College Football Preview (All Teams)

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: Eastern Michigan



EASTERN MICHIGAN EAGLES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 2-10 (2-6 in MAC)
ATS Record: 5-7
Over/Under: 8-4
Points Scored: 19.0 PPG
Points Allowed: 43.9 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win MAC West Division: 12/1
Odds to Win MAC Championship: 40/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 7
The rough ride continues for EMU, whose 2-10 record last year gives it a 10-50 record since 2006. The Eagles lost by an average score of 44-19 in 2010, but QB Alex Gillett (1,633 pass yds, 13 TD, 13 INT; 766 rush yds, 5 TD) and RB Javonti Greene (5.5 YPC) are back to help the team move forward behind a heavier offensive line. Returning junior WR Kinsman Thomas (26 rec, 473 yds, 4 TD) remains the team’s top receiver.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 7
The defense had a pathetic 10 sacks, and TWO total interceptions last year. Senior DE Javon Reese (team-high 3.5 sacks, 4.5 TFL) has big-play ability, but the top two LBs are gone, leaving senior Marcus English (37 tackles) as the de-facto leader. CB Marcell Rose (56 tackles, 6 PD) and SS Martavius Cardwell (46 tackles, 4 TFL) will try to lead the secondary back to respectability.

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Howard
Sat, Sept. 10 – Alabama State
Sat, Sept. 17 – at Michigan
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Penn State
Sat, Oct. 1 – Akron
Sat, Oct. 8 – at Toledo
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Central Michigan
Sat, Oct. 22 – Western Michigan
Sat, Nov. 5 – Ball State
Sat, Nov. 12 – Buffalo
Sat, Nov. 19 – at Kent State
Fri, Nov. 25 – at Northern Illinois

******* Take: The last time the Eagles won more than four games was in 1995, but it’s very possible that they can break that streak this year and challenge for bowl eligibility. EMU has two gimme wins to start the season (Howard and Alabama State) and plays two home games against MAC teams that went 1-7 in conference play last year (Akron and Buffalo). The Eagles could get that elusive fifth win hosting a weak Ball State team or even on the road against Kent State who shares the longest odds to win the MAC at 40-to-1. Prediction: 4-8 record.

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: Kent State



KENT STATE GOLDEN FLASHES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 5-7 (4-4 in MAC)
ATS Record: 5-7
Over/Under: 4-7
Points Scored: 21.3 PPG
Points Allowed: 22.9 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win MAC East Division: 12/1
Odds to Win MAC Championship: 40/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 9
Former Ohio State receivers coach Darrell Hazell takes over as Kent State’s head coach and will work with former Purdue receivers coach Brian Rock as his new offensive coordinator. Both will try to rejuvenate QB Spencer Keith who had a rough sophomore year (2,212 pass yds, 8 TD, 11 INT), but his favorite WR returns in Tyshon Goode (743 rec yds, 5 TD). The maturing O-Line returns all five starters, which should help the subpar ground game.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 5
New defensive coordinator Jon Heacock, who was the head coach at Youngstown State, will switch from a 3-4 to a 4-3 this year. He may not want to change too much, considering KSU ranked in the nation’s top 8 in rushing defense (97 YPG), TFL (100) and sacks per game (2.9). Of the returning defenders, the standouts are DT Roosevelt Nix (9 sacks, 20 TFL) and CBs Norman Wolfe (5 INT) and Josh Pleasant (8 PD).

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – at Alabama
Sat, Sept. 10 – Louisiana-Lafayette
Sat, Sept. 17 – at Kansas State
Sat, Sept. 24 – South Alabama
Sat, Oct. 1 – at Ohio
Sat, Oct. 8 – at Northern Illinois
Sat, Oct. 15 – Miami Ohio
Sat, Oct. 29 – Bowling Green
Fri, Nov. 4 – Central Michigan
Sat, Nov. 12 – at Akron
Sat, Nov. 19 – Eastern Michigan
Fri, Nov. 25 – at Temple

******* Take: The Flashes have a difficult schedule, especially drawing all three MAC teams carrying odds to win the conference of 3-to-1 or shorter (Northern Illinois, Temple and Miami Ohio). The non-conference slate is manageable other than the season opener at Alabama, a national title contender. There are certainly wins to be had at home, and if KSU gels quickly under its new coaching staff, a .500 season is very possible. Prediction: 5-7 record.

