Sun Belt: Louisiana-Monroe

Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks

2015 Results: 2-11 (1-7, 11th in Sun Belt)

Returning Starters: 7 OFF, 2 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule

September

3rd SOUTHERN

10th at Oklahoma

17th at Georgia Southern

October

1st at Auburn

8th IDAHO

15th TEXAS STATE

22nd at New Mexico

29th at Arkansas State

November

5th SOUTH ALABAMA

12th at Georgia State

19th at Appalachian State

December

3rd LOUISIANA

New head coach Matt Viator is making his FBS debut. Viator had been at McNeese State for the past 16 years, nine of which as the head coach. Now, he is given the monumental task of turning around a Louisiana-Monroe program that hasn't been to the post season since 2012. However, the former offensive coordinator will benefit this season from experience returning on the offensive side of the ball.

Sophomore quarterback Garrett Smith returns, and he has plenty of company. Returning at receiver is sophomore Marcus Green who led the team in receptions (63) and senior Ajalen Holley who lead the team in yards (709). Tyler Cain makes the switch from receiver to running back after missing all of last season with a lower body injury. Cain is the best athlete on the team and has explosive, home run capability. The Warhawks return three on the offensive line who have a wealth of experience.

New defensive coordinator Mike Collins will be implementing a 4-2-5 defense, but he won't inherit much from last year. His front six has been decimated as the only two returning starters are both in the secondary. Safety Tre' Hunter is the leading returning tackler, and he is expected to anchor the secondary along with senior cornerback Lenzy Pipkins. A few of the front six have starting experience, but not enough to bat an eye at. The front line will be made up of Tyler Johnson and Howard Houston who are both incoming junior college transfers.

Player to Watch: Garrett Smith

Smith was the starter as a freshman for the Warhawks. Before a season ending injury, he completed 57.4% of his passes for 2,033 yards, and 17 TDs. Give him a full year, and he will be one of the top quarterbacks in the conference as a junior.

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/10 at Oklahoma

The Warhawks should in all likelihood be coming off a win with excitement for a new season. They will be making the trip to Norman to face a Top-10 team in Oklahoma where a lot of people will see them in the spotlight.

What to Expect

This is a very young team despite the numbers returning to the offense. With new coaches, it is expected to be a rebuilding year, and a long one at that. Fear not though. A young quarterback with the skills that Smith possesses is a valuable tool for the future.

Prediction

2-10 (1-7, Sun Belt)

-Dug

@chansm1th

Sun Belt: Louisiana

Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns

2015 Results: 4-8 (3-5, T-5th in Sun Belt)

Returning Starters: 7 OFF, 7 DEF, 2 SP

2016 Schedule

September

3rd BOISE STATE
10th MCNEESE STATE
17th SOUTH ALABAMA
24th at Tulane

October

1st at New Mexico State
12th APPALACHIAN STATE
22nd at Texas State

November

5th IDAHO
12th at Georgia Southern
19th at Georgia
26th ARKANSAS STATE

December

3rd at Louisiana-Monroe

Not long ago, Louisiana was making it a thing by winning at least nine games and going to bowls. They had four consecutive years where they did such, until a year ago. After starting 4-4, the Ragin' Cajuns found themselves in unfamiliar territory. After losing the final four games of the season, it became apparent that they would be watching the bowl season from home. This year's team will have a chance to return to their winning ways and shake off one season that they hope to forget.

Questions abound, similar to other teams in the conference, about the quarterback situation. The race is currently between sophomore Jordan Davis and redshirt freshman Chris Weaver with neither putting any separation between the other. Elijah McGuire returns to the backfield for his senior season, and he is an All-Sun Belt running back who does it all. The receivers are new, but experienced. That being said, turnover around the rest of the offense, and the quarterback situation, means that this group will have to get winning experience quick.

Seven starters return to a defense that was well known for giving up the big play a year ago. Seven of the tacklers return also to that same unit. The defense will be led by linebackers Tracy Walker and Otha Peters. Safety Savion Brown who had three of the Cajuns' five interceptions a year ago also returns. The defense will be experienced, but as with the offense, they will need to get that winning experience.

