The Bum's Previewing College Football 2016 !

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Phil Steele Talks 2016 College Football Season
Good interview with Phil Steele about the upcoming college football season:

http://www.cyinterview.com/2016/08/p...ootball-season

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2016 Sun Belt Preview
August 15, 2016


We’re Getting There

The Sun Belt Conference will hold its first ever football championship game beginning in 2018.

“This championship will be a first-class experience – and we look forward to it being a launching-pad for a team to reach the College Football Playoff’s ‘New Year’s Six’ bowl games,” said Commissioner Karl Benson.

Details regarding how the two participants will be selected will be available at a later date.

Four No More

After four consecutive seasons with no less than nine victories - including four straight New Orleans Bowl wins in four years under head coach Mark Hudspeth – Louisiana Lafayette’s Ragin’ Cajuns saw the tables turn on them in 2015 when they won just four games.

And speaking of four-of-a-kind, Arkansas State saw its four straight GoDaddy Bowl games streak come to a halt. Obviously bummed to the max, the Red Wolves closed out the campaign with a 19-point loss to Louisiana Tech in the New Orleans bowl.

More Than Holding Our Own

After a rocky 1-5 start in bowl games from 2001-05, the Sun Belt has gone toe-to-toe with other bowl teams since, sporting a respectable 14-12 SU and 13-12-1 ATS winning record in the post season since 2006.

The fun in the sun guys have been especially profitable for backers when taking more than 3 points in bowl games, going 6-1 ATS. More impressive, they also managed to win six of the seven games in SU fashion, including Georgia Southern’s impressive 58-27 romp over Bowling Green as 5-point dogs in last year’s Go Daddy Bowl.

Note: Numbers following team name represent the amount of returning starters on offense and defense, along with the number of returning linemen, with an asterisk (*) designating a returning quarterback.

APPALACHIAN STATE (Offense -*6/3, Defense - 9/2 47 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: UPLOAD THE APP

Behind returning QB Taylor Lamb with 2,387 passing and 524 rushing yards for 34 combined touchdowns, and RB Marcus Cox with 1,481 rushing and 160 passing yards for 11 combined touchdowns last year), the boys from Boone outyarded conference foes by 144 YPG, best in the Sun Belt, last season. And that in only ASU’s 2nd year with FBS credentials. Looking back, the Mountaineers have suffered only ONE losing season since 1993 (in part to an injury-riddled 2013 campaign). And just like last year when they won 10 games while tackling a schedule dotted with only 4 winning opponents, this year’s schedule is a mirror-comparison to last – only with no back-to-back away games. Here we go again.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Mountaineers are 5-2 SUATS versus winning foes since becoming an FBS squad.

PASS

ARKANSAS STATE (Offense - 6/4, Defense - 7/2, 49 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: HALLELUJAH

Like a good evening prayer before bedtime, Blake Anderson’s return to Jonesboro for a third successive season is comforting for Red Wolves fans. It’s safe to say that after taking the field with 5 different head coaches in as many years, ASU has finally found tranquility. They also found life in the Sun Belt Conference to their liking last season, going 8-0 en route to an SBC title. In the process the Wolves scored 8 defensive TDs (tops in the nation), intercepted 26 passes (most in the nation), and finished tied for the 2nd most turnovers gained (34). However, 4 road games in the final 5 contests of the campaign will certainly put our STAT YOU WILL LIKE below to the test.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Red Wolves are 31-8 SU and 27-12 ATS from Game Six out the last five years.

PLAY AGAINST: at UL-Lafayette (11/26)

GEORGIA SOUTHERN (Offense -*6/3, Defense - 6/4, 43 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: OFF THE FRITZ

How impressive was Ga Southern’s season last year? Consider: All 3 of the Eagles’ FBS non-conference opponents in 2015 – West Virginia, Western Michigan and Georgia – played in, and won, their respective bowl games. The 4th non-conference team, The Citadel, advanced to the 2nd round of the FCS Playoffs. New head coach Tyson Summers, a former defensive coordinator at Colorado State and UCF, brings in a staff that has been a part of 4 NCAA national championships, 19 NCAA conference championships, and 51 NCAA postseason victories. Summers also welcomes the top recruiting class in SBC this year to a team that has recorded 109 rushing TDs and 9,292 rushing yards – the most in the FBS over the past 2 seasons. Whew!

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Eagles have gone 10-1 SU at home the last two years, with an average win margin of 30.8 PPG.

PLAY ON: at Georgia Tech (10/15)

GEORGIA STATE (Offense -*7/2, Defense - 9/3, 43 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: AS THE WORM TURNS

Until last season, Georgia State was -29 in net turnovers in 2 seasons under head coach Trent Miles. The Panthers whittled that number down to a respectable -3 last season and, in the process, went from a 1-23 FBS team under Miles to a bowl squad in 2015 – a dramatic turn of events. They closed like a freight train in the process, winning and covering in each of their final 4 games of the season by a whopping 95.5 points ATS, including a stunning 34-7 win over SBC powerhouse Georgia Southern as 20-point dogs! Sixteen returning starters, including Sun Belt Freshman of the Year WR Penny Hart (71 receptions and 1,099 yards last season) are anxious to resume where they ended but the question is: have the linemakers been alerted? Stay tuned.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Panthers ranked No. 127 (worst) in 4th down conversion percentage (.111) last season.

PLAY AGAINST: vs. Georgia Southern (11/19)

IDAHO (Offense -*7/3, Defense - 6/2, 41 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: FCS VISION

It was understandable learning of Idaho’s decision to head back to the FCS in 2018. The Vandals’ recruiting class ranks No. 128 (last) among FBS teams the last five years. And the results of such are indicated on the playing field. In twenty seasons at the FBS level, Idaho is 67-162 – a .293 winning percentage. Since 2000, the Vandals have had just one winning season. During 18 years playing at the FCS level, Idaho went 134-79 for a .629 winning percentage. The Vandals had 15 winning seasons and went to the postseason 11 times. Heck, you’d make the move, too, if given a choice. Note, though: To Paul Petrino’s credit, they’ve managed to improve the offense each and every year.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Vandals have lost 30 of their last 32 away games, including 24 losses in a row, until a win at Troy last season.

PLAY AGAINST: vs. Troy (10/1)

NEW MEXICO STATE (Offense -*7/3, Defense - 7/3, 38 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: WHERE TO TURN

Riding a 17-game losing skid, the Aggies broke their cherry in a dramatic 55-48 overtime victory against Idaho last season. In the process, they erased a 23-point deficit while also triggering the first 3-game win streak for NMSU since 2004. Unfortunately, the program suffered its biggest loss during the offseason with the Sun Belt opting to end its partnership with the school in 2017. The Aggies must decide whether to operate as an independent team or follow Idaho’s lead and move down to the FCS level. Meanwhile, star RB Larry Rose III returns after rumbling for 1,651 yards and 14 TDs last season, his second consecutive 1,000-yard season. Expect the Aggies to send a signal to the Sun Belt this season.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Aggies have allowed 20 of 36 foes season-high yardage under Doug Martin.

PLAY ON: at UTEP (9/3)

SOUTH ALABAMA (Offense -6/3, Defense - 6/2, 43 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: NO SLEIGHT OF HAND

After bowling for the first time in school history in 2014, last year’s laundry list of missing returnees looked mighty worrisome: gone were the starting quarterback, 2 leading rushers, 2 leading wide receivers, 3 multiple-year starting O-linemen, 3 top tacklers on the DL, 3 leading tacklers at linebacker, and 3 of 5 leading tacklers in the secondary. Through it all, head coach Joey Jones’ troops ended the season just one win away from being bowl-eligible for a second straight year, with a signature win at San Diego State as 17.5-point underdogs. Jones has built this program from the ground up since its inception in 2007 and his coaching prowess has put his signature on his this program.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: For the second consecutive season, 10 Jaguars earned all-conference honors last year.