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: Miami Ohio



MIAMI OHIO REDHAWKS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 10-4 (8-1 in MAC)
ATS Record: 9-5
Over/Under: 3-11
Points Scored: 21.6 PPG
Points Allowed: 22.2 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win MAC East Division: 7/4
Odds to Win MAC Championship: 3/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 8
After going 3-21 in 2008-09, the RedHawks stunned the MAC by winning the 2010 conference title. They will try to repeat with 17 returning starters and a new head coach, Don Treadwell. The team has two capable junior quarterbacks. Zac Dysert’s (2,406 pass yds, 13 TD, 12 INT) spleen injury allowed backup Austin Boucher to shine in the two postseason games (622 pass yds, 3 TD). Two key performers are gone (RB Thomas Merriweather and WR Armand Robinson), but RB Tracy Woods (376 yds, 4.0 YPC) and WR Nick Harwell (64 rec, 871 yds, 6 TD) are talented replacements.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 9
New defensive coordinator Pete Rekstis inherits a unit that forced 35 turnovers and had 35 sacks. His returnees include DE Jason Semmes (6 sacks), MLB Jerrell Wedge (101 tackles), OLB Evan Harris (6 INT, 94 tackles), CB Dayonne Nunley (6 INT) and CB D.J. Brown (13 PD).

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – at Missouri
Sat, Sept. 17 – at Minnesota
Sat, Sept. 24 – Bowling Green
Sat, Oct. 1 – Cincinnati
Sat, Oct. 8 – Army
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Kent State
Sat, Oct. 22 – at Toledo
Sat, Oct. 29 – Buffalo
Thu, Nov. 3 – Akron
Wed, Nov. 9 – at Temple
Wed, Nov. 16 – Western Michigan
Tue, Nov. 22 – at Ohio

******* Take: A difficult non-conference schedule (at Missouri, at Minnesota, Cincinnati and Army) should be a good preparation to set up conference play for the defending MAC champs. The RedHawks play three home games against last year’s three worst MAC teams, as Bowling Green, Buffalo and Akron all finished 1-7. The road schedule is pretty tough, especially at Toledo and Temple who will both challenge the RedHawks (and Northern Illinois) for the conference crown. Prediction: 8-4 record.

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: Northern Illinois



NORTHERN ILLINOIS HUSKIES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 11-3 (8-1 in MAC)
ATS Record: 10-3-1
Over/Under: 8-5
Points Scored: 37.0 PPG
Points Allowed: 18.9 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win MAC West Division: 3/2
Odds to Win MAC Championship: 2/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 9
The Huskies were a perfect 8-0 in the MAC before losing to Miami Ohio in the title game. Head coach Jerry Kill left for Minnesota, and NIU hired Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Doeren to replace him. He and new offensive coordinator Matt Canada (Indiana OC) inherit a stacked offense only losing one key player in RB Chad Spann, who gained 1,388 yards with 22 TD. But three-year starting QB Chandler Harnish (21 TD, 5 INT) has plenty of weapons -- RBs Jasmin Hopkins (9.6 YPC) and Cameron Bell (5.8 YPC), and WRs Willie Clark (602 rec yds, 7 TD) and Nathan Palmer (532 yds, 6 TD). The O-Line was tremendous in 2010 (13 sacks allowed) and returns all five starters.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 4
The defense lost a lot, but DE Sean Progar (4 sacks), MLB Devon Butler (80 tackles), WLB Tyrone Clark (77 tackles, 4 INT) and CB Rashaan Melvin (2 INT) are a good foundation.