Player to Watch: Elijah McGuire

Not only is McGuire the best player for Louisiana, he's also one of the top backs in the Sun Belt. The Do-It-All Back ran for 1,058 yards last year, and also caught 33 passes. He will be the quarterback's best friend, whenever he is named.

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/3 Boise State

The Cajuns host the Broncos this year. This is huge for them to bring in a team of that caliber. With the lights shining bright, they will have a clean slate in the opener, and a new quarterback.

What to Expect

Returning to the nine win level is likely out of the question this year. One thing in their favor is the conference schedule. Louisiana draws both Appalachian State and Arkansas State at home this year. For the Cajuns to make a bowl, they will need more play makers on offense than McGuire, and they will also need to find a way to limit the big plays on defense.

Prediction

5-7 (3-5, Sun Belt)

-Dug

@chansm1th

Sun Belt: Idaho

Idaho Vandals

2015 Results: 4-8 (3-5, 5th in Sun Belt)

Returning Starters: 8 OFF, 6 DEF, 2 SP

2016 Schedule

September

1st MONTANA STATE

10th at Washington

17th at Washington State

24th at UNLV

October

1st TROY

8th at Louisiana-Monroe

15th NEW MEXICO STATE

22nd at Appalachian State

November

5th at Louisiana

12th at Texas State

26th SOUTH ALABAMA

December

 3rd GEORGIA STATE

The Vandals have fallen on hard times. Paul Petrino enters his fourth year as head coach, and after owning a 6-29 record, might be coaching for his job. Idaho is also the one team in the conference that is away from the other institutions. With seven road games on the schedule, that is a hard mountain to climb for anyone.

This edition of the Idaho football team should have the best offence since Petrino got there. Expect the Vandals to pass early and often. Quarterback Matt Linehan returns for his third year starting, and he has talented receivers around him. The Vandals return three receivers who went for over 500 yards a year ago. Deon Watson returns a year after catching seven touchdowns, but Callen Hightower might be the more talented of the two. Hightower closed the year out strong after averaging 112 receiving yards per game in the season's final five contests. Three players are expected to make up the running back committee with junior Aaron Duckworth getting the bulk of the workload.

Last year's defense was atrocious. The Vandals allowed 487.7 yards per game while giving up 42.1 points. For the Vandals to have success, both of those numbers need to bottom out. Linebacker Kaden Elliss recorded 83 tackles as a freshman a year ago, and is expected to continue that high output. Senior defensive end Tueni Lupeamau will hold down the front seven and also called upon for his senior leadership. The secondary will be the strength as they return three while inserting senior D.J. Hampton at corner back.

Player to Watch: Matt Linehan

Linehan is by far the best quarterback in the conference. With questions in the running game, and an abundance of receivers returning, Linehan will have plenty of opportunities to sling the ball. 

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/10 at Washington

They won't win this game, but they will be playing at one of the top teams in the nation. Linehan & Co. will be letting it fly in what should be a high scoring affair.

What to Expect

This season is all or nothing for Idaho. The Vandals are playing for their coaches jobs, but it will be a difficult feat for them to make a bowl with such a tough schedule and only five home games.

Prediction

4-8 (3-5, Sun Belt)

-Dug

@chansm1th

Sun Belt: Georgia State

Georgia State Panthers

2015 Results: 6-7 (5-3. 4th in Sun Belt)

Lost to San Jose State in Cure Bowl

Returning Starters: 6 OFF, 9 DEF

2016 Schedule

September

2nd BALL STATE

10th at Air Force

17th at Wisconsin

October

1st at Appalachian State

8th Texas State

15th at Troy

22nd TENNESSEE-MARTIN

29th at South Alabama

November

 3rd ARKANSAS STATE

12th LOUISIANA-MONROE

19th GEORGIA SOUTHERN

December

3rd at Idaho

Like teams in the Sun Belt before them, Georgia State is adjusting well to the jump in the level of division. The Panthers went to their first bowl game after closing out the season with four straight wins. They return enough personnel that it is not far fetched to believe they won't improve on last year and secure the program's first winning season since moving to the Bowl Subdivision.

