Here is my take on the FIU 2016 schedule...
9/1 Indiana
9/9 Maryland
9/17 at U Mass
9/24 UCF
10/1 Florida Atlantic
10/8 at UTEP
10/15 at Charlotte
10/22 Louisiana Tech
10/29 Middle Tennessee
11/5 at Western Kentucky
11/19 Marshall
11/26 at Old Dominion
Notes: Kudos to FIU for getting two Big 10 teams to come to them in September. The bad news is that the Panthers will be dogs in each game. I do see potential wins over U Mass and UCF to close out September 2-2...FIU will have a mixed bag in October. I see the Panthers picking up wins over UTEP and Charlotte, and they should handle FAU at home. The end of the month is not so certain with a likely loss against Louisiana Tech, and a toss up game with MTSU, which I am leaning towards a loss on...FIU plays just three games in November, and it could be a tough go against WKU and Marshall. The Old Dominion game should be a road win to close it out.
Overall Projected Record: 6-6
Friday, April 29, 2016
Charlotte 49ers 2016 Football Schedule
We begin our Conference USA 2016 schedule breakdowns with Charlotte...
9/1 at Louisville
9/10 Elon
9/17 Eastern Michigan
9/24 at Temple
10/1 Old Dominion
10/8 at FAU
10/15 FIU
10/22 at Marshall
11/5 at Southern Miss
11/12 Rice
11/19 Middle Tennessee
11/26 at UTSA
Notes: The 49ers are in just year 2 of FBS football, and they are not in range to be all too competitive yet, especially since the program itself is still in infancy stages...Charlotte may get a break in September, but has to beat both Elon and Eastern Michigan to get out of September at 2-2...I don't see any outright chances at wins in either October or November, thus covering CUSA play. If there was one team that Charlotte could get a crack at, it would likely be FAU, but that test in on the road, so not likely.
Overall Projected Record: 2-10
9/1 at Louisville
9/10 Elon
9/17 Eastern Michigan
9/24 at Temple
10/1 Old Dominion
10/8 at FAU
10/15 FIU
10/22 at Marshall
11/5 at Southern Miss
11/12 Rice
11/19 Middle Tennessee
11/26 at UTSA
Notes: The 49ers are in just year 2 of FBS football, and they are not in range to be all too competitive yet, especially since the program itself is still in infancy stages...Charlotte may get a break in September, but has to beat both Elon and Eastern Michigan to get out of September at 2-2...I don't see any outright chances at wins in either October or November, thus covering CUSA play. If there was one team that Charlotte could get a crack at, it would likely be FAU, but that test in on the road, so not likely.
Overall Projected Record: 2-10
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Wisconsin Badgers 2016 Football Schedule
Wisconsin will wrap up our breakdown of Big 10 schedules for 2016...
9/3 LSU at Green Bay
9/10 Akron
9/17 Georgia State
9/24 at Michigan State
10/1 at Michigan
10/15 Ohio State
10/22 at Iowa
10/29 Nebraska
11/5 at Northwestern
11/12 Illinois
11/19 at Purdue
11/26 Minnesota
Notes: The LSU game is in Green Bay, but the Badgers should be slight dogs. The other two non con games should be easy wins for the Badgers...The October schedule is purely brutal. Wisconsin ends September with Michigan State in East Lansing, and then October opens with Michigan and Ohio State, and ends with Iowa and Nebraska. It's going to be tough getting out of the middle month of the schedule...November is a much easier month for Wisconsin, with some chances to catch up on wins after a grinding October. Wisconsin could grab 3 wins in the final month against Illinois, Purdue, and Minnesota, but the Northwestern game could be tough on the road.
Overall Projected Record: 7-5
9/3 LSU at Green Bay
9/10 Akron
9/17 Georgia State
9/24 at Michigan State
10/1 at Michigan
10/15 Ohio State
10/22 at Iowa
10/29 Nebraska
11/5 at Northwestern
11/12 Illinois
11/19 at Purdue
11/26 Minnesota
Notes: The LSU game is in Green Bay, but the Badgers should be slight dogs. The other two non con games should be easy wins for the Badgers...The October schedule is purely brutal. Wisconsin ends September with Michigan State in East Lansing, and then October opens with Michigan and Ohio State, and ends with Iowa and Nebraska. It's going to be tough getting out of the middle month of the schedule...November is a much easier month for Wisconsin, with some chances to catch up on wins after a grinding October. Wisconsin could grab 3 wins in the final month against Illinois, Purdue, and Minnesota, but the Northwestern game could be tough on the road.
Overall Projected Record: 7-5
Rutgers Scarlet Knights 2016 Football Schedule
Here is a look at the Rutgers football schedule for 2016...
9/3 at Washington
9/10 Howard
9/17 New Mexico
9/24 Iowa
10/1 at Ohio State
10/8 Michigan
10/15 Illinois
10/22 at Minnesota
11/5 Indiana
11/12 at Michigan State
11/19 Penn State
11/26 at Maryland
Notes: Rutgers will be a dog at Washington, but should easily beat Howard at home. The New Mexico game is a coin flip for me, but I would give the edge to the Knights. Iowa will be a loss...In October, Rutgers will be huge dogs against Michigan and Ohio State, will be marginal dogs against Minnesota on the road, and could have a shot against Illinois, but I go edge to the Gophers...Rutgers has no real outright win shots in November, and could really crash heading into the end of the season.
Overall Projected Record: 2-10
9/3 at Washington
9/10 Howard
9/17 New Mexico
9/24 Iowa
10/1 at Ohio State
10/8 Michigan
10/15 Illinois
10/22 at Minnesota
11/5 Indiana
11/12 at Michigan State
11/19 Penn State
11/26 at Maryland
Notes: Rutgers will be a dog at Washington, but should easily beat Howard at home. The New Mexico game is a coin flip for me, but I would give the edge to the Knights. Iowa will be a loss...In October, Rutgers will be huge dogs against Michigan and Ohio State, will be marginal dogs against Minnesota on the road, and could have a shot against Illinois, but I go edge to the Gophers...Rutgers has no real outright win shots in November, and could really crash heading into the end of the season.
Overall Projected Record: 2-10
Purdue Boilermakers 2016 Football Schedule
Here is a look at the 2016 Purdue football schedule...
9/3 Eastern Kentucky
9/10 Cincinnati
9/24 Nevada
10/1 at Maryland
10/8 at Illinois
10/15 Iowa
10/22 at Nebraska
10/29 Penn State
11/5 at Minnesota
11/12 Northwestern
11/19 Wisconsin
11/26 at Indiana
Notes: Purdue could get off to a winning start with victories over Eastern Kentucky and Nevada, but those could be the only wins they can grab...October presents no opportunities for outright wins. The Boilers will have to play as a dog every week...November won't get a lot easier for Purdue, as they could be outright double digit dogs every single week.
Overall Projected Record: 2-10
9/3 Eastern Kentucky
9/10 Cincinnati
9/24 Nevada
10/1 at Maryland
10/8 at Illinois
10/15 Iowa
10/22 at Nebraska
10/29 Penn State
11/5 at Minnesota
11/12 Northwestern
11/19 Wisconsin
11/26 at Indiana
Notes: Purdue could get off to a winning start with victories over Eastern Kentucky and Nevada, but those could be the only wins they can grab...October presents no opportunities for outright wins. The Boilers will have to play as a dog every week...November won't get a lot easier for Purdue, as they could be outright double digit dogs every single week.
Overall Projected Record: 2-10
Penn State Nittany Lions 2016 Football Schedule
We continue our Big 10 schedule breakdown series with Penn State...
9/3 Kent State
9/10 at Pittsburgh
9/17 Temple
9/24 at Michigan
10/1 Minnesota
10/8 Maryland
10/22 Ohio State
10/29 at Purdue
11/5 Iowa
11/12 at Indiana
11/19 at Rutgers
11/26 Michigan State
Notes: The biggest deal this season is the return of Pitt to the schedule, which is one of the better rivalries in college football...Temple beat Penn State in Philadelphia last season. The Lions should be in position to flip it this season...October opens with two more shots at wins before Ohio State comes to town on 10/22. The Lions should close out the middle month with a win at Purdue...Penn State should be road favorites against both Indiana and Rutgers, but should also be home dogs against Iowa and Michigan State.
Overall Projected Record: 8-4
9/3 Kent State
9/10 at Pittsburgh
9/17 Temple
9/24 at Michigan
10/1 Minnesota
10/8 Maryland
10/22 Ohio State
10/29 at Purdue
11/5 Iowa
11/12 at Indiana
11/19 at Rutgers
11/26 Michigan State
Notes: The biggest deal this season is the return of Pitt to the schedule, which is one of the better rivalries in college football...Temple beat Penn State in Philadelphia last season. The Lions should be in position to flip it this season...October opens with two more shots at wins before Ohio State comes to town on 10/22. The Lions should close out the middle month with a win at Purdue...Penn State should be road favorites against both Indiana and Rutgers, but should also be home dogs against Iowa and Michigan State.
Overall Projected Record: 8-4
Saturday, April 23, 2016
Ohio State Buckeyes 2016 Football Schedule
Here is a look at your Ohio State Buckeyes 2016 football schedule...
9/3 Bowling Green
9/10 Tulsa
9/17 at Oklahoma
10/1 Rutgers
10/8 Indiana
10/15 at Wisconsin
10/22 at Penn State
10/29 Northwestern
11/5 Nebraska
11/12 at Maryland
11/19 at Michigan State
11/26 Michigan
Notes: September starts out looking like a 2-0 jump for the Buckeyes, but that Oklahoma game in Norman looms large...The Buckeyes should cruise through October, which will be an incredibly easy month for them. They should be at least a touchdown favorite in every game that month...November is a major grind to close out. The Buckeyes get Nebraska and Michigan at home, but must travel to Michigan State. The only lock that month is a trip to Maryland.
Overall Projected Record: 9-3
9/3 Bowling Green
9/10 Tulsa
9/17 at Oklahoma
10/1 Rutgers
10/8 Indiana
10/15 at Wisconsin
10/22 at Penn State
10/29 Northwestern
11/5 Nebraska
11/12 at Maryland
11/19 at Michigan State
11/26 Michigan
Notes: September starts out looking like a 2-0 jump for the Buckeyes, but that Oklahoma game in Norman looms large...The Buckeyes should cruise through October, which will be an incredibly easy month for them. They should be at least a touchdown favorite in every game that month...November is a major grind to close out. The Buckeyes get Nebraska and Michigan at home, but must travel to Michigan State. The only lock that month is a trip to Maryland.
Overall Projected Record: 9-3
Northwestern Wildcats 2016 Football Schedule
We now move on to the Northwestern Wildcats 2016 schedule,,,
9/3 Western Michigan
9/10 Illinois State
9/17 Duke
9/24 Nebraska
10/1 at Iowa
10/15 at Michigan State
10/22 Indiana
10/29 at Ohio State
11/5 Wisconsin
11/12 at Purdue
11/19 at Minnesota
11/26 Illinois
Notes: Northwestern does not go on the road in the month of September, and they could sweep to go 4-0...October is a brutal month with road trips to Iowa, Michigan State, and Ohio State. They may not win one of those games, but Indiana will save the Cats from a winless month...If the Cats can rebound from the October gauntlet, November sets up nicely for a strong finish. I see them going either 3-1 or 4-0 in the final month. Wisconsin is the most challenging game there...
Overall Projected Record: 9-3
9/3 Western Michigan
9/10 Illinois State
9/17 Duke
9/24 Nebraska
10/1 at Iowa
10/15 at Michigan State
10/22 Indiana
10/29 at Ohio State
11/5 Wisconsin
11/12 at Purdue
11/19 at Minnesota
11/26 Illinois
Notes: Northwestern does not go on the road in the month of September, and they could sweep to go 4-0...October is a brutal month with road trips to Iowa, Michigan State, and Ohio State. They may not win one of those games, but Indiana will save the Cats from a winless month...If the Cats can rebound from the October gauntlet, November sets up nicely for a strong finish. I see them going either 3-1 or 4-0 in the final month. Wisconsin is the most challenging game there...
Overall Projected Record: 9-3
Nebraska Cornhuskers 2016 Football Schedule
Here is a look at the Nebraska 2016 schedule...
