PAC 10 2010-Arizona Wildcats

2009 Record: 8-5 (6-3)
Head Coach: Mike Stoops (7th season, 33-39)
Offensive Coordinator: Seth Littrell (1st season) and Bill Bedenbaugh (1st season)
Defensive Coordinator: Tim Kish (1st season) and Greg Brown (1st season)
2009 Bowl Game: Holiday Bowl, lost to Nebraska 33-0

Offense: 9 starters return on a unit that made incredible strides last season, until the bowl game. Nick Foles returns at QB , but he has some push coming from Matt Scott, who is considered to be a better run/pass package. Both may play as a switch up package. Nic Grigsby returns at TB, but he has to stay on the field, as injuries derailed him at times last seaosn. There is crazy depth at the RB spot, and it also has a variety of types of backs for different looks, big and small. WR Juron Criner had a big spring and will lead the WR corps. 4 starters return on the line.

Defense: Ricky Elmore and Brooks Reed return at the DE spots, but there are new bodies at DT, including JC transfer Willie Mobley. There is plenty of size and athleticism in the middle, but not a ton of experience. Nobody returns to start at LB, but the cats went the JC route in bringing in Paul Vassallo and Derek Earls, and both expect to start. Cb Trevin Wade will be a pre season AA, and Robert Golden returns at SS, but both of the other secondary spots are open.

Special Teams: Alex Zendejas is back at PK, but you can't depend on him from long range. If you have him from inside of 35 yards, he's automatic. Keenan Cryer is back at punter, but his average dropped almost 2 yards per punt in 2009 from 2008.

2010 Schedule

Wins: 9/3 @ Toledo, 9/11 Citadel, 10/16 @ Washington State, 12/2 Arizona State

Toss Up Games: 9/25 California, 10/9 Oregon State, 10/23 Washington, 10/30 @ UCLA, 11/6 Stanford, 11/13 USC

Losses: 9/18 Iowa, 11/26 @ Oregon

The schedule is not a bad one, but there are two major losses coming against Iowa and Oregon. The Wildcats should be embarrassed to have Citadel on the schedule. The toss games are loaded with traps along the way, but Arizona could post as many as 10 wins, with somewhere around 8 being realistic.

Outlook: Mike Stoops finally got Arizona over a hump of sorts last seaosn, but the bowl game was an ugly joke. There is still much work to be done, and the Cats cannot rest on their laurels in 2010. The PAC-10 is winnable for anyone who can show some teeth this season, so now is the time to be aggressive, and if they fail badly, than Stoops could wind up right back on the hot seat with his overall record dragging him down.

PAC 10 2010-Stanford Cardinal

2009 Record: 8-5 (6-3)
Head Coach: Jim Harbaugh (4th season, 17-20...46-20 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: David Shaw (4th season)
Defensive Coordinator: Vic Fangio (1st season)
2009 Bowl Game: Sun Bowl, lost to Oklahoma 31-27

Offense: With Toby Gerhart gone to the NFL, QB Andrew Luck becomes the focus of the Stanford offense. Luck played very well as a freshman in 2009, but he will have a much heavier load to bear this season. The good news is that he has a solid set of receivers to get the ball to in Chris Owusu and Ryan Whalen. Owusu may be one of the best WRs in the conference and in the west, and has huge big play ability, but he has to use a little more stick 'um, as he had the dropsies at key times last season. TE Levine Tiololo is 6-8 and really proved himself in spring ball. Jeremy Stewart, Tyler Gafney, and Stepfan Taylor are all competing to replace Gerhart, but none of them have the star power. 4 starters return on the line.

Defense: The defense is under some significant reconstruction under Fangio, and several players are at new positions going into fall camp. The Cardinal will now play out of a base 3-4 set. NT Sione Fua has huge potential, but both ends will be new. 3 starters will return at LB, with emerging star Shayne Skov leading the way.The cool story at LB is that FB Owen Marecic will also start at LB, making him a 2 way starter, a cool extreme rarity in the modern era. SS Delano Howell and CB Richard Sherman are the returnees in the secondary.

Special Teams: Nate Whitaker is a good option at PK after making 16 of 22 FGs last season. He can get better with another year of experience. David Green returns at punter, but is not a lock to start over Daniel Zychlinski.

2010 Schedule

Wins: 9/4 Sacramento State, 9/18 Wake Forest, 10/23 Washington State, 11/6 @ Arizona State, 11/20 @ California

Toss Up Games: 9/11 @ UCLA, 11/25 @ Notre Dame, 10/9 USC, 10/30 @ Washington, 11/6 Arizona, 11/27 Oregon State

Losses: 10/2 @ Oregon

The schedule is not overly difficult. There are several very winnable games in the toss box if the D comes together. This schedule is taylor made for success, and 10 wins or more would not be a surprise, but the opposite can happen if the D does not progress and something happens to Luck. IN that case, 5 or 6 wins could be a reality.

Outlook: As mentioned, if the D comes together and the key players stay healthy, than Stanford could compete for a spot in the upper echelon of the conference. This has all of the potential to be a dream season in Palo Alto, but it can all fall apart very easily. Success will be a fragile thing for the 2010 Cardinal.

PAC 10 2010-Washington Huskies

2009 Record: 5-7 (4-5)
Head Coach: Steve Sarkisian (2nd season, 5-7)
Offensive Coordinator: Doug Nussmeier (2nd season)
Defensive Coordinator: Nick Holt (2nd season)
2009 Bowl Game: 1 point loss away after a winless season in 2008

Offense: Jake Locker is the best QB in the west.He ditched a chance to be a top 10 pick in the 2009 NFL draft to return to UW and finish his role in rebuilding the Huskies to national prominence. UW won't be a top team nationally yet, but they are well on their way. The on e concenr is Locker's health, as when he runs, he tends to be Tim Tebow aggressive. If Locker gets hurt, UW is screwed. Chris Polk was on of the best freshman RBs in the country in 2009, and looks to really bust out as a sophomore. He was the first freshman in UW history to bust 1000 yards (1113 to be exact). Jermaine Kearse is an awesome target for Locker to get the ball to downfield. He demands double coverage on every play which should open some opportunities up for Devin Aguilar, James Robinson, and TE Kavario Middleton. The line returns 3 starters, but Locker will be taking snaps from new starter and sophomore C Drew Schaefer.

Defense: There are issues on D. Both DTs (Alameda Ta'amu and Cameron Elisara) return, but both DEs will be new, with Talia Crichton being only a sophomore. Everette Thompson and Kalani Aldrich, who are both competing at DE, missed major time in spring ball due to injury. Desmond Trufant, who started as a freshman last season, returns at CB, but the other CB spot is open. Nate Williams returns at SS, with the FS spot open for competition.

Special Teams: Erik Folk was rock solid at PK last seaosn, hitting 18 of 21 FGs. He is a big game kicker with the ability to win games for the Huskies in clutch scenarios. Will Mahan was solid as well at punter, averaging 40.6 yards in 2009.

2010 Schedule

Wins: 9/11 Syracuse, 10/9 Arizona State, 11/13 UCLA, 11/27 @ California, 12/4 @ Washington State

Toss Up Games: 9/4 @ BYU, 10/2 @ USC, 10/16 Oregon State, 10/23 @ Arizona, 10/30 Stanford

Losses: 9/18 Nebraska, 11/6 @ Oregon

There are nothing but big name programs on the schedule. Syracuse isn't who they were years ago obviously, but everyone knows who they are. Kudos to the Huskies for playing 3 BCS opponents out of conference. The possibility exists that the Huskies could win 10 games this season, but the defense may limit them to 7 or 8, which would still be enough to get into a solid bowl.

Outlook: The Huskies aren't all the way back, but they are on their way. Sarkisian will be hailed as the guy that brought Husky football back form the dead. UW will have to win some shootouts this season, but there is more than enough offensive firepower to make that a good thing. If you are a Husj=ky fan, you should be excited about this team, especially with that schedule.

