Miami
DT Ralph Holley/Western Michigan
LB Kyle Pugh/Northern Illinois
LB John Lako/Akron
LB Antonio Jones-Davis/Northern Illinois
CB Jamal Hudson/Ohio
CB Kevin McGill/Eastern Michigan
 S  Javon Hagan/Ohio
 S  Alvin Davis/Akron

FIRST TEAM SPECIALISTS
 K Ryan Tice/Central Michigan
 P  Michael Farkas/Ohio
RS Kobe Lewis/Central Michigan

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QB John Wassink/Western Michigan
RB Bryant Koback/Toledo
RB Tre Harbison/Northern Illinois
WR Andre Williams/Akron
WR Jaylen Hall/Western Michigan
WR Cameron Odom/Ohio
TE  Zac Lefebrve/Buffalo
OT Jordan Steckler/Northern Illinois
OT Cameron Bell/Toledo
OG Paul Nosworthy/Buffalo
OG Brett Kittrell/Ohio
 C  Luke Juriga/Western Michigan

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DE Nick Faulkner/Kent State
DE Amos Ogun-Semore/Ohio
DT Jack Heflin/Northern Illinois
DT LaQuan Johnson/Central Michigan
LB Christian Albright/Ball State
LB Drake Spears/Western Michigan
LB Jared Dorsa/Ohio
CB Jamal Parker/Kent State
CB Justin Clark/Toledo
 S  Vince Calhoun/Eastern Michigan
 S  Mykelti Williams/Northern Illinois

SECOND TEAM SPECIALISTS
 K Matthew Trickett/Kent State
 P  Jake Julien/Eastern Michigan
RS Jeremiah Knight/Akron

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Nathan Rourke
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Antonio Jones-Davis
COACH OF THE YEAR: Frank Solich/Ohio
TOP NEWCOMER: QB Quentin Dormady/Central Michigan

TOP FIVE GAMES (NONCONFERENCE)
Toledo at Kentucky (Aug 31)
Western Michigan at Michigan State (Sept 7)
Ohio at Pittsburgh (Sept 7)
Miami at Ohio State (Sept 21)
BYU at Toledo (Sept 28)

TOP FIVE GAMES (CONFERENCE)
Western Michigan at Toledo (Oct 5)
Northern Illinois at Ohio (Oct 12)
Eastern Michigan at Toledo (Oct 26)
Western Michigan at Ohio (Nov 12)
Toledo at Buffalo (Nov 20)

TOP FIVE INCOMING FRESHMEN
WR Cameron Coleman/Western Michigan
WR Trevor Wilson/Buffalo
RB Darius Boone/Eastern Michigan
WR Jake Rogers/Bowling Green
QB Kurtis Rourke/Ohio
 
TOP FIVE TRANSFERS
QB Quinten Dormady/Central Michigan (Houston)
QB Ross Bowers/Northern Illinois (California)
WR Cortez Lewis/Western Michigan (Wake Forest)
CB Qwuantrezz Knight/Kent State (Maryland)
QB Darius Wade/Bowling Green (Boston College)
 
TOP FIVE JUCO TRANSFERS
RB De'Montre Tuggle/Ohio
  C  Richard Bates/Eastern Michigan
DE Jabbar Price/Kent State
WR Tyrice Richie/Northern Illinois
WR Daniel Lee/Buffalo

2019 CUSA Preview

Some people talk about wide open when two, maybe three, teams have a shot at winning a title. Conference USA takes it to another level, with no fewer than seven teams having a legitimate shot at the conference crown.

Southern Miss QB Jack Abraham (Twitter)

The West may be just a little bit heavier on contenders, but the East certainly has its share.

Want to start with FAU? Marshall? FIU? Any or all of those work, and you would have just as good a shot with any of them.

Lane Kiffin is no stranger to the spotlight, and his FAU Owls get the slightest of nods to win the division. With a baker's dozen returning from last year's disappointing 5-7 campaign, FAU should be well-equipped for a good run. There is talent overflowing at the skill spots, including WR Willie Wright and TE Harrison Bryant, and if ex-Alabama RB BJ Emmons lives up to billing the ground game could be strong. QB Chris Robison has been inconsistent, but the job is all his so this could be his year to shine. The D should get a boost from Charlotte DC Glen Spencer, and he'll have an excellent front seven to work with. The secondary could be a question.

Doc Holliday has won at least eight games in five of the last six seasons, so it's a good bet that Marshall will flirt with that total as 14 return from last year's nine-win squad. Isaiah Green started nine games at QB as a frosh and should be more comfortable this time around. Marshall has an excellent ground game and one of the best, most experienced O-lines around, anchored by center Levi Brown. The defense was stout last year, allowing just under 22 ppg, and has disruptor Channing Harmes in the middle of the line. Corner Chris Jackson broke up 15 passes last year and isn't afraid to support the run. The Herd's October trip to FAU could decide the division.

Butch Davis has won 17 games his first two seasons at FIU, including six on the road, and has his most complete team yet. QB James Morgan has NFL talent and isn't afraid to spread the ball around, and could be even better than last year when he broke the school season passing yards record. The O-line is tough and experienced, and the skill spots are deep. LB Sage Lewis leads a defense that was +9 in turnovers last season, and if the talented D-line can do a better job harassing the quarterback (just 22 sacks) then the Panthers could be at the top of the mountain.

Middle Tennessee is typically right in the fray, but may take a step back as only 11 return. JUCO QB Randall Johnson steps in to replace record-setter Brent Stockstill, and the return of Ty Lee at one receiver spot should ease the transition. LB Khalil Brooks is a monster, netting 20.5 sacks/hurries in 2018, and do-it-all safety Reed Blankenship could contend for league player of the year honors after a 2018 which included 107 tackles, 7 TFL, 7 PBU and 4 INTs. MTSU faces Michigan, Duke and Iowa in the non-conference portion of the season so it will be tested once conference play begins.

Will Healy takes over at Charlotte after finding success at FCS Austin Peay, and inherits a team with some solid talent. RB Benny LeMay and WR Victor Tucker are among the league's best, but the O-line needs rebuilding. USF transfer Brett Kean gets first crack at the QB spot, and he'll be asked to do a lot in a high-tempo offense.DE Alex Highsmith is one of the most feared pass rushers around, LB Jeff Gemmell simply hits everything that moves and safety Ben DeLuca is a leader with great range and ball-tracking skills.