9/3 Fresno State
9/10 Wyoming
9/17 Oregon
9/24 at Northwestern
10/1 Illinois
10/15 at Indiana
10/22 Purdue
10/29 at Wisconsin
11/5 at Ohio State
11/12 Minnesota
11/19 Maryland
11/25 at Iowa
Notes: The Huskers will be huge favorites in their first two games, but September could end on a challenging note with games against Oregon and Northwestern. At best, Nebraska ends 3-1, at worst, 2-2...October should see some easy wins early, and there is no reason to believe that the Huskers could not close out the month with a win at Wisconsin, but that is no lock...Nebraska looks like a split in November, with their two toughest games (Ohio State, Iowa) coming on the road. Minnesota and Maryland should be wins...
Overall Projected Record: 8-4
9/3 Fresno State
9/10 Wyoming
9/17 Oregon
9/24 at Northwestern
10/1 Illinois
10/15 at Indiana
10/22 Purdue
10/29 at Wisconsin
11/5 at Ohio State
11/12 Minnesota
11/19 Maryland
11/25 at Iowa
Notes: The Huskers will be huge favorites in their first two games, but September could end on a challenging note with games against Oregon and Northwestern. At best, Nebraska ends 3-1, at worst, 2-2...October should see some easy wins early, and there is no reason to believe that the Huskers could not close out the month with a win at Wisconsin, but that is no lock...Nebraska looks like a split in November, with their two toughest games (Ohio State, Iowa) coming on the road. Minnesota and Maryland should be wins...
Overall Projected Record: 8-4
Minnesota Golden Gophers 2016 Football Schedule
Here is a look at the Minnesota 2016 football schedule...
9/1 Oregon State
9/10 Indiana State
9/24 Colorado State
10/1 at Penn State
10/8 Iowa
10/15 at Maryland
10/22 Rutgers
10/29 at Illinois
11/5 Purdue
11/12 at Nebraska
11/19 Northwestern
11/26 at Wisconsin
Notes: Minnesota should breeze through non con play, which will set them up later on to go bowling this season...October starts out rough with dates against Penn State and Iowa, but a strong run could come after against Maryland, Rutgers, Illinois, and Purdue. That run should hold for a bowl bid, as November gets rough after Purdue...
Overall Projected Record: 7-5
9/1 Oregon State
9/10 Indiana State
9/24 Colorado State
10/1 at Penn State
10/8 Iowa
10/15 at Maryland
10/22 Rutgers
10/29 at Illinois
11/5 Purdue
11/12 at Nebraska
11/19 Northwestern
11/26 at Wisconsin
Notes: Minnesota should breeze through non con play, which will set them up later on to go bowling this season...October starts out rough with dates against Penn State and Iowa, but a strong run could come after against Maryland, Rutgers, Illinois, and Purdue. That run should hold for a bowl bid, as November gets rough after Purdue...
Overall Projected Record: 7-5
Michigan State Spartans 2016 Football Schedule
I continue my Big 10 schedule breakdown with Sparty...
9/2 Furman
9/17 at Notre Dame
9/24 Wisconsin
10/1 at Indiana
10/8 BYU
10/15 Northwestern
10/22 at Maryland
10/29 Michigan
11/5 at Illinois
11/12 Rutgers
11/19 Ohio State
11/26 at Penn State
Notes: The Spartans have one of the earliest bye weeks in the nation, as they are idle on September 10th, the second full week of college football...Sparty will have a 15 day break between the opener with Furman and a road trip to Notre Dame...MSU will not play their final non con game until a home date with BYU on October 8th, a late date in Big 10 play...The schedule is all over the place, with landmines around every corner. Do not be surprised to see Sparty take a slight step back this season...
Overall Projected Record: 9-3
9/2 Furman
9/17 at Notre Dame
9/24 Wisconsin
10/1 at Indiana
10/8 BYU
10/15 Northwestern
10/22 at Maryland
10/29 Michigan
11/5 at Illinois
11/12 Rutgers
11/19 Ohio State
11/26 at Penn State
Notes: The Spartans have one of the earliest bye weeks in the nation, as they are idle on September 10th, the second full week of college football...Sparty will have a 15 day break between the opener with Furman and a road trip to Notre Dame...MSU will not play their final non con game until a home date with BYU on October 8th, a late date in Big 10 play...The schedule is all over the place, with landmines around every corner. Do not be surprised to see Sparty take a slight step back this season...
Overall Projected Record: 9-3
Michigan Wolverines 2016 Football Schedule
Here is a look at the 2016 Michigan football schedule...
9/3 Hawaii
9/10 UCF
9/17 Colorado
9/24 Penn State
10/1 Wisconsin
10/8 at Rutgers
10/22 Illinois
10/29 at Michigan State
11/5 Maryland
11/12 at Iowa
11/19 Indiana
11/26 at Ohio State
Notes: The Wolverines will play their first 5 games of the season at home, and will only play away from Ann Arbor twice by the end of October. Their first road game will be at Rutgers on October 8th...Michigan will be favored in every game until October 29th, when they travel to take on Michigan State, and they may even be favored there...The Wolverines could be double digit favorites in every game in September...The 3 toughest games on the schedule (at Michigan State, at Iowa, and at Ohio State) all come on or after October 29th, and they are all on the road. They should not really be overly challenged until the Michigan State trip.
Overall Projected Record: 10-2
9/3 Hawaii
9/10 UCF
9/17 Colorado
9/24 Penn State
10/1 Wisconsin
10/8 at Rutgers
10/22 Illinois
10/29 at Michigan State
11/5 Maryland
11/12 at Iowa
11/19 Indiana
11/26 at Ohio State
Notes: The Wolverines will play their first 5 games of the season at home, and will only play away from Ann Arbor twice by the end of October. Their first road game will be at Rutgers on October 8th...Michigan will be favored in every game until October 29th, when they travel to take on Michigan State, and they may even be favored there...The Wolverines could be double digit favorites in every game in September...The 3 toughest games on the schedule (at Michigan State, at Iowa, and at Ohio State) all come on or after October 29th, and they are all on the road. They should not really be overly challenged until the Michigan State trip.
Overall Projected Record: 10-2
Maryland Terrapins 2016 Football Schedule
Here is a look at the Maryland 2016 football schedule...
9/3 Howard
9/10 at Florida International
9/17 at UCF
10/1 Purdue
10/8 at Penn State
10/15 Minnesota
10/22 Michigan State
10/29 at Indiana
11/5 at Michigan
11/12 Ohio State
11/19 at Nebraska
11/26 Rutgers
Notes: Maryland is entering a new era with DJ Durkin, and has a real shot to open strong with 3 very winnable games in September...October is going to be challenging, as Maryland should be a dog in 4 of 5 games. Chances at upsets are thin as well...Maryland should likely finish 1-3 in November, and the Terps are likely to be home for the Holidays once again.
Overall Projected Record: 5-7
9/3 Howard
9/10 at Florida International
9/17 at UCF
10/1 Purdue
10/8 at Penn State
10/15 Minnesota
10/22 Michigan State
10/29 at Indiana
11/5 at Michigan
11/12 Ohio State
11/19 at Nebraska
11/26 Rutgers
Notes: Maryland is entering a new era with DJ Durkin, and has a real shot to open strong with 3 very winnable games in September...October is going to be challenging, as Maryland should be a dog in 4 of 5 games. Chances at upsets are thin as well...Maryland should likely finish 1-3 in November, and the Terps are likely to be home for the Holidays once again.
Overall Projected Record: 5-7
Iowa Hawkeyes 2016 Football Schedule
I now continue in the Big 10 schedule breakdowns with Iowa...
9/3 Miami (Ohio)
9/10 Iowa State
9/17 North Dakota State
9/24 at Rutgers
10/1 Northwestern
10/8 at Minnesota
10/15 at Purdue
10/22 Wisconsin
11/5 at Penn State
11/12 Michigan
11/19 at Illinois
11/25 Nebraska
Notes: The Hawkeyes were a breakthrough program last season, until the Rose Bowl that is...Iowa should be rather strong as their schedule sets up in 2016, as they should go 4-0 in September. The most challenging game in the month will come against FCS member North Dakota State...Iowa also sets up to be favored in every game in the month of October, and can be 8-0 heading into the final month...Iowa has their two toughest games in conference play in November, with games against Michigan and Nebraska, but both come at home.
Overall Projected Record: 11-1
9/3 Miami (Ohio)
9/10 Iowa State
9/17 North Dakota State
9/24 at Rutgers
10/1 Northwestern
10/8 at Minnesota
10/15 at Purdue
10/22 Wisconsin
11/5 at Penn State
11/12 Michigan
11/19 at Illinois
11/25 Nebraska
Notes: The Hawkeyes were a breakthrough program last season, until the Rose Bowl that is...Iowa should be rather strong as their schedule sets up in 2016, as they should go 4-0 in September. The most challenging game in the month will come against FCS member North Dakota State...Iowa also sets up to be favored in every game in the month of October, and can be 8-0 heading into the final month...Iowa has their two toughest games in conference play in November, with games against Michigan and Nebraska, but both come at home.
Overall Projected Record: 11-1
Indiana Hoosiers 2016 Football Schedule
Continuing on with the Big 10 schedule breakdowns, here's a look at Indiana...
9/1 at Florida International
9/10 Ball State
9/24 Wake Forest
10/1 Michigan State
10/8 at Ohio State
10/15 Nebraska
10/22 at Northwestern
10/29 Maryland
11/5 at Rutgers
11/12 Penn State
11/19 at Michigan
11/26 Purdue
Notes: September should be a breeze for the Hoosiers, as they should sweep their non con schedule in September...The wheels may come off in October, as the Hoosiers start the month with Michigan State and Ohio State, followed by dates with Nebraska and Northwestern. Maryland is the only game I see the Hoosiers taking straight up...If all goes as I see, IU would need 3 wins in November, but I only see 2 chance, with Rutgers and Purdue. If Indiana falls short of a bowl, Kevin Wilson will be gone.
Overall Projected Record: 6-6
9/1 at Florida International
9/10 Ball State
9/24 Wake Forest
10/1 Michigan State
10/8 at Ohio State
10/15 Nebraska
10/22 at Northwestern
10/29 Maryland
11/5 at Rutgers
11/12 Penn State
11/19 at Michigan
11/26 Purdue
Notes: September should be a breeze for the Hoosiers, as they should sweep their non con schedule in September...The wheels may come off in October, as the Hoosiers start the month with Michigan State and Ohio State, followed by dates with Nebraska and Northwestern. Maryland is the only game I see the Hoosiers taking straight up...If all goes as I see, IU would need 3 wins in November, but I only see 2 chance, with Rutgers and Purdue. If Indiana falls short of a bowl, Kevin Wilson will be gone.
Overall Projected Record: 6-6
Illinois Fighting Illini 2016 Football Schedule
I begin breaking down the Big 10 2016 football schedules with Illinois...
9/3 Murray State
9/10 North Carolina
9/17 Western Michigan
10/1 at Nebraska
10/8 Purdue
10/15 at Rutgers
10/22 at Michigan
10/29 Minnesota
11/5 Michigan State
11/12 at Wisconsin
11/19 Iowa
11/26 at Northwestern
Notes: The non con schedule is fairly challenging in September, and save for Murray State, Illinois will likely be a dog in 2 of 3 games, including to Western Michigan...October has two solid opportunities for wins, and those could come against Rutgers and Purdue, but the Illini should be dogs in their other 3 games in the middle month of the season...November could be fairly brutal for Illinois, as I really see no lock down shots for wins.
Overall Projected Record: 3-9
9/3 Murray State
9/10 North Carolina
9/17 Western Michigan
10/1 at Nebraska
10/8 Purdue
10/15 at Rutgers
10/22 at Michigan
10/29 Minnesota
11/5 Michigan State
11/12 at Wisconsin
11/19 Iowa
11/26 at Northwestern
Notes: The non con schedule is fairly challenging in September, and save for Murray State, Illinois will likely be a dog in 2 of 3 games, including to Western Michigan...October has two solid opportunities for wins, and those could come against Rutgers and Purdue, but the Illini should be dogs in their other 3 games in the middle month of the season...November could be fairly brutal for Illinois, as I really see no lock down shots for wins.
Overall Projected Record: 3-9
West Virginia Mountaineers 2016 Football Schedule
I close out my Big 12 2016 schedule breakdowns with West Virginia...
9/3 Missouri
9/10 Youngstown State
9/24 BYU at Landover, MD
10/1 Kansas State
10/15 at Texas Tech
10/22 TCU
10/29 at Oklahoma State
11/5 Kansas
11/12 at Texas
11/19 Oklahoma
11/26 at Iowa State
12/3 Baylor
Notes: WVU will have two bye weeks before we even get to the middle of October, which will make it difficult to establish an early flow...Every non con game could present unique challenges to WVU, including a date with FCS member Youngstown State. WVU gets Missouri at home, and then BYU in a neutral site game (why?) around the YSU game...October could result in a 2-2 split, which would be necessary after what could be a tough opening month...If WVU can start 2-1, and split October at 2-2, WVU absolutely needs wins over Kansas and Iowa State in November to go bowling. The Mountaineers will likely not be favored in November in games against Texas. Oklahoma, and Baylor.