PAC 10 2010-Oregon State Beavers

2009 Record: 8-5 (6-3)
Head Coach: Mike Riley (10th season, 64-47)
Offensive Coordinator: Danny Langsdorf (6th season)
Defensive Coordinator: Mark Banker (8th season)
2009 Bowl Game: Las Vegas Bowl, lost to BYU 44-20

Offense: The Rodgers brothers (Jacquizz and James) are the big time weapons of the Beaver offense for certain, but they will be isolated if the QB job isn't straightened out. Ryan Katz looks to have won the job, after Lyle Moevao was denied his petition for a 6th season and Sean Canfield graduated. Virginia transfer Peter Lalich was supposed to compete for the job, but he was given the boot after spring ball due to off field issues, which were what drove him out of Virginia. Jacquizz Rodgers is a beast at RB, and may have an outside shot of Heisman consideration. He has rushed for 2500 yards the last 2 seasons. James Rodgers is just as dangerous as a runner on end arounds and off of screens as he is in the open receiving game. Markus Wheaton and Jordan Bishop will get lots of looks when defenses stack up against the Rodgers Brothers. 4 linemen return, which should help greatly with the QB transitions.

Defenses: Three starters return on the line, with DT Stephen Paea and DE Gabe Miller leading the way. There were losses in the off season when DE Matt LaGrone and LB David Pa'aluhi both left for family issues. Both were projected as starters. LB Keith Pankeny is highly questionable as he blew his achilles tendon during the winter. All of these issues have to be addressed, as now the LB group went from being a source of strength to being a source of concern. Former QB James Dockery looks to be a starter at one CB spot, while the other spot remains open with Brandon Hardin looking like the best bet at winning the job. Lance Mitchell and Cameron Collins return to man the safety spots.

Special Teams: Justin Kahut returns at PK, but must fix his tendency to miss PATs. Johnny Hekker will be the holder and punter, and is in his third season on the job.

2010 Schedule

Wins: 9/18 Louisville, 10/2 Arizona State, 10/30 California, 11/13 Washington State

Toss Up Games: 10/9 @ Arizona, 10/16 @ Washington, 11/6 @ UCLA, 11/20 USC, 11/27 @ Stanford

Losses: 9/4 TCU (@ Arlington), 9/25 @ Boise State, 12/4 Oregon

The non-conference schedule is difficult, and there are key road games that the Beavers must win if they have any chance of competing for the PAC 10 title. At the end of the day, the new QB will have to adjust quickly, and OSU will have to find a way to avoid slow starts that have hindered them in years past.

Outlook: The QB situation has to get sorted out, or else it won't matter what the Rodgers Brothers can do. The defense must also hope that ll of the off season drama does not derail what could be a very special season for them. The schedule is a bear early, and there are several difficult road trips that could be a wall that the Beavers may not be able to break down. OSU has historically struggled when breaking in a new QB.

PAC 10 2010-Oregon Ducks

2009 Record: 10-3 (8-1)
Head Coach: Chip Kelly (2nd season, 10-3)
Offensive Coordinator: Mark Helfrich (2nd season)
Defensive Coordinator: Nick Aliotti (13th season)
2009 Bowl Game: Rose Bowl, lost to Ohio State 26-17

Offense: The loss of Jeremiah Masoli has taken what should be a potential national championship contender and knocked it down 10 full spots. The Ducks are still potentially the best team in the conference, but they still have to settle an unexpected QB battle between Nate Costa and Darrin Thomas. Both players have benefits, and both have concerns. LaMichael James looks to be the sure thing at RB, but he too had off-season off-field issues that are lingering. Kenjon Barner is the fall back option. Jeff Maehl, DJ Davis, and Lavasler Tuinei all return at WR, and all 5 linemen return. One of the biggest replacements besides at QB will be who replaces TE Ed Dickson. it's a 3 way battle.

Defense: The strength is in the secondary, which ha soften been the case with historical Ducks teams. Cliff Harris and Talmadge Jackson III are both big time CBs. Eddie Pleasant and John Boyett return to man the safety spots. Casey Matthews is becoming a legend and Spencer Paysinger is underrated at LB. Josh Kaddu looks to be the lone new starter at OLB. Kenny Rowe is a dominating at times DE, and Brandon Bair will team up with him at RDT. Zac Clark and Terrell Turner look to man the other line spots. The experience, talent , and depth make this one of the best defenses in the country coming into 2010.

Special Teams: Rob Beard looks to be the new PK, but Alejandro Maldanado looks to push him in camp. Jackson Rice is solid at punter.

2010 Schedule

Wins: 9/4 New Mexico, 9/18 Portland State, 9/25 @ Arizona State, 10/2 Stanford, 10/9 @ Washington State, 10/21 UCLA, 11/13 @ California, 11/26 Arizona, 12/4 @ Oregon State

Toss Up Games: 9/11 @ Tennessee, 10/30 @ USC, 11/6 Washington

Losses: None

The three toss games are all winnable, but you never bet against Tennessee in Knoxville outright. The Ducks burned USC in Eugene last season, but the game is in LA this season, and Oregon has trouble there. Washington is the up and coming threat in the conference, and the Ducks and Huskies have a rivalry that goes way back. The rest of the schedule should be easily handled by the Ducks.

Outlook: Oregon is the front runner to win the PAC 10 in the final season of the current format before expansion takes hold. The Ducks would have been a top 3 title contender if not for the loss of Masoli, but they are still a solid bet to return to Pasadena in January, where I can see them playing either Wisconsin or playing a rematch against Ohio State.

PAC 10-USC Trojans

2009 Record: 9-4 (5-4)
Head Coach: Lane Kiffin (1st season, 0-0...7-6 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Kiffin and Kennedy Pola (1st season)
Defensive Coordinator: Monte Kiffin (1st season)
2009 Bowl Game: Emerald Bowl, defeated Boston College 24-13

Offense: USC was not quite the offensive juggernaught that they have been known to be in 2009, and so they will look to build themselves back under a new coach, yet with a similar system, as Kiffin wasn't that far removed from having been the OC here. Matt Barkley had a decent, but not great, freshman season. Mitch Mustain remains as backup, but can be labeled as one of the biggest college busts in history. Allen Bradfield is listed as the #1 back coming into the fall, but freshman Dillon Baxter will grab the job full time at some point. Ronald Johnson is really the lone game breaking WR that the Trojans have, but have some young depth at that spot. 3 starters return on the line, but the real story is the one that got away when super recruit Seantrell Henderson bailed out on the Trojans when sanctions were handed down from the Reggie Bush case.

Defense: The entire secondary will have to be replaced. DE Armond Armstead and DT Jurrell Casey return to anchor the line, but NT Christian Tupuo blew his knee in the spring and is out for 2010. The LB corps is all set with Malcolm Smith, Chris Galippo, and Michael Morgan, but Galippo needs to be better than he was a season ago, as he has fallen under the impression that one can dominate on ego and reputation alone.

Special Teams: Joe Houston looks to have one the battle for the PK spot, but will be replaced on long FG tries by P Jake Harfman. John Baxter comes over from Fresno State to coach this unit, and he is known for aggressive, attacking units. FSU blocked 49 FGs during his tenure there.

2009 Schedule

Wins: 9/2 @ Hawaii, 9/11 Virginia, 9/18 @ Minnesota, 9/25 @ Washington State, 10/16 California, 11/6 Arizona State

Toss Up Games: 10/2 Washington, 10/9 @ Stanford, 10/30 Oregon, 11/13 @ Arizona, 11/20 @ Oregon State, 11/27 Notre Dame, 12/4 @ UCLA

Losses: None

There are many questions, with one being how motivated will the Trojans be knowing that there will be no bowl due to sanctions? The Trojans are still a team to contend with, but many of the toss box games were wins a season ago. This trend sshows how beatable and vulnerable the Trojans are.

Outlook: Change is the order of the day in South Central. There are question marks all over the field, but no question looms larger than how will the Trojans react to heavy sanctions. USC is down to 71 scholarship players from 85 last season, and they lose 30 scholarships during the duration of the penalty. The schedule outof conference is very easy, but the Trojans are showing some chinks in the armor. If you want t beat them, beat them now.