Old Dominion has been trending the wrong way, going from 10 wins to 5 to 4 last year, and with only nine starters back getting to four wins could be tough. WR Eric Kumah will ease the losses after transferring from Virginia Tech, and if JUCO QB Messiah deWeaver (originally a Michigan State signee) lives up to billing, the offense could be potent. Defense is where improvement is needed, though LB Lawrence Garner is a tackling machine (100 stops, 9 TFL). Road trips to Virginia Tech (which ODU upset last year) and Virginia could make for a slow start to Healy's inaugural campaign.

Also welcoming in a first-year HC is Western Kentucky, who gets Tyson Helton from Tennessee, where he was OC in 2018. The Hilltoppers have 10 back on offense so should improve their 21 ppg figure from last year. Lucky Jackson is a big-play type at wideout. The defense was solid and welcomes back rush end Juwuan Jones, who had five sacks and five hurries in 2018.

Southern Miss appears poised to break through, welcoming back 10 starters on offense, including talented QB Jack Abraham (73.2 comp pct, 15 TDs) and standout receiver Quez Watkins (72 grabs, 9 TDs). All five are back up front, which should give the ground game more punch (3.1 yards per rush). The LB corps is good, led by holdover Racheem Boothe and JUCO transfer Swayze Bozeman. The secondary is opportunistic, led by safety Ky'el Hemby (51 tackles, 6 INTs), and can run. If consecutive road games with Mississippi State, Troy and Alabama haven't killed the will, the Golden Eagles could soar in 2019.

Bill Clark proved his formidable coaching chops last season, leading UAB to 11 wins and a league title in just the second year back from exile for the program. It could be a little tougher this year as only four return on each side of the ball, though the defense is always tough. There are stars at each level -- DT Garrett Marino, LB Fitzgerald Mofor and CB Brontae Harris, and all three will need to show the way for a young unit. The offense also loses a lot, but as long as Spencer Brown (1227 yards, 16 TDs) is around it will be a productive group. QB Tyler Johnston started five games and improved along the way, so he shouldn't be nervous in 2019. The season closes with a bang, featuring road trips to Tennessee and Southern Miss, and a season finale at North Texas, which could have a hand in determining the division champ.

When sizing up the nation's best QB prospects, Mason Fine must be included. The senior is the straw that stirs the drink for North Texas, though he could have a tough time topping last year's 3700 yard, 27-5 season. He does have WR Rico Bussey (1017 yards, 12 TDs) back, and an O-line short on experience, but long on talent with guard Elex Woodworth and Manase and Sosaia Mose paving the way. The defense saw huge improvement last year (11 ppg over 2017) and welcomes back LaDarius Hamilton, who can affect games in so many ways. Games with Cal and Houston should be a barometer of just where the Mean Green stand.

Skip Holtz has turned Lousiana Tech into a model of consistency, winning seven games or more (and 9 games three times in five of his six seasons at the helm. Versatile QB J'Mar Smith is efficient and should be able to make a nice jump in his third season as a starter. Jaqwis Dancy is explosive carrying the football and Adrian Hardy averaged over 15 yards per grab last season. The defense has become solid and might be better under Bobby Diaco. Corner Amik Robertson is a nightmare to face, with the ability to tackle (61), defend (12 PBU) and find the football (4 INT). Tech opens at Texas but should be able to settle in after that.

Frank Wilson was brought in to improve the fortunes at UTSA, but things went a bit south last year as the Roadrunners won just three games after back to back six win seasons. An experienced offensive line and the addition of JUCO transfer and former LSU QB Lowell Narcisse should help a unit that averaged just 14.8 ppg last year. The defense skyrocketed to allowing 31 ppg from the stellar 17 ppg it allowed in 2017, mostly because the offense went three and out so often. UTSA face an astounding 815 plays last season. Corners Cassius Grady and Clayton Johnson are solid and good building blocks. NC games with Baylor, Army and Texas A&M are daunting, but those things build character, right?

Dana Dimel had one positive in his first year at UTEP -- he led the Miners to a victory! UTEP went winless in 2017, and actually improved on both sides of the ball in 2018. There is a decent amount of experience, if not talent, though RB Quardraiz Wadley (7 TDs, 5.1 YPC) is solid. The defense returns just four, with LB Sione Tupou leading the way (60 tackles). Dimel hits the JUCO ranks hard, so there is more talent this year on the Miners roster. Whether or not that translates into victories remains to be seen.

It's not a stretch to say that the season could be over before it begins for Rice. The Owls open at Army and face Wake Forest, Texas, Baylor, Louisiana Tech and UAB before getting a break. Considering the dearth of talent on the roster, Mike Bloomgren did well to win two games last year. Rice doesn't have much experience (#115), but is solid on the defensive line with Anthony Ekpe (6 sacks, 4 hurries) back to lead the unit. Safeties Prudy Calderon and George Nyakwol are good, but they'll need the front seven to improve on last year's total of 17 sacks. Harvard grad transfer Tom Stewart inherits the quarterback job and has a pair of nice targets in Austin Trammell (62 catches) and Aaron Cephus (40). The line gets a boost from Stanford grad transfer Brian Chaffin and has some young talent.

CUSA PREDICTIONS
EAST

1 FAU (8-5, 6-2)*
1 Marshall (8-4, 6-2)*
3 FIU (7-5, 5-3)*
3 Middle Tennessee (6-6, 5-3)*
5 Charlotte (5-7, 3-5)
6 Old Dominion (3-9, 2-6)
7 Western Kentucky (2-10, 1-7)

WEST

1 Southern Miss (9-4, 6-2)*
1 UAB (9-3, 6-2)*
1 North Texas (8-4, 6-2)*
4 Louisiana Tech (8-4, 5-3)
5 UTSA (4-8, 3-5)
6 UTEP (3-9, 1-7)
6 Rice (1-11, 1-7)

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Southern Miss over FAU

* Bowl participant

ALL-CUSA
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QB Mason Fine/North Texas
RB Spencer Brown/UAB
RB Benny LeMay/Charlotte
WR Rico Bussey/North Texas
WR Ty Lee/Middle Tennessee
WR Quez Watkins/Southern Miss
TE  Harrison Bryant/FAU
OT D'Antne Demery/FIU
OT Cameron Clark/Charlotte
OG Ethan Reed/Louisiana Tech
OG Manase Mose/North Texas
 C  Levi Brown/Marshall