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – Army
Sat, Sept. 10 – at Kansas
Sat, Sept. 17 – vs. Wisconsin (in Chicago)
Sat, Sept. 24 – Cal Poly
Sat, Oct. 1 – at Central Michigan
Sat, Oct. 8 – Kent State
Sat, Oct. 15 – Western Michigan
Sat, Oct. 22 – at Buffalo
Tue, Nov. 1 – at Toledo
Tue, Nov. 8 – at Bowling Green
Tue, Nov. 15 – Ball State
Fri, Nov. 25 – Eastern Michigan

******* Take: The Huskies are favored to win the conference, and certainly have the schedule to go 8-0 in the MAC for a second straight year. They don’t play the other conference favorites Temple and Miami Ohio, making the Nov. 1 game at Toledo by far the biggest obstacle to getting back to the conference championship game. Non-conference clashes at Kansas and versus Wisconsin at Soldier Field in Chicago will be tough tests for the unproven defense. Prediction: 9-3 record.

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: Ohio



OHIO BOBCATS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 8-5 (6-2 in MAC)
ATS Record: 8-5
Over/Under: 6-4-2
Points Scored: 27.5 PPG
Points Allowed: 23.8 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win MAC East Division: 7/2
Odds to Win MAC Championship: 10/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 8
Frank Solich’s Ohio team is on the rise with 17 wins in the past two seasons. The offense could have a setback in 2011 with QB Boo Jackson graduating. He will likely be replaced by senior Phil Bates, who is a great ball carrier (519 yds, 6.7 YPC), but a poor passer (9-23, 178 yds, 1 TD, 3 INT). Leading rusher Vince Davidson also graduated, but whoever carries the football will do so behind a top-notch offensive line that returns all five starters, including All-MAC OTs Joe Flading and A.J. Strum. The starting WR jobs are also up for grabs.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 4
Defensively, there aren’t many returnees from last year’s team that ranked 20th in the nation in rushing defense (123 YPG). All four starting DLs exit, leaving DT Carl Jones (5 TFL) as the only experienced lineman. All three linebackers return, but OLBs Alphonso Lewis (38 tackles) and Eric Benjamin (56 tackles) need to be more productive. CBs Travis Carrie (5 PD) and Omar Leftwich (7 PD) will be tasked with leading the secondary.

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – at New Mexico State
Sat, Sept. 10 – Gardner-Webb
Sat, Sept. 17 – Marshall
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Rutgers
Sat, Oct. 1 – Kent State
Sat, Oct. 8 – at Buffalo
Sat, Oct. 15 – Ball State
Sat, Oct. 22 – at Akron
Wed, Nov. 2 – Temple
Thu, Nov. 10 – at Central Michigan
Wed, Nov. 16 – at Bowling Green
Tue, Nov. 22 – Miami Ohio

******* Take: The Bobcats have a perfect conference schedule to make them a legitimate darkhorse to win the MAC East. Of the four conference favorites, they play two of those schools at home (Temple and Miami Ohio) and don’t play the other two at all (Northern Illinois and Toledo). Ohio’s four conference road games consist of teams that combined to 5-27 in MAC play last year. The only tough non-conference matchup is at Rutgers. Despite the favorable schedule, there are too many questions on both sides of the ball to expect Ohio to finish ahead of both Temple and Miami Ohio. Prediction: 8-4 record.

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: Temple



TEMPLE OWLS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 8-4 (5-3 in MAC)
ATS Record: 7-5
Over/Under: 4-8
Points Scored: 25.0 PPG
Points Allowed: 19.1 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win MAC East Division: 3/2
Odds to Win MAC Championship: 5/2
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 8
Florida OC Steve Addazio replaces Al Golden as Temple’s head coach. Addazio and new co-OC Scot Loeffler (Florida QB coach) will help implement a multiple offensive system. Two QBs will vie for starting honors. Senior Chester Stewart (842 pass yds, 4 TD, 5 INT) started the first seven games last year while junior Mike Gerardi was a little better (1,290 pass yds, 10 TD, 8 INT) in starting the final five. The running game is in good shape with Matt Brown (830 rush yds, 5.1 YPC, 7 TD) and Bernard Pierce (728 rush yds, 4.7 YPC, 10 TD), while senior WR Rod Streater (481 yds, 16.0 avg, 4 TD) is a reliable target. The O-Line is pretty stable with three starters returning.