Overall Projected Record: 5-7...I foresee a new football coach in Morgantown in 2017.
9/3 Missouri
9/10 Youngstown State
9/24 BYU at Landover, MD
10/1 Kansas State
10/15 at Texas Tech
10/22 TCU
10/29 at Oklahoma State
11/5 Kansas
11/12 at Texas
11/19 Oklahoma
11/26 at Iowa State
12/3 Baylor
Notes: WVU will have two bye weeks before we even get to the middle of October, which will make it difficult to establish an early flow...Every non con game could present unique challenges to WVU, including a date with FCS member Youngstown State. WVU gets Missouri at home, and then BYU in a neutral site game (why?) around the YSU game...October could result in a 2-2 split, which would be necessary after what could be a tough opening month...If WVU can start 2-1, and split October at 2-2, WVU absolutely needs wins over Kansas and Iowa State in November to go bowling. The Mountaineers will likely not be favored in November in games against Texas. Oklahoma, and Baylor.
Overall Projected Record: 5-7...I foresee a new football coach in Morgantown in 2017.
Texas Tech Red Raiders 2016 Football Schedule
Here's a breakdown of the Texas Tech 2016 football schedule...
9/3 Stephen F. Austin
9/10 at Arizona State
9/17 Louisiana Tech
9/29 Kansas
10/8 at Kansas State
10/15 West Virginia
10/22 Oklahoma
10/29 at TCU
11/5 Texas
11/12 at Oklahoma State
11/19 at Iowa State
11/25 Baylor
Notes: The Red Raiders will get 3 of 4 at home to start the season, including 2 of 3 non con games. All 3 non con games are winnable, including a road trip to Arizona State...The most challenging game on the early slate could be Louisiana Tech, a team that can play with Tech's tempo punch for punch...October could start an annual mid season slide for the Red Raiders, as it sets up to be a 2-2 month, at best...November could compound a slide, as Tech gets Texas, Oklahoma State, and Baylor. The only outright winnable game in November will be a road date with Iowa State, and that may not be a lock.
Overall Projected Record: 5-7
9/3 Stephen F. Austin
9/10 at Arizona State
9/17 Louisiana Tech
9/29 Kansas
10/8 at Kansas State
10/15 West Virginia
10/22 Oklahoma
10/29 at TCU
11/5 Texas
11/12 at Oklahoma State
11/19 at Iowa State
11/25 Baylor
Notes: The Red Raiders will get 3 of 4 at home to start the season, including 2 of 3 non con games. All 3 non con games are winnable, including a road trip to Arizona State...The most challenging game on the early slate could be Louisiana Tech, a team that can play with Tech's tempo punch for punch...October could start an annual mid season slide for the Red Raiders, as it sets up to be a 2-2 month, at best...November could compound a slide, as Tech gets Texas, Oklahoma State, and Baylor. The only outright winnable game in November will be a road date with Iowa State, and that may not be a lock.
Overall Projected Record: 5-7
Texas Longhorns 2016 Football Schedule
Here is a look at the Longhorns 2016 schedule...
9/4 Notre Dame
9/10 UTEP
9/17 at California
10/1 at Oklahoma State
10/8 Oklahoma at Dallas
10/15 Iowa State
10/22 at Kansas State
10/29 Baylor
11/5 at Texas Tech
11/12 West Virginia
11/19 at Kansas
11/25 TCU
Notes: Texas may be a decent underdog to Notre Dame, but the rest of the non con schedule is completely winnable with games against UTEP at home and Cal on the road...This is not a good year for season ticket holders in Austin. From 9/10 through 10/29, the Horns will play at home just twice. They play three consecutive games away from Austin from 9/17 through a 10/8 neutral site game with OU in Dallas...If Texas can hold it together early, they could be favored in 3 of their final 4 games. Texas should be a favorite against Texas Tech, West Virginia, and Kansas, but will likely be a dog against TCU at home in the season finale...If Texas can start 2-2, and finish 3-1, they would need just a win over Iowa State in October to get back to a bowl once again.
Overall Projected Record: 7-5
9/4 Notre Dame
9/10 UTEP
9/17 at California
10/1 at Oklahoma State
10/8 Oklahoma at Dallas
10/15 Iowa State
10/22 at Kansas State
10/29 Baylor
11/5 at Texas Tech
11/12 West Virginia
11/19 at Kansas
11/25 TCU
Notes: Texas may be a decent underdog to Notre Dame, but the rest of the non con schedule is completely winnable with games against UTEP at home and Cal on the road...This is not a good year for season ticket holders in Austin. From 9/10 through 10/29, the Horns will play at home just twice. They play three consecutive games away from Austin from 9/17 through a 10/8 neutral site game with OU in Dallas...If Texas can hold it together early, they could be favored in 3 of their final 4 games. Texas should be a favorite against Texas Tech, West Virginia, and Kansas, but will likely be a dog against TCU at home in the season finale...If Texas can start 2-2, and finish 3-1, they would need just a win over Iowa State in October to get back to a bowl once again.
Overall Projected Record: 7-5
Thursday, April 21, 2016
TCU Horned Frogs 2016 Football Schedule
Here's a look at the TCU 2016 football schedule...
9/3 South Dakota State
9/10 Arkansas
9/17 Iowa State
9/23 at SMU
10/1 Oklahoma
10/8 at Kansas
10/22 at West Virginia
10/29 Texas Tech
11/5 at Baylor
11/19 Oklahoma State
11/25 at Texas
12/3 Kansas State
Notes: The non con schedule is not great, even with South Dakota State being a strong FCS program. That game will not help with SOS numbers. Arkansas should be a challenge, but TCU should be more than favored...Other than a home game against OU, the Frogs should sweep through October with hardly a bump in the road. The OU game will tell TCU's place in the Big 12 race heading into the November games....November starts out tough, with games against Baylor and Oklahoma State, but ends soft with winnable games with Texas and Kansas State...
Overall Projected Record: 10-2
9/3 South Dakota State
9/10 Arkansas
9/17 Iowa State
9/23 at SMU
10/1 Oklahoma
10/8 at Kansas
10/22 at West Virginia
10/29 Texas Tech
11/5 at Baylor
11/19 Oklahoma State
11/25 at Texas
12/3 Kansas State
Notes: The non con schedule is not great, even with South Dakota State being a strong FCS program. That game will not help with SOS numbers. Arkansas should be a challenge, but TCU should be more than favored...Other than a home game against OU, the Frogs should sweep through October with hardly a bump in the road. The OU game will tell TCU's place in the Big 12 race heading into the November games....November starts out tough, with games against Baylor and Oklahoma State, but ends soft with winnable games with Texas and Kansas State...
Overall Projected Record: 10-2
Oklahoma State Cowboys 2016 Football Schedule
Here is a look at the 2016 Oklahoma State Cowboys football schedule...
9/3 SE Louisiana
9/10 Central Michigan
9/17 Pittsburgh
9/24 at Baylor
10/1 Texas
10/8 Iowa State
10/22 at Kansas
10/29 West Virginia
11/5 at Kansas State
11/12 Texas Tech
11/19 at TCU
12/3 at Oklahoma
Notes: The Cowboys open with 5 of 6 at home in 2016...Non con schedule is not remotely challenging for OSU, with exception of Pitt, but the Cowboys should be favored there by at least a touchdown...Cowboys could be heading into November with a solid chance of winning Big 12, especially if they can beat Baylor at home...last 2 games are brutal, with TCU and Oklahoma both coming on the road.
Overall Projected Record: 10-2...I can't see OSU beating TCU, Baylor, and OU all on the road this season...
9/3 SE Louisiana
9/10 Central Michigan
9/17 Pittsburgh
9/24 at Baylor
10/1 Texas
10/8 Iowa State
10/22 at Kansas
10/29 West Virginia
11/5 at Kansas State
11/12 Texas Tech
11/19 at TCU
12/3 at Oklahoma
Notes: The Cowboys open with 5 of 6 at home in 2016...Non con schedule is not remotely challenging for OSU, with exception of Pitt, but the Cowboys should be favored there by at least a touchdown...Cowboys could be heading into November with a solid chance of winning Big 12, especially if they can beat Baylor at home...last 2 games are brutal, with TCU and Oklahoma both coming on the road.
Overall Projected Record: 10-2...I can't see OSU beating TCU, Baylor, and OU all on the road this season...
Oklahoma Sooners 2016 Football Schedule
We're halfway done breaking down the 2016 Big 12 football schedules, as I analyze Oklahoma...
9/3 at Houston
9/10 UL-Monroe
9/17 Ohio State
10/1 at TCU
10/8 Texas at Dallas
10/15 Kansas State
10/22 at Texas Tech
10/29 Kansas
11/3 at Iowa State
11/12 Baylor
11/19 at West Virginia
12/3 Oklahoma State
Notes: OU has the talent to compete for a playoff birth, but the schedule is daunting. OU will only play back to back home games once, and will not play a game in Norman from 9/17 to 10/15...The Sooners are definitely challenged early with a road game at a very strong Houston Cougar team, and a home game 2 weeks later with Ohio State. A road trip follows 2 weeks after the Buckeyes with TCU.,,October should be a relatively friendly month after a brutal September, as a road trip at TCU is the most challenging game in the month. OU always has a tough time with Texas, but OU should be favored there...2 of the final 4 games provide intense challenges, but OU gets both Baylor and Oklahoma State at home.
Overall Projected Record: 10-2
9/3 at Houston
9/10 UL-Monroe
9/17 Ohio State
10/1 at TCU
10/8 Texas at Dallas
10/15 Kansas State
10/22 at Texas Tech
10/29 Kansas
11/3 at Iowa State
11/12 Baylor
11/19 at West Virginia
12/3 Oklahoma State
Notes: OU has the talent to compete for a playoff birth, but the schedule is daunting. OU will only play back to back home games once, and will not play a game in Norman from 9/17 to 10/15...The Sooners are definitely challenged early with a road game at a very strong Houston Cougar team, and a home game 2 weeks later with Ohio State. A road trip follows 2 weeks after the Buckeyes with TCU.,,October should be a relatively friendly month after a brutal September, as a road trip at TCU is the most challenging game in the month. OU always has a tough time with Texas, but OU should be favored there...2 of the final 4 games provide intense challenges, but OU gets both Baylor and Oklahoma State at home.
Overall Projected Record: 10-2
Kansas State Wildcats 2016 Football Schedule
We continue our Big 12 schedule breakdowns with Kansas State...
9/2 at Stanford
9/17 Florida Atlantic
9/24 Missouri State
10/1 at West Virginia
10/8 Texas Tech
10/15 at Oklahoma
10/22 Texas
10/29 at Iowa State
11/5 Oklahoma State
11/19 at Baylor
11/26 Kansas
12/3 at TCU
Notes: The opener against Stanford on the road is interesting and aggressive, but the final two non con games against FAU and Missouri State are not...Wildcats should be in 4 of 5 games in October, giving them a chance to become bowl eligible in early November, but the November slate has only the Kansas game as being winnable for them...Kansas State could finish as high as 5th in Big 12, but as low as 8th.
Overall Projected Record: 6-6
9/2 at Stanford
9/17 Florida Atlantic
9/24 Missouri State
10/1 at West Virginia
10/8 Texas Tech
10/15 at Oklahoma
10/22 Texas
10/29 at Iowa State
11/5 Oklahoma State
11/19 at Baylor
11/26 Kansas
12/3 at TCU
Notes: The opener against Stanford on the road is interesting and aggressive, but the final two non con games against FAU and Missouri State are not...Wildcats should be in 4 of 5 games in October, giving them a chance to become bowl eligible in early November, but the November slate has only the Kansas game as being winnable for them...Kansas State could finish as high as 5th in Big 12, but as low as 8th.
Overall Projected Record: 6-6
Kansas Jayhawks 2016 Football Schedule
Here is a look at the Kansas 2016 football schedule...
9/3 Rhode Island
9/10 Ohio
9/17 at Memphis
9/29 at Texas Tech
10/8 TCU
10/15 at Baylor
10/22 Oklahoma State
10/29 at Oklahoma
11/5 at West Virginia
11/12 Iowa State
11/19 Texas
11/26 at Kansas State
Notes: Kansas has finally found an FCS program they can beat in the opener this season in Rhode Island, but the rest of September looks bad...October will be bloody for Kansas, as they play all the top programs in the league in succession in TCU, Baylor, Oklahoma State, and Oklahoma, all in a row...Kansas finishes with 3 of 5 on the road, and the carcass should be plenty worn out by then. Kansas will likely once again be one of our ten worst teams in the nation in 2016.
