Wrapping Up the American

This week, we have learned about the American Athletic Conference. After previewing each team, we now have an idea of what we can expect from each team this year. Below are my predictions for the teams that if you read each of the previews, you could gather this information on your own. Lets begin with the standings.

East Division

1. Temple 9-3, 6-2*

2. South Florida 9-3, 6-2

3. Cincinnati 8-4, 5-3

4. East Carolina 5-7, 4-4

5. Connecticut 5-7, 3-5

6. Central Florida 2-10, 1-7

Temple defeats South Florida and owns the tiebreaker between the two. They will be attending the AAC Championship for the second season in a row. They will be meeting...

West Division

1. Houston 10-2, 8-0

2. Navy 9-3, 7-1

3. Memphis 7-5, 4-4

4. Tulsa 6-6, 3-5

5. SMU 4-8,1-7

6. Tulane 3-9,1-7

Houston breezes through the west division to set up a rematch of last years title game. This year should be about the same as last year. I am thinking that the Cougs beat Temple again and improve to 11-2. By then, they should be ranked higher in the polls and have a long shot argument (as does any mid-major) of a playoff chance.

Bowl Eligible Teams

Houston

Temple

Navy

South Florida

Cincinnati

Memphis

Tulsa

Conference Player of the Year (Offense)

Greg Ward Jr, Houston Quarterback

Conference Player of the Year (Defense)

Auggie Sanchez, South Florida Linebacker

Conference Coach of the Year

Mike Norvell, Memphis

-Dug

@chansm1th

College Football Preview: Tulsa

Tulsa Golden Hurricanes

2015 Results: 6-7 (3-5, 4th in West)

Lost to Virginia Tech in Independence Bowl

Returning Starters: 6 OFF, 6 DEF, 2SP

2016 Schedule

September

3rd SAN JOSE STATE

10th at Ohio State

17th NORTH CAROLINA A&T

24th at Fresno State

October

7th SMU

15th at Houston

22nd TULANE

29th at Memphis

November

5th EAST CAROLINA

12th at Navy

19th at Central Florida

25th CINCINNATI

Tulsa was a tale of two teams last year. A dynamic offense with an equally disappointing defense. Tulsa lost two amazing receivers in Keyarris Garrett and Conner Floyd. The two combined for 141 receptions, 2,046 yards, and 11 TDs. In their second year under head coach Philip Montgomery, Tulsa offense should be clicking while the defense will need to step up.

The offense was Top 20 in all major categories. Averaging 37.2 points per game and 507.4 yards will win you a lot of games. Returning is senior quarterback Dane Evans. Evans will need Justin Hubbs and Keevan Lucas to step up and try to replace Garrett and Floyd. D'Angelo Brewer will be the first string running back. As a sophomore, he ran for 837 yards in a very pass heavy offense. The line will hold up. They have some experience while returning three of the five.

The defense was the complete opposite of the offense. They ranked in the bottom 10 of all defensive categories. The Golden Hurricanes return two triple digit tacklers in Matt Linscott (107) and Trent Martin (104, 14 tfl). The line will need to improve. They only have one returning starter up front. This defense cannot afford to play like they did last year. Improvement is needed immediately,

Player to Watch: Dane Evans

Evans will be the senior leader of the offense. Last year, he threw for 4,332 yards, 25 TDs, and only 8 interceptions. He lost his top two targets, but their replacements should fall in easily. Don't be surprised if Evans goes for 5,000 yards. He is a darkhorse pick for AAC offensive player of the year.

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/10 at Ohio State

There shouldn't be a snowball chance in Hell that they win this. In the first few weekends of football though, a lot can happen. Last year, Tulsa fell short of beating Oklahoma in Norman (losing by 14 points). I think Tulsa will catch the Buckeyes napping and keep it closer than most people expect.

What to Expect

Offense will be Tulsa's calling card. The defense will need to get more stops if they hope to reward the offense. Tulsa should take care of business and go to a bowl for the second straight year.