MAC 2010-Akron Zips

2009 Record: 3-9 (2-6)
Head Coach: Rob Ianello (1st season, 0-0)
Offensive Coordinator: John Latina (1st season)
Defensive Coordinator: Curt Mallory (1st season)
2009 Bowl Game: Only appearance came in 2005

Offense: There is a 2 man battle likley to happen at QB, with Patrick Nicely getting a shot when Matt Rodgers busted up his knee. Nicely could definately steal the job. Alex Allen will be back for a 6th season at RB, but expect others to join him in a rotation. Jeremy LaFrance and Jalil Carter return to form the WR duo in the new pro set offense. 3 starters return on the line. There is definatley room for improvement from last season's 113th ranked nightmare.

Defense: Gone is the 3-3-5 defense, replaced by a standard 4-3 this season. 3 starters return on the line, which is a great place to start in rebuilding the defense. Brian Wagner is expected to lead a LB grup in which all 3 starters (Sean Fobbs and Mike Thomas are the others) return. The secondary must be rebuilt, as CB Manley Waller is the lone returnee.

Special Teams: Branko Rogovic was awful last season, making only 7 of 15 kicks, but he looks to be the guy again. Zack Campbell is back at punter, but he needs help from his coverage teams.

2010 Schedule

Wins: 9/11 Gardner-Webb

Toss Up Games: 10/9 @ Kent State, 11/6 @ Ball State, 11/17 Miami (Ohioi), 11/26 Buffalo

Losses: 9/4 Syracuse, 9/18 @ Kentucky, 9/25 @ Indiana, 10/2 Northern Illinois, 10/16 @ Ohio, 10/23 Western Michigan, 10/30 @ Temple,

Sometimes you have to take a step back before you can step up, and that looks to be the case this season. 5 wins would be a real accomplishment.

Outlook: Things will get better, but not by much this season if at all. Ianello is a new head coach, but has assembled a solid staff, and the future looks good. Look for the Zips to play close in some games this season, and look for a major move next season.

MAC 2010-Kent State Golden Flashes

2009 Record: 5-7 (4-4)
Head Coach: Doug Martin (7th season, 24-46)
Offensive Coordinator: Martin
Defensive Coordinator: Pete Rekstis (7th season)
2009 Bowl Game: Close only counts in horse shoes and hand granades

Offense: QB Spencer Keith returns from an injury marred 2009 season. The passing game was actually serviceable last season, but to be so again, Keith has to remain healthy. Eugene Jarvis is very close to breaking the Kent State rushing record, but suffered from a lacerated kidney last season, and Martin plans to use 3 other backs with Jarvis in a rotation. The seldom works. Tyshon Goode is the lone returning starter at WR. 3 starters return on the line, which should help.

Defense: This unit was a strong suit for the Flashes last season, finishing 54th nationally in total D. There is solid upper class experience on the front line with Quiton Rainey at DT, and Monte Simmons at DE both being seniors. Cobrani Mixon is the lone returning starting LB, and he too is a senior. Three starters return in trhe secondary, with FS Brian Leinhart, and SS Dan Hartman both being seniors. Starting CB JOsh Pleasant is a junior, as will be new starter Chris Gilbert.

Special Teams: Freddie Cortez returns at PK, but must improve his accuracy. Matt Rinehart finished with a 40.9 yard average at punter in 2009.

2010 Schedule

Wins: 9/2 Murray State, 10/2 @ Miami (Ohio), 10/9 Akron

Toss Up Games: 10/16 @ Toledo, 10/23 @ Bowling Green, 10/30 Ball State, 11/20 @ Western Michigan

Losses: 9/11 @ Boston College, 9/18 @ Penn State, 11/6 Temple, 11/13 Army, 11/26 Ohio

3 wins guranteed, with as many as 7 possible if they steal all of the toss games. The schedule is viscous in parts. It would not surprise me to see Kent State match their win total of 5 from 2009.

Outlook: There is some talent on this team, but many questions too. It will be interesting to see if the Flashes finally get over the hump for Doug Martin, or see if he finally gets some real heat applied to his tenure. There is leadership available in the ranks, so lets see if anyone leads.

MAC 2010-Buffalo Bulls

2009 Record: 5-7 (3-5)
Head Coach: Jeff Quinn (1st season, 0-0)
Offensive Coordinator: Greg Forest (1st season)
Defensive Coordinator: William Inge (1st season)
2009 Bowl Game: No...No...No

Offense: Jerry Davis and Alex Dennison were locked in a QB battle heading into fall camp, but this is considered a win-win for the coaching staff, as they are very high onboth players. It should be a dog fight all the way to the final week. The issue is at WR and TE, where there really is no glaring star in the group, and no starters return. Brandon Thermilus and Ike Nduke will share the RB job again, but some young and talented backs are pushing their way into the rotation. The backfield will be the strength of the offense, but will easily be shut down if the receivers don't develop quckly.4 starters return on the line, which will be helpful for the running game and the young QBs.

Defense: Davonta Shannon is all-MAC, and is the leader of a very talented secondary. Domonic Cook and Josh Thomas both come back at CB, and both are very solid. Scott Pettigrew was expected to be the leader at LB, but tore his knee up in the spring and is gone for the season. Justin Winters will be the lone returning backer. The ends are small but quick, but may easily get worn down. Anel Montanez is expected to lead the line at DT.

Special Teams AJ Principe is the best PK in school history and is back for his senior season.Peter Fardon is being pushed by John Rachuna at Punter.

2010 Schedule

Wins: 9/2 Rhode Island, 10/23 Miami (Ohio), 11/12 Ball State, 11/20 Eastern Michigan, 11/26 @ Akron

Toss Up Games: 10/2 @ Bowling Green, 11/4 @ Ohio

Losses: 9/11 @ Baylor, 9/18 Central Florida, 11/25 @ UConn, 10/16 @ Northern Illinois, 10/23 Temple

The schedule is not entirely horrible, but I see 5 guaranteed losses. The toss games are both on the road, and I cannot lean in any direction on either of those games. The Bulls need to win both toss games to even have a shot to qualify for a bowl bid.

Outlook: Again, a bowl is possible, but not liekly. The front 7 is not deep or big enough, and the issues in the receiving corps could be an issue for whomever wins the QB job. The landscape is not as horrible as it was, but work remains to be done, and Quinn is a wild card as coach, with no HC experience anywhere.

MAC 2010-Bowling Green Falcons

2009 Record: 7-6 (6-2)
Head Coach: Dave Clawson (2nd season, 7-6)
Offensive Coordinator: Warren Ruggiero (2nd season)
Defensive Coordinator: Mike Elko (2nd season)
2009 Bowl Game: Humanitarian Bowl, lost to Idaho 43-42

Offense: The Falcons offensive leaders from last season are all gone. RB Willie Geter is the only sure thing at the skil positions this season. He will not and cannot be the focus of the offense, because he simply isn't skilled enough for that job. 4 different players are fighting for the QB job, and none of them have much, if any, experience. There are many WRs available, but again, none of them match the talent of Freddie Barnes, and he has packed his bags. There are only two returning starters on the line. This is a complete rebuild job.

Defense: The Falcons need to stop the run, They were fine against the pass last season (38th), but teams ran right through the BG D. There are problems aplenty again for the Falcons, as only 2 starters return from 2009 (DE Angelo Magnone and CB Adrien Spencer).This is going to be rough.

Special Teams: Again...a total rebuild job from the ground up.

2010 Schedule

Wins; 10/2 Buffalo, 10/16 Kent State, 11/10 Miami (Ohio)

Toss Up Games: 9/4 @ Troy, 9/18 Marshall, 10/2 @ Ohio, 11/26 Western Michigan

Losses: 9/11 @ Tulsa, 9/25 @ Michigan, 10/16 @ Temple, 10/30 @ Central Michigan, 11/17 @ Toledo

While it is possible that the Falcons could bust out to another minor bowl this season, I wouldn't call those chances very realistic. There was just way to much loss from last season, and I am not sure how many of the toss games can flip their way. They have to win them all to even get a sniff, and the road games are going to be very tough.

Outlook: The next two years will be interesting if this group comes together. There are far to many starters and far too many questions to expect the world in 2010. Clawson will get this team tgoether, and will fight all seaosn, but it may all be for naught.