Overall Projected Record: 1-11
9/3 Rhode Island
9/10 Ohio
9/17 at Memphis
9/29 at Texas Tech
10/8 TCU
10/15 at Baylor
10/22 Oklahoma State
10/29 at Oklahoma
11/5 at West Virginia
11/12 Iowa State
11/19 Texas
11/26 at Kansas State
Notes: Kansas has finally found an FCS program they can beat in the opener this season in Rhode Island, but the rest of September looks bad...October will be bloody for Kansas, as they play all the top programs in the league in succession in TCU, Baylor, Oklahoma State, and Oklahoma, all in a row...Kansas finishes with 3 of 5 on the road, and the carcass should be plenty worn out by then. Kansas will likely once again be one of our ten worst teams in the nation in 2016.
Overall Projected Record: 1-11
Iowa State 2016 Football Schedule
Here is a continuing look at Big 12 football schedules in 2016, with Iowa State...
9/3 Northern Iowa
9/10 at Iowa
9/17 at TCU
9/24 San Jose State
10/1 Baylor
10/8 at Oklahoma State
10/15 at Texas
10/29 Kansas State
11/3 Oklahoma
11/12 at Kansas
11/19 Texas Tech
11/26 West Virginia
Notes: The schedule does no favors for new coach Matt Campbell in 2016, with 2 of 3 on the road to open the season, including road trips to Iowa and TCU...ISU also plays 2 of the first 3 games in October on the road, with games at Oklahoma State and Texas coming after a game against Baylor at home, not that this helps matters...The Cyclones finish with 4 of 5 at home finally, but by then, the damage will have been done.
Overall Projected Record: 3-9
9/3 Northern Iowa
9/10 at Iowa
9/17 at TCU
9/24 San Jose State
10/1 Baylor
10/8 at Oklahoma State
10/15 at Texas
10/29 Kansas State
11/3 Oklahoma
11/12 at Kansas
11/19 Texas Tech
11/26 West Virginia
Notes: The schedule does no favors for new coach Matt Campbell in 2016, with 2 of 3 on the road to open the season, including road trips to Iowa and TCU...ISU also plays 2 of the first 3 games in October on the road, with games at Oklahoma State and Texas coming after a game against Baylor at home, not that this helps matters...The Cyclones finish with 4 of 5 at home finally, but by then, the damage will have been done.
Overall Projected Record: 3-9
Baylor Bears 2016 Football Schedule
Here is a look at how the 2016 Bears Football season lines up...
9/3 Northwestern State
9/10 SMU
9/17 at Rice
9/24 Oklahoma State
10/1 at Iowa State
10/15 Kansas
10/29 at Texas
11/5 TCU
11/12 at Oklahoma
11/18 Kansas State
11/25 at Texas Tech
12/3 at West Virginia
Notes: When the Bears get left out a playoff bid once again, they would only have themselves to blame. Obviously, in 3 years, Baylor has still not figured out the strength of schedule is a huge part of getting chosen for one of the four bids. The non-con schedule is garbage, so Baylor should easily sweep through September before meeting Oklahoma State on 9/24...In equally odd news, Baylor has two weeks off in October, with byes on the 8th and again 2 weeks later on the 22nd...Baylor gets TCU at home, and Oklahoma on the road in early November, but then gets 3 very winnable games to close out the regular season, albeit with the final 2 on the road at Texas Tech and West Virginia.
Overall Projected Record: 11-1
9/3 Northwestern State
9/10 SMU
9/17 at Rice
9/24 Oklahoma State
10/1 at Iowa State
10/15 Kansas
10/29 at Texas
11/5 TCU
11/12 at Oklahoma
11/18 Kansas State
11/25 at Texas Tech
12/3 at West Virginia
Notes: When the Bears get left out a playoff bid once again, they would only have themselves to blame. Obviously, in 3 years, Baylor has still not figured out the strength of schedule is a huge part of getting chosen for one of the four bids. The non-con schedule is garbage, so Baylor should easily sweep through September before meeting Oklahoma State on 9/24...In equally odd news, Baylor has two weeks off in October, with byes on the 8th and again 2 weeks later on the 22nd...Baylor gets TCU at home, and Oklahoma on the road in early November, but then gets 3 very winnable games to close out the regular season, albeit with the final 2 on the road at Texas Tech and West Virginia.
Overall Projected Record: 11-1
Sunday, April 17, 2016
2016 NFL Draft: Top Ten Quarterbacks Broken Down
With the NFL Draft fast approaching, I thought I'd take some time to quickly break down the top ten players at every position in a quick, easy to read format, as to get my thoughts across on each of these prospects without having you taking all day to read. I will begin with the top ten QBs for 2016...
Carson Wentz, North Dakota State
Everyone has fallen in love with Wentz as he rocketed up most big boards all the way to the top spot in the draft now occupied by the LA Rams. Here' the thing...I don't think that Wentz is ready to be drafted as a number one overall, or even in the top 15 or 20 in the draft. That would mean that Wentz is ready to step in and become in impact player now. As much as I do respect his skills, Wentz is not ready to be that guy. Wentz may be that guy in a few years, but right now, he is a guy who is coming out of an FCS program (championships aside), that plays a lower level of competition, and played all of his home games in a dome. There has not been an impact ready FCS QB in the draft since Steve McNair, and Wentz is not McNair. Any team drafting Wentz higher in the first round may just be dooming him to a career that could get lost on a bad team. He deserves a better fate.
Where he's likely to go: #1 overall
Where he should go: Early 2nd round
Jared Goff, California
Goff and Wentz have been neck and neck during the scouting process leading up to this draft, but as the case is with Wentz, I have some serious issues with Goff as well. Goff is a system QB, and doesn't know the meaning of "playing under center". He has lived his life out of the shotgun, and so will basically have to be reworked into a QB that can play in a more conservative and standardized NFL system. Another issue is that he is a big guy, but he isn't a "big" guy. He is lanky, and is not necessarily the kind of guy who buys time in a pocket. Cal got better in each of his seasons there, but he has still never won a huge game in his career. That is concerning as well. A QB being selected as high as Goff is likely to be should have a well rounded career behind him in college, and I do not feel that Goff has ever had that.
Where he's likely to go: Top 5
Where he should go: Late 1st round
Paxton Lynch, Memphis
Lynch is probably more game ready than Goff or Wentz from a perspective of size, arm strength, and an ability to win big games against high level opponents. Lynch is a big guy, but isn't scrawny, like Goff. He has wins against SEC level opponents, and was part of a revolutionary change in program history, unlike Goff. Lynch can move in the pocket and change a play with his feet, unlike Goff. Lynch's main problem is that is also more of a system QB, having played a majority of his snaps in shotgun mode. He will have to be retrained to learn the NFL game and its tempo. That fact aside, he seems to me to be more of a game ready prospect than either Wentz or Goff.
Where he's likely to go: Mid 1st round
Where he should go: Mid 1st round
Connor Cook, Michigan State
Cook is probably the most game ready in the NFL of the entire QB class, but where he falls short in the eyes of NFL personnel people is that he is not flashy. Let me be as clear as I can be...flashy is incredibly overrated. Everyone falls for that garbage, which is why we get saddled with RG3 and Johnny Manziel. Cook is a solid game managing QB who can make some solid throws, minimize mistakes, and win football games. He is what a QB in the league should be all about. He has the size, the arm, and the edgy persona to be a QB and leader on that next level. His draw back is that he is an edgy guy, but I like that in a QB. He is willing to call guys out and push his teammates to the next level, and I am enamored by that quality in a kid coming out of college. Many don't have that, or can't develop that.
Where he's likely to go: Early 2nd round
Where he should go: Mid 1st round
Dak Prescott, Mississippi State
Prescott is a guy who had been gaining in popularity, but he showed his first major character flaw at the wrong time, getting busted for a DUI in recent weeks, before the draft. That is not stepping up and being a leader and a high level character guy that NFL teams should be looking for. That being said, many NFL teams aren't smart. Rather, they are stupid organizations run by not entirely smart people all the time. That being said, team personnel guys fall in love with the flash of a guy like Prescott. Sure, he's a big, strong guy. He can run like the wind. He has an arm. All that may be true, but he is also erratic. He comes from a system that is not entirely like anything you will see on an NFL field. RG3 was a better passer, but Prescott compares to him in certain ways, and we see how well that has worked out. Prescott models for me as a decent college QB on an overachieving team who's skill level ends there. Not a fan of his prospective pro career as it projects forward.
Where he's likely to go: Late 1st round, or early second round
Where he should go: 5th round as a developmental type QB
Cardale Jones, Ohio State
That Jones is listed as a top ten QB in this draft is strictly an indictment on how bad QB play has gotten in college and pro football over the years. Jones is a bowl full of mush between the ears, pure and simple. He's the kind of guy who believes that the world owes him something. He has all of three major games under his belt as a starting QB, and that is it. Sure, they were big games, but that is not a resume that I, for one, would be drafting off of. Jones believed that he went to school to play football, and not actually go to class. What's he going to do when he has to apply himself on the next level, and actually work? This guy is going to be a problem for someone. If it were my team, I'd just hope it wasn't mine. I don't like dumb players, and this guy is as dumb as they come.
Where he's likely to go: 3rd round
Where he should go: Undrafted
Christian Hackenberg, Penn State
That Hackenberg is a top ten QB in this draft class is a travesty. His best games were against San Diego State, Indiana, Illinois, and Buffalo last season. My grandma could have had great games against those teams. Hackenberg is a hack. He blamed his coaches for his bad play during combine interviews. His accuracy is just pure garbage. His attitude is pure garbage. His game is pure garbage. That anyone is even considering drafting him just goes to show you how dumb so very many NFL personnel people are these days. If I found out my team was about to draft this guy, I'd find a way to cut the phone lines in the war room, or jam the transmission somehow. As I said last week on Twitter, Hackenberg is not an NFL QB, he's a statue holding a football. Zero talent here.
Where he's likely to go: 4th round
Where he should go: Nowhere near an NFL franchise. Totally undraftable.
Jacoby Brissett, NC State
Brissett is not nearly ready to play on any level of the NFL, but he is, however, an excellent candidate for a developmental project for a few years down the road. Brissett was lost at Florida, but as he showed after transferring to Raleigh, he really came around in so very many ways. He did not have a perfect combine, but nobody did. Brissett is the kind of player that could get with e avery good QB coach in the NFL (like Brett Hundley with Alex Van Pelt at Green Bay) that could rebuild him and rework his flaws. If that happens, Brissett is a total steal in this draft in the right spot.
Where he's likely to go: 5th round
Where he should go: 5th round, maybe 6th...the lower he goes, the better the steal.
Kevin Hogan, Stanford
Hogan was good for Stanford in the post Andrew Luck years, as he did not allow the Cardinal to step too far back. Hogan was, for all accounts, a decent, game managing QB for Stanford, who could make a few plays with his feet, and make some decent throws. In my opinion, we have seen all we will ever see from Hogan. Hogan will never be the kind of QB that can lead an NFL franchise, and his skills were baselined as a decent college QB who has not the skills or abilities necessary to succeed on the next level. He is ok, but he is not nearly good enough to be considered as anything special.
Where he is likely to go: 6th round...maybe 7th
Where he should go: Undrafted
Brandon Allen, Arkansas
Allen was an average QB until he blew up in his senior season, but his numbers were severely inflated by two OT games against Auburn and Ole Miss (which is why I hate and detest the college OT rule/model). Allen tossed 30 TDs last fall to just 8 picks, but don't get fooled or sold by those numbers. Where you should really look is early last season before Arkansas pulled themselves together, especially the loss to Toledo at home, where Allen was a mere mortal, at best. Allen will likely get a shot somewhere, but he is not an impact guy.
Where he is likely to go: 7th round
Where he should go: Undrafted
The Next Ten
Nate Sudfeld, Indiana...Injuries derailed him. That's why he slides so low, as he cannot stay on the field.
Vernon Adams, Oregon...Another injury prone guy in 2015. Aside from that, his skills do not translate to the pro game.
Cody Kessler, USC...If you asked me a year ago, I'd have said he was a good prospect. Undersized, but he can play. Worth a late round flyer.
Jacob Coker, Alabama...He has no value in the pros. Very average college QB.