Prediction

6-6 (3-5, AAC)

-Dug

@chansm1th

College Football Preview: Tulane

Tulane Green Wave

2015 Results: 3-9 (1-7, 5th in West)

Returning Starters: 3 OFF, 6 DEF, 2 SP

2016 Schedule

September

1st at Wake Forest

10th SOUTHERN

17th NAVY

24th LOUISIANA

October

1st Massachusetts

7th at Central Florida

14th MEMPHIS

22nd at Tulsa

29th SMU

November

12th at Houston

19th TEMPLE

26th at Connecticut

Willie Fritz has won everywhere he has been. A long time couch in FCS, he made the jump to the FBS level the same year that Georgia Southern did. Fritz went 17-7 in the two years that he led the Eagles and won a bowl. Now he takes on a bigger challenge. Tulane has long been a bottom dweller in college football. Fritz hopes to turn around the culture. He has his job cut out for him with this team that has had back-to-back 3-9 seasons.

On offense, Tulane will run the Triple Option that has worked for Fritz wherever he went. It will take some adjusting, but soon enough the Green Wave will fair just fine. The position that Fritz thinks so highly of is, you guessed it, the running backs. Tulane has four backs that can easily plug into the Triple Option and run it as good as they can hope in the first year. Junior Dontrell Hilliard will be the main man in the offense. On the poor team a year ago, Hilliard managed to rack up 646 yards with a 5.6 per carry clip. The two quarterbacks to chose from are redshirt sophomore Glen Cuiellette and true freshman Darius Bradwell. Cuiellette is expected to get the nod as starter seeing as he has the most experience. He has played one down of collegiate football. The leading returning receiver is a converted tight end Trey Scott. He caught 18 passes last year.

Tulane's defense was their downfall last year. They gave up 412.2 yards per game and allowed 36.3 points per contest. Returning on defense is senior defensive tackle Tanzel Smart. Smart clogged up the middle last year for the Green Wave while recording 62 tackles with 15 of them being for loss. Also returning is linebacker Nico Marley, an undersized player for his position. The defense has plenty of holes. They have shuffled people around in hopes of filling them, but it will need to be more improved before they can hope to compete.

Player to Watch: Nico Marley



Marley is the senior leader of this defense. Might be undersized, but he is the biggest part of this defense. He has registered 82 tackles in each of the last two seasons. 

If you only watch them once, watch: 

9/24 Louisiana

Tulane has zero rivals. LSU dropped them because the rivalry wasn't competitive for nearly 60 years. When they moved to the AAC, Southern Miss dropped them. Louisiana (formerly UL-Lafayette) is the only in-state game on their schedule. Would be nice to start on a consistent basis. 

What to Expect 

There's too much uncertainty on both sides of the ball. Fritz will have a harder time turning Tulane around like he had teams at his other stops. It can be done, but not this year. 

Prediction

(3-9, 1-7 AAC)

-Dug

@chansm1th

College Football Preview: Temple

Temple Owls

2015 Results: 10-4 (7-1, 1st in East)

Lost to Toledo in Boca Raton Bowl

Returning Starters:9 OFF, 7 DEF, 2 SP

2016 Schedule

September

2nd ARMY

10th STONY BROOK

17th at Penn State

24th CHARLOTTE

October

1st SMU

6th at Memphis

15th at Central Florida

21st SOUTH FLORIDA

29th CINCINNATI

November

4th at Connecticut

19th at Tulane

26th EAST CAROLINA

Last year, Temple came out of the gate hot. Like, red hot. The Owls took the nation by storm by starting 7-0 and jumping to #21 in the polls. But like all bonfires, they fizzled out. The last seven games, they went 3-4. The good news for Temple is that they return several key pieces of that team to this years squad.

The offense last year had decent output ranking just below average. This year, they should be much more efficient. Dual threat quarterback P.J. Walker will be calling the signals for a fourth straight season. He threw for 2,973 yards last year, 19 TDs, and only 8 INTs. Running back Jahad Thomas returns for his senior season also and leads a very deep group at the position. The wide receivers are experienced. Junior Adonis Jennings and sophomore Ventell Bryant will shoulder the load for the Owls. The offensive line returns four starters who are either juniors or seniors.