MAC 2010-Ohio Bobcats

2009 Record: 9-5 (7-1)
Head Coach: Frank Solich (6th season, 32-31...90-50 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Gerry Gdowski (6th season) and Tim Albin (6th season)
Defensive Coordinator: Jimmy Burrow (6th season)
2009 Bowl Game: Pizza Bowl, lost to Marshall 21-17

Offense: The Bobcats could not run the ball last season. That was a killer at times, but Ohio still managed to win 9 games with 50% of their offense at functional strength. That will have to change this season, but who will lead the way? Boo Jackson is back st QB after suffering injuries most of last season. There is no clear cut favorite to be the man carrying the ball out of the backfield, so running the ball again appears to be an issue. Steven Goulet is the lone returning WR, and will need help from TE Jordan Thompson. The line was suspect last season, and three starters return from that group. If there is no improvement, than Ohio has no shot at repeating those 9 wins.

Defense: Ohio tied Texas for defensive take aways last season, but returns only one player (FS Gerald Moore) in the secondary. The news is awful in the LB corps, where not one player returns from last season's starting group. Noah Keller is that returnee, and picked up 155 tackles in 2009, so at least there is talent to build around.

Special Teams: Matt Weller is an all MAC PK, and has a big leg. He will be leaned on a great deal. Paul Hershey is in line to inherit the open Punting job.

2010 Schedule

Wins: 9/4 Wofford, 10/2 @ Eastern Michigan, 10/9 Akron, 10/23 @ Miami (Ohio), 10/30 Louisiana-Lafayette, 10/30 Buffalo

Toss Up Games: 9/11 Toledo, 9/25 @ Marshall, 10/2 Bowling Green, 11/26 @ Kent State

Losses: 9/18 @ Ohio State, 9/16 @ Temple

That Ohio State game will be ugly. The rest of the schedule is manageable. Don't be fooled. Every team on the schedule has potential issues, which makes many of them beatable. Ohio can navigate this slate, and then contend for another bowl bid.

Outlook: This team has a chance because of Frank Solich. There is a great deal of uncertainty, and there were many injuries in the spring to overcome, but Solich is one of the best coaches in the MAC, and he wins with less talent than others do. The Bobcats have a shot, but they also have a shot to fall hard if the injury bug continues on his reign of terror, and if the inexperience does what it does to teams.

MAC 2010-Temple Owls

2009 Record: 9-4 (7-1)
Head Coach: Al Golden (5th season, 19-30)
Offensive Coordinator: Matt Rhule (3rd season)
Defensive Coordinator: Mark D'Onofrio (4th season)
2009 Bowl Game: Eagle Bank Bowl, lost to UCLA 30-21

Offense: Bernard Pierce is the focus of the offense. The sophomore RB ran for 1361 yards in 2009, and again will be relied on to move the attack downfield. Pierce had four games of at least 185 yards, and is a threat every time he touches the ball. He must stay healthy, though, as without him, the offense tends to bog down. Matt Brown will be his backup, and played well in the bowl. Chester Stewart will come in at QB this season, and while not being anything resembling a top flight passer, he will be expected to be able to make plays with his feet. Joe Jones and Michael Campbell both return at WR, but are not huge threats. 3 starters return on the line. Temple ranked 24th nationally in total offense, but in order to keep the train moving up the mountain, The QB/WR play is going to have to bump it up to keep the heat off of Pierce, who will be running with  abig neon target on his ass all season long.

Defense: Welcome back, Adrian Robinson. Owls fans haven't seen a force like this guy since the beginning of time. Robinson racked up 13 sacks last season, and is death in the backfield. Morris Bluefield is the other end, and played well when he saw the field last season. He needs more experience and will get it this year. Muhammed Wilkeron will be back at DT, but the other spot is open. Elijah Joseph will be expected to lead the LBs in 2010, but didn't have what I would call a dominating season in 2009 (63 tackles). Tahir Whitehead is a new starter at LB this season, and has solid speed, but again, does not have a bunch of play time logged. Jalquawn Jarrett was all over the field last season, but more will be expected from their FS. Kevin Kroboth returns at SS, so teams will have a hrad time deciding who to throw away from. Marquis Liverpool will return at CB, but the other spot is open.

Special Teams: Brandon McManus is a big leg PK, and tied with Pierce for team lead with 96 points in 2009. Jeff Wathne will return at P, making special teams a solid group.

2010 Schedule

Wins: 9/3 Villanova, 10/2 @ Army, 10/16 Bowling Green, 10/23 @ Buffalo, 10/30 Akron, 11/6 @ Kent State, 11/23 @ Miami (Ohio)

Toss UP Games: 9/11 Central Michigan, 10/9 @ Northern Illinois, 11/16 Ohio

Losses: 9/18 UConn, 9/25 @ Penn State

This schedule is a bit dicey for the Owls. The games against UConn and Penn State are aobvious losses to me, but there is always a chance that they can upset UConn in Philly. There really isn't any way that the Owls would lose to Villanova again this year, is there? Overall, even after losing to Nova last year, Temple put together one of the best years in school history, and they can overcome a loss or two again.

Outlook: Being that nobody was expecting what they got out of the Owls last season, I would have to say that the outlook is very good, but with a warning. If the Owls begin to believe in themselves a little too much, the house of cards can crash at any time. Al Golden stayed, and that was a strong gain for this building power in the MAC. He won't be there much longer, as his goal is the Penn State job, and he certainly deserves a crack at it When Joe Paterno retires or dies, whichever may come first.

MAC 2010-Eastern Michigan Eagles

2009 Record: 0-12 (0-8)
Head Coach: Ron English (2nd season, 0-12)
Offensive Coordinator: Ken Karcher (2nd season)
Defensive Coordinator: Phil Snow (1st season)
2009 Bowl Game: No appearances since they were called the Hurons

Offense: There is a little bit of depth at the QB spot, as Alex Gillett fills that athletic needs of the position in the spread offense. He will be backed up by Devontae Payne, who is more of a pockett passer. Dwayne Priest is a physical back, and he looks to share the load at RB with Corey Welch, who changes pace when in the game. Nick Olds and Kinsman Thomas both return at WR, and will be joined by Tyrone Burke. TE Ben Thayer may be the best receiver in the group. The interior line is intact, but both tackles must be replaced.

Defense: The line is experienced with DEs Brad Ohrman and Javon Reese, as well as DTs Brandon SLater and Ryan Leonard all being either juniors or seniors. Senior Neal Howey will be the lone new starter in the LB group, as Marcus English and Tim Fort return. Arrington Hicks and Marcell Rose both return at CB, and SS Ryan Downard returns as well. This is fantastic news, as EMU ranked 1st in the nation last season. Of course all teams had to do was run, as teams averaged 276.8 yards per game on the ground last season.

Special Teams: Thomas Baertschi will be the man at both P and PK in 2010, but he started at neither position before now, so there is no telling how this will play out.

2010 Schedule

Wins: None

Toss Up Games: 9/11 @ Miami (Ohio), 10/9 @ Vanderbilt, 10/16 @ Ball State, 11/20 @ Buffalo

Losses: 9/4 Army, 9/18 Central Michigan, 9/25 @ Ohio State, 10/2 Ohio, 10/23 @ Virginia, 10/30 Toledo, 11/113 @ Western Michigan, 11/26 Northern Illinois

The losses should continue to mount up in 2010, as it is hard to pick any game as an outright victory. All of the toss up games would be considered upset wins. EMU is basically at the bottom, and they have a long climb to get out of the hole, especially when you play this kind of schedule.

Outlook: More of the same basically. EMU has not been to a bowl since 1987, and there won't be a bid anytime soon. There is basically about 4 to 5 years worth of work just to be average.