The Panthers lose starting quarterback Nick Arbuckle who accumulated 7,600 yards over the past two seasons. Coaches have kept the replacement decision close to the vest as they have stated repeatedly that a starter will not be named before the first game. However, it will likely be former Utah transfer Conner Manning lining up behind center when the Panthers open up with Ball State. Three of the four top receivers return for the Panthers meaning that the eventual quarterback will have plenty of experienced targets. Wide receiver Robert Davis was first team Sun Belt last year, and tight end Keith Rucker was second. The rushing attack was one of the worst in the nation last year after averaging only 96.9 yards per game, but the Panthers are hoping that junior Glenn Smith will turn that statistic around. Three linemen return with a combined 50 starts between them.

The Panthers lost two all-conference players on defense from a year ago, but return the other nine starters. Former UAB linebacker Alonzo McGee returns after leading the team in tackles for loss with 12.5 last season. The secondary returns three led by senior safety Bobby Baker who had three INTs. They key for this defense will be just how much they pressure opposing quarterbacks.

Player to Watch: Penny Hart

The shifty receiver might not be big in size (5-8, 170), but he is the key to the offense. As a freshman, Hart had 71 receptions and was named Sun Belt Freshman of the year. Being the best receiver on the team, Hart is bound to dazzle fans all season long.

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/17 at Wisconsin

Not that we're going to put the Badgers on upset alert, but it is worth noting that they have a conference clash with rival Michigan State the following week. Don't put words in our mouth.

What to Expect

The starting quarterback will be the main question that hangs around this team, but it doesn't mean their sunk. The season will come down to how the Panthers close out the final four games of the season.

Prediction

7-5 (5-3, Sun Belt)

-Dug

@chansm1th

Sun Belt: Georgia Southern

Georgia Southern Eagles

2015 Results: 9-4 (6-2, 3rd in Sun Belt)

Defeated Bowling Green in Go Daddy Bowl

Returning Starters: 6 OFF, 5 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule

September

3rd SAVANNAH STATE

10th at South Alabama

17th LOUISIANA-MONROE

24th at Western Michigan

October

5th at Arkansas State

15th at Georgia Tech

22nd at New Mexico State

27th APPALACHIAN STATE

November

5th at Mississippi

12th LOUISIANA

19th at Georgia State

December

3rd TROY

Georgia Southern enters their third year as an FBS school and also have a new head coach. Tyson Summers made the jump from Colorado State where he was the defensive coordinator, and inherits a top 25 defense from a year ago. After winning a Sun Belt title in their first season, expectations are high to return to that level of play for the program.

The Eagles had the top ranked rushing attack a year ago. Averaging 363 yards on the ground per game, they also return 99% of that production. Leading rusher Matt Breida returns along with the next 5 leading rushers. Summers will employ two quarterbacks this year before settling on a full-time starter. This will be a full option team, but the new coach will be easing in a passing game.

The defense came up huge last year, but was for the most part underappreciated. The secondary suffered the most losses on the side as only one starter returns. Senior linebacker Ironhead Gallon returns as the centerpiece for the 4-3 scheme. Three upfront return including interior linemen Jay Ellison and Darrius Sapp who combine 640 lbs between the two to stop up the middle.

Player to Watch: Matt Breida

Breida returns to the nation's leading rushing attack a year after running for 1,608 yards and 17 TDs. The back already has 3,093 yards in his career, and looks as though he will add to that total considerably. If the passing game can get going as Summer hopes, more holes will open up for Breida whether he needs them or not.

If you only watch them once, watch:

10/15 at Georgia Tech

If you like old-school football, this is your game. Here are two teams who will turn the clock back 60 years to a time when a forward pass was unheard of.