PLAY AGAINST: vs. San Diego State (10/1)

TEXAS STATE (Offense -*4/3, Defense - 6/2, 44 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: START YOUR ENGINES

The Dennis Franchione era is officially over. After leading the Bobcats to a 17-19 record in their first three years of existence as an FBS program, he hands the reins over to Everett Withers, who in three years as a head coach guided the last two James Madison teams to NCAA Division I FCS Playoff appearances, and North Carolina to the 2011 Independence Bowl. His coaching background also includes working under Urban Meyer, Mack Brown and Jeff Fisher. Withers had one of the top offenses in the nation in 2015, ranking second in scoring and total offense with 44.3 points and 528.8 yards per game. The spring game resulted in an offensive blitzkrieg with the offense defeating the defense, 71-70.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Head coach Everett Withers’ James Madison Dukes led the FCS in 3rd-down conversions with 54 percent last season.

PLAY ON: at Georgia State (10/8)

TROY (Offense -*8/5, Defense - 8/3, 46 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: SECURE FOUNDATION

Neal Brown, formerly an assistant at Troy and also at Kentucky under Hal Mumme, won at least 8 games each year he was on the sidelines with the Trojans. And while it appeared 4 wins last year was a major disappointment, rest assured it was not. The Trojans improved 60 YPG on defense while outgaining 5 of their final 7 foes. In addition, the second-half improvement was especially noticeable as Troy averaged 36 PPG as opposed to just less than 20 PPG in the first six ‘getting to know Brown’ stage of the season. With 16 starters back, look for the surge to continue in Year Two of the makeover.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Trojans are 0-6 SU in their last six one-possession games.

PLAY ON: vs. Appalachian State (11/12)

UL-LAFAYETTE (Offense - 7/3, Defense - 6/3, 46 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: MISSION PROBABLE

After a run of 4 consecutive 9-4 seasons, and behind a rash of senior starter losses, the Ragin’ Cajuns ran out of creole last year, suffering their first losing season in the Mark Hudspeth era. With Hudspeth back along with 13 starters, ULL becomes a “mission team” in 2016 – and we’re not about to argue. With 50 of the 95 players on the roster hailing from the state of Louisiana, there is a genuine Cajun flavor to this squad. Interestingly, under Hudspeth, ULL is 28-3 SU in games when leading after the 1Q, 31-2 when leading at the half, and 35-1 when leading after the 3Q. In-game players would serve themselves well saving those numbers.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Hudspeth is 11-2 ATS as a dog versus winning opponents, and 10-2 SUATS as a dog of 6 or less points.

PLAY AGAINST: as a favorite vs. UL-Monroe (12/3)

UL-MONROE (Offense -*9/4, Defense - 3/0, 36 Lettermen)

TEAM THEME: BACK UP OFF THE MATT

When your team ends the season outscored 20.8 points and outyarded 157 yards per game – the worst in the conference – it generally leads to coaches looking for new jobs, as Todd Berry is doing these days. Hired in his place was highly acclaimed Matt Viator, former 10-year mentor at McNeese State, where he led the Cowboys to a 78-33 record (the only coach in the Southland conference to make such a claim), including 5 appearances in the FCS playoffs. The first matter of attention will be addressing an offense that has been in serious decline each of the past 3 seasons. A new 4-2-5 defense completes the makeover. Seven away games, though, ensures an uphill battle.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Warhawks have been shut out in at least one game in 6 of the last 7 seasons – all versus Power Five conferences.

PLAY AGAINST: at Auburn (10/1)

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2016 Southern Conference Preview
August 16, 2016

(STATS) - The Citadel had one of the best, and most surprising seasons in program history last year.

Count star linebacker Tevin Floyd among those who say it's time to move on.

"It definitely was a great time, it definitely was something great to build off of," the all-Southern Conference preseason selection said. "But you've got to kind of put it to rest with the new season coming up. You have to take things from what you did great last year and bring it on board this year. With all great things that you do, there's always room for improvement, and that's been our main goal this offseason."

The offseason has been both different and similar to last year, when The Citadel improved from 5-7 to 9-4, earned a share of its first conference title, secured its first FCS playoff berth since 1992, achieved its second-highest single-season win total and upset SEC member South Carolina.

All of that led to coach Mike Houston earning the head coaching position at James Madison. But The Citadel kept continuity within its program by elevating Brent Thompson from offensive coordinator to the top spot.

"It's a tough act to follow right now," Thompson said. "But we believe that the plan that we've had in place, the plan that we do have in place moving forward, our players are starting to believe in what we're doing. Really it's all about execution at this point."

It's a deep season in the SoCon title race, with the other defending co-champion, Chattanooga, favored to win a fourth straight title. The Citadel won't sneak up on anybody this time, putting a lot of pressure on the Bulldogs to stay on such a high level.

Following is a team-by-team breakdown of the 2016 Southern Conference race and STATS' predicted order of finish:

1. Chattanooga

2. The Citadel

3. Wofford

4. Western Carolina

5. Samford

6. Mercer

7. Furman

8. VMI

9. East Tennessee State

---=

TEAM CAPSULES=

1. CHATTANOOGA MOCS=

LOCATION: Chattanooga, Tennessee

STADIUM: Finley Stadium

COACH: Russ Huesman (50-33 in seven seasons at Chattanooga)

LAST SEASON: 9-4 overall, 6-1 Southern (Tie/1st)

STARTERS RETURNING: 14 (8 offense/6 defense)

THREE KEY LOSSES: Jacob Huesman, QB; Synjen Herren, RG; A.J. Hampton, LB

ONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Derrick Craine, RB, Sr. (230 carries, 1,251 yards, 13 TDs)

ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Keionta Davis, DE, Sr. (39 TT, 17 TFL, 13.5 sacks, 6 PBU, 7 QBH, 1 FR, 1 FF)

OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Alejandro Bennifield, QB, Jr.; Richardre Bagley, RB, Jr.; C.J. Board, WR/PR, Sr.; James Stovall, WR, Jr.; Xavier Borishade, WR, Sr.; Corey Levin, OL, Sr.; Josh Cardiello, OL, Jr.; Isaiah Mack, DL, So.; Vantrel McMillan, DL, Sr.; Nakevion Leslie, LB, Sr.; Cedric Nettles, DB, Sr.; Lucas Webb, DB, Jr.; Henrique Ribeiro, PK, Sr.

OUTLOOK: The preseason favorites seek their fourth straight SoCon title and third consecutive appearance in the FCS playoffs. Russ Huesman no longer has his son, Jacob, running the offense after the four-year starting quarterback captured three straight SoCon offensive player of the year awards. But the Mocs love the strong arm and running ability of Bennifield. They supply him with a strong offensive line and last year's conference leader in rushing yards, Craine. The defense will stay fierce with Davis among the best pass rushers in the FCS and excellent athletes filling the units. They will even be strong on special teams, with PK Ribeiro coming off All-SoCon first-team honors. This season will be different without Jacob Huesman, but the Mocs have reloaded well for another title run. They wrap up the regular season with a visit to FBS champion Alabama.