Matt Johnson, Bowling Green...System guy with a decent arm. System QBs rarely make it.
Brandon Doughty, Western Kentucky...2 time All-Bilo FBS QB of the Year, but that is what he was...a legendary college QB who does not translate as next level material.
Jeff Driskell, Louisiana Tech...Driskell was horrible at Florida, but then again, name a Gator QB that wasn't under Will Muschamp (read that line a few times South Carolina). He transferred to Louisiana Tech, but that is a system offense that is not complicated, and is basically playground in nature. Driskell has size, arm, and IQ going for him, but his overall tenacity is lacking. He may not have good enough huddle presence to make it on the next level, and may have trouble moving forward. Some teams like him, but I am not sure whom.
Travis Wilson, Utah...Erratic at best, horrible at worst. Wilson has been all things, good and bad. Not worth the trouble.
Trevone Boykin, TCU...If being arrested in a bar fight and assaulting an officer days before your bowl game are good charcter traits, I don't know what's bad. Priorities are obviously a mess despite good numbers. Good college player, but nothing more.
Jake Ruddock, Michigan...Made strides at Michigan in one season after transferring, but his career is likely done.
Next...Top Ten Running Backs
Carson Wentz, North Dakota State
Everyone has fallen in love with Wentz as he rocketed up most big boards all the way to the top spot in the draft now occupied by the LA Rams. Here' the thing...I don't think that Wentz is ready to be drafted as a number one overall, or even in the top 15 or 20 in the draft. That would mean that Wentz is ready to step in and become in impact player now. As much as I do respect his skills, Wentz is not ready to be that guy. Wentz may be that guy in a few years, but right now, he is a guy who is coming out of an FCS program (championships aside), that plays a lower level of competition, and played all of his home games in a dome. There has not been an impact ready FCS QB in the draft since Steve McNair, and Wentz is not McNair. Any team drafting Wentz higher in the first round may just be dooming him to a career that could get lost on a bad team. He deserves a better fate.
Where he's likely to go: #1 overall
Where he should go: Early 2nd round
Jared Goff, California
Goff and Wentz have been neck and neck during the scouting process leading up to this draft, but as the case is with Wentz, I have some serious issues with Goff as well. Goff is a system QB, and doesn't know the meaning of "playing under center". He has lived his life out of the shotgun, and so will basically have to be reworked into a QB that can play in a more conservative and standardized NFL system. Another issue is that he is a big guy, but he isn't a "big" guy. He is lanky, and is not necessarily the kind of guy who buys time in a pocket. Cal got better in each of his seasons there, but he has still never won a huge game in his career. That is concerning as well. A QB being selected as high as Goff is likely to be should have a well rounded career behind him in college, and I do not feel that Goff has ever had that.
Where he's likely to go: Top 5
Where he should go: Late 1st round
Paxton Lynch, Memphis
Lynch is probably more game ready than Goff or Wentz from a perspective of size, arm strength, and an ability to win big games against high level opponents. Lynch is a big guy, but isn't scrawny, like Goff. He has wins against SEC level opponents, and was part of a revolutionary change in program history, unlike Goff. Lynch can move in the pocket and change a play with his feet, unlike Goff. Lynch's main problem is that is also more of a system QB, having played a majority of his snaps in shotgun mode. He will have to be retrained to learn the NFL game and its tempo. That fact aside, he seems to me to be more of a game ready prospect than either Wentz or Goff.
Where he's likely to go: Mid 1st round
Where he should go: Mid 1st round
Connor Cook, Michigan State
Cook is probably the most game ready in the NFL of the entire QB class, but where he falls short in the eyes of NFL personnel people is that he is not flashy. Let me be as clear as I can be...flashy is incredibly overrated. Everyone falls for that garbage, which is why we get saddled with RG3 and Johnny Manziel. Cook is a solid game managing QB who can make some solid throws, minimize mistakes, and win football games. He is what a QB in the league should be all about. He has the size, the arm, and the edgy persona to be a QB and leader on that next level. His draw back is that he is an edgy guy, but I like that in a QB. He is willing to call guys out and push his teammates to the next level, and I am enamored by that quality in a kid coming out of college. Many don't have that, or can't develop that.
Where he's likely to go: Early 2nd round
Where he should go: Mid 1st round
Dak Prescott, Mississippi State
Prescott is a guy who had been gaining in popularity, but he showed his first major character flaw at the wrong time, getting busted for a DUI in recent weeks, before the draft. That is not stepping up and being a leader and a high level character guy that NFL teams should be looking for. That being said, many NFL teams aren't smart. Rather, they are stupid organizations run by not entirely smart people all the time. That being said, team personnel guys fall in love with the flash of a guy like Prescott. Sure, he's a big, strong guy. He can run like the wind. He has an arm. All that may be true, but he is also erratic. He comes from a system that is not entirely like anything you will see on an NFL field. RG3 was a better passer, but Prescott compares to him in certain ways, and we see how well that has worked out. Prescott models for me as a decent college QB on an overachieving team who's skill level ends there. Not a fan of his prospective pro career as it projects forward.
Where he's likely to go: Late 1st round, or early second round
Where he should go: 5th round as a developmental type QB
Cardale Jones, Ohio State
That Jones is listed as a top ten QB in this draft is strictly an indictment on how bad QB play has gotten in college and pro football over the years. Jones is a bowl full of mush between the ears, pure and simple. He's the kind of guy who believes that the world owes him something. He has all of three major games under his belt as a starting QB, and that is it. Sure, they were big games, but that is not a resume that I, for one, would be drafting off of. Jones believed that he went to school to play football, and not actually go to class. What's he going to do when he has to apply himself on the next level, and actually work? This guy is going to be a problem for someone. If it were my team, I'd just hope it wasn't mine. I don't like dumb players, and this guy is as dumb as they come.
Where he's likely to go: 3rd round
Where he should go: Undrafted
Christian Hackenberg, Penn State
That Hackenberg is a top ten QB in this draft class is a travesty. His best games were against San Diego State, Indiana, Illinois, and Buffalo last season. My grandma could have had great games against those teams. Hackenberg is a hack. He blamed his coaches for his bad play during combine interviews. His accuracy is just pure garbage. His attitude is pure garbage. His game is pure garbage. That anyone is even considering drafting him just goes to show you how dumb so very many NFL personnel people are these days. If I found out my team was about to draft this guy, I'd find a way to cut the phone lines in the war room, or jam the transmission somehow. As I said last week on Twitter, Hackenberg is not an NFL QB, he's a statue holding a football. Zero talent here.
Where he's likely to go: 4th round
Where he should go: Nowhere near an NFL franchise. Totally undraftable.
Jacoby Brissett, NC State
Brissett is not nearly ready to play on any level of the NFL, but he is, however, an excellent candidate for a developmental project for a few years down the road. Brissett was lost at Florida, but as he showed after transferring to Raleigh, he really came around in so very many ways. He did not have a perfect combine, but nobody did. Brissett is the kind of player that could get with e avery good QB coach in the NFL (like Brett Hundley with Alex Van Pelt at Green Bay) that could rebuild him and rework his flaws. If that happens, Brissett is a total steal in this draft in the right spot.
Where he's likely to go: 5th round
Where he should go: 5th round, maybe 6th...the lower he goes, the better the steal.
Kevin Hogan, Stanford
Hogan was good for Stanford in the post Andrew Luck years, as he did not allow the Cardinal to step too far back. Hogan was, for all accounts, a decent, game managing QB for Stanford, who could make a few plays with his feet, and make some decent throws. In my opinion, we have seen all we will ever see from Hogan. Hogan will never be the kind of QB that can lead an NFL franchise, and his skills were baselined as a decent college QB who has not the skills or abilities necessary to succeed on the next level. He is ok, but he is not nearly good enough to be considered as anything special.
Where he is likely to go: 6th round...maybe 7th
Where he should go: Undrafted
Brandon Allen, Arkansas
Allen was an average QB until he blew up in his senior season, but his numbers were severely inflated by two OT games against Auburn and Ole Miss (which is why I hate and detest the college OT rule/model). Allen tossed 30 TDs last fall to just 8 picks, but don't get fooled or sold by those numbers. Where you should really look is early last season before Arkansas pulled themselves together, especially the loss to Toledo at home, where Allen was a mere mortal, at best. Allen will likely get a shot somewhere, but he is not an impact guy.
Where he is likely to go: 7th round
Where he should go: Undrafted
The Next Ten
Nate Sudfeld, Indiana...Injuries derailed him. That's why he slides so low, as he cannot stay on the field.
Vernon Adams, Oregon...Another injury prone guy in 2015. Aside from that, his skills do not translate to the pro game.
Cody Kessler, USC...If you asked me a year ago, I'd have said he was a good prospect. Undersized, but he can play. Worth a late round flyer.
Jacob Coker, Alabama...He has no value in the pros. Very average college QB.
Matt Johnson, Bowling Green...System guy with a decent arm. System QBs rarely make it.
Brandon Doughty, Western Kentucky...2 time All-Bilo FBS QB of the Year, but that is what he was...a legendary college QB who does not translate as next level material.
Jeff Driskell, Louisiana Tech...Driskell was horrible at Florida, but then again, name a Gator QB that wasn't under Will Muschamp (read that line a few times South Carolina). He transferred to Louisiana Tech, but that is a system offense that is not complicated, and is basically playground in nature. Driskell has size, arm, and IQ going for him, but his overall tenacity is lacking. He may not have good enough huddle presence to make it on the next level, and may have trouble moving forward. Some teams like him, but I am not sure whom.
Travis Wilson, Utah...Erratic at best, horrible at worst. Wilson has been all things, good and bad. Not worth the trouble.
Trevone Boykin, TCU...If being arrested in a bar fight and assaulting an officer days before your bowl game are good charcter traits, I don't know what's bad. Priorities are obviously a mess despite good numbers. Good college player, but nothing more.
Jake Ruddock, Michigan...Made strides at Michigan in one season after transferring, but his career is likely done.
Next...Top Ten Running Backs
USF Bulls 2016 Football Schedule
We complete our look at the AAC 2016 football schedule with USF...
9/3 Towson
9/10 Northern Illinois
9/17 at Syracuse
9/24 Florida State
10/1 at Cincinnati
10/8 East Carolina
10/15 U Conn
10/21 at Temple
10/28 Navy
11/12 at Memphis
11/19 at SMU
11/26 UCF
Notes: USF opens with 3 of 4 at home, and should be favored in 2 of those 3 games...The Bulls close out with 3 of 5 on the road, and could only be favored in one of those games...USF is favored by some to win the AAC in 2016, but the schedule certainly doesn't set up that way.
Overall Projected Record: 7-5
9/3 Towson
9/10 Northern Illinois
9/17 at Syracuse
9/24 Florida State
10/1 at Cincinnati
10/8 East Carolina
10/15 U Conn
10/21 at Temple
10/28 Navy
11/12 at Memphis
11/19 at SMU
11/26 UCF
Notes: USF opens with 3 of 4 at home, and should be favored in 2 of those 3 games...The Bulls close out with 3 of 5 on the road, and could only be favored in one of those games...USF is favored by some to win the AAC in 2016, but the schedule certainly doesn't set up that way.
Overall Projected Record: 7-5
U Conn Huskies 2016 Football Schedule
Here is a look at the U Conn 2016 football schedule...
9/1 Maine
9/10 at Navy
9/17 Virginia
9/24 Syracuse
9/29 at Houston
10/8 Cincinnati
10/15 at USF
10/22 UCF
10/29 at East Carolina
11/4 Temple
11/19 at Boston College
11/26 Tulane
Notes: The September schedule is rather ambiguous, as U Conn will be heavily favored to beat Maine, will be underdogs to Navy and Houston, and could be favored against Virginia and Syracuse, but they could also end up dogs against the Cavaliers and Orange....U Conn opens with 3 of 5 at home, and closes with 3 of 5 at home as well...The schedule sets up for a strong finish if U Conn can get their offense together for that run...In short, U Conn is a team in flux, and could go either way, making projecting their schedule a bit difficult.
Overall Projected Record: 5-7
9/1 Maine
9/10 at Navy
9/17 Virginia
9/24 Syracuse
9/29 at Houston
10/8 Cincinnati
10/15 at USF
10/22 UCF
10/29 at East Carolina
11/4 Temple
11/19 at Boston College
11/26 Tulane
Notes: The September schedule is rather ambiguous, as U Conn will be heavily favored to beat Maine, will be underdogs to Navy and Houston, and could be favored against Virginia and Syracuse, but they could also end up dogs against the Cavaliers and Orange....U Conn opens with 3 of 5 at home, and closes with 3 of 5 at home as well...The schedule sets up for a strong finish if U Conn can get their offense together for that run...In short, U Conn is a team in flux, and could go either way, making projecting their schedule a bit difficult.