What to Expect

The Eagles have a lot going against them, They have a new coaching staff along with a very difficult schedule. They will need to settle on one quarterback and get the ball down the field quicker if they hope to continue their winning ways.

Prediction

5-7 (3-5, Sun Belt)

-Dug

@chansm1th

Sun Belt: Arkansas State

Arkansas State Red Wolves

2015 Results: 9-4 (8-0, Sun Belt Champions)

Lost to Louisiana Tech in New Orleans Bowl

Returning Starters: 6 OFF, 8 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule

September

3rd TOLEDO

10th at Auburn

17th at Utah State

24th CENTRAL ARKANSAS

October

5th GEORGIA SOUTHERN

15th SOUTH ALABAMA

29th LOUISIANA-MONROE

November

3rd at Georgia State

12th NEW MEXICO STATE

17th at Troy

26th at Louisiana

December

3rd at Texas State

Arkansas State ran through the Sun Belt on their way to a fifth straight bowl appearance. The Red Wolves margin of victory was 21.1 ppg with the closest contest being a 10-point victory (Louisiana). The Red Wolves return enough to make another run at the conference championship, but it remains to be seen if they will dominate the field as they did last year.

The quarterback competition is wide open. It appears as though University of Oklahoma signee Justice Hansen will be calling the plays. The sophomore will benefit from having running backs Johnston White and Warren Ward leading the rushing attack. The Red Wolves lost their top two receivers from a year ago, but hope that Cameron Echols-Luper will put a jolt into the offense. All five members of the line return as seniors.

Four of the eight returning starters on defense won all-conference honors last year. Defensive End Ja'Von Rolland-Jones, who had 13 tackles for loss and 9 sacks a year ago, will be leading the unit as he will be in contention for the conference defensive player of the year. Former Alabama Defensive Tackle Dee Liner is the only new starter in the front six. The secondary will be the question mark. The Red Wolves gave up 267.8 passing yards per game a year ago, and will look to improve on that this season as the back unit will be a work in progress.

Player to Watch: Cameron Echols-Luper

Echols-Luper is the definition of Do-It-All. Not only did he play wide out at TCU, he also played quarterback and even punted. He was also a track and field star. He will be a huge addition to the offense after sitting out last year for transferring.

If you only watch them once, watch:

10/5 Georgia Southern

This game will be sure to define the conference race early. After a decent September schedule, the Red Wolves will begin defending their conference title at home against an up-and-coming Georgia Southern team.

What to Expect

The Red Wolves come into this season with a target on their back. They embarrassed every conference foe they faced last year, and other teams won't soon forget that. The schedule sets up favorably for the repeat. If they can sneak out an early win at Auburn, and unblemished campaign shouldn't be out of the question.

Prediction

10-2 (7-1, Sun Belt)

-Dug

@chansm1th

Sun Belt: Appalachian State

Appalachian State Mountaineers

2015 Results: 11-2 (7-1, 2nd in Sun Belt)

Defeated Ohio in Camellia Bowl

Returning Starters: 6 OFF, 9 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule:

September

1st at Tennessee

10th OLD DOMINION
17th MIAMI

24th at Akron

October

1st GEORGIA STATE

12th at Louisiana

22nd IDAHO

27th at Georgia Southern

November

5th TEXAS STATE

12th at Troy

19th LOUISIANA-MONROE

26th at New Mexico State

We all remember the time and where we were when Appalachian State went into the Big House and knocked off the giant that was Michigan. Around that time, the Mountaineers began to take college football by storm from the FCS level. Entering their third year as an FBS school, the Mountaineers are continuing to turn heads. In two years in the big leagues, they have went 18-7 overall with a 13-3 record in the Sun Belt. Last year, they were 11-2 with their only conference loss being to Arkansas State that ended up deciding the Sun Belt Champion. This year, they are back for more.