SCHEDULE:

Sept. 1, Shorter

Sept. 10, Presbyterian

Sept. 17, at Furman*

Sept. 24, Samford*

Oct. 1, at East Tennessee State*

Oct. 8, Mercer*

Oct. 15, at The Citadel*

Oct. 22, VMI*

Oct. 29, at Western Carolina*

Nov. 12, Wofford*

Nov. 19, at Alabama

*- Southern Conference game

---=

2. THE CITADEL BULLDOGS=

LOCATION: Charleston, South Carolina

STADIUM: Johnson Hagood Stadium

COACH: Brent Thompson (first season at The Citadel)

LAST SEASON: 9-4 overall, 6-1 Southern (Tie/1st)

STARTERS RETURNING: 14 (7 offense/7 defense)

THREE KEY LOSSES: Mitchell Jeter, DL; James Riley, LB; Eric Goins, PK

ONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Tyler Renew, B-Back, Sr. (162 carries, 839 yards, 5 TDs)

ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Dee Delaney, CB, Jr. (46 TT, 1 TFL, 5 INTs, 8 PBU, 1 FR, 2 FF, 1 BK)

OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Dominique Allen, QB, Jr.; Cam Jackson, A-Back, Jr.; Isiaha Smith, B-Back, Jr.; Isaiah Pinson, OL, Jr.; Kyle Weaver, OL, Sr.; Ryan Bednar, OL, Sr.; Kevin Graham, DL, So.; Dondray Copeland, LB, Sr.; Joe Crochet, DE/OLB, Sr.; Tevin Floyd, LB, Sr.; Quinlan Washington, LB, So.; Malik Diggs, DB, Sr.; Kailik Williams, DB, Jr.; Cody Clark, PK, Sr., (Middle Tennessee State transfer)

OUTLOOK: Coming off a surprising share of their first SoCon title since 1992, the Bulldogs face the pressure of higher expectations. Thompson was promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach after Mike Houston departed for James Madison. Despite the change, the feeling in Charleston is that this is simply the third year of the Bulldogs' initial plan. But the Bulldogs must try to win their SoCon (and season) opener at Mercer without QB Allen, who was suspended for the game because of a violation of team rules. With Allen (958 yards), Renew and Jackson (751) back in the triple option offense, they have three players who went over 750 rushing yards last season, and Smith went for another 563 yards. The defense suffered bigger losses, including Jeter, who was the SoCon co-defensive player of the year. But there is a standout in each line of defense with Crochet, Floyd and Delaney. The unit forced 22 interceptions and 31 turnovers last season.

SCHEDULE:

Sept. 3, at Mercer*

Sept. 10, Furman*

Sept. 17, at Gardner-Webb

Oct. 1, at Western Carolina*

Oct. 8, North Greenville

Oct. 15, Chattanooga*

Oct. 22, at Wofford*

Oct. 29, East Tennessee State*

Nov. 5, Samford*

Nov. 12, at VMI*

Nov. 19, at North Carolina

*- Southern Conference game

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3. WOFFORD TERRIERS=

LOCATION: Spartanburg, South Carolina

STADIUM: Gibbs Stadium

COACH: Mike Ayers (187-132-1 in 28 seasons at Wofford; 198-153-2 overall)

LAST SEASON: 5-6 overall, 3-4 Southern (Tie/4th)

STARTERS RETURNING: 17 (8 offense/9 defense)

THREE KEY LOSSES: Ray Smith, HB; Drake Michaelson, LB; Brion Anderson, CB

ONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Anton Wahrby, RT, Sr. (SoCon preseason first team)

ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: John Patterson, LB, Jr. (78 TT, 4.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 PBU)

OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Evan Jacks, QB, Sr.; Lorenzo Long, FB, Sr.; Will Gay, HB, Sr.; R.J. Taylor, WR, Jr.; Dequan Miller, OL, Sr.; Bradley Way, OL, Sr.; Steven Cornellier, DL, Sr.; Boston Bryant, DL, Sr.; Miles Brown, DL, So.; Daryl Vining, LB, Jr.; Terrance Morris, LB, Jr.; Michael Roach, LB, Jr.; Jaleel Green, SS, Sr.; David Marvin, PK, Jr.

OUTLOOK: Ayers, the dean of SoCon coaches, feels the Terriers are ready to get back to the playoffs after a three-year absence. His veteran team comes back healthier after being ravaged by injuries. The Terriers' triple option offense ranked fourth in the FCS in rushing yards per game (300.2). QB Jacks has made at least five starts in each of his first three seasons and is a threat when he's not getting the ball to Long (962 yards, 8 TDs) and Gay, who was among the injured last season. The offensive line, anchored by Wahrby, will be one of the best in the SoCon. In a conference of terrific rushers, the defense ranked first in rushing defense, but it will again have to get the job done by committee because it's not full of stars. Graduation will make the secondary look different, so safeties JoJo Tillery and Nick Ward have to take big steps this season. The Terriers will want to cut down on the 27.7 points they surrendered each game. Schedule-wise, they have to overcome some difficult road tests in the SoCon.

SCHEDULE:

Sept. 1, at Tennessee Tech

Sept. 10, at Ole Miss

Sept. 17, Johnson C. Smith

Sept. 24, East Tennessee State*

Oct. 1, at Samford*

Oct. 8, at Western Carolina*

Oct. 22, The Citadel*

Oct. 29, Mercer*

Nov. 5, at Furman*

Nov. 12, at Chattanooga*

Nov. 19, VMI*

*- Southern Conference game

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4. WESTERN CAROLINA CATAMOUNTS=

LOCATION: Cullowhee, North Carolina

STADIUM: E.J. Whitmire Stadium

COACH: Mark Speir (17-29 in four seasons at Western Carolina)

LAST SEASON: 7-4 overall, 5-2 Southern (3rd)

STARTERS RETURNING: 12 (6 offense/6 defense)

THREE KEY LOSSES: Troy Mitchell, QB; Karnorris Benson, WR; Sertonuse Harris, DB

ONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Detrez Newsome, RB/KR, Jr. (190 carries, 1,109 yards, 9 TDs; 37 receptions, 281 yards, 3 TDs)

ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Daniel Riddle, LB, R-Jr. (129 TT, 3 TFL, 2 INTs, 1 PBU, 1 QBH, 1 FF)

OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Wes Holcombe, QB, Jr.; Spearman Robinson, WR, R-Sr.; Terryon Robinson, WR, R-Jr.; Tyler Sexton, TE, Jr.; Zach Weeks, OL, R-So.; Nathan Dalton, OL, R-So.; Tanner Poindexter, OL, R-Jr.; Ezavian Dunn, DT, Jr.; Tyler Junius, DT, Jr.; Tyson Dickson, LB, Sr.; Fred Payne, DB, Sr.; Trey Morgan, DB, Sr.; Marvin Tillman, DB, So.; Al Newman Jr., DB, Jr.; Logan Howard, PK, So.; Ian Berryman, P, R-So.

OUTLOOK: Speir has revitalized the Catamounts' program to the point that it will remain strong even with the big loss of QB Mitchell, the program's all-time leader in total offense. Holcombe emerged from spring practices at No. 1, but there's competition at the position. While hurt by the loss of three starters on the offensive line, the new QB will have excellent weapons around him in RB Newsome, who was the Catamounts' first 1,000-yard rusher since 2006, and WRs Spearman Robinson and Terryon Robinson, who missed last season with a wrist injury. The defense, under new coordinator Dustin Landry, returns its top four tacklers, led by LBs Riddle and Dickson. It helps to have The Citadel, Wofford and Chattanooga visiting E.J. Whitmire Stadium.

SCHEDULE:

Sept. 3, at East Carolina

Sept. 10, Gardner-Webb

Sept. 17, at East Tennessee State* (Bristol, Tennessee)

Oct. 1, The Citadel*

Oct. 8, Wofford*

Oct. 15, at Mercer*

Oct. 22, at Samford*

Oct. 29, Chattanooga*

Nov. 5, VMI*

Nov. 12, at Furman*

Nov. 19, at South Carolina

*- Southern Conference game

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5. SAMFORD BULLDOGS=

LOCATION: Birmingham, Alabama

STADIUM: Seibert Stadium

COACH: Chris Hatcher (6-5 in one season at Samford; 127-62 overall)

LAST SEASON: 6-5 overall, 3-4 Southern (Tie/4th)

STARTERS RETURNING: 15 (8 offense/7 defense)

THREE KEY LOSSES: Denzel Williams, RB; Michael Pierce, DL; James Bradberry, CB

ONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Devlin Hodges, QB, So. (200-for-288, 2,230 yards, 12 TDs, 6 INTs; 74 carries, 327 yards, 2 TDs)

ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Jamerson Blount, FS, Sr. (75 TT, 2 TFL, 3 INT, 8 PBU, 2 FF)

OTHER KEY PLAYERS: K'rondi Larry, RB/KR, Jr.; Karel Hamilton, WR, Sr.; Kelvin McKnight, WR/PR, So.; Emmanuel Obajimi, WR, Sr.; Armando Bonheur, OL, Sr.; Gordon Crozier, C, Sr.; Antwan Johnson, OL, So.; Horace Roberts, DL, So.; Ahmad Gooden, DL, So.; Xavier Forrest, DL, Jr.; Roosevelt Donaldson, DL, Sr.; Shaheed Salmon, LB, Jr.; Tonne Osaigbovo, LB, Sr.; Omari Williams, CB, Jr.