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DE Alex Highsmith/Charlotte
DE Noah Curtis/FIU
DT Channing Harmes/Marshall
DT Noah Jefferson/FAU
LB Khalil Brooks/Middle Tennessee
LB Sage Lewis/FIU
LB Racheem Boothe/Southern Miss
CB Amik Robertson/Louisiana Tech
CB Chris Jackson/Marshall
 S   Reed Blankenship/Middle Tennessee
 S   Ben DeLuca/Charlotte

FIRST TEAM SPECIALISTS
 K Jose Borregales/FIU
 P Alvin Kenworthy/North Texas 
RS DeAndre Torrey/North Texas

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QB James Morgan/FIU
RB BJ Emmons/FAU
RB DeAndre Torrey/North Texas
WR Adrian Hardy/Louisiana Tech
WR Victor Tucker/Charlotte
WR Eric Kumah/Old Dominion
TE  Armani Levias/Marshall
OT Arvin Fletcher/Southern Miss
OT Miles Pate/Western Kentucky
OG Shane McGough/FIU
OG Tyler Witt/Western Kentucky
 C  Trace Clopton/Southern Miss

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DE Garrett Marino/UAB
DE LaDarius Hamilton/North Texas
DT Teair Tart/FIU
DT Jordan Ferguson/Middle Tennessee
LB Fitzgerald Mofor/UAB
LB Rashad Smith/FAU
LB Lawrence Garner/Old Dominion
CB Brontae Harris/UAB
CB Stanley Thomas-Oliver/FIU
 S   Ky'el Hemby/Southern Miss
 S   Jovante Moffatt/Middle Tennessee

SECOND TEAM SPECIALISTS
 K Jonathan Cruz/Charlotte
 P  Kyle Greenwell/UAB
RS Maurice Alexander/FIU

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Mason Fine
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Reed Blankenship
COACH OF THE YEAR: Jay Hopson/Southern Miss
TOP NEWCOMER: QB Messiah deWeaver/Old Dominion (JUCO transfer)

TOP FIVE GAMES (NONCONFERENCE)
FAU at Ohio State (Aug. 31)
Marshall at Boise State (Sept 6)
Southern Miss at Mississippi State (Sept 7)
Old Dominion at Virginia Tech (Sept 7)
North Texas at California (Sept 14) 

TOP FIVE GAMES (CONFERENCE)
North Texas at Southern Miss (Oct 12) 
Marshall at FAU (Oct 18)
FIU at FAU (Nov 9)
UAB at Southern Miss (Nov 9)
Southern Miss at FAU (Nov 30)

TOP FIVE INCOMING FRESHMEN
WR Broc Thompson/Marshall
RB Deion Hankins/UTEP
CB Will Brocchini/Old Dominion
WR Manny Allen/Western Kentucky
WR Tre Goode/Charlotte

TOP FIVE TRANSFERS
CB Marquill Osborne/Charlotte (Tennessee)
DE Torrence Brown/Southern Miss (Penn State)
WR Eric Kumah/Old Dominion (Virginia Tech)
OT D'Andre Plantin/North Texas (Virginia Tech)
WR Tavin Richardon/Marshall (Kentucky)

TOP FIVE JUCO TRANSFERS
QB Messiah deWeaver/Old Dominion
QB Randall Johnson/Middle Tennessee
CB Trae Meadows/Western Kentucky
LB Swayze Bozeman/Southern Miss
QB Lowell Narcisse/UTSA

2019 AAC Preview

A most inopportune break may be what breaks the hold of dominance UCF has had on the American Athletic Conference.

Michael Warren (The Toledo Blade)

The ankle injury suffered by quarterback Darriel Mack may have opened the door for an emerging Cincinnati squad to take over East Division supremacy. Head coach Luke Fickell is molding the Bearcats in his image, a tough, hard-nosed, fly to the football defense. UC allowed just 17.2 ppg a year ago and has seven starters back on that side of the ball. Linebacker Bryan Wright may be the team's most reliable stop guy, but the unit is filled with playmakers. On offense, Desmond Ridder is back at quarterback after winning the league's Freshman of the Year honor, and he'll have a deep corps of receivers at his disposal. Michael Warren is a shifty, speedy back who found the end zone 19 times a year ago and could be in line for even more in his second season as starter. 

While it won't take him out for the entire 2019, Mack's injury will affect UCF negatively. The injury occurred in early July, and there is no timetable for his return at the moment. UCF faces Stanford early in the campaign, and travels to Cincinnati in early October. If Mack has not returned for that game then the balance of power may well have shifted to the Bearcats. But weep not for the Knights, because they still have the fastest team in the conference. That speed will be utilized especially at the skill positions, where Greg MacRae and Adrian Killins Jr form a great 1-2 backfield punch. Tre Nixon and Gabriel Dixon are a handful at receiver, but may be a bit less effective without Mack under center. Defense could be hit or miss as four of the top six tacklers are gone. But UCF has the league's best secondary, led by safety Richie Grant, and an excellent pass rush, so it will be right there.

USF will be a bit behind the top two, but will be a fun offensive team thanks to first-year OC Kerwin Bell. Formerly head coach at Valdosta State, Bell loves to spread the ball around to playmakers in space, and the Bulls have a bunch of those out wide -- most notably Randall St. Felix, who averaged over 20 yards per grab in 2018. Jordan Cronkrite is a special talent in the backfield and the offensive line returns mostly intact. It will all come down to quarterback play, which means Blake Barnett must be better than he was last season (12 TD-11 INT) if things are to work out. The Bulls D will be steady and workmanlike, though it wasn't great at forcing turnovers a year ago and allowed teams more than five yards per carry on the ground.

New head coach Rod Carey, who had much success at Northern Illinois, may have an uphill climb this year as Temple as the home schedule is tough -- Georgia Tech, Memphis, UCF and Tulane. The Owls will need to pull an upset or two if they want to get back to the postseason, but they'll have a chance with Anthony Russo at quarterback, though he will need to cut down on his interception total (14). Isaiah Wright is electric at receiver and especially in the return game. Temple is always tough defensively and this year should be no exception. Quincy Roche fuels the pass rush and Shaun Bradley holds things down at middle linebacker. Baylor transfer Harrison Hand should be a revelation at one corner spot, which will be welcome as Temple intercepted just 13 passes last year.

Ultra-successful coach Mike Houston makes the jump from FCS James Madison to East Carolina, and he has a decent starting point with quarterback Holton Ahlers, who led the Pirates in rushing and passing in 2018. A strapping lefty, Ahlers may be asked to pass a bit more this year, and he'll have a good crew to throw to, led by Blake Proehl. The defense allowed 37.3 ppg but was able to get to the quarterback (34 sacks). Alex Turner and Kendall Futrell are both back up front, aided by an experienced linebacker corps. The secondary has some turnover but will be helped by some JUCO talent.