Defense was the calling card for the Owls last year. They ranked in the Top 50 in all major categories. One key player that they will be without is leading tackler from a year ago, linebacker Tyler Matakevich (138 tackles). This year, they will have three seniors who will try to replace him. Linebackers Stephaun Marshall, Jarred Alwan, and Avery Williams will anchor the defense. The defensive line is slightly undersized (255.5 lbs averaged), but they are explosive and quick. The secondary will lock down opponents and lead this team as they are the most experienced unit with their wealth of depth.

Player to Watch: Jahad Thomas

Thomas ran for 1,262 yards last season and scored 17 TDs. He's bound to be preseason All-AAC and is one of the better backs in the country. With the fast pace the offense will play, Thomas will be the slowdown that the Owls will need to keep defenses caught off guard. With the depth at the position, Thomas should be better rested with the load being shared. Look for him to still be churning away late in the season.

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/17 at Penn State

Last year, the Owls won the season opener against the Nittany Lions in convincing fashion (27-10) and it started their rise throughout the first half of the season. Don't expect Penn State to overlook Temple this year. You have to believe that they have had this date circled for quite a while now.

What to Expect

The Owls need to finish strong. The schedule is set up that they can start out strong and then finish the same way. They have the top tier conference teams at home and their only major non-conference game is at Penn State where they still might be the favorite going in. If they take care of business, they should get to play Houston in the AAC Championship for a rematch from last year.

Prediction

9-3 (6-2, AAC)

-Dug

@chansm1th

College Football Preview: South Florida

South Florida Bulls

2015 Results: 8-5 (6-2, 2nd in East)

Lost to Western Kentucky in Miami Beach Bowl

Returning Starters: 7 OFF, 7 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule

September

3rd TOWSON

10th NORTHERN ILLINOIS 

17th at Syracuse

24th FLORIDA STATE

October

1st at Cincinnati

8th EAST CAROLINA

15th CONNECTICUT

21st at Temple

28th NAVY

November

12th at Memphis

19th at SMU

26th CENTRAL FLORIDA

Willie Taggart had things looking up in South Beach. After going 6-18 in his first two seasons, they made the jump last year with an 8-5 season. The best part, they return nearly 75% of their team from a year ago. Even better, only 5 of the projected starters will be seniors this year. This team is one to watch. 

Junior quarterback Quinton Flowers returns for his second year as starter. The dual-threat quarterback was the team's second leading rusher a year ago (991 yards). Lining up beside Flower will be the explosive junior running back, Marlon Mack. Mack has rushed for 1,000 or more yards in each of his first two seasons for the Bulls. The running back position will go four deep so expect the load to be shared. The receivers will be the deepest since Taggart began his stint. If Flowers can get them the ball, they can take off with it. Last season, the offense set multiple school records. A few of them will be broken this year. 

The defense will be stout. They are very opportunistic and their 25 takeaways show. The 17 interceptions was also impressive, and that's why the secondary is the key unit for this defense. The Bulls run a 4-2-5 and return each of their back 7. The line will be replacing three starters, but linebacker Auggie Sanchez (117 tackles last year) will be an extension of that line. 

Player to Watch: Marlon Mack

Marlon Mack ran for 1,381 yards last year as a sophomore. He will be the most electric player on the offensive side of the ball. Mack is a bruiser and very hard to bring down. There is a very high likely hood that Mack will be AAC Offensive Player of the Year.

If you only watch them once, watch: 

10/21 at Temple

Temple is defending East Division champs. The road to the conference title will go through Philadelphia. If you beat the Owls, the rest of the way should be easy. This should be a very good game. It's very possible that both teams will only have one loss when they meet near the end of October. 

What to Expect

The Bulls are very good. They will have a decent schedule that will provide them with plenty of opportunities to continue their growth. Next year will be huge for them, but that don't mean this year is a waste. 