MAC 2010-Miami (Ohio) Redhawks

2009 Record: 1-11 (1-7)
Head Coach: Mike Hayward (2nd season, 1-11)
Offensive Coordinator: Morris Watts (1st season)
Defensive Coordinator: Carl Reese (2nd season)
2009 Bowl Game: Not since 2004...seems strange

Offense: Run, run, run...that's what Mike Heywood is angling to do in 2010. The good news is that the entire offense returns, and three of those players (LT Brandon Brooks, LG bob Gulley, and RG Nate Williams) are seniors. Zac Dysert scored 17 of the team's 25 TDs a season ago, but will be asked to just get the ball into the hands of the backs and cut down on any mistakes he made as a freshman last season. Thomas Merriweather is the starting RB, but needs to be more aggressive in the red zone, and he needs toshow that he can score against the big boys. Armand Robinson is the lone returning starter at WR, but Jamal Rogers was second on the team inreceptions last season coming off of the bench. Eugene Harris will be a third receiver.Freshman Nicholas Harwell is a very promising receiver as well. TE Kendrick Bruton will add another solid set of hands to the passing game and may sometimes line up away from the line as a slot receiver or H-Back.

Defense: The Redhawks were very strong against the pass, allowing only 190.4 yards per game last season. However, Miami could not stop the run, especially against spread attacks, which are prominant in the MAC. Austin Brown and Mike Johns return at DT, but both DEs will be new in 2010. Jerell Wedge had 114 tackles at LB last season, and is back to run the show. Evan Harris and DeAndre Gilmore return at LB as well. Brandon Stephens will return at CB, next to new starter DJ Brown. Both SS Jordan Safford and FS Anthony Kokal look to start again.

Special Teams: Trevor Cook never really got inot a good groove in 2009, epecially after having missed the 2008 season. Jim Broadway is not going to wow anyone at punter either.

2010 Schedule

Wins: 9/11 Eastern Michigan

Toss Up Games: 9/18 Colorado State, 10/2 Kent State, 10/30 @ Buffalo, 11/17 @ Akron

Losses: 9/4 @ Florida, 9/25 @ Missouri, 10/2 @ Cincinnati, 10/16 @ Central Michigan, 10/23 Ohio, 11/10 @ Bowling Green, 11/23 Temple

The schedule is very tough, but does not include a Big 10 opponent, which is rare for Miami. The Redhawks are playing three very good BCS opponents this season, so look for some ugly losses.

Outlook: The building will continue in 2010, and the Redhawks will take some lumps. Real progress probably will not start to show until 2011.

MAC 2010-Ball State Cardinals

2009 Record: 2-10 (2-6)
Head Coach: Stan Parrish (2nd season, 2-11...59-52-3 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Eddie Faulkner (2nd season)
Defensive Coordinator: Jay Hood (1st season)
2009 Bowl Game: None...it was a long way to fall

Offense: The Cardinals managed to rank 114th in the nation in total offense in 2009. Long gone are the high octane offenses that were in place under Brady Hoke, when Nathan Davis was gunning it at QB and WR Dante Love was the recipient of, well, much love. To quote Obi-Wan Kenobi, that was "before the dark times". MiQuayle LEwis will try to put the bulk of the task of repairing the broken offense on his shoulders. Lewis was granted an extra season by the NCAA and scored 22 TDs while rushing for 1736 yards two seasons ago. He still managed 871 yards last season while being injured. He even busted loose for 301 yards against Eastern Michigan last season. Kelly Page is being pushed at QB by Aaron Mershman, but Page looks to return to his starting spot after he was limited by a broken thumb in 2009. Briggs Orsbon will be the primary reciever, but Daniel Ifft also returns. Torieal Gibson will be the lone new starter on offense at WR. Every member of the line has starting experience.

Defense: NT Rene Perry and DE Robert Eddins will return on the line, but the other two spots are open. There is depth at LB with Davyd Jones and Travis Freeman returning. Tony Martin is expected to take the open LB spot. Freeman was a machine with 93 tackles in 2009. CB Charlie Todd and S Sean Baker return in the secondary, but new starters must be found at the other CB and S spot.

Special Teams: Ian McGarvey returns at PK after hitting 18 of 21 FGs last season. That's encouraging. Scott Kovanda returns as the punter, and averaged 40 yards per punt on the nose.

2010 Schedule

Wins: 9/2 Southeast Missouri State, 9/11 Liberty, 10/16 Eastern Michigan, 11/6 Akron

Toss Up Games: 10/9 Western Michigan, 10/23 @ Toledo, 10/30 @ Kent State, 11/12 @ Buffalo

Losses: 9/18 @ Purdue, 9/25 @ Iowa, 10/2 @ Central Michigan, 11/20 Northern Illinois

2 wins are guaranteed against 1-AA SE Missouri and Liberty. That won't help bowl qualifying, but it's not like I expected the Cardinals to be in that class anyway. Look for The Cardinals to improve over last season's 2-10 disaster, but by how much is hard to see. There are some winnable games on the slate.

Outlook: There is depth and maturity at every position on the offense, but QB is a real concern. Parrish has to identify a signal caller that can take pressure off of MiQuale Lewis, or the Cardinals will be hard pressed to move the football. If Ball State can solve their key issues, a return to respectability would not be far off. BSU still would not return to the top of the heap, but they would definately move closer.

MAC 2010-Western Michigan Broncos

2009 Record: 5-7 (4-4)
Head Coach: Bill Cubit (6th season, 34-27...68-45-1 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Mike Grant (6th season) and Cubit
Defensive Coordinator: Dave Cohen (1st season)
2009 Bowl Game: A very disappointing no

Offense: Tim Hiller, who was one of the best QBs in the country the last 4 seasons, is gone. Alex Carder, a fireball of a personality, is the new starter as a sophomore. Aaron Winchester and Brian Fields will be sharing the load at RB, but neither was the starter last season. Robert Arnheim had 59 cathces last season, and will lead the receiving corps, but Juan Nunez and Jordan White return as well. 3 starters return on the line, but both new starters (C Kevin Galeher and RT Dann O'Neill) are  sophomores.

Defense: This group ranked 101st in the nation last season, and is changing their philosophy. DT Weston Peiffer is the lone returnee on the line at DT. All 3 LBs return in Mitch Zajac, Deantay Legrier, Chris Prom. This group was not as aggressive as one would have liked last season, and Dave Cohen is pushing them hard this season. 3 starters return in the secondary, with safeties Jamall Berry and Doug Wiggins, and CB Deshon Lawrence coming back. Damond Smith looks to be the new starter at CB.

Special Teams: John Potter was better at PATs than FGs last season by a good deal, but will be unchallenged this season at PK. Ben Armer returns as the punter, but he is going to need a stronger leg, as he failed to average 40 yards per punt in 2009.

2010 Schedule

Wins: 9/11 Nicholls State, 10/9 @ Ball State, 10/23 Akron, 11/13 Eastern Michigan

Toss Up Games: 9/18 Toledo, 10/2 Idaho, 11/26 @ Bowling Green, 11/20 Kent State

Losses: 9/4 @ Michigan State, 10/16 @ Notre Dame, 10/30 Northern Illinois, 11/5 @ Central Michigan

Good things are possible if the Broncos navigate the toss box well. WMU must win three of those games just to qualify for a bowl bid, and I think that may be a bit too much to ask for in 2010.

Outlook: Last season was a complete gut punch, as most people felt that WMU could have competed with CMU in the division. Not only did Western not compete with Central, they were barely passable at all. The defense was a wreck, and the offense failed miserably at times to capatilize on the arm of Hiller. The defense must improve, and Carder had better mature quickly.

MAC 2010-Toledo Rockets

  

2009 Record: 5-7 (3-5)
Head Coach: Tim Beckman (2nd season, 5-7)
Offensive Coordinator: Matt Campbell (2nd season)
Defensive Coordinator: Mike Ward (2nd season) and Paul Nichols (2nd season)
2009 Bowl Game: Not close...and not since 2005

Offense: QB Austin Danton was the main relief for the departed aaron Opelt last season, but he was pretty terrible in the spring and as many as 4 other QBs have now puth themselves into position to move past Danton on the depth chart. Expect as many as 4 backs to still be competeing for the starting RB job in fall camp as well. WR Eric Page is a star on offense, but who will get the ball to him ? The other two WR spots are also going to be given to new starters, with Jimmy Davidson and Kenny Stafford both leading the way to take jobs. 4 starters do return on the line, and TE Danny Noble is also back for another go.