There are all kinds of problems for UConn, which recently made the decision to de-emphasize football, a choice that will cost them league membership as admins will not keep them as a football-only member. If this is the last season for the Huskies in the AAC it will likely end with a whimper. Oh sure, UConn has more talent than it did last year thanks to some transfers, but you have to believe the players will find it difficult to focus knowing that there's nothing at the end of the rainbow. The offense averaged just over 22 points per contest last year and could be slightly better this year, if it leans on RB Kevin Mensah. The defense was historically bad, giving up 50.4 ppg, tallying just 11 sacks and being -17 in turnovers. Notre Dame transfer DJ Morgan slides in at one linebacker spot, and should be solid. The opener with Wagner appears to be the only guaranteed win on the slate.

In the West, it should be a spirited race to the finish between Houston and Memphis, two teams who will vie for most powerful offense in the league.

The Cougars have a new coach in former West Virginia boss Dana Holgorsen, but a holdover at quarterback in the wondrous D'Eriq King, who missed the final two games of the year due to injury yet still tallied 50 total touchdowns. The skill positions are well stocked, though there are a few concerns with a largely rebuilt offensive line. The defense returns just four, but should have an excellent secondary. The Cougars will need to get more aggressive up front and do a better job against the run, otherwise it could be a season full of shootouts. September features showdowns with Oklahoma and Washington State, so Houston will know quickly just how good it is.

Should Houston falter, the Tigers will be right there waiting to grab the division crown. Six starters are back for an offense that scored nearly 43 ppg last year, including quarterback Brady White and wideout Damontie Coxie, both among the league's best on offense. Patrick Taylor ran for over 1100 yards and scored 16 TDs in a committee role at RB, and could really explode with the job mostly to himself. The defense is inconsistent but has some playmakers -- linebacker Bryce Huff (9.5 sacks) and shutdown corner TJ Carter (12 PBUs) the standouts. Memphis has to go to Houston in mid November but gets Cincinnati at home the final weekend of the season.

Willie Fritz has made incremental progress at Tulane, and this season the Green Wave could challenge Cincinnati for the league's best defense thanks to talented D-line stalwarts Patrick Johnson (10.5 sacks, 5 PBUs) and Jeffery Johnson (30 tackles as a freshman), who is excellent at holding his ground inside. Lawrence Graham can be a force at LB, but the secondary will need to be more active as Tulane had just 10 INTs last year. LSU transfer Justin McMillan is back to run the show and was solid in the final six games last year. He has an excellent backfield tandem in Darius Bradwell and Corey Dauphine, a big play receiver in Darnell Mooney and Oklahoma State grad transfer Jalen McCleskey, who will provide provide experience and sure hands. The Green Wave will have to weather an early schedule that includes a visit to Auburn, a home date with Houston and a trip to Army, but after that only games with Memphis and UCF appear daunting.

SMU wasn't nearly as proficient on offense as expected last season, but could be trending upward with Texas transfer Shane Buechele at the controls. A good decision-maker during his time in Austin, Buechele won't let the moment overwhelm him. He has maybe the best receiving corps in the league on his side, led by James Proche (93-1199-12 TD) and Reggie Roberson (52-802-6), and if a backfield threat can be found the Mustangs offense could be lethal. The D returns nine starters from an underwhelming unit, though linebacker Richard Moore is one to watch. Safety Rodney Clemons and rush end Delontae Scott could be difference-makers for a group that sorely needs a few.

It was odd seeing Navy struggle after years of success, but the Middies won just three times last year because the defense had trouble stopping people. With just four starters back, maybe it gets better. One of the holdovers is nose guard Jackson Pittman, an all-league talent who understands leverage and has surprising quickness for a 300-pounder. The offense dipped below 30 ppg for the first time since 2012, mostly because of inconsistency at quarterback. Navy went through three starters, none of whom really took hold of the job. Malcolm Perry has the most experience and will get first crack at the gig in 2019, and though the A- and B-backs are inexperienced they are talented. Navy must go to Houston, Memphis and Notre Dame, so the ceiling is limited. But it wouldn't be a surprise if the Middies return to the postseason.

Tulsa has won just five times in the last two seasons, and you have to think Philip Montgomery is beginning to feel some heat. The Hurricane fizzled out offensively in 2018, averaging just over 24 ppg. Help could be on the way as strong-armed Baylor transfer Zach Smith assumes the quarterback duties. Shemari Brooks is solid from the backfield, and is joined by Corey Taylor, who scored 11 TDs last year. LB Cooper Edmiston is one of the few bright spots on defense, racking up 113 stops and four interceptions. Running mate Zaven Collins is also a player, while rush end Trevis Gipson has shown some ability to affect the quarterback. Tulsa has a tasty home slate, with Oklahoma State, Memphis, UCF and Houston all coming to town.

AAC PREDICTIONS
EAST

1 Cincinnati (9-4, 7-1)*R
2 UCF (9-3, 6-2)*R
3 USF (5-7, 4-4)
4 Temple (5-7, 3-5)
5 East Carolina (5-7, 2-6)
6 UConn (2-10, 0-8)

WEST

1 Houston (10-3, 6-2)*R
1 Memphis (10-2, 6-2)*R
3 Tulane (7-5, 5-3)*
3 SMU (6-6, 5-3)*
5 Navy (5-7, 2-6)
5 Tulsa (3-9, 2-6)

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Houston over Cincinnati

* Bowl participant
R CFB Focus Top 40 team

ALL-AAC
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QB D'Eriq King/Houston
RB Greg MacRae/UCF
RB Patrick Taylor/Memphis
WR Marquez Stevenson/Houston
WR James Proche/SMU
WR Damontie Coxie/Memphis
TE  Joey Magnifico/Memphis
OT Josh Jones/Houston
OT Marcus Norman/USF
OG Cole Schneider/UCF
OG Jovahn Fair/Temple
 C  Jordan Johnson/UCF

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DE Brendon Hayes/UCF
DE Patrick Johnson/Tulane
DT Jeffery Johnson/Tulane
DT Dan Archibong/Temple
LB Bryce Huff/Memphis
LB Shaun Bradley/Temple
LB Nate Evans/UCF
CB Mike Hampton/USF
CB TJ Carter/Memphis
 S  Richie Grant/UCF
 S  Deontay Anderson/Houston