Prediction

9-3 (6-2, AAC)

-Dug

@chansm1th

College Football Preview: SMU

SMU Mustangs

2015 Results: 2-10 (1-7, 5th in West)

Returning Starters: 8 OFF, 5 DEF

2016 Schedule

September

3rd at NORTH TEXAS

10th at Baylor

17th LIBERTY

23rd TCU

October

1st at Temple

7th at Tulsa

22nd HOUSTON

29th at Tulane

November

5th MEMPHIS

12th at East Carolina

19th SOUTH FLORIDA

26th NAVY

Baby steps. That's what SMU fans need to expect out of their team. Chad Morris will be in his second season as head coach and will have a youthful team returning from last year's 2-10 campaign. Morris might be the guy to turn the program around, but it will take some patience. From 2009-2012, the Mustangs went to four consecutive bowls. In the three years since, they are 8-28 overall. The light at the end of the tunnel is near. 

On offense, SMU returns eight players. Senior quarterback Matt Davis returns and is expected to be named the starter. He had limited production a year ago, but he did not make many mistakes. Beside him in the backfield will be sophomore running back Xavier Jones who ran for 634 yards (4.2 ypc) and scored 10 TDs. Wide receivers Courtland Sutton and Ryheem Malone return to an experienced receiving corp. The offensive line is young, but they have had their share of playing time. 

The Mustang defense was atrocious last season. Giving up 502.2 yards per game and 45 points a contest will not win you many games. The secondary will be the key unit on the defensive side of the ball as they return the greater part. Defensive end Justin Lawler was the leading tackler a year ago and will return to boost the front seven. The linebackers have plenty of experience. Be on the lookout for true freshman Jordan Carmouche to make an immediate impact. The four-star linebacker was the prize jewel of this past class. 

Player to Watch: Matt Davis

This team will go as far as Davis can take them. He must improve his production. The senior must be the leader of this team and he has a host of talent on the offense that can help him succeed. 

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/10 at Baylor

Everyone knows the turmoil that surrounds Baylor at the moment. This will be one of the three best teams that the Mustangs play all season long. Going ahead on the record and calling for an upset. 

What to Expect

The Mustangs will improve this year, but they are still a few years away from being taken seriously. They are fortunate to get the top conference teams at home, but the schedule is still very difficult. Remember: baby steps. 

Prediction

4-8 (1-7, AAC)

-Dug

@chansm1th

College Football Preview: Navy

Navy Midshipmen

2015 Results: 11-2 (7-1, T-1st in West)

Defeated Pitt in Military Bowl

Returning Starters: 1 OFF, 7 DEF, 1 SP

Schedule

September

3rd FORDHAM

10th CONNECTICUT

17th at Tulane

October

1st at Air Force

8th HOUSTON

13th at East Carolina

22nd MEMPHIS
28th at South Florida

November

5th NOTRE DAME

12 TULSA

26th at SMU

December

Army (Baltimore)

Navy enjoyed their first year in the AAC. They were tied for their division, but lost head-to-head at Houston and that kept them from competing for the conference championship. The 11 wins were the most in school history. They finished ranked 18th in both polls. It was their highest finish since 1963 when they finished second. 

The Midshipmen's offense is depleted as they only return one starter from a year ago. Senior quarterback Tago Smith has huge shoes to fill as he is replacing Keenan Reynolds. The only starting experience that Smith has was in his sophomore year when he started two games in place of the injured Reynolds. The staff has full confidence in him and they expect him to pick up where Reynolds left off. Running back Dishan Romine will be heavily relied upon. Last year, Romine accounted for 378 yards, but averaged 10.5 per touch. Fullback Shawn White must step up. He will be the key to the offense. Wide receiver Jamir Tillman is the only returning starter on the offensive side. 

Last year, Navy's defense was the best statistically since Paul Johnson brought in the triple option. There are seven returners on that defense. All four linebackers are back. Nose guard Patrick Forrestal will have to prove himself. For this defense to click, it falls on him. Cornerback Brendon Clements is the best defender. He has seven career intercepts and will be a ball hawk. The defense will be more improved, if you can believe it. They are more experienced from a year ago and will be smothering.