Defense: The Rockets run a 3-3-5 set defensively, but lost star saftey Barry Church. The secondary only returns two starters, with CB Daxton swanson and FS Jermaine Robinson returning. Beckman brought in 3 JC players and a transfer from Iowa to try to build depth in the secondary. LB Archie Donald is the main star on the defense (he's the only one). Alex Johnson and Douglas Westbrook return at DE, but both tackles must be replaced.

Special Teams: Two kickers, Ryan Casano and Bret Brodbeck, are battling to be the starting PK, and Bill Claus returns to punt, but he was less than ok last season, averaging under 38 yards a kick.

2010 Schedule

Wins: 10/16 Kent State, 10/23 Ball State, 10/30 @ Eastern Michigan

Toss Up Games: 11/17 Bowling Green

Losses: 9/3 Arizona, 9/11 @ Ohio, 9/18 @ Western Michigan, 9/25 @ Purdue, 10/2 Wyoming, 10/9 @ Boise State, 11/9 @ Northern Illinois, 11/26 Central Michigan

The schedule is very difficult, especially when you understand the state of the Rocket program. 3 or 4 wins would be a success in my opinion.

Outlook: Sometimes you have to step back before you can step up. Toledo is basically being rebuilt, and Beckman should get a few seasons to put his stamp on the program. Don't expect too much from the Rockets, especially with all of the holes and the over ambitious schedule.

MAC 2010-Northern Illinois Huskies

2009 Record: 7-6 (5-3)
Head Coach: Jerry Kill (3rd season, 13-13, 117-70 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Matt Limegrover (3rd season)
Defensive Coordinator: Tracy Claes (3rd season)
2009 Bowl Game: International Bowl, lost to South Florida 27-3

Offense: Chandler Harnish has won the QB job, but has an issue with a knee that really needed surgery last off season. He ditched the surgery and made it through spring camp, but it can go at any time, so this bears watching. TB Chad Spann returns after rushing for 19 scores in 2009, but he missed all of spring ball after shoulder surgery. He is due back for the opening game. Landon COx is the lone returning WR, and is built like a small LB. He can go up and take catches over smaller CBs in the league. 3 starters reutrn on the line, with C and LG looking for new starters in fall camp.

Defense: LDE Alan Baxter is the lone new starter in defense, as everyone else returns from the 2009 group that ranked 30th in total defense. LB Pat Schiller will start at some point, but will miss at least the first game after having off season surgery. Alex Kube should be able to endure taking up the slack in his absence. Tracy Wood is an awesome safety who loves to take on backs, but more will be expected in pass coverage in 2010. This D is deep and experienced, and will probably carry this team to a very nice place in 2010.

Special Teams: There is a 3 way battle going on at PK, with no clear winner as of yet. Stay tuned. Josh Wilbur is the returning punter, but he is being pushed as well, and may not hold the job into the opener.

2010 Schedule

Wins: 9/11 North Dakota, 9/18 @ Illinois, 9/25 @ Minnesota, 10/2 @ Akron, 10/16 Buffalo, 11/9 Toledo, 11/20 @ Ball State, 11/26 @ Eastern Michigan

Toss Up Games: 9/2 @ Iowa State, 10/9 Temple, 10/23 Central Michigan, 10/30 @ Western Michigan

Losses: None

There are no outright losses with this schedule. Even without taking a single toss game, the Huskies go with 8 wins. They could win as many as 10 or 11.

Outlook: Jerry Kill is a solid coach, and with Butch Jones out of the way at CMU, he could be the best coach in the division. Northern has to take this opportunity to kick CMU while they are down and take this thing. They have to go in for the kill in 2010, as all of the pieces are in place.

MAC 2010-Central Michigan Chippewas

2009 Record: 12-2 (8-0)
Head Coach: Dan Enos (1st season, 0-0)
Offensive Coordinator: Mike Cummings (1st season)
Defensive Coordinator: Joe Tumpkin (1st season)
2009 Bowl Game: GMAC Bowl, defeated Troy 44-41 (2OT)

Offense: Gone is the most producitve player and QB CMU has ever seen in Dan LeFevour. Ryan Radcliff was the #2 guy a season ago, and now he will get a chance to strut his stuff in 2010. Dan Enos and Mike Cummings have decided to stay with the CMU spread for now, but there is one problem...WR Kito Poblah is the lone returning skill player on offense. TE David Blackburn will be much more involved in the offense than he was last season. 4 starters return on the line.

Defense: As incredible as the offense was last season, the defense was just as good. Teams scored 18.9 points per game against CMU, good for 17th in the country. Both interior linemen (Sean Murnane and JOhn Williams) return, but the ends are new. Matt Berning and Nick Bellore return at LB, with Bellore looking to be the anchor piece of the defense. The secondary is being rebuilt, with only CB Vince Agnew returning.

Special Teams: Richie Hogan will be the new PK in 2010,and much will ride on him. Brett Hartmann returns as punter, but he was hardly inspriing last season.

2010 Schedule

Wins: 9/2 Hampton, 9/18 @ Eastern Michigan, 10/2 Ball State, 10/16 Miami (Ohio)

Toss Up Games: 9/11 @ Temple, 10/23 @ Northern Illinois, 10/30 Bowling Green, 11/5 Western Michigan, 11/26 @ Toledo

Losses: 9/25 @ Northwestern, 10/9 @ Virginia Tech, 11/13 @ Navy

There are many uncertainties on this team and within this schedule. It is a very difficult non conference slate, save for the opener against Hampton. Norhtern Illinois will be their main divisional adversary, but that game is on the road, as is the game against Temple. This won't be easy.

Outlook: Change all over the field and a demanding schedule makes for a very cloudy picture. Word is that CMU still has the horses to run this season, but it remains to be seen. I think that there is far too much upheaval here to constitute a winning season in 2010, and the jury is way out on Enos as a HC.

UCLA Update

Starting DE Datone Jones has broken his foot, and will miss the first 6 to 8 weeks of the season after having surgery. The Bruins can ill afford these kinds of injuries, especially in a make or break season where there is so much to prove. Stay tuned for a replacement killer at DE.

Marshall Update

QB Willie Korn, who had transferred from Clemson to compete at QB, was moved to safety last week, and has promptly announced that he is transferring once again. No destination has been decided yet, but I would expect that he will get to say hello to either 1-AA or D2 football somewhere down south.

Nevada-Fresno State Update

As mentioned in the BYU update, both Nevada and Fresno State have been invited to join the MWC, and have both accpeted the invitations to join the MWC as early as 2011. This move would kill the WAC in football, as the league would fall under the 8 teams needed to form a conference. This move makes perfect sense, as UNR has a very solid rivalry going on with UNLV, and Fresno State could form one with San Diego State. Both teams also cut out expensive and ridculous road trips to Louisiana Tech and Hawaii. Expect more fallout from the WAC as it relates to these moves, with the WAC also having lost Boise State to the MWC earlier this summer for the 2011 season.

BYU Update

BYU, in a move that defies the mind, is exploring the possibility of going independent in football, and rejooining the WAC in all other sports. Apparently, the move is considered by some at the Church of Latter Day Saints that to go independent would allow BYU to play all over the nation and help spread the Mormon faith. Sounds like a truckload of miopia to me. Earth to Mormon Church...the idea is to join conferences, not leave them entirely behind. Independent football is like disco balls and the Rockford Files, fun and interesting, but dated and historic. The MWC countered BYU's move by immediately making one of their own by inviting Fresno State and Nevada to join the MWC from the WAC. This would make the WAC irrelelvent, because even with BYU joining, there would not be enough members left to field a football conference by 2011, and would probably kill the league in other sports as well. Nice...

Mountain West 2010-UNLV Rebels

2009 Record: 5-7 (3-5)
Head Coach: Bobby Hauck (1st season 0-0...80-17 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Rob Phenicie (1st season)
Defensive Coordinator: Kraig Paulson (1st season)
2009 Bowl Game: 5 points basically kept them out of one

Offense: With the Hiring of Hauck, expect to see a slow bleed off of the spread offense that was run under former coach Mike Sanford. Hauck is not a fool, however, and will play to the strengths of his roster by still implementing the spread, especially because his current roster is tooled for it. QB Omar Clayton is expected to win the job again, but Mike Clausen is waiting in the wings in case the injury bug bites again. WR Phillip Payne is now the leading man after the graduation of Ryan Wolfe. Payne is highly talented, and could be one of the best in the conference before the end of the season. Michael Johnson also returns at WR. CJ Cox leads the pack at RB coming into fall camp, but as many as 5 players are fighting for the job. 4 linemen return, which will add some nice consistency.