Appy returns six starters on offense. Junior Taylor Lamb will return for his third year calling signals. Marcus Cox will be getting the bulk of the carries for his senior campaign, but the Mountaineers return 3,032 rushing yards from a season ago. There isn't much experience when it comes to pass catching as they only return one of their top four receivers from a year ago. Senior Tight End Barrett Burns, who pulled in 8 TDs last year, is the lone returner.

The Mountaineers return almost all of their defense from last year including their top two tacklers. Linebackers Eric Boggs (104) and John Law (72) will anchor the defense in the middle. Junior Corner Back Latrell Gibbs (7 INTs) will hold down the back line that only lost one starter. The only issue from a year ago that must be corrected is rushing defense. The Mountaineers held five opponents to less than 60 yards, but gave up a combined 741 to Arkansas State, Wyoming, and South Alabama.

Player to Watch: Marcus Cox

The senior tailback will lead a deep and talented rushing attack. As one of the best backs in the conference, Cox ran for 1,423 yards just a year ago. Watch out for the same.

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/17 Miami

The Hurricanes make the trip up to the mountains smack in the middle of September. This is a huge opportunity for the Mountaineers to make a statement against a Power 5 team. 

What to Expect

State gets to avoid the Red Wolves this year. Should they steal a win from either Tennessee or Miami in September, they would be in the mix for another 10-plus win season. Take care of business in conference, and they have a shot to win it.

Prediction

8-4 (6-2, Sun Belt)

-Dug

@chansm1th

Sun Belt 2016 Preview

The Sun Belt Conference, or as we refer to it, the Fun Belt, is one of the more intriguing conferences in college football. Teams are as far east as North Carolina (Appalachian State) and west to New Mexico. It also touches the southern part of the United States through Louisiana and Texas while going way up there to Idaho. With all of the territory to cover, teams will see their travel expenses (and jet lag) skyrocket.

The defending champion of the Sun Belt is the Arkansas State Red Wolves. They ran the table through the season and are presumably heavy favorites to repeat. The conference sent four teams to bowl games. Five teams tied for fourth place in the conference with 3-5 records. This year is shaping up to be just as competitive with a possibility of 6 teams that have reason to think that they have a shot at the crown.

We won't be going off of schedule to post each team, so check back often. Enjoy the Fun Belt!

-Dug

@chansm1th

NBA Free Agency

If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em.

What in the world? What just happened? In what has to be one of the wildest Free Agencies since "The Decision", we have missed quite a bit while being off for the Fourth of July. With so much to cover, let us hit the high points and discuss.

Kevin Durant to Golden State

Wow! In the biggest surprise, Kevin Durant leaves the only franchise that he has ever known. We all knew that Durant would be visiting teams, but I don't think that anyone would have imagined that he would have gone to Golden State: the team that his OKC Thunder took to the brink in the Western Conference Finals only to lose in Game 7 after having a 3-1 lead. Sure, we had heard early reports that Durant might consider going, but I cannot believe yet that he signed. Just because the bully on the playground beat the crap out of you does not mean that you should be his friend. Durant signed a two-year contract worth $54.3 million with a player option after the first year. Durant has since stated that he intends on staying with the Warriors throughout the rest of his career. A hard pill to swallow if you remember the last time Durant had a contract negotiation. While LeBron was having his decision on ESPN, Durant tweeted his extension with the Thunder out over Twitter. Best of luck to the young man, but we're still scratching our heads over this one.



Dwayne Wade Leaves Heat for Bulls

Dwayne Wade returns home as he signs a contract with the Chicago Bulls. For the first time in his long career, Wade will be the highest paid player on the team. Feeling unwanted and unappreciated in Miami, Wade goes to Chicago where it was rumored he might sign with the last time he was a free agent. Joining him will be Rajon Rondo who also signed with the Bulls to the tune of two-years $28 million. Wade will now make $47.5 million over the next two seasons when he could have stayed in Miami for about $7 million less. Wade is known for taking pay cuts to bring in talent. Now, he has decided that it is time for him to earn his due. Congratulations on returning home!




Next post, we will look at some of the more puzzling signings of this Free Agency Period. Tune in next time to see the busts!