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 5
The Owls will miss DT Muhammad Wilkerson and their top two tacklers at LB. But DE Adrian Robinson (3.5 sacks), OLB Tahir Whitehead (7.5 TFL), CB Kee-ayre Griffin (51 tackles) and Justin Gildea (58 tackles) can all make plays.

2011 Schedule:
Thu, Sept. 1 – Villanova
Sat, Sept. 10 – at Akron
Sat, Sept. 17 – Penn State
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Maryland
Sat, Oct. 1 – Toledo
Sat, Oct. 8 – at Ball State
Sat, Oct. 15 – Buffalo
Sat, Oct. 22 – at Bowling Green
Wed, Nov. 2 – at Ohio
Wed, Nov. 9 – Miami Ohio
Sat, Nov. 19 – Army
Fri, Nov. 25 – Kent State

******* Take: Temple plays seven home games this year, including a Sept. 17 showdown with mighty Penn State. The MAC East favorites should be 5-0 in conference play before they enter a tough November that pits the Owls against the other two contenders in their division -- Ohio and Miami Ohio. But with a new coaching staff, this team should be able to make the adjustments throughout September to become the division champion at the end of November. Prediction: 9-3 record.

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: Toledo


TOLEDO ROCKETS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 8-5 (7-1 in MAC)
ATS Record: 7-5-1
Over/Under: 8-5
Points Scored: 27.9 PPG
Points Allowed: 28.5 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win MAC West Division: 2/1
Odds to Win MAC Championship: 77/20
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Spread - Starters Returning: 9
A +11 turnover margin was a big reason Toledo was able to win eight games and go bowling last year. Head coach Tim Beckman has a fierce QB battle raging between junior Austin Dantin (1,254 pass yds, 7 TD, 8 INT) and sophomore Terrance Owens (1,244 pass yds, 13 TD, 5 INT) who did an outstanding job replacing Dantin when he got injured. The stars of the show are senior TB Adonis Thomas (1,098 rush yds, 6.3 YPC, 372 rec yds, 10 total TD) and electrifying junior WR Eric Page (99 rec, 1,105 yds, 8 TD, 3 kick ret. TD).

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 8
In addition to the 34 forced turnovers, Toledo’s defense only allowed 5.3 yards per play. The Rockets will miss leading tackler WLB Archie Donald and DE Douglas Westbrook, but they are strong throughout with DE T.J. Fatinikun (5 sacks, 13 TFL), DT Malcolm Riley (5.5 sacks, 10 TFL), MLB Dan Molls (143 tackles, 3 INT) and S Mark Singer (73 tackles, 2 INT).

2011 Schedule:
Thu, Sept. 1 – New Hampshire
Sat, Sept. 10 – at Ohio State
Fri, Sept. 16 – Boise State
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Syracuse
Sat, Oct. 1 – at Temple
Sat, Oct. 8 – Eastern Michigan
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Bowling Green
Sat, Oct. 22 – Miami Ohio
Tue, Nov. 1 – Northern Illinois
Tue, Nov. 8 – Western Michigan
Fri, Nov. 18 – at Central Michigan
Fri, Nov. 25 – at Ball State

******* Take: The Rockets certainly have a challenging schedule, hosting Boise State and making three brutal road trips in their first five contests (Ohio State, Syracuse and Temple). However, the conference schedule affords them a three-game homestand to determine whether Toledo can win the MAC West, with games versus defending conference champion Miami Ohio and the two best teams in its division in Northern Illinois and Western Michigan. There just aren’t enough easy games to expect the Rockets to reach the MAC title game. Prediction: 7-5 record.