Defense: The Rebels had no defense last season, and while they tried to shoot it out with everyone, their offense was not up to it. UNLV ranked 155th in total defense last season, and it hurt by giving up games against Oregon State and Wyoming. Isaako Aaitui is the lone returnee on the line at DT, but he has awesome size. He'll be joined at the spot by 350 lb DT Ramsey Feagai. Ronnie Paulo is the lone returning LB. Quinton Porter is solid at CB, but he is the lone returnee there. Alex DiGiacomo is highly thought of  by the staff at SS.

Special Teams: Ben Jaekle returns as the starting PK once more, but there is a battle going on at punter between Brendon Lamers and Nolan Kohorts.

2010 Schedule

Wins: 9/25  New Mexico

Toss Up Games: 9/18 @ Idaho, 10/16 @ Colorado State, 12/4 @ Hawaii

Losses: 9/4 Wisconsin, 9/11 @ Utah, 10/2 Nevada, 10/9 @ West Virginia, 10/30 TCU, 11/6 @ BYU, 11/13 Wyoming, 11/18 Air Force, 11/27 @ San Diego State

There are 13 games on the schedule due to the road trip to Hawaii. This schedule is brutal, and one has to figure that Hauck and new AD Jim Livengood will figure out a way to soften it up some in the next couple of seasons. UNLV has to travel to Hawaii, Utah, West Virginia, and BYU. That alone spells losing season to me.

Outlook: Bobby Hauck was a tremendous hire for UNLV. If he gets all of the support that he needs, and you have to guess that he will, than he can build UNLV into a winner fairly quickly. If you can win at Montana, you should certainly be able to win in Vegas. It just won't happen in the first season.

Mountain West 2010-San Diego State Aztecs

2009 Record: 4-8 (2-6)
Head Coach: Brady Hoke (2nd season, 4-8...38-46 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Al Borges (2nd season)
Defensive Coordinator: Rocky Long (2nd season)
2009 Bowl Game: Not there yet

Offense: Ryan Lindley may bet the best returning QB next to Jordan Wynn and Andy Dalton in the MWC. He tossed 23 scores last season, byt also tossed 16 picks, which will need to be fixed for SDSU to make the next level in 2010. As many as 5 backs are vying to become the starting RB in 2009, and whomever grabs the job will be asked to amp up a nearly non-existent running game. If that happens, Lindley will be less compelled to try and make all of the place, which will cut down on his miscues. WR Vincent Brown is an NFL prospect, and averaged 111 yards per game in 2009. WR DeMarco Sampson and TE Alston Umuolo will be nice complementary targets in the passing game as well. The line is getting an infusion from several JC signings, and again, their play can determine how Lindley operates and becomes better in 2010.

Defense: SDSU runs out of the 3-3-5 set, which is pretty common in the MWC. All 3 linemen return up front, and all 3 (DEs BJ Williams, Jacob Tauanuu, and DT Ernie Lawson) are seniors in 2010. Miles Burris will be the lone returning LB, as Andrew Preston was moved from LB to the Aztec position in Rocky Long's defense. The Aztec is a hybrid saftey/LB spot. Brandon Davis returns at safety, as does Dey Juan Hemmings. Jose Perez was the lone CB returning as a starter.

Special Teams: Lane Yoshida returns as the PK after an abysmal 2009 season for him. You have to bet that he'll be pushed by someone from the start of fall camp. On the flip side, Brian Stahovich boomed for 43.8 yards per punt in 2009, and is the best punter in the conference.

2010 Schedule

Wins: 9/4 Nicholls State, 9/11 @ New Mexico State, 9/25 Utah State, 10/23 @ New Mexico, 11/27 UNLV

Toss Up Games: 11/30 @ Wyoming, 11/6 Colorado State

Losses: 9/18 @ Missouri, 11/9 @ BYU, 10/16 Air Force, 11/13 @ TCU, 11/20 Utah

7 wins would be enough to get the Aztecs bowling in Hoke's second season as coach. This staff is solid and experienced, and they are making progress with the Aztecs, and this schedule should provide the opportunity to turn heads.

Outlook: Progress, definately. Bowl game, maybe. Better team from 2 years ago, without a doubt. The Aztecs are building, and Brady Hoke got smart by turning to the JC ranks to build the roster and improve depth and talent, especially on the O-line and at RB. Lindley is a junior, so if the Aztecs miss a bowl this season, Lindley will get them to one in 2011.

Mountain West 2010-New Mexico Lobos

2009 Record: 1-11 (1-7)
Head Coach: Mike Locksley (2nd season, 1-11)
Offensive Coordinator: Darrell Dickey (2nd season)
Defensive Coordinator: Doug Mallory (2nd season)
2009 Bowl Game: Maybe on the xbox

Offense: This unit cannot get much worse than they were in 2009. The Lobos only cored 28 points or more twice all season long. The only made or broke the 20 point plateau three times period. There are as many as 5 different players looking to try an d win the starting QB job in 2010, which is a bad start to improvement. Demond Dennis has won the starting RB job, but only rushed for 427 yards last season. James Wright looks to be the power back. The entire line is being rebuilt from center right, and Ty Kirk is the only returning WR.



Defense: Three starters return on the line, which is a good place to start when building up experience. There is experience amongst DE’s Jaymar Johnson and Johnathon Rainey (both juniors) and DT Peter Gardner (Senior). Carmen Messina is the lone returning LB, but he is a very good one. Nathan Enriquez and Anthony Hooks both return at CB, but the safeties will both be new in 2010.


Special Teams: James Aho stumbled big time in 2009 as a sophomore, and will have to find himself again this season. Adam Miller, who led the league in punting in 2009, is gone, and will be replaced by a freshman in Ben Skaer.

2010 Schedule


Wins: None


Toss Up Games: 9/25 @ UNLV, 10/9 @ New Mexico State


Losses: 9/4 @ Oregon, 9/11 Texas Tech, 9/18 Utah, 10/2 @ UTEP, 10/23 San Diego State, 10/30 @ Colorado State, 11/6 Wyoming, 11/13 @ Air Force, 11/20 @ BYU, 11/27 TCU


There are no outright winnable games on the schedule. If someone was trying to get some wins on the board, this was a bad way to go about it.


Outlook: By the end of the year, there will be a bunch of people calling on UNM to end the Mike Locksley disaster. This guy unfortunately does not seem to have much of a clue as to how to be a leader, or how to motivate a football team. Punching one of his assistants last season was not a good way to signify positive things for the Lobos. This team is spinning their wheels in the mud right now, and there is no bright spot to look forward to anytime soon.

Mountain West 2010-Wyoming Cowboys

2009 Record: 7-6 (4-4)
Head Coach: Dave Christensen (2nd season, 7-6)
Offensive Coordinator: Marcus Arroyo (2nd season)
Defensive Coordinator: Marty English (2nd season)
2009 Bowl Game: New Mexico Bowl, defeated Fresno State 35-28

Offense: Christensen and Arroyo took a big risk last season and started a true freshman at QB, and all Austyn Carta-Samuels did was produce and bring Wtoming to a bowl in Christensen's first season. Christensen, who was the architect of MIssouri's big time offense, has brought his system with him to Laramie, and although you couldn't tell statistaclly, it was starting to bear fruit. This unit really has to improve behind Carta-Samuels in 2010, as it finished 107th nationally last season. Carta-Samuels was highly accurate, didn't turn the ball over in buckets, and led the Cowboys to 5 come back wins last season. Alvester Alexander, another sophomore, is expected to be the primary RB this season, but Andrew Meredith, a converted CB, could work into the rotation after a solid spring. 3 WRs return, but the right side of the line is being rebuilt.