Overall Projected Record: 5-7
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
UCF Knights 2016 Football Schedule
Coninuing on with the AAC Football Schedule breakdown, I take a look at the UCF Knights...
9/3 South Carolina
9/10 at Michigan
9/17 Maryland
9/24 at FIU
10/1 at East Carolina
10/7 Tulane
10/15 Temple
10/22 at U Conn
10/29 at Houston
11/12 Cincinnati
11/19 Tulsa
11/26 at USF
Notes: For a team with a new coach, and in need of a severe rebuilding project, the September schedule is murderous. UCF starts off with 3 Power 5 opponents, albeit two at home, before wrapping up the month in Ft. Lauderdale against FIU, which is the only game that UCF may be favored in...UCF doesn't catch many breaks in October, as they play 3 of 5 on the road, including games against Temple, Tulane, and Houston...November sees a slight break with 2 of 3 at home, but none of those dates will see the Knights being favored either...UCF gets back to back home games twice in 2016, and also sees back to back road games twice...UCF will play one Friday game all season, with every other game falling on Saturday.
Projected Overall Record: 1-11
9/3 South Carolina
9/10 at Michigan
9/17 Maryland
9/24 at FIU
10/1 at East Carolina
10/7 Tulane
10/15 Temple
10/22 at U Conn
10/29 at Houston
11/12 Cincinnati
11/19 Tulsa
11/26 at USF
Notes: For a team with a new coach, and in need of a severe rebuilding project, the September schedule is murderous. UCF starts off with 3 Power 5 opponents, albeit two at home, before wrapping up the month in Ft. Lauderdale against FIU, which is the only game that UCF may be favored in...UCF doesn't catch many breaks in October, as they play 3 of 5 on the road, including games against Temple, Tulane, and Houston...November sees a slight break with 2 of 3 at home, but none of those dates will see the Knights being favored either...UCF gets back to back home games twice in 2016, and also sees back to back road games twice...UCF will play one Friday game all season, with every other game falling on Saturday.
Projected Overall Record: 1-11
Tulsa Golden Hurricane 2016 Football Schedule
Continuing on with my AAC 2016 Schedule breakdown, I continue with Tulsa...
9/3 San Jose State
9/10 at Ohio State
9/17 North Carolina A&T
9/24 at Fresno State
10/7 SMU
10/15 at Houston
10/22 Tulane
10/29 at Memphis
11/5 East Carolina
11/12 at Navy
11/19 at UCF
11/25 Cincinnati
Notes: The trip to Ohio State is brutal, but September sets up very nicely for Tulsa to win 3 of 4...October looks like a split, with wins against SMU and Tulane, but potential losses to Houston and Memphis on the road...November could also be a splitter, as I see Tulsa taking games against East Carolina and UCF, but potentially falling to Navy and Cincinnati...Tulsa does not get back to back home games all season...Tulsa does play back to back road games just once in 2016, but at the worst possible time, November with trips to Navy and UCF before returning home for a finale against Cincinnati.
Overall Projected Record: 7-5
9/3 San Jose State
9/10 at Ohio State
9/17 North Carolina A&T
9/24 at Fresno State
10/7 SMU
10/15 at Houston
10/22 Tulane
10/29 at Memphis
11/5 East Carolina
11/12 at Navy
11/19 at UCF
11/25 Cincinnati
Notes: The trip to Ohio State is brutal, but September sets up very nicely for Tulsa to win 3 of 4...October looks like a split, with wins against SMU and Tulane, but potential losses to Houston and Memphis on the road...November could also be a splitter, as I see Tulsa taking games against East Carolina and UCF, but potentially falling to Navy and Cincinnati...Tulsa does not get back to back home games all season...Tulsa does play back to back road games just once in 2016, but at the worst possible time, November with trips to Navy and UCF before returning home for a finale against Cincinnati.
Overall Projected Record: 7-5
Tulane Green Wave 2016 Football Schedule
I continue my AAC Schedule breakdowns for 2016 with Tulane...
9/1 at Wake Forest
9/10 Southern
9/17 Navy
9/24 UL-Lafayette
10/1 at U Mass
10/7 UCF
10/14 Memphis
10/22 at Tulsa
10/29 SMU
11/12 at Houston
11/19 Temple
11/26 at U Conn
Notes: September could be a good launching pad to an improved record for Tulane, as they could be favored in 3 of 4 games. Navy should be a loss, but games at Wake Forest, Southern, and UL-Lafayette could all be wins for Tulane...I can see Tulane picking up three more wins in 5 dates in October, and that could be enough to contend for a bowl...November is the toughest month by far for Tulane, as I could easily see them being swept for the month, especially with 2 of 3 on the road...After opening with back to back home games at Yulman Stadium, Tulane does not get the chance to play back to back at home again in 2016. That being said, the Green Wave do get 7 home games.
Overall Projected Record: 6-6
Temple Owls 2016 Football Schedule
A look ahead to the Temple 2016 football schedule...
9/2 Army
9/10 Stony Brook
9/17 at Penn State
9/24 Charlotte
10/1 SMU
10/6 at Memphis
10/15 at UCF
10/21 USF
10/29 Cincinnati
11/4 at U Conn
11/19 at Tulane
11/26 East Carolina
Notes: The non conference schedule is ridiculous in its lack of impact games. Army, Stony Brook, and Charlotte are all laughable opponents at best for Temple...If the Owls can pull a win at Penn State, they will go 4-0 in September...October could be a 3-2 month, or it could be a 2-3 month. The decider? How good is USF...Temple will play either on a Friday or a Thursday four times in 2016, a ridiculous amount...The Owls get 2 of their last 3 games on the road.
Overall Projected Record: 9-3
9/2 Army
9/10 Stony Brook
9/17 at Penn State
9/24 Charlotte
10/1 SMU
10/6 at Memphis
10/15 at UCF
10/21 USF
10/29 Cincinnati
11/4 at U Conn
11/19 at Tulane
11/26 East Carolina
Notes: The non conference schedule is ridiculous in its lack of impact games. Army, Stony Brook, and Charlotte are all laughable opponents at best for Temple...If the Owls can pull a win at Penn State, they will go 4-0 in September...October could be a 3-2 month, or it could be a 2-3 month. The decider? How good is USF...Temple will play either on a Friday or a Thursday four times in 2016, a ridiculous amount...The Owls get 2 of their last 3 games on the road.
Overall Projected Record: 9-3
Sunday, April 10, 2016
SMU Mustangs 2016 Football Schedule
Here's a look at the SMU 2016 football schedule...
9/3 at North Texas
9/10 at Baylor
9/17 Liberty
9/23 TCU
10/1 at Temple
10/7 at Tulsa
10/22 Houston
10/29 at Tulane
11/5 Memphis
11/12 at East Carolina
11/19 USF
11/26 Navy
Notes: Mustangs could actually get out of September at 2-2 after some rough years...If SMU loses to UNT in opener, the season will go south very quickly after that...From 10/1 to 10/29, SMU only plays at Gerald Ford Stadium once, and that is a sure loss to Houston...SMU gets a reprieve in November, playing 3 of 4 at home, but season could be burned by then.
Overall Projected Record: 3-9
9/3 at North Texas
9/10 at Baylor
9/17 Liberty
9/23 TCU
10/1 at Temple
10/7 at Tulsa
10/22 Houston
10/29 at Tulane
11/5 Memphis
11/12 at East Carolina
11/19 USF
11/26 Navy
Notes: Mustangs could actually get out of September at 2-2 after some rough years...If SMU loses to UNT in opener, the season will go south very quickly after that...From 10/1 to 10/29, SMU only plays at Gerald Ford Stadium once, and that is a sure loss to Houston...SMU gets a reprieve in November, playing 3 of 4 at home, but season could be burned by then.
Overall Projected Record: 3-9
Navy Midshipmen 2016 Football Schedule
Here is a look at the Navy 2016 football schedule...
9/3 Fordham
9/10 U Conn
9/17 at Tulane
10/1 at Air Force
10/8 Houston
10/13 at East Carolina
10/22 Memphis
10/28 at USF
11/5 Notre Dame
11/12 Tulsa
11/26 at SMU
12/10 Army at Baltimore
Notes: The opener against FCS member Fordham is tougher than it looks...Navy could very well be 3-0 heading into the Air Force game...Navy gets back to back home games just once this season, but plays twice in Baltimore (against Notre Dame, Army)...Navy is a difficult team to project because of the opening at QB with Keenan Reynolds having moved on...Navy gets a huge break from getting Houston, Memphis, and Tulsa at home, Notre Dame and Army in Baltimore.
Overall Projected Record: 8-4
9/3 Fordham
9/10 U Conn
9/17 at Tulane
10/1 at Air Force
10/8 Houston
10/13 at East Carolina
10/22 Memphis
10/28 at USF
11/5 Notre Dame
11/12 Tulsa
11/26 at SMU
12/10 Army at Baltimore
Notes: The opener against FCS member Fordham is tougher than it looks...Navy could very well be 3-0 heading into the Air Force game...Navy gets back to back home games just once this season, but plays twice in Baltimore (against Notre Dame, Army)...Navy is a difficult team to project because of the opening at QB with Keenan Reynolds having moved on...Navy gets a huge break from getting Houston, Memphis, and Tulsa at home, Notre Dame and Army in Baltimore.
Overall Projected Record: 8-4
Memphis Tigers 2016 Football Schedule
Here is a look at the Memphis 2016 football schedule...
9/3 Southeast Missouri State
9/17 Kansas
9/24 Bowling Green
10/1 at Ole Miss
10/6 Temple
10/14 at Tulane
10/22 at Navy
10/29 Tulsa
11/5 at SMU
11/12 USF
11/18 at Cincinnati
11/25 Houston
Notes: Despite concerns at QB, Memphis should win 3 of 4 in September...After opening with 3 straight at home, Memphis does not get back to back home games anymore in 2016 after that...Tigers play back to back home games just once all season...Memphis will get 7 home games in 2016, should be favored in 6 of them...most difficult stretch in final 2 games with Cincy on the road and Houston at home.
Overall Projected Record: 8-4
9/3 Southeast Missouri State
9/17 Kansas
9/24 Bowling Green
10/1 at Ole Miss
10/6 Temple
10/14 at Tulane
10/22 at Navy
10/29 Tulsa
11/5 at SMU
11/12 USF
11/18 at Cincinnati
11/25 Houston
Notes: Despite concerns at QB, Memphis should win 3 of 4 in September...After opening with 3 straight at home, Memphis does not get back to back home games anymore in 2016 after that...Tigers play back to back home games just once all season...Memphis will get 7 home games in 2016, should be favored in 6 of them...most difficult stretch in final 2 games with Cincy on the road and Houston at home.
Overall Projected Record: 8-4
Houston Cougars 2016 Football Schedule
Here's a look at the 2016 Houston Cougars football schedule...
9/3 Oklahoma
10/10 Lamar
9/15 at Cincinnati
9/24 at Texas State
9/29 U Conn
10/8 at Navy
10/15 Tulsa
10/22 at SMU
10/29 UCF
11/12 Tulane
11/17 Louisville
11/25 at Memphis
Notes: The biggest game of the year is the opener against Oklahoma. If UH can pull a home upset, the Cougars could push for a top five ranking in 2016...Other than the OU game, UH should be a favorite in every game they play this season...Potential trap games are at Cincy on 9/15 and at Navy on 10/8...Cougars play 3 of final 4 at home, lone road trip is at Memphis during that stretch...Cougars should be double digit favorites in 3 of final 4 games, likely would not be against Louisville.
Overall Projected Record: 11-1
9/3 Oklahoma
10/10 Lamar
9/15 at Cincinnati
9/24 at Texas State
9/29 U Conn
10/8 at Navy
10/15 Tulsa
10/22 at SMU
10/29 UCF
11/12 Tulane
11/17 Louisville
11/25 at Memphis
Notes: The biggest game of the year is the opener against Oklahoma. If UH can pull a home upset, the Cougars could push for a top five ranking in 2016...Other than the OU game, UH should be a favorite in every game they play this season...Potential trap games are at Cincy on 9/15 and at Navy on 10/8...Cougars play 3 of final 4 at home, lone road trip is at Memphis during that stretch...Cougars should be double digit favorites in 3 of final 4 games, likely would not be against Louisville.
Overall Projected Record: 11-1
East Carolina Pirates 2016 Football Schedule
Here's a look at the ECU 2016 football schedule...