OUTLOOK: While the Bulldogs lost some big-time individual talent, they believe they can be better collectively. After unleashing QB Hodges on the SoCon in the second half of last season, the future arrived for the Bulldogs. As a dual-threat, he is developing into a top talent. The offense, which led the SoCon with 479.7 yards per game, has to overcome the loss of RB Williams, but it returns three wide receivers, Hamilton (75 receptions, 880 yards, 4 TDs), McKnight and Obajimi, who each surpassed 50 receptions last season. The defensive losses were a little bigger, but FS Blount is the latest in a run of outstanding defensive backs. While the Bulldogs have Top 25 and playoff aspirations, they might fall just short in a strong season for the SoCon.

SCHEDULE:

Sept. 1, Mars Hill

Sept. 10, at Central Arkansas

Sept. 24, at Chattanooga*

Oct. 1, Wofford*

Oct. 8, at Furman*

Oct. 15, VMI*

Oct. 22, Western Carolina*

Oct. 29, at Mississippi State

Nov. 5, at The Citadel*

Nov. 12, Mercer*

Nov. 19, at East Tennessee State*

*- Southern Conference game

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6. MERCER BEARS=

LOCATION: Macon, Georgia

STADIUM: Moye Complex

COACH: Bobby Lamb (21-14 in three seasons at Mercer; 88-54 overall)

LAST SEASON: 5-6 overall, 2-5 Southern (Tie/6th)

STARTERS RETURNING: 20 (10 offense/10 defense)

KEY LOSSES: None

ONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: John Russ, QB, Sr. (170-292, 2,141 yards, 18 TDs, 3 INTs; 110 carries, 382 yards, 7 TDs)

ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Tosin Aquebor, DE/OLB, Sr. (39 TT, 10.5 TFL, 7 sacks, 1 PBU, 2 FR, 1 FF)

OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Alex Lakes, RB, Jr.; Tee Mitchell, RB, Jr.; Chandler Curtis, WR/RS, Jr.; Jimmie Robinson, WR/KR, So.; Marquise Irvin, WR, So.; Avery Ward, WR, Jr.; Sam Walker, TE, So.; Robert Brown, TE, Sr.; Bret Niederreither, OL, Sr.; Isaiah Buehler, DE, So.; LeMarkus Bailey, LB, So.; Tyler Ward, LB, Sr.; Tripp Patterson, LB, Sr.; Lee Bennett, LB, Jr.; Mike Gray, DB, Sr.; Lendell Arnold, DB, Sr.; Zach Jackson, DB, Sr.; Jeremy James, DB, Jr.; Jagger Lieb, PK, Jr.

OUTLOOK: A win over Chattanooga last season emphasized the growth of Mercer's program, and year four of the return to football brings a highly experienced squad. The Bears lost only one starter on each side of the ball and many of the key returnees are seniors and juniors. Efficient QB Russ is in his fourth season as the starter and the offense boasts a lot in the skill positions, including RBs Mitchell (946 yards, 6 TDs) and Lakes (699 yards, 7 TDs). Understandably, the offensive line has had to mature over time, but there's a noticeable anchor in SoCon preseason pick Niederreither. Injuries hurt the Bears last season, but one of the key players back is LB Bailey, who was off to a great start before he was lost in the third game. DEs Aquebor and Buehler should keep offenses busy when they come from the edge. The Bears have been scheduling future FBS matchups, with the Sept. 10 visit to Georgia Tech their first one.

SCHEDULE:

Sept. 3, The Citadel*

Sept. 10, at Georgia Tech

Sept. 17, Tennessee Tech

Oct. 1, at VMI*

Oct. 8, at Chattanooga*

Oct. 15, Western Carolina*

Oct. 22, at Austin Peay

Oct. 29, at Wofford*

Nov. 5, East Tennessee State*

Nov. 12, at Samford*

Nov. 19, Furman*

*- Southern Conference game

---=

7. FURMAN PALADINS=

LOCATION: Greenville, South Carolina

STADIUM: Paladin Stadium

COACH: Bruce Fowler (24-35 in five seasons at Furman)

LAST SEASON: 4-7 overall, 2-5 Southern (Tie/6th)

STARTERS RETURNING: 13 (6 offense/7 defense)

THREE KEY LOSSES: Joe Turner, OG; Cory Magwood, LB; Reggie Thomas, CB

ONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Andrej Suttles, FL, R-Sr. (43 receptions, 621 yards, 4 TDs)

ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Trey Robinson, S, Sr. (68 TT, 4 INTs, 3 PBU)

OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Reese Hannon, QB, R-Sr.; P.J. Blazejowski, QB, Jr.; Antonio Wilcox, RB, Jr.Triston Luke, RB, So.; Duncan Fletcher, TE, Sr.; Matthew Schmidt, OT, Jr.; Jackson Buonomia, OT, Sr.; Jordan Hawkins, NT, Sr.; Brad Minter, DE, Sr.; T.J. Warren, DE, R-Sr.; Brian Ross, DE, R-Sr.; Carl Rider, LB, R-Sr.; Byron Johnson, SS, Sr.; Jamarri Milliken, CB, R-Sr.; Aaquil Annoor, CB, So.; Jon Croft Hollingsworth, PK/P, Jr.

OUTLOOK: Boasting an excellent class of seniors, the Paladins hope to reverse last year's disappointing season, which seemed promising early with a win at UCF. However, their September schedule is brutally tough, including games against last year's SoCon co-champs, The Citadel and Chattanooga. Fowler wants his offense to get back to running the ball consistently - long a staple in the program. Hannon (126-for-228, 1,409 yards, 6 TDs, 6 INTs) is the returning quarterback, but Blazejowski has played a lot in his first two seasons. WR Suttles and TE Duncan provide a solid pair of receiving options. Magwood is a big loss on defense and the Paladins struggled to stop the run while managing only eight sacks last season, but a solid secondary (Robinson and Annoor) suggests improvement is on the way. The Paladins' seventh-place prediction in the SoCon's two preseason polls was warranted, but they can be a better team than that.

SCHEDULE:

Sept. 2, at Michigan State

Sept. 10, at The Citadel*

Sept. 17, Chattanooga*

Sept. 24, at Coastal Carolina

Oct. 1, Kennesaw State

Oct. 8, Samford*

Oct. 15, at East Tennessee State*

Oct. 29, at VMI*

Nov. 5, Wofford*

Nov. 12, Western Carolina*

Nov. 19, at Mercer*

*- Southern Conference game

---=

8. VMI KEYDETS=

LOCATION: Lexington, Virginia

STADIUM: Alumni Memorial Field

COACH: Scott Wachenheim (2-9 in one season at VMI)

LAST SEASON: 2-9 overall, 1-6 Southern (8th)

STARTERS RETURNING: 15 (7 offense/8 defense)

THREE KEY LOSSES: Derrick Ziglar, RB; Joe Nelson, DL; Hayden Alford, P

ONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Al Cobb, QB, R-Jr. (238-for-389, 2,736 yards, 14 TDs, 18 INTs)

ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Ryan Francis, LB, R-Jr. (115 TT, 9.5 TFL, 1 sack, 3 PBU, 1 FR, 3 FF)

OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Brice Tucker, RB, R-So.; Aaron Sanders, WR, Sr.; Dane Forlines, WR/RS, Sr.; Andrew Lewis, OL, Sr.; Allan Cratsenberg, LB, Jr.; Alijah Robinson, OLB, Sr.; Tony Richardson, OLB, Jr.; Brian Lipscomb, OLB, R-So.; Greg Sanders, DB, Jr.; Jon Strozyk, DB, R-Jr.; Damian Jones, DB, R-Sr.; Dillon Christopher, PK, Sr.