FIRST TEAM SPECIALISTS
 K Jake Verity/East Carolina
 P James Smith/Cincinnati
RS Isaiah Wright/Temple

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QB Brady White/Memphis
RB Michael Warren/Cincinnati
RB Jordan Cronkrite/USF
WR Darnell Mooney/Tulane
WR Gabriel Davis/UCF
WR Blake Proehl/East Carolina
TE  Mitchell Wilcox/USF
OT Adam Klein/Temple
OT Chris Ferguson/Cincinnati
OG Corey Dublin/Tulane
OG Dylan Parham/Memphis
 C  Dustin Woodard/Memphis

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DE Quincy Roche/Temple
DE Greg Reaves/USF
DT Alex Turner/East Carolina
DT Jackson Pittman/Navy
LB Cooper Edmiston/Tulsa
LB Nico Sawtelle/USF
LB Richard Moore/SMU
CB Harrison Hand/Temple
CB Brandon Moore/UCF
 S  James Wiggins/Cincinnati
 S  Rodney Clemons/SMU

SECOND TEAM SPECIALISTS
 K Coby Weiss/USF
 P Thomas Bennett/Tulsa
RS Otis Anderson/UCF

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: D'Eriq King
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Nate Evans 
COACH OF THE YEAR: Dana Holgorsen/Houston 
TOP NEWCOMER: Harrison Hand (Baylor transfer)

TOP FIVE GAMES (NONCONFERENCE)
UCLA at Cincinnati (Aug. 29)
Houston at Oklahoma (Sept. 1)
Cincinnati at Ohio State (Sept. 7)
Stanford at UCF (Sept. 14)
Army vs Navy (Philadelphia) (Dec. 14)

TOP FIVE GAMES (CONFERENCE)
UCF at Cincinnati (Oct. 4)
Cincinnati at Houston (Oct. 12)
Houston at UCF (Nov. 2)
Memphis at Houston (Nov. 16)
Cincinnati at Memphis (Nov. 29)

TOP FIVE INCOMING FRESHMEN
OG Adrian Medley/UCF
CB Jayden Curry/USF
LB Dorian Williams/Tulane
 S Roderick Roberson/SMU
OT Danielson Ike/SMU

TOP FIVE TRANSFERS
CB Harrison Hand/Temple (Baylor)
S Jordan Hayes/UCF (Duke) 
WR Jalen McCleskey/Tulane (Oklahoma State)
QB Shane Buechele/SMU (Texas)
 S Devin Studstill/USF (Notre Dame)

TOP FIVE JUCO TRANSFERS
TE Zech Byrd/East Carolina
LB Terrance Edgeston/Houston
CB Sam Westfall/SMU
CB Damarion Williams/Houston
TE Denzel Carter/Tulsa

2019 Independent Preview

There was a time, not all that long ago, when a lot of the "cool kids" were Independents. Yup -- Penn State, Miami, South Carolina, Pitt, Louisville and Georgia Tech, among others -- along with all three service academies.

Kelvin Hopkins (San Francisco Chronicle)

That lot has dwindled, however, down to a half-dozen, and it's not inconceivable to think that Independents could be a thing of the past in the next 10 or so years, given how much money can be made from conference affiliation -- even if you're bad.

In most years Notre Dame would show the way, but this isn't most years -- and Army's Jeff Monken isn't most coaches, either. What he's done with the Black Knights is nothing short of miraculous. He's molded a team that won six games his first two seasons into one that has been victorious 29 times in the last three years. Army comes into the year with nine straight wins and isn't shying away from the big-time. Army will travel to Ann Arbor to face Michigan in early September, a game that could be fraught with peril for the Wolverines as they have only one week to practice against the vaunted triple option flexbone and the precision with which Army runs it. QB Kelvin Hopkins is as adept a decision-maker as Army has had in years, and tough, too - he carried the ball over 200 times last year and could do more of the same this season. He and talented slotback Kell Walker will form a lethal 1-2 punch against any defense. The defense may regress as it lost its DC and returns just four starters. Still, Army is very much in the running for the Group of Five's coveted New Years Six spot.

Brian Kelly should be happy about last year's season after his Irish went 12-1 and made the College Football Playoff. But it was the way that "1" happened that has him in a quandary. Notre Dame was throttled by Clemson 30-3 and looked for all the world like a high school team. It lacked the speed on the edges and the power inside to counteract Clemson's attack, and was sent home whimpering like a whipped dog. But there is optimism for this year, thanks in large part to the return of QB Ian Book, who provided stability after taking over for the erratic Brandon Wimbush. Book has a nice contingent of targets at his disposal, notably Chase Claypool and Chris Finke, and an offensive line that should be able to maul foes. The defense could be a worry with only three starters back, though one is burgeoning star Julian Okwara at one end spot. ND travels to Georgia, Michigan and Stanford this season, so another unbeaten regular season would truly be an accomplishment.

Don't look now, but things are happening in Provo as Brigham Young is on the upswing. An offense that should put up plenty of points is led by QB Zack Wilson, who was excellent in his freshman campaign. Displaying the savvy of a veteran, Wilson avoided trouble and showed an ability to throw on the move. A year of experience should only make him better. The offensive line returns nearly intact, the receiving corps is good and the ground game gets a boost from South Carolina transfer Ty'Son Williams. The defense could be up and down despite having eight starters back, and the schedule maker did the Cougars zero favors. BYU faces Tennessee, Utah State and San Diego State on the road and Utah, USC and Washington at home.

Liberty may or may not be better than last year, when it went 6-6, but one thing is certain -- it will be much more fun under first year head coach Hugh Freeze. Yes, THAT Hugh Freeze, the one who was ousted at Ole Miss for calling an escort service on a burner phone. Apparently the folks at Liberty don't feel that's a problem -- which is code for "we don't care what you do as long as we win." The Flames have 22 seniors on a roster that has some decent talent, most notably future NFL target Antonio Gandy-Golden. The imposing senior is nearly impossible to jam off the line and will win more jump balls than he'll lose. Look for the Flames to play fast and utilize a ton of weapons on offense. The defense gave up 37 a game last year but should improve a bit due in large part to unheralded but talented DE Jesse Lemonier. The junior tallied 10 sacks last year and has outstanding quickness off the snap. The secondary excels as well. Whether or not the Flames top last year's mark remains to be seen as games against Syracuse, Louisiana, BYU and Virginia will all prove formidable. If they can win against inferior foes then Freeze could be looking at a big first season.