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: Western Michigan



WESTERN MICHIGAN BRONCOS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 6-6 (5-3 in MAC)
ATS Record: 5-5-2
Over/Under: 6-5
Points Scored: 32.3 PPG
Points Allowed: 23.8 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win MAC West Division: 77/20
Odds to Win MAC Championship: 10/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Multiple - Starters Returning: 6
The Broncos are riding a three-game winning streak from last season, outscoring those opponents 124 to 40. QB Alex Carder, the MAC total offense leader (297 total YPG) returns for his junior season eager to pick up where he left off last year (20 TD, 3 INT in final six games). He’ll get to do so with incredible WR Jordan White (94 rec, 1,378 yds, 10 TD) who was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA. RB Tevin Drake only played six games, but still led the team in rushing (405 yds, 10.1 YPC) while Brian Fields also came on strong (362 rush yds, 6.5 YPC).

Defense:
Base 43 - Starters Returning: 8
The defense returns eight starters, including the entire D-Line, led by DE Paul Hazel (8 sacks, 12 TFL). MLB Mitch Zajac (97 tackles) and WLB Dex Jones (5.5 sacks, 12.5 TFL) also return, while the secondary will be led by sophomore CB Lewis Toler, who had a superb freshman campaign: 5 INT (1 TD), 9 PD, 2 FR and 59 tackles.

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – at Michigan
Sat, Sept. 10 – Nicholls State
Sat, Sept. 17 – Central Michigan
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Illinois
Sat, Oct. 1 – at Connecticut
Sat, Oct. 8 – Bowling Green
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Northern Illinois
Sat, Oct. 22 – at Eastern Michigan
Sat, Oct. 29 – Ball State
Tue, Nov. 8 – at Toledo
Wed, Nov. 16 – at Miami Ohio
Fri, Nov. 25 – Akron

******* Take: With seven true road games, the Broncos have a terribly difficult schedule. Not only do they travel to three quality BCS teams’ stadiums (Michigan, Illinois and Connecticut), but they also play their three toughest conference opponents on the road (Northern Illinois, Toledo and Miami Ohio). On the flip side, there is no reason WMU should lose any of its five home games, facing FCS school Nicholls State and four MAC schools that combined for just seven conference wins last year. Prediction: 7-5 record.

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: Arkansas State



ARKANSAS STATE RED WOLVES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 4-8 (4-4 in Sun Belt)
ATS Record: 7-5
Over/Under: 7-5
Points Scored: 30.0 PPG
Points Allowed: 30.7 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win Sun Belt Championship: 6/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense: Multiple - Starters Returning: 6
Defense: Base 43 - Starters Returning: 7
The Red Wolves will continue to rely on their offense as Hugh Freeze moves from offensive coordinator to head coach. QB Ryan Aplin (21 pass TD, 11 rush TD) is a dual-threat option, and he’ll lean on WRs Allen Muse (635 rec yds) and Taylor Stockemer (560 rec yds). But ASU lost all its starters on the offensive line, and the defense has to limit big plays (437 YPG). DT Bryan Hall is a key loss, but DE Brandon Joiner (4.5 sacks) and LB Demario Davis (63 tackles) are ready to shine for new defensive coordinator Dave Wommack.

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – at Illinois
Sat, Sept. 10 – Memphis
Sat, Sept. 17 – at Virginia Tech
Sat, Sept. 24 – Central Arkansas
Sat, Oct. 1 – at Western Kentucky
Sat, Oct. 8 – at Louisiana-Monroe
Tue, Oct. 18 – Florida International
Sat, Oct. 29 – North Texas
Sat, Nov. 5 – at Florida Atlantic
Sat, Nov. 12 – Louisiana-Lafayette
Sat, Nov. 19 – at Middle Tennessee
Sat, Dec. 3 – Troy

******* Take: The Red Wolves are a darkhorse to win the conference since they play both of the Sun Belt favorites (Troy and Florida International) at home this year. Two non-conference road games won’t be pretty (at Illinois and at Virginia Tech), but ASU could beat Memphis at home and should crush Central Arkansas. Prediction: 7-5 record.