OUTLOOK: Competing well in the SoCon is never easy for the military academy, but VMI has an experienced team ready for improvement in Wachenheim's second season. Four of the Keydets' losses were by six points or less a year ago, so they weren't far off from more success. They return the all-SoCon preseason quarterback in Cobb, who has passed for 5,677 yards in his first two seasons. But he has to cut down on interceptions after tying for the national high (18) last season. Top WR Sanders is coming off an 84-catch season. The defense was improved last year, but it needs better play on the line. The strength is at linebacker, where Francis and Cratsenberg both went over 100 tackles last season. By playing all three non-conference games on the road, the Keydets have only four games at Foster Stadium.

SCHEDULE:

Sept. 3, at Akron

Sept. 10, at Morehead State

Sept. 24, at Bucknell

Oct. 1, Mercer*

Oct. 8, East Tennessee State*

Oct. 15, at Samford*

Oct. 22, at Chattanooga*

Oct. 29, Furman*

Nov. 5, at Western Carolina*

Nov. 12, The Citadel*

Nov. 19, at Wofford*

*- Southern Conference game

---=

9. EAST TENNESSEE STATE BUCCANEERS=

LOCATION: Johnson City, Tennessee

STADIUM: Science Hill High School

COACH: Carl Torbush (first season at East Tennessee State; 17-18 overall)

LAST SEASON: 2-9 as FCS independent

STARTERS RETURNING: 21 (10 offense/11 defense)

KEY LOSS: Demetrius Anthony, WR

ONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Jajuan Stinson, RB, R-So. (117 carries, 586 yards, 5 TDs)

ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Dylan Weigel, LB, R-So. (127 TT, 10.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 PBU, 3 QBH, 2 FR, 2 FF)

OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Austin Herink, QB, R-So.; Falon Lee, RB, R-Jr.; Dalton Ponchillia, WR, R-Jr.; Drake Powell, WR, So.; Matt Brewer, OL, R-So.; Greg McCloud, OL, R-So.; Matt Pyke, OL, R-So.; Nasir Player, DL, R-Fr.; Joe Dossett, DL, So.; Chris Bouyer, DL, So.; Tremond Ferrell, DL, So.; Austin Gatewood, LB, R-So.; River Boruff, LB, R-So.; Trey Quillin, LB, R-So.; Daren Ardis, DB, Jr.; Paul Hunter, DB, Jr. (Trinity Valley CC transfer); Domenique Williams, DB/KR, So.; J.J. Jerman, PK, So.

OUTLOOK: The jump into the SoCon is a big step for an ETSU program that last year returned to football for the first time since 2003. They were outscored 416-180, beating only sub-Division I programs Warner and Kentucky Wesleyan. But last year, only one starter was older than a sophomore. Plus, a number of players who were redshirts are challenging for positions. As the Buccaneers continue to grow as a program, Torbush is relying on his offensive and defensive linemen to be noticeably bigger and better. The team's standout is Weigel, who had 56 more stops than the second-leading tackler, Boruff. QB Herink will keep getting better, and that will come with an improved running game featuring Stinson and Lee. The season's second game - Sept. 17 versus Western Carolina - will be played at Bristol Motor Speedway.

SCHEDULE:

Sept. 3, at Kennesaw State

Sept. 17, Western Carolina* (at Bristol, Tennessee)

Sept. 24, at Wofford*

Oct. 1, Chattanooga*

Oct. 8, at VMI*

Oct. 15, Furman*

Oct. 20, West Virginia Wesleyan

Oct. 29, at The Citadel*

Nov. 5, at Mercer*

Nov. 12, Cumberland University

Nov. 19, Samford*

*- Southern Conference game

[StarDust Bum]

Guys on the rise: Assistants who could be head coaches soon
August 17, 2016

Sixteen assistant coaches in 2015 will be starting their first full seasons as FBS head coaches, with seven of them landing jobs in Power Five conferences.

The highest-profile moves had former Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart going to Georgia, former Michigan DC D.J. Durkin taking over at Maryland and former Ohio State DC Chris Ash getting hired at Rutgers.

Who'll become head coaches after this season?

Here's a look, in alphabetical order, at some assistants who appear to have what it takes to run their own programs:

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Dave Aranda, defensive coordinator, LSU

Les Miles hired Aranda away from Wisconsin, where the 39-year-old oversaw a Badgers defense that ranked among the top five nationally in four major categories over the last three years. Before moving to Wisconsin, he coordinated one of the country's top defenses at Utah State.

Aranda's greatest strength is his ability to relate to his players. He has a knack for making hard-to-****** concepts easy to understand, and then he turns his charges loose to make plays.

---

Geoff Collins, defensive coordinator, Florida

His name was connected to the UCF opening, and he'll be in the mix other places if the Gators' defense is as good as it was last year.

Florida was so impressed with Collins in his first year under Jim McElwain that he received a $300,000 raise, to more than $1 million. He'll get a $150K retention bonus if he's still in Gainesville come February.

Collins is a top-notch recruiter, and he has had an impressive career track that has taken him to Georgia Tech, Alabama, UCF, Florida International and Mississippi State.

---

Tee Martin, offensive coordinator, Southern California

The 38-year-old Martin is a phenomenal recruiter whose career has been on a steady ascent. He joined the Trojans' staff in 2012 as receivers coach, became pass game coordinator in 2014 and was named offensive coordinator at the end of last season.

As receivers coach, a position he still holds, Martin has tutored Biletnikoff Award winner Marqise Lee, Robert Woods, Nelson Agholor and JuJu Smith-Schuster.

Martin knows how to win, too. He was Peyton Manning's backup for two years at Tennessee and led the Volunteers to a 13-0 record and national championship as a junior in 1998.

---

Lincoln Riley, offensive coordinator, Oklahoma

Riley is as accomplished as any 32-year-old could hope to be in this profession. He won the 2015 Broyles Award as the nation's top assistant coach, and his Baker Mayfield-led Air Raid offense was nearly unstoppable as the Sooners made the College Football Playoff.

Riley was linked to head coaching jobs, including South Carolina, and OU extended his contract through 2018 and gave him a raise from $500,000 to $900,000 a year. No matter. It won't be long before the native of Muleshoe, Texas, moves on and up.

---

Mike Sanford, offensive coordinator, Notre Dame

Sanford was linked to the Syracuse opening last November, and Irish coach Brian Kelly knows his 33-year-old offensive coordinator will be lured away sooner than later.

Sanford proved his mettle after he lost RB Tarean Folston and QB Malik Zaire to injuries early last season. Sanford molded DeShone Kizer into an effective replacement for Zaire.

Sanford's star began rising during two stints at Stanford, under Jim Harbaugh and David Shaw, and he's got good blood lines. His father, Mike Sr., is a longtime assistant and head coach in the college ranks.

---

Brent Venables, defensive coordinator, Clemson

The 45-year-old Venables' name has been floated for openings over the years, and it's a surprise he's still waiting for his opportunity. He may or may not be the guy Kansas State turns to when his mentor, Bill Snyder, decides to retire for good.

Venables turns out some of the nation's best defenses year-in and year-out, and he's an excellent recruiter. In his 20 years as a full-time assistant, his teams have gone to 20 bowl games and have won 10 or more games in 15 seasons. He's got a good thing going at Clemson, and with a $1.4 million salary, he can afford to be choosy.

---

Six other assistants to keep an eye on: Josh Conklin, defensive coordinator, Pittsburgh; Jimmy Lake, co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach, Washington; Danny Langsdorf, offensive coordinator, Nebraska; Todd Orlando, defensive coordinator, Houston; Jeremy Pruitt, defensive coordinator, Alabama; Marcel Yates, defensive coordinator, Arizona.

[StarDust Bum]

SEC vs. the Field
August 19, 2016

Shocker: SEC Is Clear Betting Favorite To House National Champion

The SEC is the nation's best football conference. Stepping out on a limb with that statement, I know. It's akin to saying "Gisele Bundchen isn't hard on the eyes" or "taxes are a bit of an inconvenience."

But for purposes of this 2016 NCAA football preview story, the SEC statement is germane and important. That's because on BetOnline's NCAA football season props, the SEC is a +185 favorite among all the conferences to be where the national champion is from.