9/3 Western Carolina
9/10 NC State
9/17 at South Carolina
9/24 at Virginia Tech
10/1 UCF
10/8 at USF
10/13 Navy
10/22 at Cincinnati
10/29 U Conn
11/5 at Tulsa
11/12 SMU
11/26 at Temple
Notes: After opening with 2 straight home games, ECU never plays back to back home games again in 2016...ECU starts the season playing 3 of 5 on the road, and also finishes the season that way...Despite the opener with FCS WCU, the non conference schedule is loaded with 3 power 5 opponents, 2 of them on the road...Pirates avoid Houston and Memphis, but get both Cincy and Temple on the road.
Overall Projected Record: 6-6
9/3 Western Carolina
9/10 NC State
9/17 at South Carolina
9/24 at Virginia Tech
10/1 UCF
10/8 at USF
10/13 Navy
10/22 at Cincinnati
10/29 U Conn
11/5 at Tulsa
11/12 SMU
11/26 at Temple
Notes: After opening with 2 straight home games, ECU never plays back to back home games again in 2016...ECU starts the season playing 3 of 5 on the road, and also finishes the season that way...Despite the opener with FCS WCU, the non conference schedule is loaded with 3 power 5 opponents, 2 of them on the road...Pirates avoid Houston and Memphis, but get both Cincy and Temple on the road.
Overall Projected Record: 6-6
Cincinnati Bearcats 2016 Football Schedule
Here's a look at the Cincinnati Bearcats 2016 football schedule...
9/1 Tennessee-Martin
9/10 at Purdue
9/15 Houston
9/24 Miami (Ohio)
10/1 USF
10/8 at U Conn
10/22 East Carolina
10/29 at Temple
11/5 BYU
11/12 at UCF
11/18 Memphis
11/25 at Tulsa
Notes: UC has two short turn weeks, one between 9/10 and 9/15 that includes games with Purdue and Houston, and between 11/12 and 11/18 with games at UCF and home for Memphis...UC gets their rivalry game against Miami (Ohio) on 9/24...UC gets no breaks in AAC play as they get Houston, at Temple, and Memphis at home...UC opens with 4 of first 5 at home, but closes with 3 of final 5 games on the road, including the season finale at Tulsa.
Overall Projected Record: 9-3
9/1 Tennessee-Martin
9/10 at Purdue
9/15 Houston
9/24 Miami (Ohio)
10/1 USF
10/8 at U Conn
10/22 East Carolina
10/29 at Temple
11/5 BYU
11/12 at UCF
11/18 Memphis
11/25 at Tulsa
Notes: UC has two short turn weeks, one between 9/10 and 9/15 that includes games with Purdue and Houston, and between 11/12 and 11/18 with games at UCF and home for Memphis...UC gets their rivalry game against Miami (Ohio) on 9/24...UC gets no breaks in AAC play as they get Houston, at Temple, and Memphis at home...UC opens with 4 of first 5 at home, but closes with 3 of final 5 games on the road, including the season finale at Tulsa.
Overall Projected Record: 9-3
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Wake Forest Demon Deacons 2016 Football Schedule
Here's a look at the Wake Forest 2016 football schedule...
9/1 Tulane
9/10 at Duke
9/17 Delaware
9/24 at Indiana
10/1 at NC State
10/8 Syracuse
10/15 at Florida State
10/29 Army
11/5 Virginia
11/12 at Louisville
11/19 Clemson
11/26 Boston College
Notes: Wake opens with three of their first five games on the road...A complete reversal, Wake closes with four of five at home, including the final two games against Clemson and BC.,,The Deacons have a solid shot of winning two of three to open the season, and could be in all four of their first games in September...The Deacons play back to back road games just once...Wake Forest has zero short turn weeks in 2016.
Overall Projected Record: 4-8
9/1 Tulane
9/10 at Duke
9/17 Delaware
9/24 at Indiana
10/1 at NC State
10/8 Syracuse
10/15 at Florida State
10/29 Army
11/5 Virginia
11/12 at Louisville
11/19 Clemson
11/26 Boston College
Notes: Wake opens with three of their first five games on the road...A complete reversal, Wake closes with four of five at home, including the final two games against Clemson and BC.,,The Deacons have a solid shot of winning two of three to open the season, and could be in all four of their first games in September...The Deacons play back to back road games just once...Wake Forest has zero short turn weeks in 2016.
Overall Projected Record: 4-8
Virginia Tech Hokies 2016 Football Schedule
Here's a look at the Hokie 2016 football Schedule...
9/3 Liberty
9/10 Tennessee at Bristol
9/17 Boston College
9/24 East Carolina
10/8 at North Carolina
10/15 at Syracuse
10/20 Miami
10/27 at Pittsburgh
11/5 at Duke
11/12 Georgia Tech
11/19 at Notre Dame
11/26 Virginia
Notes: The Hokies open with three of four at home in Blacksburg...After the opening month, Tech plays four of five on the road, with the lone home game coming on 10/20 against Miami...VT plays just one short turn in 2016, with a road trip to Syracuse followed five days later at home with Miami...Hokies finish with two of three at home, including rivalry game with Virginia in season finale.
Overall Projected Record: 7-5
9/3 Liberty
9/10 Tennessee at Bristol
9/17 Boston College
9/24 East Carolina
10/8 at North Carolina
10/15 at Syracuse
10/20 Miami
10/27 at Pittsburgh
11/5 at Duke
11/12 Georgia Tech
11/19 at Notre Dame
11/26 Virginia
Notes: The Hokies open with three of four at home in Blacksburg...After the opening month, Tech plays four of five on the road, with the lone home game coming on 10/20 against Miami...VT plays just one short turn in 2016, with a road trip to Syracuse followed five days later at home with Miami...Hokies finish with two of three at home, including rivalry game with Virginia in season finale.
Overall Projected Record: 7-5
Virginia Cavaliers 2016 Football Schedule
Here's a look at the Virginia Cavaliers 2016 football schedule...
9/3 Richmond
9/10 at Oregon
9/17 at U Conn
9/24 Central Michigan
10/1 at Duke
10/15 Pittsburgh
10/22 North Carolina
10/29 Louisville
11/5 at Wake Forest
11/12 Miami
11/19 at Georgia Tech
11/26 at Virginia Tech
Notes: UVA plays 3 of first five games on the road...Cavaliers play only one road game in October after rough opening stretch...November is fairly brutal, with 3 of 4 on the road, including final 2 games...Richmond game is a trap, as is game against CMU...UVA plays on road at PAC-12 team for 2nd straight season (UCLA in 2015, Oregon in 2016).
Overall Projected Record: 3-9
9/3 Richmond
9/10 at Oregon
9/17 at U Conn
9/24 Central Michigan
10/1 at Duke
10/15 Pittsburgh
10/22 North Carolina
10/29 Louisville
11/5 at Wake Forest
11/12 Miami
11/19 at Georgia Tech
11/26 at Virginia Tech
Notes: UVA plays 3 of first five games on the road...Cavaliers play only one road game in October after rough opening stretch...November is fairly brutal, with 3 of 4 on the road, including final 2 games...Richmond game is a trap, as is game against CMU...UVA plays on road at PAC-12 team for 2nd straight season (UCLA in 2015, Oregon in 2016).
Overall Projected Record: 3-9
Syracuse Orange 2016 Football Schedule
Here's a look at the Syracuse 2016 football schedule...
9/2 Colgate
9/9 Louisville
9/17 USF
9/24 at U Conn
10/1 Notre Dame at The Meadowlands
10/8 at Wake Forest
10/15 Virginia Tech
10/22 at Boston College
11/5 at Clemson
11/12 NC State
11/19 Florida State
11/26 at Pittsburgh
Notes: The game against Colgate is ridiculous scheduling for an easy win...Orange play their first three at home, then play 5 of next 6 on the road or in a neutral site...neutral site game with Notre Dame makes zero sense in scheme of things as Syracuse won't draw there, and college football is not much of a draw in NYC market...Syracuse will play just 6 home games in year one of Dino Baber era.
Overall Projected Record: 4-8
9/2 Colgate
9/9 Louisville
9/17 USF
9/24 at U Conn
10/1 Notre Dame at The Meadowlands
10/8 at Wake Forest
10/15 Virginia Tech
10/22 at Boston College
11/5 at Clemson
11/12 NC State
11/19 Florida State
11/26 at Pittsburgh
Notes: The game against Colgate is ridiculous scheduling for an easy win...Orange play their first three at home, then play 5 of next 6 on the road or in a neutral site...neutral site game with Notre Dame makes zero sense in scheme of things as Syracuse won't draw there, and college football is not much of a draw in NYC market...Syracuse will play just 6 home games in year one of Dino Baber era.
Overall Projected Record: 4-8
Pittsburgh Panthers 2016 Football Schedule
Here's a look at the Pitt Panthers 2016 football schedule...
9/3 Villanova
9/10 Penn State
9/17 at Oklahoma State
9/24 at North Carolina
10/1 Marshall
10/8 Georgia Tech
10/15 at Virginia
10/27 Virginia Tech
11/5 at Miami
11/12 at Clemson
11/19 Duke
11/26 Syracuse
Notes: The non conference schedule is fairly bold, as the Panthers re-engage in their long running rivalry with Penn State, and they travel to take on Oklahoma State in Stillwater. The Game against Marshall on 10/1 is also a trap game that will tell a lot about the true grit of this Panthers team...Back to back road games in September and November ought to tell the tale of how this season will go. Trips to Ok. State and UNC in September are brutal, and trips to Miami and Clemson could be season crushing...Pitt does get to play their final two at home, and may need those wins to go bowling.
Overall Projected Record: 7-5
9/3 Villanova
9/10 Penn State
9/17 at Oklahoma State
9/24 at North Carolina
10/1 Marshall
10/8 Georgia Tech
10/15 at Virginia
10/27 Virginia Tech
11/5 at Miami
11/12 at Clemson
11/19 Duke
11/26 Syracuse
Notes: The non conference schedule is fairly bold, as the Panthers re-engage in their long running rivalry with Penn State, and they travel to take on Oklahoma State in Stillwater. The Game against Marshall on 10/1 is also a trap game that will tell a lot about the true grit of this Panthers team...Back to back road games in September and November ought to tell the tale of how this season will go. Trips to Ok. State and UNC in September are brutal, and trips to Miami and Clemson could be season crushing...Pitt does get to play their final two at home, and may need those wins to go bowling.
Overall Projected Record: 7-5
North Carolina Tar Heels 2016 Football Schedule
Here is a look at the UNC 2016 football schedule...
9/3 Georgia at Atlanta
9/10 at Illinois
9/17 James Madison
9/24 Pittsburgh
10/1 at Florida State
10/8 Virginia Tech
10/15 at Miami
10/22 at Virginia
11/5 Georgia Tech
11/10 at Duke
11/19 Citadel
11/25 NC State
Notes: The Tar Heels SOS will be highly damaged at the end of the season, as they play two games against FCS opponents in James Madison and Citadel...UNC plays short turn weeks in games on 11/5 and 11/10, and then again on 11/19 to 11/25...UNC will not play at home until 9/17 after a neutral site game with Georgia and a trip to Illinois...UNC will play just 6 games in Chapel Hill.
Overall Projected Record: 10-2
9/3 Georgia at Atlanta
9/10 at Illinois
9/17 James Madison
9/24 Pittsburgh
10/1 at Florida State
10/8 Virginia Tech
10/15 at Miami
10/22 at Virginia
11/5 Georgia Tech
11/10 at Duke
11/19 Citadel
11/25 NC State
Notes: The Tar Heels SOS will be highly damaged at the end of the season, as they play two games against FCS opponents in James Madison and Citadel...UNC plays short turn weeks in games on 11/5 and 11/10, and then again on 11/19 to 11/25...UNC will not play at home until 9/17 after a neutral site game with Georgia and a trip to Illinois...UNC will play just 6 games in Chapel Hill.
Overall Projected Record: 10-2
NC State Wolfpack 2016 Schedule
Here's a look a the 2016 NC State football schedule...
9/1 William & Mary
9/10 at East Carolina
9/17 Old Dominion
10/1 Wake Forest
10/8 Notre Dame
10/15 at Clemson
10/22 at Louisville
10/29 Boston College
11/5 Florida State
11/12 at Syracuse
11/19 Miami
11/25 at North Carolina
Notes: The non conference schedule has got to be one of the weakest in the nation, with FCS William & Mary, ECU, and Old Dominion on the slate...The Pack only has one short turn week all season, and it's the last heading into the season finale against UNC...NC State plays back to back road games once all season, 10/15 at Clemson and 10/22 at Louisville.