You hear it all the time -- the only thing guaranteed is death and taxes. Well, you wouldn't be wrong if you added "New Mexico State going 3-9" to that list of certainties as the Aggies have put up that mark in three of the last four seasons -- and are forecast to do so again, though they will have a pretty solid defense under DC Frank Spaziani. LB Javahn Fergerson is a tackling machine (132 in 2018) who toyed with the idea of the NFL but decided to return for his senior season. Quick and physical, Fergerson is excellent at navigating traffic and finding the football. DT Roy Lopez and boundary corner Shamad Lomax are also standouts on the stop side. The offense has electric RB Jason Huntley, who excelled in a part-time role a year ago and also proved to be one of the most dangerous return men in the nation, leading the nation with three kickoff return touchdowns. If the ground game improves (just 3.6 YPC last year) then the offense could trend upward. Whether or not that's enough to eclipse three wins remains to be seen.

It's rebuild time in Amherst as UMass lost its head coach and its AI -- Andy Isabella, to be precise. The lightning-quick wideout set every conceivable receiving record for the Minutmen a year ago (102-1698-13) and is now in the NFL. Without his ability to take the top off of a defense, UMass will struggle to put up points in 2019. One bright spot should be JUCO QB Andrew Brito, who overcomes his lack of size (5-10) with excellent accuracy and a quick release. He may be running for his life a bit as the O-line replaces three starters. First year coach Walt Bell has big time chops, serving as OC at Florida State last year and at Maryland the prior two seasons. The defense is highlighted by cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, who saw a dip in his numbers as a junior as teams didn't often test him. UMass will be underdogs in almost every contest this year and has an especially tough closing stretch -- at Army and Northwestern and home against BYU.

INDEPENDENT PREDICTIONS

1 Army (12-1)*R
2 Notre Dame (9-3)*R
3 Brigham Young (8-4)*R
4 Liberty (7-5)*
5 New Mexico State (3-9)
6 UMass (2-10)

* Bowl participant
R CFB Focus Top 40 team

ALL INDEPENDENT
OFFENSE
QB Ian Book/Notre Dame
RB Jason Huntley/New Mexico State
RB Kell Walker/Army
WR Antonio Gandy-Golden/Liberty
WR Gunner Romney/Brigham Young
WR Chase Claypool/Notre Dame
TE  Matt Bushman/Brigham Young
OT Liam Eichenberg/Notre Dame
OT Sage Doxtater/New Mexico State
OG Tommy Kraemer/Notre Dame
OG Jaxson Deaton/Army
 C  James Empey/Brigham Young

DEFENSE
DE Julian Okwara/Notre Dame
DE Jesse Lemonier/Liberty
DT Roy Lopez/New Mexico State
DT Khyiris Tonga/Brigham Young
LB Javahn Fergerson/New Mexico State
LB Jarvis Miller/UMass
LB Cole Christiansen/Army
CB Isaiah Rodgers/UMass
CB Shamad Lomax/New Mexico State
 S  Alohi Gilman/Notre Dame
 S  Jaylon McClinton/Army

SPECIALISTS
  K Alex Probert/Liberty
  P Payton Theisler/New Mexico State
RS Jason Huntley/New Mexico State

TOP GAMES
Utah at Brigham Young (Aug. 29)
Army at Michigan (Sept. 7)
Brigham Young at Tennessee (Sept. 7)
USC at Brigham Young (Sept. 14)
Notre Dame at Georgia (Sept. 21)
Washington at Brigham Young (Sept. 21)
Virginia at Notre Dame (Sept. 28)
Notre Dame at Michigan (Oct. 26)
Notre Dame at Stanford (Nov. 30)
Army vs. Navy (Philadelphia) (Dec. 14)

TOP FIVE INCOMING FRESHMEN
DT Jacob Lacey/Notre Dame
LB Chaz Ah You/Brigham Young
OT Quin Carroll/Notre Dame
QB Jonathan Bennett/Liberty 
WR Jermaine Johnson/UMass

TOP FIVE TRANSFERS
LB Jarvis Miller/UMass (Penn State)
RB Ty'Son Williams/Brigham Young (South Carolina)
 S   Chance Cook/New Mexico State (Oklahoma State)
WR Tony Nicholson/New Mexico State (Baylor) 
RB Emmanuel Esupka/Brigham Young (Rice) 

TOP FIVE JUCO TRANSFERS
QB Andrew Brito/UMass
CB Eric Ellison/Brigham Young
WR Robert Downs/New Mexico State
OT Maisen Knight/Liberty
 S  Christopher Bell/New Mexico State

2019 SEC Preview

While the SEC still holds the banner of college football's top conference, the beatdown administered to Alabama in last year's CFP title game took a bit of the luster off of things. The Tide were thoroughly demolished by Clemson, and no amount of coaches agendas/players looking to the NFL/excuse making will change that fact.

Alabama's Tua Tagovailoa (AL.com)

The Tide has circled the wagons in preparation for 2019, and you can bet that a retinkered coaching staff means a rejuvenated Nick Saban. And when Saban is rejuvenated and the hunter rather than the hunted, Alabama is as dangerous as they come. There is talent galore on both sides of the ball, and you can bet that the 18.9 ppg allowed (highest total since 2014) was a number that Saban will fix. Stars Dylan Moses and Xavier McKinney pace a unit that amassed 45 sacks and was +6 in turnovers, so foes will find the going to be tough. Offensively, the nation's top receving corps -- led by Jerry Jeudy -- has one of the best in the nation tossing the pig in Tua Tagovailoa, and if a retooled offensive line plays up to expectation it could be a juggernaut. Bama should be favored in road games against Texas A&M, Mississippi State and Auburn, and hosts what could be the premier contest of the SEC season Nov. 9 against LSU.

Speaking of the Tigers, they got back on track with their most potent offense since 2014, thanks in large part to Ohio State transfer QB Joe Burrow. Back for another season, Burrow has moxie but needs to improve his accuracy (58 percent) if LSU is to knock Alabama from its perch. He'll have a mostly intact line and a cadre of receivers at his disposal, so the offense could be a bit more explosive. Dave Aranda has another top flight defense, even after losing Devin White and Greedy Williams to the NFL. It's next man up in Baton Rouge, and those would be Jacob Phillips at LB and Kristian Fulton at one corner spot. Both could become stars this year, though safety Grant Delpit is already at that level. LSU thrived without generating a fierce pass rush (34 sacks), and was proficient at forcing turnovers (+12). A week two showdown at Texas could set the tone for the season, which also includes trips to Mississippi State and Alabama. The Tigers host Florida and Texas A&M and with a few breaks could be right in the mix for a division crown.