Player to Watch: Jamir Tillman

We all know that Navy will run the ball. But Jamir Tillman is the lone returning offensive player. Tillman had 597 yards on 29 catches last year. If you aren't good at math, that is 20.6 yards per reception. Now you might say, "Navy is a running team. If they throw the ball, of course they will catch a defense off guard". False. Tillman runs great routes and has amazing hands. The senior will be the leader for Navy's offense.

If you only watch them play once, watch:

12-10 Army (in Baltimore)

Any true patriot will understand that the Army-Navy game is more than football. It is our country's armed forces going head-to-head on the gridiron in the friendliest rivalry for American pride. There are no losers on the field for this game, only heroes. For the seniors, it is their last game of organized football before they move on to defend our country. Hell, if you only watch one game this year, watch this one. These are the heroes.

What to Expect

Navy won't be surprising anyone this year. They aren't returning anyone on offense, aside from Tillman. It is pretty much an entirely new offensive unit. That being said, don't sleep on the Midshipmen. They should compete for the west's berth in the conference championship

Prediction

9-3 (7-1, in AAC)

-Dug

@chansm1th

College Football Preview: Memphis

Memphis Tigers

2015 Results: 9-4 (5-3, 3rd in West)

Lost Birmingham Bowl to Auburn

Returning Starters: 5 OFF, 7 DEF, 2 SP

2016 Schedule

September

3rd SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE

17th KANSAS

24th BOWLING GREEN

October

1st at Ole Miss

6th TEMPLE

14th at Tulane

22nd at Navy

29th TULSA

November

5th at SMU

12th SOUTH FLORIDA

18th at Cincinnati

25th HOUSTON

Memphis surprised a lot of people last year. They came out of the gate to the tune of an 8-0 start. The biggest surprise was knocking off #18 Ole Miss who had just previously beaten eventual national champion Alabama. This year, they are without star quarterback Paxton Lynch, and it is going to be harder to sneak up on opponent. New head coach Mike Norvell will hope to pick up where Justin Fuente left off. 

The Tigers will have a new quarterback after they were spoiled last year with Lynch. Riley Ferguson, former Tennessee commit, will have the reins handed over to him. Ferguson made a stop at junior college before stepping into a decent situation in Memphis. Don't expect the numbers to live up to last years. Doroland Dorceus returns as the leading rusher. He scored 8 TDs while running for 661 yards. He is a punishing back who measures at 5-10 and weighs 215. Norvell has shifted the line into different positions. This will be the worrisome platoon seeing as they are all starting in different spots. 

On defense, the Tigers return seven starters. Other than four juniors expecting to start, there are seven seniors returning to a defense that held opponents to 406.7 yards per game, good enough for 77th in the nation. The front seven is going to be relentless. Expect a heavy pass rush and a defense that relies on it to work. The defense is expected to be much improved from a year ago.

Player to Watch: Sam Craft

The senior tailback/receiver will thrive in Norvell's up-tempo style offense. Last year, he combined for 1,609 yards and 18 TDs running, catching, and returning the ball. Expect to see him putting up big numbers in your weekly box scores.

If you only watch them play once, watch:

10/1 at Ole Miss

Don't expect Ole Miss to forget what happened last year. The Rebels will have payback on their mind. The loss last year hurt Ole Miss' playoff hopes. Expect retribution this year, and ugly at that.

What to Expect

Don't expect the Tigers to come out hot like they did last year. No one is going to overlook them this time. The Tigers should make it to a third straight bowl under their new head coach, but they will be a middle of the pack team in the west division,

Prediction

7-5 (4-4, AAC)

-Dug

@chansm1th

College Football Preview: Houston

Houston Cougars

2015 Results: 13-1 (7-1, T-1st West)

AAC Conference Champions

Defeated Florida State in Peach Bowl

Returning Starters: 6 OFF, 5 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule

September

3rd Oklahoma (NRG Stadium, Houston)

10th LAMAR

15th at Cincinnati

24th at Texas State

29th CONNECTICUT

October

8th at Navy

15th TULSA

22nd at SMU

29th CENTRAL FLORIDA

November

12th TULANE

17th LOUISVILLE

25th at Memphis

Last year, the Cougars thrived under first year head coach Tom Herman. Should starting quarterback Greg Ward Jr have not been injured, the Cougs had a very good shot at an undefeated season and a possible playoff berth last year. This year will be tough to repeat the results of last year.