Overall Record Projection: 6-6
9/1 William & Mary
9/10 at East Carolina
9/17 Old Dominion
10/1 Wake Forest
10/8 Notre Dame
10/15 at Clemson
10/22 at Louisville
10/29 Boston College
11/5 Florida State
11/12 at Syracuse
11/19 Miami
11/25 at North Carolina
Notes: The non conference schedule has got to be one of the weakest in the nation, with FCS William & Mary, ECU, and Old Dominion on the slate...The Pack only has one short turn week all season, and it's the last heading into the season finale against UNC...NC State plays back to back road games once all season, 10/15 at Clemson and 10/22 at Louisville.
Overall Record Projection: 6-6
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Miami Hurricanes 2016 Football Schedule
Here is a look at the 2016 Miami Hurricanes schedule as the Canes begin the Mark Richt era...
9/3 Florida A&M
9/10 Florida Atlantic
9/17 at Appalachian State
10/1 at Georgia Tech
10/8 Florida State
10/15 North Carolina
10/20 at Virginia Tech
10/29 at Notre Dame
11/5 Pittsburgh
11/12 at Virginia
11/19 at NC State
11/26 Duke
Notes: The non conference schedule is a joke, with Florida A&M and FAU to open. When the Canes go to App State on 9/17, they had better have their A game showing, because the Mountaineers will be out for the kill at home...Miami closes with two of three on the road...After a home game with FAU on 9/10, Miami does not play at home again until 10/8...Miami has a short turn after the UNC game on 10/15, as they play at Virginia Tech five days later, followed by a road trip to Notre Dame a week after that.
Projected Final Overall 2016 Record: 6-6
9/3 Florida A&M
9/10 Florida Atlantic
9/17 at Appalachian State
10/1 at Georgia Tech
10/8 Florida State
10/15 North Carolina
10/20 at Virginia Tech
10/29 at Notre Dame
11/5 Pittsburgh
11/12 at Virginia
11/19 at NC State
11/26 Duke
Notes: The non conference schedule is a joke, with Florida A&M and FAU to open. When the Canes go to App State on 9/17, they had better have their A game showing, because the Mountaineers will be out for the kill at home...Miami closes with two of three on the road...After a home game with FAU on 9/10, Miami does not play at home again until 10/8...Miami has a short turn after the UNC game on 10/15, as they play at Virginia Tech five days later, followed by a road trip to Notre Dame a week after that.
Projected Final Overall 2016 Record: 6-6
Louisville Cardinals 2016 Football Schedule
Here is a look at the Louisville Cardinals 2016 football schedule:
9/1 Charlotte
9/9 at Syracuse
9/17 Florida State
9/24 at Marshall
10/1 at Clemson
10/14 Duke
10/22 NC State
10/29 at Virginia
11/5 at Boston College
11/12 Wake Forest
11/17 at Houston
11/26 Kentucky
Notes: After opening with an easy game at home with Charlotte, the Cardinals will play three of four on the road, with Florida State being the lone home game. Between 9/1 and 10/1, Louisville plays at home just twice...The Cardinals will play Marshall and Houston on the road, giving the Cardinals two road trips to non power five schools...Louisville plays just six home games in 2016...After opening with only two of five at home, the Cardinals finish with that same number, closing out with three of the final five games on the road.
Projected Final 2016 Record: 8-4
9/1 Charlotte
9/9 at Syracuse
9/17 Florida State
9/24 at Marshall
10/1 at Clemson
10/14 Duke
10/22 NC State
10/29 at Virginia
11/5 at Boston College
11/12 Wake Forest
11/17 at Houston
11/26 Kentucky
Notes: After opening with an easy game at home with Charlotte, the Cardinals will play three of four on the road, with Florida State being the lone home game. Between 9/1 and 10/1, Louisville plays at home just twice...The Cardinals will play Marshall and Houston on the road, giving the Cardinals two road trips to non power five schools...Louisville plays just six home games in 2016...After opening with only two of five at home, the Cardinals finish with that same number, closing out with three of the final five games on the road.
Projected Final 2016 Record: 8-4
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 2016 Schedule
Here is a look at the Georgia Tech 2016 Schedule:
9/3 Boston College at Dublin, Ireland
9/10 Mercer
9/17 Vanderbilt
9/22 Clemson
10/1 Miami
10/8 at Pittsburgh
10/15 Georgia Southern
10/29 Duke
11/5 at North Carolina
11/12 at Virginia Tech
11/19 Virginia
11/26 at Georgia
Notes: Again, I am no fan of the Dublin trip, as it makes no sense to either side to go there...After the trip to Ireland, Georgia Tech stays home all the way until 10/8 when they travel to Pitt, one of the longest home stretches in the nation (4 straight home games without a bye week)...Tech only has one short turn week, between 9/17 and 9/22 (against Vandy and Clemson in that order)...Tech plays three of their final four on the road after an early season home binge, including a road trip to Athens to play Georgia in the finale...two non conference games are against in state opponents in Mercer and Georgia Southern.
Projected Overall 2016 Record: 6-6
9/3 Boston College at Dublin, Ireland
9/10 Mercer
9/17 Vanderbilt
9/22 Clemson
10/1 Miami
10/8 at Pittsburgh
10/15 Georgia Southern
10/29 Duke
11/5 at North Carolina
11/12 at Virginia Tech
11/19 Virginia
11/26 at Georgia
Notes: Again, I am no fan of the Dublin trip, as it makes no sense to either side to go there...After the trip to Ireland, Georgia Tech stays home all the way until 10/8 when they travel to Pitt, one of the longest home stretches in the nation (4 straight home games without a bye week)...Tech only has one short turn week, between 9/17 and 9/22 (against Vandy and Clemson in that order)...Tech plays three of their final four on the road after an early season home binge, including a road trip to Athens to play Georgia in the finale...two non conference games are against in state opponents in Mercer and Georgia Southern.
Projected Overall 2016 Record: 6-6
Florida State Seminoles 2016 Football Schedule
Here is a look at the 2016 Florida State football schedule:
9/5 Ole Miss at Orlando
9/10 Charleston Southern
9/17 at Louisville
9/24 at USF
10/1 North Carolina
10/8 at Miami
10/15 Wake Forest
10/29 Clemson
11/5 at NC State
11/11 Boston College
11/19 at Syracuse
11/26 Florida
Notes: I am not certain why the Seminoles taking on Ole Miss in Orlando is a thing, or why it is deemed important enough to move to a Monday, which is another trend that I do not approve of...The Seminoles only get five days between the Ole Miss opener and their home opener, but that home opener is against Charleston Southern, so there's that...FSU only plays one home game in the month of September, the Charleston Southern game...FSU plays three of four at home in October, with the lone road trip going to Miami...The Seminoles play two of their final three at home, including Florida.
Projected Overall 2016 Record: 10-2
9/5 Ole Miss at Orlando
9/10 Charleston Southern
9/17 at Louisville
9/24 at USF
10/1 North Carolina
10/8 at Miami
10/15 Wake Forest
10/29 Clemson
11/5 at NC State
11/11 Boston College
11/19 at Syracuse
11/26 Florida
Notes: I am not certain why the Seminoles taking on Ole Miss in Orlando is a thing, or why it is deemed important enough to move to a Monday, which is another trend that I do not approve of...The Seminoles only get five days between the Ole Miss opener and their home opener, but that home opener is against Charleston Southern, so there's that...FSU only plays one home game in the month of September, the Charleston Southern game...FSU plays three of four at home in October, with the lone road trip going to Miami...The Seminoles play two of their final three at home, including Florida.
Projected Overall 2016 Record: 10-2
Duke Blue Devils 2016 Football Schedule
Here is a look at the Duke 2016 Football schedule:
9/3 North Carolina Central
9/10 Wake Forest
9/17 at Northwestern
9/24 at Notre Dame
10/1 Virginia
10/8 Army
10/14 at Louisville
10/29 at Georgia Tech
11/5 Virginia Tech
11/10 North Carolina
11/19 at Pittsburgh
11/26 at Miami
Notes: Duke is treating the NC Central game like a rivalry, but it is nothing of the sort. The non conference scheduling is lacking in name power, but the trips to Notre Dame and Northwestern could be brutal...After playing Army on 10/8, the Devils do not return home again until taking on Virginia Tech on 11/5, one of the longest stretches in the nation. This stretch does include a bye week...Duke also gets screwed by having two short weeks this season, as they get six days between Army and a visit to Louisville, and they only get five days between Virginia Tech and North Carolina. At best, I see Duke splitting those four games.
Projected 2016 Record: 8-4
9/3 North Carolina Central
9/10 Wake Forest
9/17 at Northwestern
9/24 at Notre Dame
10/1 Virginia
10/8 Army
10/14 at Louisville
10/29 at Georgia Tech
11/5 Virginia Tech
11/10 North Carolina
11/19 at Pittsburgh
11/26 at Miami
Notes: Duke is treating the NC Central game like a rivalry, but it is nothing of the sort. The non conference scheduling is lacking in name power, but the trips to Notre Dame and Northwestern could be brutal...After playing Army on 10/8, the Devils do not return home again until taking on Virginia Tech on 11/5, one of the longest stretches in the nation. This stretch does include a bye week...Duke also gets screwed by having two short weeks this season, as they get six days between Army and a visit to Louisville, and they only get five days between Virginia Tech and North Carolina. At best, I see Duke splitting those four games.
Projected 2016 Record: 8-4
2016 Clemson Tigers Football Schedule
Here is a look at the Clemson 2016 football schedule...
9/3 at Auburn
9/10 Troy
9/17 South Carolina State
9/22 at Georgia Tech
10/1 Louisville
10/7 at Boston College
10/15 NC State
10/29 at Florida State
11/5 Syracuse
11/12 Pittsburgh
11/19 at Wake Forest
11/26 South Carolina
Notes: The Tigers get seven at home this season, and finish with three of four at Memorial Stadium, including the finale against arch rival South Carolina...The non conference schedule is pretty easy, and that includes a road trip to Auburn against a Tigers team that may not be very good yet again...Clemson will only get back to back home games twice this season, in September against Troy and SC State, and in November against Syracuse and Pitt.
Projected Record: 11-1
9/3 at Auburn
9/10 Troy
9/17 South Carolina State
9/22 at Georgia Tech
10/1 Louisville
10/7 at Boston College
10/15 NC State
10/29 at Florida State
11/5 Syracuse
11/12 Pittsburgh
11/19 at Wake Forest
11/26 South Carolina
Notes: The Tigers get seven at home this season, and finish with three of four at Memorial Stadium, including the finale against arch rival South Carolina...The non conference schedule is pretty easy, and that includes a road trip to Auburn against a Tigers team that may not be very good yet again...Clemson will only get back to back home games twice this season, in September against Troy and SC State, and in November against Syracuse and Pitt.
Projected Record: 11-1
Boston College 2016 Football Schedule
Here is your 2016 BC Eagles football schedule:
9/3 vs. Georgia Tech at Dublin, Ireland
9/10 at U Mass
9/17 at Virginia Tech
9/24 Wagner
10/1 Buffalo
10/7 Clemson
10/22 Syracuse
10/29 at NC State
11/5 Louisville
11/11 at Florida State
11/19 U Conn
11/26 at Wake Forest
Notes: The opening game in Ireland is absolutely senseless. I don't care how many Irish folks live in Southie, they aren't traveling to Dublin for this game...The Eagles do not get a home date until 9/24 against FCS member Wagner, which is another joke of a game for BC, but maybe one where they can score more than ten points...After the opener on 9/24, the Eagles will not go on the road again until 10/29 when they take on NC State in Raleigh...BC opens with three straight on the road, and only has two of their final five games at home.
Projected Overall 2016 Record: 4-8
9/3 vs. Georgia Tech at Dublin, Ireland
9/10 at U Mass
9/17 at Virginia Tech
9/24 Wagner
10/1 Buffalo
10/7 Clemson
10/22 Syracuse
10/29 at NC State
11/5 Louisville
11/11 at Florida State
11/19 U Conn
11/26 at Wake Forest
Notes: The opening game in Ireland is absolutely senseless. I don't care how many Irish folks live in Southie, they aren't traveling to Dublin for this game...The Eagles do not get a home date until 9/24 against FCS member Wagner, which is another joke of a game for BC, but maybe one where they can score more than ten points...After the opener on 9/24, the Eagles will not go on the road again until 10/29 when they take on NC State in Raleigh...BC opens with three straight on the road, and only has two of their final five games at home.
Projected Overall 2016 Record: 4-8
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