This year's College Football Playoff semifinals are again on New Year's Eve -- unfortunately, but that won't be the case again for a while after recent changes following disappointing TV ratings last season -- and at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta and Fiesta Bowl outside Phoenix. The title game is held in Tampa's Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL's Buccaneers, on Jan. 9.

There was panic in SEC Nation entering the 2015 season as the conference didn't win the title in either 2014, the year of the first College Football Playoff, or in 2013, the final BCS National Championship Game. You could understand the angst somewhat as the SEC won the previous seven national championship before that, an unprecedented run. But of course Alabama knocked off unbeaten Clemson in last season's title game in Glendale, Ariz., the Tide's fourth national championship in the past seven years.

I would argue that there are three legitimate national title contenders in the SEC this season: Alabama (+600 favorite on BetOnline NCAA football odds), LSU (+800) and Tennessee (+1400). We have yet to see a conference get two teams into the College Football Playoff or one with two losses make it. Might that change this year?

The Vols are favored to win the SEC East for the first time since 2007. What happens if Tennessee loses a close game on Oct. 15 at home to Alabama but finishes 11-1 and wins the East? Let's say the Tide win the West Division again with the same 11-1 record and UT then upsets Alabama in a close game in the SEC Championship Game. Then could those two SEC clubs make it to the playoff? What if LSU loses only to Alabama and misses out on the SEC title game but that is the Tigers' only loss? Clearly it will depend on what happens in the other Power 5 conferences and with Notre Dame.

The Big Ten is +300 on BetOnline NCAA football odds. Few believe reigning conference champion Michigan State will get back to the playoff with only 10 starters returning. Thus your top candidates would be Ohio State (+900 to win it all) and Michigan (+1000) from the Big Ten East Division. As usual, those blood rivals close the regular season against one another, this year in Columbus, so only one of them will have a shot at the Big Ten title and most likely a spot in the playoff.

Just like Ohio State and Michigan are in the much tougher division in the Big Ten, so are Clemson and Florida State together in the ACC Atlantic. The Tigers are +700 to win the national title behind Heisman favorite Deshaun Watson and the Seminoles are +1000. Both schools will be favored in every regular-season game except only one can be (barring a pick'em) when Clemson visits Tallahassee on Oct. 29. The ACC might have a decent shot of getting both in the playoff if that game is close and the Tigers and Seminoles blow out everyone else. The ACC is +375 to win the national championship.

Next is the Big 12 at +550. This is the final season that conference won't have a Big 12 Championship Game, regardless of whether or not it decides to expand. Defending Big 12 champion Oklahoma is a heavy favorite to repeat there and is +1100 to win the national title. TCU (+3300) lost a ton off last year's team that was preseason No. 2, and the entire Baylor program is a mess right now. So it's probably Sooners or bust for the Big 12.

Finally, the Pac-12 is +650. That was the only Power 5 conference left out of last year's playoff. Stanford, behind Heisman Trophy candidate Christian McCaffrey, has the shortest national title odds at +2800. Lot of good teams in the Pac-12 but perhaps no great ones. The Pac-12 has the longest title drought among the Power 5, last winning it all in 2004.

If you are keen on Notre Dame winning it all, you can get an independent school as the winning "conference" at +2000. You also get BYU there, and the Cougars could be sneaky good.

The remaining options are the AAC (+5000), which does house a very good Houston team, Mountain West (+10000), MAC (+20000), Conference USA (+25000) and Sun Belt (+50000).

[StarDust Bum]

2016 Patriot League Preview
August 23, 2016

(STATS) - One week, it might be Fordham running back Chase Edmonds, the next it could be Holy Cross quarterback Peter Pujals.

Could Lehigh's "Big Three" be far behind?

Defenses in the Patriot League are getting pulled in every direction and taxed by tremendous offensive players.

The defenses are asked to just keep up enough to get the ball back to their offense to let it go to work again.

"When you look at the offenses in this league, when you look at the quarterbacks, there's some tremendous skill. It's impossible to defend it all," Holy Cross coach Tom Gilmore said. "I think defenses have to start becoming more and more aggressive, so the offenses don't know what they're doing.

"If you just sit there with base defense, unless you're flat out better than the team you're playing, I think most offenses in this league, if not this country, will pick you apart."

Six of the league's seven teams - all but Georgetown - are returning a senior starting quarterback, a group led by Pujals, Fordham's Kevin Anderson, Colgate's Jake Melville and Lehigh's Nick Shafnisky. And then there are the All-Americans like Edmonds and Holy Cross wide receiver Brendan Flaherty.

To defend the great skill, Patriot teams have to be willing to change the game plan from week to week to stop the different players and styles of offenses.

"You have to be really consistent," Georgetown coach Rob Sgarlata said.

Among the league favorites, defending champion Colgate returns the more complete team over Fordham and Lehigh, but even the Raiders seek improvement on defense in a big way. All three should have excellent offenses in what's been an offensive league.

Following is a team-by-team breakdown of the 2016 Patriot League race and STATS' predicted order of finish:

1. Colgate

2. Fordham

3. Lehigh

4. Holy Cross

5. Bucknell

6. Lafayette

7. Georgetown

---=

TEAM CAPSULES=

1. COLGATE RAIDERS=

LOCATION: Hamilton, New York

STADIUM: Andy Kerr Stadium

COACH: Dan Hunt (14-12 in two seasons at Colgate)

LAST SEASON: 9-5 overall, 6-0 Patriot (1st)

STARTERS RETURNING: 17 (9 offense/8 defense)

THREE KEY LOSSES: John Weber, OG; John Quazza, TE; Ty McCollum, CB

ONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Jake Melville, QB, Sr. (193-for-351, 2,552 yards, 11 TDs, 2 INTs; 186 carries, 1073 yards, 11 TDs)

ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Pat Afriyie, DE, Jr. (49 TT, 17.5 TFL, 9.5 sacks, 5 QBH, 5 FF)

OTHER KEY PLAYERS: James Holland, TB, Jr.; John Maddaluna III, WR, Sr.; Alex Greenawalt, WR, Jr.; Jordi Dalmau, OG, Jr.; Max Hartzman, C, Jr.; Ryan Paulish, OL, Jr.; Grant Siegel, OL, Sr.; Alex Campbell, NT, Sr.; Victor Steffen, DT, Sr.; Brett Field, DE, Sr.; Kyle Diener, LB, Sr.; Chris Morgan, LB, Sr.; Charles Cairnie, LB, Sr.; Abu Daramy, DB, Fr.; Adam Bridgeforth, CB, Sr.; Jonah Bowman, PK, Sr.

OUTLOOK: The Raiders kept playing close games and kept winning them last season, rolling to a perfect record in the Patriot League and then to two road playoff victories (New Hampshire and James Madison) to reach the FCS quarterfinals. They return 17 starters, their kickers and two 2014 starters, DT Steffen and CB Bridgeforth, who were injured for much of last season. Behind QB Melville's lead, the Raiders averaged a league-high 206.4 rushing yards per game. RB Holland was a late-season standout and could threaten the 1,000-yard mark behind the Raiders' veteran offensive line. Maddaluna (62 receptions, 910 yards, 2 TDs) returns as the No. 1 wide receiver and the Raiders are expecting Greenawalt to break out as well. The defense will be physical as usual, featuring potential All-Americans in DE Afriyie and LB Diener, their leading tackler (129) and this year's preseason Patriot defensive player of the year. But the unit left room for improvement as the Raiders were outscored 401-356 despite enjoying their best season since 2003. With such an excellent returning team, it's curious the Raiders opted for only 10 games, including only four at Andy Kerr Stadium.