On offense, the Cougars will have just as much fire power this year as they did last year. Greg Ward Jr will be back along with two of his favorite targets from last year, Chance Allen and Steven Dunbar. However, Houston has lost its three top rushing leaders from a team that averaged 235.8 yards per game (13th nationally) from a year ago. Insert Duke Carlton. Carlton is a Texas transfer who was the 10th best rated running back of the 2014 class. It will be his first year starting and he will have a load put on his shoulders. The offensive line has been depleted. Only one starter from last year is returning. Ward should be able to make due with what he has.

Houston's defense was spectacular last year. They forced 35 takeaways and their turnover margin was +21; good enough for second in the nation. Linebacker Steven Taylor returns where a year ago he had 92 tackles and let the team with 10 sacks. Nose tackle B.J. Singleton will clog the middle up front. The defense only gave up 108.9 rushing yards per game last year, good enough for 8th in the nation, and the front seven will definitely keep up with what they did a year ago. The corners are the weak link. They are inexperienced and will be tested early and often.

Player to Watch: Greg Ward Jr

Greg Ward Jr returns for his senior season. Last year, Ward was one of two quarterbacks (along with Deshaun Watson) who threw for at least 2,000 yards and rush for another 1,000. His actual totals were 2,828 yards passing, 17 TDs, and only 6 INTs. He ran for another 1,108 yards and 21 TDs. Ward will be a contender for the Heisman, and one of the more enjoyable players to watch in the upcoming season.

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/3 Oklahoma (at NRG Stadium)

This game will feature two Top 15 programs matching up on a neutral field. It should be a very exciting, high scoring affair. Should Houston steal a win, an undefeated season should not be difficult after their only real out-of-conference test.

What to Expect

The Oklahoma game is big. If Houston wins, barring a slip up, they'll be able to set it to cruise control. The defense should hold up just enough that the offense won't have to heavily rely on them. 

Prediction

10-2 (8-0, AAC)

-Dug

@chansm1th

College Football Preview: East Carolina

East Carolina Pirates

2015 Results: 5-7 (3-5, 5th in East)

Returning Starters: 5OFF, 6 DEF, 2 SP

2016 Schedule

September

3rd WESTERN CAROLINA

10th NORTH CAROLINA STATE

17th at South Carolina

24th at Virginia Tech

October

1st CENTRAL FLORIDA

8th at South Florida

13th NAVY

22nd at Cincinnati

29th CONNECTICUT

November

5th at Tulsa

12th SMU

26th at Temple

East Carolina is coming off a losing season. One where they fired Ruffin McNeil who was 42-34 in six seasons. To say that the bar is set high for Scottie Montgomery would be an understatement. The first year head coach was most recently the offensive coordinator at Duke. Expectations are high for the Pirates in his first year at the helm. 

On offense, there was a considerable amount of turnover. Montgomery will be implementing a multiple attack offense. Philip Nelson is expected to be calling the signals. ECU is his third stop in college and it appears to be the senior's job to lose. The Pirates return two of their top four receivers in Zay Jones and Davon Grayson. Running back Anthony Scott will be the go-to guy in the running game. Running the ball was where ECU struggled last year. They averaged 133.3 ypg and ranked 106 in the nation. 

On defense, the Pirates return 6 players from an average defense last year. Fred Presley and Demetri McGill, two seniors, return to a starting front that needs to pressure the quarterback more. Last season, the Pirates only averaged around two sacks per game. Junior linebacker Jordan Williams, second leading tackler from a year ago, will be heavily relied upon to stop the run this year as the Pirates gave up an average of 175 yards per game. Turnovers will be key also. ECU will need to force more as they only had 16 all of last year. 

Player to Watch: Zay Jones

The senior wideout will leave after this year as one of the best receivers to come through the school. He currently ranks third in school history in both receptions and yards. By year's end, barring injury, he will be in second. Last year, he caught 98 passes for 1,099 yards.