-Dug
@chansm1th

Fourth of July Break and Return

Good Saturday Morning! What a week it has been. The Fourth of July for us ungrateful colonists was on Monday and let's just say that we here at Smith Bros. Sports have taken an extended vacation. Sorry, not sorry. Hopefully you didn't Jason Pierre-Paul yourself, otherwise, it would be difficult for you to leave us a comment.

This coming week, we have a lot of content for you. We will be continuing our preview of the upcoming college football season as Alty brings you up to speed on the Independents, and Corbeech fills you in on the Sun Belt (aka FunBelt). After that, it is on to the Power 5 Conferences as we get ever close to live football.

We've missed a lot this past week. Quite a bit of the NBA free agents season and also the announcements of the MLB All-Star teams. We'll try to sort through it all as best as we can.

Thank you for taking the time to read, and we hope that you are having a wonderful holiday week!

-Dug

@chansm1th

Finishing Up with the Mountain West

This week we have taken a look at the Mountain West conference.It is exciting football that they play if you enjoy lots of scoring. By now, we should have an idea of how each team will finish. Let us take a look at the standings.

Mountain Division

1. Boise State 9-3, 6-2*

2. Wyoming 9-3, 6-2

3. New Mexico 8-4, 5-3

4. Air Force 8-4, 5-3

5. Colorado State 4-8, 2-6

6. Utah State 4-8, 2-6

Boise State makes a trip to the conference championship as they defeat Wyoming. Wyoming is our biggest mover as they go from 2-6 to 6-2. New Mexico rounds out the top three as they stay par to last year's record.

West Division

1. San Diego State 10-2, 6-2*

2. San Jose State 7-5, 6-2

3. Nevada 9-3, 6-2

4. UNLV 4-8, 2-6

5. Fresno State 2-10, 1-7

6. Hawaii 3-10, 0-8

You don't know the struggle of going through all of the tiebreaker rules for a three team tie in the Mountain West Conference. Once you go through all of the stipulations, the final one is the College Football Playoff poll. Given that San Diego State has a 10-2 record, I feel like they might be the only one ranked at season's end. San Jose State finishes second because they beat Nevada in the regular season. San Diego State falls to Boise State in the conference championship knocking them out of any consideration for the playoff. 

Bowl Eligible Teams

San Diego State

Nevada

Boise State

Air Force

Wyoming

New Mexico

San Jose State

Conference Player of the Year (Offense)

Brett Rypien, Boise State Quarterback

Conference Player of the Year (Defense)

Dakota Cox, New Mexico Linebacker

Conference Coach of the Year

Craig Bohl, Wyoming

College Football Preview: Wyoming

Wyoming Cowboys

2015 Results: 2-10 (2-6, 6th in Mountain)

Returning Starters: 9 OFF, 8 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule

September

3rd NORTHERN ILLINOIS

10th at Nebraska

17th UC DAVIS

24th at Eastern Michigan

October

1st at Colorado State

8th AIR FORCE

22nd at Nevada

29th BOISE STATE

November

5th UTAH STATE

12 at UNLV

19th SAN DIEGO STATE

26th at New Mexico

The Cowboys had a rough go at it last year. The young team took their lumps as they are the only team in the conference who lost to an FCS team. However, this team could be the best they've had in years. If their young talent can learn how to win, this team could have one of the better turnarounds of any team in the nation. 

Sophomore Josh Allen will take over the offense. Coach Craig Bohl said that Allen has the strongest arm of anyone in the Mountain West, but that he didn't know where the ball would be when it got to where it was going. Junior tailback Brian Hill returns and will be a force for the Cowboys on offense. All receivers returning will be seniors this year so Allen will have plenty of experience to throw at. The offensive line returns four and should have an easy time blocking for Hill.

The defense is young. They will need to be tested before it is clear how much they have improved. The defense will start six sophomores and a freshman. The early part of the schedule will give them plenty of in-game experience for the second half of the season in conference. Free safety Andrew Wingard returns for his sophomore season after making the freshman All-American team last year. 