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: Florida Atlantic



FLORIDA ATLANTIC OWLS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 4-8 (3-5 in Sun Belt)
ATS Record: 3-9
Over/Under: 4-8
Points Scored: 16.8 PPG
Points Allowed: 29.2 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win Sun Belt Championship: 14/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense: Multiple - Starters Returning: 7
Defense: Base 43 - Starters Returning: 5
Florida Atlantic opens its 2011 season with five straight road games as its new 30,000-seat stadium is completed. And with the departure of Jeff Van Camp, the Owls will have a new starter at QB. Graham Wilbert hurt his hand in the spring and might miss time in August camp, allowing David Kooi to get the job. WR Lester Jean and TE Rob Housler are gone, so the Owls need some playmakers to emerge. The running game was subpar in 2010, but it will return RB Alfred Morris (928 rush yds, 7 TD) and all five O-Line starters. Howard Schnellenberger’s defense also needs help as the Owls allowed 30-plus points seven times last season.

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – at Florida
Sat, Sept. 10 – at Michigan State
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Auburn
Sat, Oct. 1 – at Louisiana-Lafayette
Sat, Oct. 8 – at North Texas
Sat, Oct. 15 – Western Kentucky
Sat, Oct. 22 – Middle Tennessee
Sat, Nov. 5 – Arkansas State
Sat, Nov. 12 – at Florida International
Sat, Nov. 19 – at Troy
Sat, Nov. 26 – UAB
Sat, Dec. 3 – Louisiana-Monroe

******* Take: A seven-game road schedule is never fun, especially when you have to visit Florida, Michigan State, Auburn and the two best teams in the Sun Belt in Troy and Florida International. But if their offense emerges under Schnellenberger, the Owls have enough winnable games in their new FAU Stadium to finish in the middle of the pack in the Sun Belt, despite having the longest odds to win the conference. Prediction: 4-8 record.

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: Florida International


FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL GOLDEN PANTHERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 7-6 (6-2 in Sun Belt)
ATS Record: 6-6-1
Over/Under: 5-8
Points Scored: 28.8 PPG
Points Allowed: 27.3 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win Sun Belt Championship: 12/5
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense: Multiple Spread - Starters Returning: 7
Defense: Base 43 - Starters Returning: 7
FIU enjoyed its first Sun Belt title and bowl win in 2010. The offense is strong with all-everything performer T.Y. Hilton (59 rec, 848 yds) back. The WR ranked eighth in the nation with 160.7 YPG, while rushing for 282 yards and gaining another 959 yards on kick/punt returns. He has five career return TD (four kickoffs, one punt). QB Wes Carroll (2,623 yds, 16 TD) and RB Darriet Perry (839 rush yds, 16 TD) also return, but the Golden Panthers will need to replace DE Jarvis Wilson and his team-best 9.5 sacks. Look for Tourek Williams (6 sacks, 13.5 TFL) to anchor the defensive line.

2011 Schedule:
Thu, Sept. 1 – North Texas
Fri, Sept. 9 – at Louisville
Sat, Sept. 17 – UCF
Sat, Sept. 24 – Louisiana-Lafayette
Sat, Oct. 1 – Duke
Sat, Oct. 8 – at Akron
Tue, Oct. 18 – at Arkansas State
Tue, Oct. 25 – Troy
Sat, Nov. 5 – at Western Kentucky
Sat, Nov. 12 – Florida Atlantic
Sat, Nov. 19 – at Louisiana-Monroe
Sat, Nov. 26 – Middle Tennessee

******* Take: If the Panthers are going to repeat as Sun Belt champions, they’ll need to beat fellow conference favorite Troy on Oct. 25. But even if they defeat Troy at home, there are other pitfalls too. A trip to Arkansas State seven days earlier could be a trap game, and end-of-season road tilts at Louisiana-Monroe and Middle Tennessee could also wind up being losses. The non-conference schedule is interesting, as FIU could win all four games if it is clicking on all cylinders. Prediction: 8-4 record.