If you only watch them play once, watch: 

10/1 UCF

ECU will be coming off of a rough stretch of 3 Power 5 conference teams in a row. The conference opener will be a good tune up for them against one of the bottom dwellers. 

What to Expect:

September will be brutal for them they host NC State, then travel the next two weeks to South Carolina and Virginia Tech. If the Pirates can eek out a win in one of those three, they should be bowling. The conference slate isn't too kind to them. They play the top half of their division all on the road. 

Prediction

5-7 (4-4 AAC)

-Dug

@chansm1th

College Football Preview: Connecticut

Connecticut Huskies

2015 Results: 6-7 (4-4, T-3rd in East)

Lost St Petersburg Bowl to Marshall

Returning Starters: 7 OFF, 5 DEF, 2 SP

2016 Schedule

September

1st MAINE

10th at Navy

17th VIRGINIA

24th SYRACUSE

29th at Houston

October

8th CINCINNATI

15th at South Florida

22nd CENTRAL FLORIDA

29th at East Carolina

November

4th TEMPLE

19th at Boston College

26th TULANE

Connecticut is coming off of it's first bowl appearance since the 2011 Fiesta Bowl. Bob Diaco is in his third year after taking over for Randy Edsall, and it is time for him to produce some results. The Huskies improved by four wins last season in his second year, and most of the credit can fall on the defense. 

On offense, the offensive line enters the season with the most question marks. Center Ryan Crozier is the only returning starter for the unit. Aside from the line, all the other positions are returning. Quarterback Bryant Shirreffs returns for his junior year after starting 12 games after sitting out for transferring from NC State. The running game will feature a 1-2 punch of Arkeel Newsome and Ron Johnson. The issue that the offense had last year was putting points on the board. They only averaged 17.2 points per game and scored under 10 four times.

On defense, the Huskies return 5 starters who were apart of a defense that ranked in the top half of the nation statistically. The defense should have plenty of experience to match that of the offense. Aside from the safety position, all projected starters will be juniors or seniors. E.J. Levenberry, the transfer from Florida State, is expected to be quite a contributor at linebacker after having sit out for a year. 

Player to Watch: Bryant Shirreffs

Shirreffs started 12 of the team's 13 games last year. He is returning for his junior year and is poised for a breakout campaign. Last season, he passed for 2,078 yards, 9 TDs, and threw 8 INTs. He also ran for over 500 yards, and scored another three TDs on the ground. The dual threat QB has all of his specialists returning around him. The Huskies will go as far as Shirreffs will take them. 

If you only watch them play once, watch:

11/19 at Boston College

UConn has never beaten Boston College (0-10-2 lifetime). The rivalry was renewed for this season after the two teams haven't played since 2005. If Connecticut hopes to get back to a bowl, their season might hinge on this game. 

What to Expect

The Huskies have a good chance to make it to back-to-back bowls. One difficulty, is the scheduling. If they are to make it to a bowl, the Huskies will need to win two out of three in September against Navy, Virginia, and Syracuse.

Prediction

5-7 (3-5 AAC)

-Dug

@chansm1th

College Football Preview: Cincinnati

Cincinnati Bearcats

2015 Results: 7-6 (4-4, 3rd in East)

Lost Hawaii Bowl to San Diego State

Returning Starters: 4 OFF, 6 DEF, 2 SP

2016 Schedule

September

1st TENNESSEE-MARTIN

10th at Purdue

15th HOUSTON

24th MIAMI (OH)

October

1st SOUTH FLORIDA

8th at Connecticut

22nd EAST CAROLINA

29th at Temple

November

5th BRIGHAM YOUNG

12th at Central Florida

18th MEMPHIS

25th at Tulsa

Cincinnati is coming off of a disappointing season after a 9-4 campaign in 2014. Even at 7-6, the Bearcats ranked near the top of the country in every offensive category. But this is a new year. Cincy has two new coordinators on staff and Tommy Tuberville's honeymoon is nearly over. With the likes of Brian Kelly coaching your school, you begin to have higher expectations. The Bearcats have key players returning that can lead them back to the prominence their fanbase is hoping for.