SCHEDULE:

Sept. 2, at Syracuse

Sept. 17, at Yale

Sept. 24, at Richmond

Oct. 1, Cornell

Oct. 8, at Lehigh*

Oct. 15, at Bucknell*

Oct. 29, Holy Cross*

Nov. 5, at Fordham*

Nov. 12, Lafayette*

Nov. 19, Georgetown*

* - Patriot League game

---=

2. FORDHAM RAMS=

LOCATION: Bronx, New York

STADIUM: Coffey Field

COACH: Andrew Breiner (first season at Fordham)

LAST SEASON: 9-3 overall, 5-1 Patriot (2nd)

STARTERS RETURNING: 18 (10 offense/8 defense)

THREE KEY LOSSES: Garrick Mayweather, OL; Stephen Hodge, LB; J.Q. Bowers, DB

ONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Chase Edmonds, RB, Jr. (251 carries, 1,648 yards, 20 TDs; 31 receptions, 383 yards, 5 TDs)

ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Jihaad Pretlow, CB, Sr. (67 TT, 3 TFL, 2 INTs, 12 PBU, 1 FR)

OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Kevin Anderson, QB, Sr.; Kendall Pearcey, RB, Sr.; Corey Caddle, WR, So.; Austin Longi, WR, So.; Robbie Cantelli, WR, Sr.; Phazahn Odom, Sr., TE; Ben Hartman, OL, Jr.; John Boyd, OL, Sr.; Anthony Coyle, OL, Jr.; Marlon Crook, DL, Sr.; Justin Vaughn, DL, Sr.; Manny Adeyeye, DL, Sr.; George Dawson, LB, Sr.; Niko Thorpe, LB, Jr.; Makay Redd, PK, Sr.; Joe Pavlik, P, Sr.

OUTLOOK: Despite the loss of highly successful coach Joe Moorhead to Penn State, the Rams have had a smooth transition under Andrew Breiner, their former offensive coordinator who at 32 has become one of Division I's younger head coaches. It helps that the Rams return 18 starters and the kickers as they seek a second Patriot title in three seasons and a fourth straight appearance in the FCS playoffs. It all starts with All-America RB Edmonds, who has been spectacular in his first two seasons (4,504 all-purpose yards and 49 touchdowns). Plus, opposing defenses have to stay honest or QB Anderson (229-for-342, 3,183 yards, 32 TDs, 10 INTs) will burn them. He knows how to spread the ball as his top five receivers were between 31 and 37 receptions a year ago. The two points of emphasis must be cutting down on sacks (43 allowed last season) and improving a defense that ranked only fifth in the league in both scoring defense and total defense. The defense lost three of its top four tacklers, although it returns two players, LB Thorpe and CB Pretlow, who were Patriot preseason selections. The Rams are happy to be hosting defending champ Colgate on Nov. 5 and then play at Yankee Stadium a week later against Holy Cross.

SCHEDULE:

Sept. 3, at Navy

Sept. 10, Elizabeth City State

Sept. 24, Penn

Oct. 1, at Monmouth

Oct. 8, Lafayette*

Oct. 15, Yale

Oct. 22, Georgetown*

Oct. 29, Lehigh*

Nov. 5, Colgate*

Nov. 12, Holy Cross* (at Yankee Stadium, New York)

Nov. 19, at Bucknell*

* - Patriot League game

---=

3. LEHIGH MOUNTAIN HAWKS=

LOCATION: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

STADIUM: Goodman Stadium

COACH: Andy Coen (68-46 in 10 seasons at Lehigh)

LAST SEASON: 6-5 overall, 4-2 Patriot (3rd)

STARTERS RETURNING: 14 (8 offense, 6 defense)

THREE KEY LOSSES: Matt Ford, OL; Matt Laub, DL; Olivier Rigaud, CB

ONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Nick Shafnisky, QB, Sr. (196-for-294, 15 TDs, 10 INTs; 151 carries, 674 yards, 12 TDs)

ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Colton Caslow, MLB, Sr. (95 TT, 8 TFL, 1 sack, 2 PBU, 2 QBH)

OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Dom Bragalone, RB, So.; Troy Pelletier, WR, Jr.; Gatlin Casey, WR, Jr.; Trevor Socarras, WR, Sr.; Derek Knott, WR, Sr.; Tim O'Hara, LT, Jr.; Brandon Short, C, Sr.; Zach Duffy, RT, Sr.; Micah Tennant, LG, Sr.; Tyler Cavenas, DL, Jr.; Jimmy Mitchell, DL, Sr.; Pierce Ripanti, OLB, Sr.; Brandon Leaks, CB, Sr.; Quentin Jones, DB, Jr.; LaQuan Lambert, ROV, R-Sr.; Ed Mish, PK, So.

OUTLOOK: One of the traditional Patriot League powers, Lehigh only lost in the league to Colgate and Fordham last season, and this season it gets the last two champions at home. The Mountain Hawks feature a "Big Three" on offense with QB Shafnisky, RB Bragalone and WR Pelletier. Shafnisky was a touchdown-maker (27) as a junior, Bragalone (1,008 rushing yards, 8 total TDs) was the Patriot League's rookie of the year and Pelletier (78 receptions, 831 yards, 8 TDs) made the All-Patriot first team as a sophomore. While the offense can score in bunches, Lehigh joined Lafayette at the bottom of the Patriot League defensive rankings. Opponents averaged over five yards per carry as well as 451.3 yards and 35.3 points per game. All-Patriot LB Caslow will look to motivate the struggling unit, which gets back Lambert for a fifth season after the standout rover was lost to a season-ending injury in the first game last year. Last year's senior class was the first in more than 20 years to leave campus without winning a Patriot League championship.

SCHEDULE:

Sept. 3, Monmouth

Sept. 10, at Villanova

Sept. 17, at Penn

Sept. 24, at Princeton

Oct. 1, at Yale

Oct. 8, Colgate*

Oct. 15, at Georgetown*

Oct. 22, at Holy Cross*

Oct. 29, Fordham*

Nov. 5, Bucknell*

Nov. 19, at Lafayette*

* - Patriot League game

---=

4. HOLY CROSS CRUSADERS=

LOCATION: Worcester, Massachusetts

STADIUM: Fitton Field

COACH: Tom Gilmore (66-69 in 12 seasons at Holy Cross)

LAST SEASON: 6-5 overall, 3-3 Patriot (4th)

STARTERS RETURNING: 16 (10 offense/6 defense)

THREE KEY LOSSES: Kalif Raymond, WR/RS; Mike Galantini, DT; Matt Bhaya, SS

ONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Peter Pujals, QB, Sr. (286-for-484, 3,195 yards, 28 TDs, 11 INTs; 92 carries, 319 yards, 1 TD)

ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Dewayne Cameron, DE, Sr. (47 TT, 11 TFL, 7 sacks, 2 PBU, 2 FR)

OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Gabe Guild, TB, Sr.; Brendan Flaherty, WR, Sr.; Jake Wieczorek, WR, Sr.; Lucas Nikolaisen, TE, Sr.; Hunter Hudgins, OT, Sr.; Rob Kosharek, OT, Sr.; James Murray, C, Sr.; Ryan Smith, DE, Sr.; Jack Kutschke, DT, Jr.; Kyle Young, LB, Sr.; Nick McBeath, LB, Jr.; Alim Muhammad, CB, Jr.; Steven Martinez, CB, Sr.; Luke Ford, FS, Sr.

OUTLOOK: After posting a winning season for the first time since 2011, the Crusaders hope to be a title contender with their strong senior class. Leading the way is QB Pujals, who has been outstanding for three straight seasons. His favorite target, Flaherty, posted one of the best seasons by a receiver in league history with 106 receptions for 1,082 yards and 12 TDs last year. The offense lost only one starter and TB Guild is capable of gaining more than his 402 rushing yards of a year ago. Holy Cross outscored opponents 351-249 with its much-improved defense, posting two shutouts and allowing only seven points in two other wins. Some key players are gone from the defense, but DE Cameron returns as a senior leader, and DBs Ford and Muhammad (injured for much of last season) joined him on the Patriot preseason team. LB McBeath was lost at midseason after getting off to a great start, so the defense may overcome some of its graduation losses. With the Fordham game moved to Yankee Stadium, the Crusaders will play only four times at home.