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: Louisiana-Lafayette


LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE RAGIN’ CAJUNS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 3-9 (3-5 in Sun Belt)
ATS Record: 7-5
Over/Under: 7-5
Points Scored: 22.3 PPG
Points Allowed: 37.0 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win Sun Belt Championship: 12/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense: Multiple Spread - Starters Returning: 5
Defense: Base 43 - Starters Returning: 5
Mark Hudspeth takes over as head coach as the Ragin’ Cajuns try to put last season’s 3-9 mark behind them. Chris Masson (1,842 pass yds, 11 TD) has the edge over Blaine Gauthier (561 pass yds, 3 TD) at QB, but both could see action during the fall and TE Ladarius Green (794 rec yds, 7 TD) is a great target. The defense allowed 37.0 PPG last year (112th in FBS), with only 17 sacks. DE Emeka Onyenekwu (4.5 sacks) is a key defender to watch.

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – at Oklahoma State
Sat, Sept. 10 – at Kent State
Sat, Sept. 17 – Nicholls State
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Florida International
Sat, Oct. 1 – Florida Atlantic
Sat, Oct. 8 – Troy
Sat, Oct. 15 – North Texas
Sat, Oct. 22 – at Western Kentucky
Sat, Oct. 29 – at Middle Tennessee
Sat, Nov. 5 – Louisiana-Monroe
Sat, Nov. 12 – at Arkansas State
Sat, Nov. 26 – at Arizona

******* Take: This schedule doesn’t afford a whole lot of hope for new head coach Mark Hudspeth. The Ragin’ Cajuns will be fortunate to win any of their seven road games this year, especially versus non-conference opponents Oklahoma State, Arizona and Kent State. ULL could get a couple victories during a three-game homestand in October, but that will likely be the extent of its Sun Belt wins for the whole season. Prediction: 3-9 record.

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: Louisiana-Monroe


LOUISIANA-MONROE WARHAWKS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 5-7 (4-4 in Sun Belt)
ATS Record: 6-6
Over/Under: 5-6
Points Scored: 20.8 PPG
Points Allowed: 32.4 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win Sun Belt Championship: 6/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense: Spread - Starters Returning: 10
Defense: Base 3-3-5 - Starters Returning: 8
The Warhawks return the majority of their offensive playmakers, led by QB Kolton Browning (2,552 pass yds, 18 TD) and WR Luther Ambrose (752 rec yds, 6 TD). ULM has to find a consistent running game to complement the passing game, as it averaged only 3.1 YPC and loses leading rusher Frank Goodin. Jyruss Edwards (375 rush yds, 4.5 YPC, 4 TD) should get most of the carries. DE Ken Dorsey (5 sacks, 12 TFL) and LB Cameron Blakes (6 sacks, 11 TFL) are the key players on a defense that returns most of its starters.

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – at Florida State
Sat, Sept. 10 – Grambling State
Sat, Sept. 17 – at TCU
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Iowa
Sat, Oct. 8 – Arkansas State
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Troy
Sat, Oct. 22 – at North Texas
Sat, Oct. 29 – Western Kentucky
Sat, Nov. 5 – at Louisiana-Lafayette
Sat, Nov. 12 – Middle Tennessee
Sat, Nov. 19 – Florida International
Sat, Dec. 3 – at Florida Atlantic

******* Take: If this schedule wasn’t such a bear, especially in the first half of the season, ULM might not be a bad bet to win the Sun Belt at 6-to-1 odds. The Warhawks open the season against one of the best teams in the nation in Florida State, and visit two other schools in September that should be in the Top 25 this year in TCU and Iowa. They get a bye before starting the Sun Belt portion of the schedule, which starts off with a tough Arkansas State team and a visit to conference favorite Troy. If ULM withstands this storm of opponents, it could end the season on a long winning streak. Prediction: 7-5 record.