On offense, the Bearcats return the interior lineman. The protection will definitely be needed as senior quarterback Gunner Kiel will have zero returning receivers. The running backs who are expected to contribute the most, Tion Green and Mike Boone, were not starters, but they were big producers last season. The two combined for 1,478 yards and 17 TDs,

On the defensive side, new coordinator Robert Prunty is inherited a pretty good unit. Top tacklers, Eric Wilson and Zach Edwards, both return. Linebacker Bryce Jenkinson, who played a big role as a true freshman, will also be heavily relied upon. Cincinnati's defense improved 18 rankings in total defense last year. With the talent they have returning, the trend is expected to continue.

Player to Watch: Gunner Kiel

The quarterback competition is supposedly open, but there should be no doubt that the fifth year senior will be calling the signals. Last season, Kiel threw for 2,777 yards and 19 TDs in 10 games. In the two years that he has been in Cincinnati, he has thrown 50 TDs and only 24 INTs. Watch for Kiel to leave his mark on the program in his final year.

If you only watch them play once, watch:

9/15 Houston

The Bearcats will only have five days to prepare for the defending conference champs. But a Thursday game will likely be the highlight of the college football slate for the night. Houston won the match-up last year by a score of 33-30. Expect a rowdy crowd, and an electric atmosphere. 

What to Expect

Cincinnati should compete for the division title, or they could bottom out. There is no middle ground for this squad. They get South Florida and Houston at home, so that works out in their favor. 

Prediction

8-4 (5-3, AAC)

-Dug

@chansm1th

College Football Preview: Central Florida

Central Florida Knights

2015 Results: 0-12 (0-8, 6th in East)

Returning Starters: 8 OFF, 5 DEF, 2 SP

2016 Schedule:

September

3rd SOUTH CAROLINA STATE

10th at Michigan

17th MARYLAND

24th at Florida International

October

1st at East Carolina

7th TULANE

15th TEMPLE

22nd at Connecticut

29th at Houston

November

12th CINCINNATI

19th TULSA

26th SOUTH FLORIDA

Last year, UCF was at the bottom of the nation in nearly every statistical category. Head coach George O'Leary resigned after going winless one year removed from sharing the conference championship. This year, the Knights should begin a turnaround under new head coach Scott Frost. Coming from Oregon where he was the offensive coordinator, Frost is changing strategy on both sides of the ball. Instead of the pro-style/option, it will be the hurry up style you are familiar with when you watch the Oregon Ducks. On the defensive side, they will be implementing a 3-4 in place of the 4-3 used last year. This UCF team already looks different from its predecessor. 

On offense, two-year starter Justin Holman is expected to be the starting quarterback. The senior will have two competitors going into fall camp, but is expected to win the job. The offensive line is expected to be the most improved platoon. Last season, the o-line gave up 23 sacks, and blocked enough that the Knights could only muster 81.3 rushing yards per game. 

The defense needs to improve before the Knights will make an upward climb. Last season, they gave up 464.1 ypg (113), 199.2 rushing yards per game (100), and 37.7 ppg (117). The offense only averaged 13.9 ppg, so that last number tells you just how minimal of an effect they had. The Knights only forced 13 turnovers while giving the ball away 33 times. The Knights have weapons on offense, it will need the defense to pick up the slack. 

Player to Watch: Tre'Quan Smith, WR

Smith was the leading receiver on the Knights as a freshman last year. His 724 yards made up 32% of the Knights total receiving yards. 

If you only watch them play once, watch:

9/3 South Carolina State

Let's be honest, a game against an FCS team isn't likely to be televised. However, this is a very winnable game. UCF will have their first real shot at a win since December 4th, 2014 when they knocked off East Carolina to clinch a share of the American Athletic Championship. The following week at Michigan might get them exposure, but it will be a blood bath. 

What to Expect

UCF will dwell in the bottom of the conference. Frost has the potential to see this program return to it's winning ways, but this isn't the year. There is one locked win and four games that can be considered toss-ups. 

Prediction

2-10 (1-7, AAC) 

-Dug

@chansm1th