Year one under Joe Moorhead didn't go quite as expected for Mississippi State, and with the heart of the defense off to the NFL you have to wonder if the Bulldogs can take a step forward. Only four are back on the stop side, though the LB tandem of Erroll Thompson and Willie Gay is one of the best in the league. Cam Dantzler is a legit AA candidate at corner, but it's tough to envision MSU being as good getting to the QB (39 sacks) as it was last year. Penn State transfer Tommy Stevens comes in to run the offense, and his passing ability is an upgrade over Nick Fitzgerald's. Kylin Hill is one of the better backs in the league, and the receiver corps is underrated. If the O-line holds up this offense could look more like Moorhead envisioned, though road trips to Auburn and Texas A&M will be tricky. MSU gets Alabama and LSU at home, however.

The talent level at Texas A&M has improved in Jimbo Fisher's short time, but this year could be a case of the record not showing it as the schedule is flat out brutal. A trip to Clemson in week two is followed by home tilts with Auburn, Alabama and Mississippi State, and the season ends with road trips to Georgia and LSU. If the Aggies equal last year's nine-win mark Fisher should be coach of the year. The offense should be good with Kellen Mond at the controls, and the O-line and receivers have talent and experience. The defense could be iffy, though, as there is talent -- but much of it is green. The secondary should be a strength, and young guys in the front seven are quick and aggressive, so if that group play up to par it could surprise.

It was back to the drawing board for Auburn, which averaged just 22 ppg in league play before Gus Malzahn assumed playcalling duties in the bowl game -- and the Tigers put up 63 points against Purdue. Who he gets to run the show is a question, but it will be someone lacking experience. Look for more QB runs, whoever gets the job. They will have the luxury of performing behind of the best, most experienced lines in America, and with the specter of the QB run the ground game should improve. The defense returns seven from an excellent unit, notably AA DT Derrick Brown. An underrated secondary could cause problems. Opening the season against Oregon is no picnic, nor are trips to A&M, Florida or LSU. Ending the season with Georgia and Alabama isn't much better.

Two teams that are moving up but still a ways away from contending are Ole Miss and Arkansas. Both enter 2019 with new quarterbacks and rosters fairly low on experience, but improving in talent. The Rebels will lean more on the run game and Scottie Phillips now that the starting receiving group is all in the NFL. The defense was a sieve last year and has nowhere to go but up. An influx of JUCO talent on that side could make it a better group. The Razorbacks also were charitable on defense but were getting used to a new 4-3 scheme. A year older, the group -- led by LB De'Jon Harris -- should be better. There are a few playmakers on offense, notably RB Rakeem Boyd and TE Cheyenne O'Grady. SMU transfer Ben Hicks is an upgrade at QB and should make the Hogs competent on that side of the ball.

It's a two-team race in the East, with Georgia and Florida well ahead of the pack.

The Bulldogs are still the most talented team in the division, and have reliable QB Jake Fromm -- who isn't just a game manager -- back for another season. Georgia may lean more on D'Andre Swift and the run game since the receiving corps is new, but that's not a bad thing when the O-line is as good as this one. The defense regressed slightly from it's snarling 2017 level, but could have some teeth with more experience. The D-line especially should be better, with Jordan Davis ready to take off up front and JUCO transfer Jermaine Johnson making plays from his linebacker spot. The secondary lost its best player (D'Andre Walker) and lacks playmakers, but has depth and talent. That group will need to play better if Georgia is to make another run at the CFP. A home date with Notre Dame adds spice to the schedule, which also includes a trip to Auburn, a home date with A&M and the usual neutral site showdown with the Gators.

Florida was one of the most improved teams in the nation under Dan Mullen, jumping from four wins to 10, which included an upset of LSU and a bowl blowout over Michigan. Mullen transformed QB Feleipe Franks from a run-first, scattershot passer into a disciplined thrower (24-6 TD-INT ratio), though he does need to get a bit better with his accuracy (just a shade over 58 percent). A solid committee in the backfield and a deep, talented receiving corps should be potent, though could be minimized if a retooled offensive line misfires. The defense has eight back from a group that allowed just 20 ppg a year ago, and should be just as good. End Jabari Zuniga, linebackers David Reese and Trey Dean and secondary stars CJ Henderson and Brad Stewart give the Gators one of the most talented starting units in America. The Gators leave Florida just once in the first six weeks of the season, but must go to LSU and Missouri while entertaining Auburn and Florida State at home. And that doesn't even mention the Georgia game, which could determine the division title.

How will Missouri respond to a postseason ban? Good question. If the Tigers use an us against the world mentality they could be very good. But if they wonder what there really is to play for, it could spiral downhill quickly. A solid skill contingent is augemented by the transfer of Clemson QB Kelly Bryant, who will provide more of a running threat than Drew Lock, if not the downfield passing threat. The defense was underrated last year, and should be able to withstand the loss of Terez Hall at linebacker. JUCO transfer Sci Martin could be a revelation at one end spot, and Cale Garrett is a tackling machine at linebacker. The secondary is unheralded but sneaky good, led by DeMarkus Acy. Mizzou likely won't be challenged until late October when it ventures to Kentucky, and back to back games with Georgia and Florida will be difficult.

Can Kentucky do it again? It won't be easy with just 10 returnees, but Mark Stoops has changed the culture so anything is possible. The offensive line had a lot of turnover, and the backfield lost record setter Benny Snell Jr, but dynamic wideout Lynn Bowden Jr is back to terrorize defenses. If Terry Wilson plays better at quarterback -- just 11 TDs last season -- the Wildcats could surprise, and he will need to as he will be asked to throw more than he did a year ago. The defense was top-notch last year but lost rush terror Josh Allen to the NFL. LB Kash Daniel will take over the leader of the D, and he and the front seven will need to play well in front of a completely revamped secondary. The schedule is manageable, with only a road trip to Georgia qualifying as scary. Florida and Missouri come to Lexington.

We're not sure what South Carolina did to piss off the scheduling gods, but playing Alabama, Florida, A&M and Clemson would be a challenge for any squad. The Gamecocks have seven back on both sides of the ball, and the offense could be the best in Columbia in some time with a solid receiving corps and an improved Jake Bentley. The defense stumbled last season and may have a tough time getting back to an elite level. If it happens it will come from outstanding linebacker play and more success getting to the quarterback (26 sacks in 2018). This is a grizzled bunch, so bettering last year's seven wins would not be a complete shock. Still, it's going to be an uphill climb.