Player to Watch: Brian Hill

Hill is a monster. Last season, he rushed for 1,631 yards as a sophomore. For him to do nearly as much damage, the passing game will have to hit the ground running. Hill was a former safety in high school before Bohl talked him into coming to Wyoming to play running back. Hill is now one of the top running backs in the conference, and will pick up right where he left off last year.

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/10 at Nebraska

This early season match-up will give fans an idea of where the team is. It will also give Wyoming a television spot in the midwest that will bolster their recruiting in the area.

What to Expect

The schedule works out for the Cowboys. They have top teams from the conference at home (Air Force, Boise State, and San Diego State). The Cowboys could also have a season that they remember for a long time. If the young team can hit the ground running, other teams will have a hard time stopping them.

Prediction

9-3 (6-2, MWC)

-Dug

@chansm1th

College Football Preview: Utah State

Utah State Aggies

2015 Results: 6-7 (5-3, 3rd in Mountain)

Lost to Akron in Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Returning Starters: 6 OFF, 3 DEF, 2 SP

2016 Schedule

September

1st WEBER STATE

10th at Southern Cal

17th ARKANSAS STATE

24th AIR FORCE

October

1st at Boise State

8th at Colorado State

22nd FRESNO STATE

29th SAN DIEGO STATE

November

5th at Wyoming

12th NEW MEXICO

19th at Nevada

26th at Brigham Young

The Aggies featured one of the conferences top defenses. Ranked 17th nationally, they will face a lot of turnovers on the defensive side as a few have moved on to the professional level. This year's defense will be a huge rebuilding process seeing as the Aggies will have a new defensive coordinator. 

Offense won't be a problem for Utah State. They return 6 starters, but have 10 players with starting experience. Quarterback Kent Myers will come into this season as his first starting full time. He filled in for Chuckie Keeton and excelled. Along with Myers, two more of last year's top rushers return. Devante Mays and LaJuan Hunt return. The three combined last season for over 1,600 yards. Three return on the offensive line that will be able to open the holes for the Aggies' rushing attack. Seniors Andrew Rodriguez and Wyatt Houston return to lead a new group of receivers.

The defense will need to rebuild. Only three return from 2015 which saw one of the best defenses they've had in Logan in a long time. It is very likely that all starting jobs will be open to competition when fall comes around. Only five positions are expected to be fill with seniors. It could be a long season with this unproven defense. Similar to UNLV, Utah State will need to be ready for some shootouts if their defense doesn't get going quickly.

Player to Watch: Kent Myers

Myers will lead the Aggies on offense. The dual threat quarterback is one of the most athletic players in the conference. Last season, Myers threw for 1,593 yards, 16 TDs, and only three interceptions. He also ran for 966 yards. There's not much that he can't do.

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/10 at Southern Cal

The USC game will be a tough way to open the season, but it should get the Aggies a lot of exposure. The Trojans will have a defense needing rebuilt like Utah State. This could be a high scoring affair, and if it turns out like that, it could be anyone's game.

What to Expect

The Aggies will put up a lot of points, but their defense will give up nearly as much. They lost too much to pick up right where they left off. It is had to imagine that they will keep their five year bowl streak alive.

Prediction

4-8 (2-6, MWC)

-Dug

@chansm1th

College Football Preview: UNLV

UNLV Rebels

2015 Results: 3-9 (2-6, 5th in West)

Returning Starters: 6 OFF, 6 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule

September

1st JACKSON STATE

10th at UCLA

17th at Central Michigan

24th IDAHO

October

1st FRESNO STATE

8th at San Diego State

15th at Hawaii

22nd COLORADO STATE

29th at San Jose State

November

12th WYOMING

18th at Boise State

26th NEVADA

Tony Sanchez brought a lot of excitement when he took over as head coach of UNLV prior to last season. After going 3-9 with the roster he inherited, the Rebels are on the upswing. Defense hurt UNLV last year, as they were ranked near the bottom in most categories.The upcoming year will have its share of bumps and bruises, but the Rebels are on their way back.