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: Middle Tennessee


MIDDLE TENNESSEE BLUE RAIDERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 6-7 (5-3 in Sun Belt)
ATS Record: 4-9
Over/Under: 3-8-1
Points Scored: 26.5 PPG
Points Allowed: 28.1 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win Sun Belt Championship: 7/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense: Multiple - Starters Returning: 7
Defense: Base 43 - Starters Returning: 3
Head coach Rick Stockstill opted to hire from within to fill both of his open coordinator spots, promoting Steve Ellis on defense and Willie Simmons on offense. Both will have their work cut out for them as the Blue Raiders had a nation’s worst minus-19 turnover margin last year. Their QBs had 24 INT and 9 TD. Starter Dwight Dasher is gone, and Logan Kilgore and Jeff Murphy are battling for the No. 1 QB job. Four starters return on an offensive line that allowed 23 sacks. RB Phillip Tanner and his 13 rushing TD need to be replaced, but Benjamin Cunningham (355 rush yds, 4 TD) and D.D. Kyles (414 rush yds, 5.4 YPC) should improve this season. LB Darin Davis (81 tackles) will be the leader of a rebuilding defense that loses eight starters.

2011 Schedule:
Sat, Sept. 3 – at Purdue
Sat, Sept. 10 – Georgia Tech
Sat, Sept. 24 – at Troy
Sat, Oct. 1 – Memphis
Thu, Oct. 6 – Western Kentucky
Sat, Oct. 22 – at Florida Atlantic
Sat, Oct. 29 – Louisiana-Lafayette
Sat, Nov. 5 – at Tennessee
Sat, Nov. 12 – at Louisiana-Monroe
Sat, Nov. 19 – Arkansas State
Sat, Nov. 26 – Florida International
Sat, Dec. 3 – at North Texas

******* Take: There are too many changes with both the coaches and player personnel to expect a big season from MTSU. The Blue Raiders will not likely get a confidence boost in their first three games of the season (at Purdue, Georgia Tech, at Troy) and November could be a winless month with a visit to Tennessee and games versus three of the top four teams in the Sun Belt (Louisiana-Monroe, Arkansas State and Florida International). Prediction: 5-7 record.

[StarDust Bum]

College Football Preview: North Texas


NORTH TEXAS MEAN GREEN

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 3-9 (3-5 in Sun Belt)
ATS Record: 6-6
Over/Under: 5-7
Points Scored: 23.9 PPG
Points Allowed: 29.7 PPG
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win Sun Belt Championship: 10/1
Odds to Win 2012 BCS National Championship: 50/1 (Field)

2011 Preview:
Offense: Spread - Starters Returning: 6
Defense: Base 43 - Starters Returning: 6
Dan McCarney takes over as head coach, and he’ll be happy to lean on dominant RB Lance Dunbar (1,553 rush yds, 5.7 YPC). He scored 14 touchdowns in his final eight games last season, but this year he will run behind an O-line that lost three starters. QB Derek Thompson is the leading contender to replace Riley Dodge, who transferred. WR Darius Carey should surpass his numbers from 2010 (524 rec yds, 6 total TD). The defense, which totaled 19 sacks and gave up nearly 30 PPG in 2010, must replace LB Craig Robertson, whose 133 tackles were tied for seventh best in the country. The Mean Green has two new coordinators this year too. Mike Canales, the interim coach in the final five games in 2010, will run the offense, while Clint Bowen is the new DC.

2011 Schedule:
Thu, Sept. 1 – at Florida International
Sat, Sept. 10 – Houston
Sat, Sept. 17 – at Alabama
Sat, Sept. 24 – Indiana
Sat, Oct. 1 – at Tulsa
Sat, Oct. 8 – Florida Atlantic
Sat, Oct. 15 – at Louisiana-Lafayette
Sat, Oct. 22 – Louisiana-Monroe
Sat, Oct. 29 – at Arkansas State
Sat, Nov. 12 – at Troy
Sat, Nov. 19 – Western Kentucky
Sat, Dec. 3 – Middle Tennessee

******* Take: The Mean Green will likely be digging themselves out of an 0-5 hole on October 2, after a season opener at defending conference champ FIU, followed by four non-conference opponents that will all be favored to beat North Texas. Other than Big Ten doormat Indiana, UNT does not figure to come close to beating Alabama or two of the better Conference USA teams in Houston and Tulsa on the road. The Mean Green do have the benefit of playing the Sun Belt’s two biggest longshot teams at home in Western Kentucky and Florida Atlantic. Prediction: 3-9 record.