Tennessee is improving its talent level, and is one of the more experienced teams in the country with 16 starters back, including 10 on offense. Jarrett Guarantano was solid at quarterback in  2018 and could take a step forward with a dynamic group of receivers as targets. The O-line will start two freshmen and a sophomore, but could be a team strength. The defense wasn't great but should improve behind an experienced back seven. LBs Darrell Taylor and Daniel Bituli should provide leadership, and both are fast and active. The schedule is unforgiving, with trips to Florida and Alabama and home games with BYU, Georgia and Mississippi State.

Do not sleep on Vanderbilt, while could have its best offense in years thanks to a pair of transfers and the reeturn of the SEC's best running back. The Commodores got Riley Neal from Ball State to run the offense, and Harvard transfer Justice Shelton-Mosley is a big play type who can stretch defenses out wide. Ke'Shawn Vaughn averaged nearly eight yards per tote last year and scored 12 TDs against defenses geared to stop the run. Look for more of the same this year.  Kalija Lipscomb and Jared Pinkney are holdovers who should also be a big part of the passing attack. The was solid but could regress after losing five of its top seven tacklers. Illinois grad transfer Cam Watkins should be good at one corner spot, and linebacker Dmitri Moore played well but didn't garner many headlines. That could change. If Vanderbilt is still standing after a schedule that opens with Georgia, Purdue and LSU, it could be in the running for a second straight bowl bid. A trip to Florida won't be fun, but the Commodores miss Alabama, A&M and Mississippi State.

SEC PREDICTIONS
EAST

1 Georgia (10-3, 6-2)*R
1 Florida (10-2, 6-2)*R
3 Missouri (8-4, 4-4)*R
4 Kentucky (7-5, 3-5)*
4 South Carolina (6-6, 3-5)*
4 Tennessee (6-6, 3-5)*
7 Vanderbilt (5-7, 2-7)

WEST

1 Alabama (13-0, 8-0)*R
2 LSU (9-3, 6-2)*R
3 Texas A&M (8-4, 5-3)*R
4 Mississippi State (8-4, 4-4)*R
4 Auburn (7-5, 4-4)
6 Arkansas (5-7, 1-7)
6 Ole Miss (3-9, 1-7)

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Alabama over Georgia

* Bowl participant
R CFB Focus Top 40 team

ALL-SEC
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QB Tua Tagovailoa/Alabama
RB Ke'Shawn Vaughn/Vanderbilt
RB D'Andre Swift/Georgia
WR Jerry Jeudy/Alabama
WR Bryan Edwards/South Carolina
WR Kalija Lipscomb/Vanderbilt
TE  Albert Okwuegbunam/Missouri
OT Andrew Thomas/Georgia
OT Prince Tega Wanogho/Auburn
OG Logan Stenberg/Kentucky
OG Jahmir Johnson/Tennessee
 C  Lloyd Cushenberry III/LSU

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DE Raekwon Davis/Alabama
DE Jabari Zuniga/Florida
DT Derrick Brown/Auburn
DT Tyler Clark/Georgia
LB Dylan Moses/Alabama
LB De'Jon Harris/Arkansas
LB Erroll Thompson/Mississippi State
CB CJ Henderson/Florida
CB Cameron Dantzler/Mississippi State
 S  Grant Delpit/LSU
 S  JR Reed/Georgia

FIRST TEAM SPECIALISTS
 K Rodrigo Blankenship/Georgia
 P Braden Mann/Texas A&M
RS Jaylen Waddle/Alabama

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QB Jake Fromm/Georgia
RB Najee Harris/Alabama
RB Kylin Hill/Mississippi State
WR Henry Ruggs Jr/Alabama
WR Van Jefferson/Florida
WR Justin Jefferson/LSU
TE  Jared Pinkney/Vanderbilt
OT Alex Leatherwood/Alabama
OT Isaiah Wilson/Georgia
OG Tre'Vour Wallace-Sims/Missouri
OG Mike Horton/Auburn
 C  Darryl Williams/Mississippi State

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DE Nick Coe/Auburn
DE Rashard Lawrence/LSU
DT McTelvin Agim/Arkansas
DT Justin Madubuike/Texas A&M
LB David Reese/Florida
LB Cale Garrett/Missouri
LB Jacob Phillips/LSU
CB Kristian Fulton/LSU
CB Patrick Surtain II/Alabama
 S   Xavier McKinney/Alabama
 S   Daniel Thomas/Auburn

SECOND TEAM SPECIALISTS
 K Connor Limpert/Arkansas
 P  Tommy Townsend/Florida
RS Lynn Bowden Jr/Kentucky

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Tua Tagovailoa
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Grant Delpit
COACH OF THE YEAR: Nick Saban/Alabama
TOP NEWCOMER: CB Derek Stingley/LSU

TOP FIVE GAMES (NONCONFERENCE)
Florida vs Miami (Orlando) (Aug. 24)
Auburn vs Oregon (Arlington, Texas) (Aug. 31)
LSU at Texas (Sept. 7)
Texas A&M at Clemson (Sept. 7)
Notre Dame at Georgia (Sept. 21)

TOP FIVE GAMES (CONFERENCE)
Alabama at Texas A&M (Oct. 18)
Florida at LSU (Oct. 12)
Florida vs Georgia (Jacksonville) (Nov. 2)
LSU at Alabama (Nov. 9)
Texas A&M at Georgia (Nov. 23)

TOP FIVE INCOMING FRESHMEN
CB Derek Stingley/LSU
DT Zacch Pickens/South Carolina
OT Wanya Morris/Tennessee
LB Nolan Smith/Georgia
DT Adarious Jones/Texas A&M

TOP FIVE TRANSFERS
QB Tommy Stevens/Mississippi State (Penn State)
QB Kelly Bryant/Missouri (Clemson)
  S  Jamel Cook/South Carolina (USC)
WR Justice Shelton-Mosley/Vanderbilt (Harvard)
QB Ben Hicks/Arkansas (SMU)

TOP FIVE JUCO TRANSFERS
CB Elijah Blades/Texas A&M
WR JaVonta Payton/Mississippi State
LB Jermaine Johnson/Georgia
DE Sci Martin/Missouri
CB Brandin Echols/Kentucky