Johnny Stanton will be calling the signals for the Rebels. After beginning his college career at Nebraska, he ended up going the junior college route before coming to UNLV. An All-American last season, Stanton will have plenty of talent around him to get the ball rolling. UNLV does have the best receiving corp in the conference. Devonte Boyd and Kendal Keys both return for their junior seasons. The two combined for 97 catches, 1,419 yards, and 13 TDs. UNLV also has the luxury of returning their top four rushers from a year ago. Speedster Lexington Thomas ran for 506 yards as a true freshman a year ago. He will be running this year behind a bigger offensive line that will be anchored by senior Will Kreitler.

The defense is't much to take home aside from junior defensive end Mike Hughes. The Rebels gave up 457.3 yards per game last season, but they actually might be improved this coming year. Linebackers Ryan McAleeman and Tau Lotulelei both return to a group that also added a lot of players who came in via transfer. Last year's pass rush was one of the worst in the nation. They should improve this year as they have bulked up their front end. 

Player to Watch: Mike Hughes

The junior returns to the Rebels and they really need him. Hughes is a preseason All-Mountain West players, and he will be a big part of holding down the front seven, and the key to the Rebels' success on defense this year.

If you only watch them once, watch:

11/26 Nevada

The battle for the state of Nevada takes place as the last game of the regular season for each of these teams. Last year, UNLV shocked the Wolf Pack in Reno. This year's contest takes place in Las Vegas. 

What to Expect

This year's team will be improved. The defense might not be able to hold down most teams, so the offense needs to be ready for shootouts. Next year should be a better year for the Rebels, but they're on their way.

Prediction

4-8 (2-6, MWC)

-Dug

@chansm1thUNLV

College Football Preview: San Jose State

San Jose State Spartans

2015 Results: 6-4 (4-4, 3rd in West)

Defeated Georgia State in Cure Bowl

Returning Starters: 8 OFF, 6 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule:

September

3rd at Tulsa

10th PORTLAND STATE

17th UTAH

24th at Iowa State

October

1st at New Mexico

8th HAWAII

15th NEVADA

21st at San Diego State

29th UNLV

November

5th at Boise State

19th AIR FORCE

26th at Fresno State

Because there weren't enough winning teams last year, a few 5-7 teams were invited to bowls. San Jose State was one of them. The Spartans were one of a few teams in history to have won their bowl game, but have a losing record. They were led by young talent, but faced a difficult schedule. This year, they still have a tough one.

Senior Kenny Potter returns at starting quarterback to lead an experienced offense. The only position lacking a returning starter is running back. Junior Thomas Tucker is expected to get the nod, but the Spartans will likely be running back by committee. Potter's favorite targets, tight end Billy Freeman and wide out Tyler Winston both return. Four starters return to the offensive line. This offense will be seasoned after playing last year's rough campaign, and should turn the corner this year moving forward. 

Former Eastern Michigan head coach Ron English will take over the job of defensive coordinator. In his first year, this defense will be shuffled around. Three of the front seven return, however, five in the group are seniors including linebacker Christian Tago. Tago is the best NFL prospect on this team despite being undersized for his position. As a fourth year starter, he will be the vocal leader of this team. The secondary returns half of a unit that ranked second in the nation while only allowing 157.8 passing yards per game.

Player to Watch: Kenny Potter

Potter is classified as a pocket passer, but if needed, he can use his legs. This will be his second season starting for the Spartans and he has already established himself as the most accurate passer in the conference. 

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/17 Utah

This game will played at home, so there is nothing certain. The fact that Utah will be playing Southern Cal the following week might work out to San Jose's advantage.

What to Expect

The Spartans have improved each year under head coach Ron Caragher. It's almost certain that with as much talent coming back as they have that the trend will continue. However, a difficult schedule that includes road games to San Diego State and Boise will be key moments in the development of this team.

Prediction

7-5 (6-2, MWC)

-Dug

@chansm1th