SCHEDULE:

Sept. 3, at Morgan State

Sept. 10, at New Hampshire

Sept. 17, at Albany

Sept. 24, Dartmouth

Oct. 1, at Lafayette*

Oct. 8, Bucknell*

Oct. 15, Harvard

Oct. 22, Lehigh*

Oct. 29, at Colgate*

Nov. 5, at Georgetown*

Nov. 12, Fordham* (at Yankee Stadium, New York)

* - Patriot League game

---=

5. BUCKNELL BISON=

LOCATION: Lewisburg, Pennsylvania

STADIUM: Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium

COACH: Joe Susan (28-38 in six seasons at Bucknell; 38-38 overall)

LAST SEASON: 4-7 overall, 1-5 Patriot (6th)

STARTERS RETURNING: 16 (8 offense/8 defense)

THREE KEY LOSSES: Matt DelMauro, RB; Jimmy King, DE; Clayton Ewell, S

ONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Julie'n Davenport, OL, Sr. (FCS All-America first team)

ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Abdullah Anderson, DT, Jr. (46 TT, 8 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 3 PBU, 1 BK)

OTHER KEY PLAYERS: R.J. Nitti, QB, Sr.; Joey DeFloria, RB, Jr.; Will Carter, WR, Sr.; Alan Butler, WR, So.; Andrew Owers, TE/FB, So.; Devlin Brennan, LG, Sr.; Ned Bent, C, Sr.; Cary Hess, RG, Sr.; Doug Whitlock, DE, Jr.; Ben Schumacher, NG, Sr.; Ben Richard, LB, Jr.; Mark Pyles, LB, Jr.; Bret Berg, S, Sr.; Connor Golden, S, Jr.; Bryan Marine, CB, So.; Colin Jonov, CB, Jr.; Nick O'Brien, CB, Sr.; Alex Pechin, PK/P, So.

OUTLOOK: The schedule is quite similar to last season and the Bison hope to make amends after their win total from 2014 (8-3) was cut in half in a disappointing record. Injuries set them back, but it also gave starter's experience to a high number of players. With four players on the Patriot preseason team (DLs Anderson and Schumacher and LBs Pyles and Richard), the defense remains the strength of the team. It might even overcome the graduation of Ewell, the Patriot League's 2015 defensive player of the year. The defense, which returns 12 of its 14 leading tacklers, surrendered the fewest points and yards in the league. On offense, the Bison averaged 11 fewer points per game a year ago than in 2014. Their veteran line features 6-foot-7, 320-pound LT Davenport and four other seniors who have combined for 62 career starts. QB Nitti enters his third season as the starter and will team with All-Patriot WR Carter, although the running back position has to be figured out (perhaps a committee). Pechin was the Patriot first-team punter as a freshman, averaging 42.1 yards per punt.

SCHEDULE:

Sept. 3, at Marist

Sept. 10, at Duquesne

Sept. 17, Cornell

Sept. 24, VMI

Oct. 8, at Holy Cross*

Oct. 15, Colgate*

Oct. 22, Lafayette*

Oct. 29, at Charleston Southern

Nov. 5, at Lehigh*

Nov. 12, at Georgetown*

Nov. 19, Fordham*

* - Patriot League game

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6. LAFAYETTE LEOPARDS=

LOCATION: Easton, Pennsylvania

STADIUM: Fisher Stadium

COACH: Frank Tavani (82-99 in 16 seasons at Lafayette)

LAST SEASON: 1-10 overall, 0-6 Patriot (7th)

STARTERS RETURNING: 16 (9 offense/7 defense)

KEY LOSSES: Mark Dodd, LB; Matt Smalley, CB/KR; Jared Roberts, S/PR

ONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Drew Reed, QB, Sr. (199-for-308, 2,008 yards, 11 TDs, 10 INTs)

ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Brandon Bryant, LB, Jr. (114 TT, 6.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 PBU, 1 FF)

OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Blake Searfoss, QB, Sr.; DeSean Brown, RB, Jr.; C.J. Amill, RB/WR, So.; Joey Chenoweth, WR, So.; Matt Mrazek, WR, Jr.; Cam Smith, LT, Jr.; Connor Staudle, LG, Sr.; Kevin Zataveski, C, Sr.; Nick Zataveski, RT, Sr.; Matt Rothrock, DT, Sr.; Robin Cepeda, DT, Sr.; Collin Albershardt, DE, Sr.; Beau Bosch, DE, Jr.; Jerry Powe, LB, So.; Draeland James, SS, Sr.; Phillip Parham, CB, Jr.; Jacob Bissell, PK, So.; Ryan Forrester, P, Sr.

OUTLOOK: Last season was quite the drop-off for a team that won the Patriot League title in 2013. The injury-plagued Leopards suffered their worst record since 1964 and went winless in league action for the first time. Tavani, the dean of Patriot coaches, seeks a turnaround, and he has a pretty good solution that too often gets overlooked by football fans - the Leopards return four of the five starters on the offensive line and all four starters on the defensive line. They have to put that muscle to good use, of course, but QB Reed quarterbacked them to the 2013 league title as a freshman. Brown (154 carries, 580 yards, 5 TDs) is a dangerous tailback and Chenoweth, Mrazek and Rocco Palumbo form a solid trio of wide receivers. While the defense is experienced up front, the Leopards lost four of last season's top five tacklers, although they return the right one in Bryant, who led the team. Their 4-2-5 defense allowed 28 touchdowns through the air while intercepting only five passes. The Oct. 15 visit to Army West Point is Lafayette's first game against an FBS opponent since 1997, when the Leopards fell just short 38-36 against the Cadets.

SCHEDULE:

Sept. 2, at Central Connecticut State

Sept. 10, Delaware

Sept. 17, at Princeton

Sept. 24, Villanova

Oct. 1, Holy Cross*

Oct. 8, at Fordham*

Oct. 15, at Army West Point

Oct. 22, at Bucknell*

Oct. 29, Georgetown*

Nov. 12, at Colgate*

Nov. 19, Lehigh*

* - Patriot League game

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7. GEORGETOWN HOYAS=

LOCATION: Washington, D.C.

STADIUM: Multi-Sport Field

COACH: Rob Sgarlata (7-15 in two seasons at Georgetown)

LAST SEASON: 4-7 overall, 2-4 Patriot (5th)

STARTERS RETURNING: 13 (7 offense/6 defense)

THREE KEY LOSSES: Kyle Nolan, QB; Jo'el Kimpela, RB; Matt Satchell, LB

ONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Justin Hill, WR, Sr. (46 receptions, 636 yards, 6 TDs)

ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Daniel Yankovich, LB, Jr. (88 TT, 5 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 QBH)

OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Tim Barnes, QB, Sr.; Isaac Ellsworth, RB/KR, Jr.; Matt Buckman, TE, Sr.; Nick James, OL, Jr.; Michael McFarlane, OL, Jr.; Matt Houpert, OL Jr.; Hunter Kiselick, DL, Grad; Phil Novacki, DL, Sr.; Brennen Sawicki, DL, So.; Leo Loughrey, LB, Sr.; David Akere, S, Jr.; Jethro Francois, S, So.; Jelani Williamson, CB, Jr.; Henry Darmstadter, PK, Sr.

OUTLOOK: In a veteran-filled league this season, Georgetown has the fewest returning starters on top of being the only program which doesn't offer scholarships. The Hoyas were competitive last season, losing three league games by seven points or less, and they built some younger depth. QB Barnes (10-for-22, 79 yards) has waited for his turn behind Nolan and will run the offense as a senior. His go-to targets are WR Hill and TE Buckman (32 receptions, 251 yards, 4 TDs), the latter whom made the Patriot League preseason team. The defense must retool, but DT Sawicki and S Francis are sophomores to build around and LB Yankovich, the Hoyas' second-leading tackler last year, has two seasons of eligibility remaining. Aside from a trip to Harvard, the non-conference schedule is manageable.

SCHEDULE:

Sept. 3, Davidson

Sept. 10, at Marist

Sept. 24, Columbia

Sept. 30, at Harvard

Oct. 8, Princeton

Oct. 15, Lehigh*

Oct. 22, at Fordham*

Oct. 29, at Lafayette*

Nov. 5, Holy Cross*

Nov. 12, Bucknell*

Nov. 19, at Colgate*

* - Patriot League game