Defense: Only 3 of the front 7 return from last season. Josh Biezuns and Gabe KNapton both start at DE, but both were starting LBs last season and are both a little small for the DE spots. Brian Hendricks returns at LB, and he had 23 tackles against Air Force last season. The secondary was stellar last season, and the enitre unit retunrs intact. FS Chris Prosinski averaged 10.8 tackles per game in 2009, good for 10th nationally.

Special Teams: All set here. Ian Watts returns for his sophomore year with a scholarship in hand after he won 3 games last season. Austin McCoy is as solid as any punter in the country.

2010 Schedule

Wins: 9/4 Southern Utah, 10/2 @ Toledo, 10/30 San Diego State, 11/6 @ New Mexico, 11/13 @ UNLV

Toss Up Games: 9/25 Air Force, 11/20 Colorado State

Losses: 9/11 @ Texas, 9/18 Boise State, 10/9 @ TCU, 10/16 Utah, 10/23 @ BYU

The Cowboys will have a chance to make a run at the end of the season, but the front end of the season is loaded with bear traps. Wyoming must play Texas, Boise State, and Air Force in consecutive weeks, and also must play TCU, Utah, and BYU in consecutive weeks. This is gong to be a very challenging slate.

Outlook: Strangely enough, Wyoming may be a better team than last season, but may have the same record or even worse. Expect Christensen to open up more of the play book on offense, as he limited plays due to having a freshman QB last season. Development comes in stages, and I believe that the Cowboys stand to make a real splash in 2011.

Mountain West 2010-Colorado State Rams

2009 Record: 3-9 (0-8)
Head Coach: Steve Fairchild (3rd season, 10-15)
Offensive Coordinator: Pat Meyer (1st season)
Defensive Coordinator: Larry Kerr (3rd season)
2009 Bowl Game: What the hell happened???

Offense: The Rams look like they will be going with a true freshman at QB in 4 star Pete Thomas. Thomas was originally an Arizona State commit. He has beaten out redshirt freshman Nico Ranieri fo rthe job, and Steve Fairchild believes that Thomas gives the Rams the best chance to win. Either way, Fairchild now has a QB that he can develop for 4 seasons. The Rams will highlight a pair of big power backs at RB in John Mosure and Leonard Mason. You may see UCLA transfer Raymond Carter used as a third down back. Chris Nwoke, a freshman, may also be in the mix. The WRs will both be new, as will 4 starters on the line.

Defense: The defense should actually be in good shape in 2010. 10 players with starting experience return from the 2009 unit, that struggled at times, but was not the reason overall that the Rams went 3-9. DE Cory Macon, DT Ty Whittier, and NT Guy Miller all return to start on the line, and the LBs get Alex Williams, Mychal Sisson, and Ricky Brewer back. Brewer miised all of last season due to rules violations, but is thought to be the cog that will bring this unit together. All 4 members of the secondary return from last season.  A key to this unit will be 3rd down conversions, as they allowed 54% to be converted on them a year ago. That won't work this season.

Special Teams: This group appears to be set. PK Ben DeLine converted 12 of 16 FGs last season,and Pete Kontodiakos returns afte averaging over 40 yards per punt.

2010 Schedule

Wins: 9/18 @ MIami (Ohio), 10/30 New Mexico

Toss Up Games: 9/4 Colorado (@ Denver), 9/25 Idaho, 10/16 UNLV, 11/6 @ San Diego State

Losses: 9/11 @ Nevada, 10/2 TCU, 10/9 @ Air Force, 10/23 @ Utah, 11/13 BYU, 11/20 @ Wyoming

At the very worst, CSU won't go 0-8 in the MWC again. At best CSU will pull out 6 wins and then push their way into a minor bowl. The Colorado game is always a possible win, so you can never judge that game early. The Nevada game is on the road, and the Wolfpack will be seeking revenge from a season ago.

Outlook: There are some solid possibilities of improvement in 2010, but the lack of expereience at WR and on the O-line will be problematic. The defense will probably end up carrying the day, but some offensive involvement will be a must for any tangeable improvement from last season. Nobody saw last season's collapse coming, and nobody accepts losing in Fort Collins.

Mountain West 2010-Air Force Falcons

2009 Record: 8-5 (5-3)
Head Coach: Troy Calhoun (4th season, 25-14)
Offensive Coordinator: Clay Hendrix (4th season), Blane Morgan (4th season) and Mike Thiessen (2nd season)
Defensive Coordinator: Matt Wallerstedt (1st season) and Charlton Warren (2nd season)
2009 Bowl Game: Armed Forces Bowl, defeated Houston 47-20

Offense: Air Force is always going to run the ball, and that won't change this season. They bring back all of their backifield and receiving corps this season, so the Falcons will roll on and even be better then they were a season ago at the skill positions. Tim Jefferson returns at QB, as does his backup, a very capable Connor Dietz. It's really their job to get the ball into the hands of TB Asher Clark and FB Jared Tew, who can make a wreck out of most defenses. The major problem on the offensive side of the ball is that the entire offensive line is starting from scratch, including at TE. If the line does not come together quickly, the fun comes to a halt.

Defense: The Falcons had the 11th best defense in football last seaosn, and picked off super QB Case Keenum 6 times in the bowl win over Houston. Anthony Wright and Reggie Rembert are super CBs and will be joined by FS Jon Davis as returnees in the secondary. Air Force ranked 5th against the pass in 2009. The front 7 will be thin. LB Andre Morris and DE Rick Ricketts are the lone returnees up front. This group has to come together or else the secondary will get overrun.

Special Teams: Erik Soderberg returns as the PK, and he comes off of a season in which he scored 104 points. Keil Bartholomew will be the new punter, and that's going to be a huge job for the Falcons as field position will be key to breaking in the new front 7 on D.

2010 Schedule

Wins: 9/4 Northwestern State, 10/9 Colorado State, 10/16 @ San Diego State, 11/13 New Mexico, 11/18 @ UNLV

Toss Up Games: 9/11 BYU, 9/25 @ Wyoming, 11/6 @ Army

Losses: 9/18 @ Oklahoma, 10/2 Navy, 10/23 @ TCU, 10/30 Utah

The schedule guarantees ony 5 wins this season, but it could contribute as many as 8. BYU is in flux, and Wyoming is a very similar team in nature to Air Force. Army has a mean group up front and is very skilled, which could give the Falcons line fits. The Falcons have to steal 2 of the toss games to qualify for a bowl, as Northwestern State is a 1-AA program from the Southland Conference.

Outlook: There is so much skill at the skill spots on offense and in the secondary on defense, but the front group of both units have huge questions in 2010. If those two items are shored up early, than the Falcons will soar to another bowl, if not, they are home to nest come bowl season.

Mountain West 2010-BYU Cougars

2009 Record: 11-2 (7-1)
Head Coach: Bronco Mendenhall (6th season, 49-15)
Offensive Coordinator: Robert Anae (6th season)
Defensive Coordinator: Jaime Hill (3rd season)
2009 Bowl Game: Las Vegas Bowl, defeated Oregon State 44-20

Offense: Max Hall was one of the best QBs in the country last season, and he is now gone. True freshman Jake Heaps was expected to be the heir apparent this season, but former backup Riley Nelson and mission returnee James Lark put it all on the field in the spring, so now there is some competition. Heaps still looks like a starter at some point in 2010. The Cougars also lost RB Harvey Unga to rules violations, so the entire backfield will be rebuilt. O'Neill Chambers will be the lone starting WR returning in 2010. Matt Edwards and Miek Muhlmann will battle at TE to take the place of stellar TE Dennis Pitta. The good news is that 4 starters return on the line.

Defense: NT Romney Fuga is the lone returnee on the line this season, and Jordan Pendleton is the lone returning LB, so there is a rebuilding job up front going on. Both CBs return in Brian Logan and Brandon Bradley. Andrew Rich is a big hitter at SS, but the FS job is open. Rebuilding time...

Special Teams: Mitch Payne is a good, not great PK, but what he does works for BYU. Riley Stephenson returns as the starting punter as a sophomore.

2010 Schedule

Wins: 10/1 Utah State, 10/9 San Diego State, 10/23 Wyoming, 11/6 UNLV, 11/113 Colorado State, 11/20 New Mexico

Toss Up Games: 9/4 Washington, 9/11 @ AIr Force, 9/18 @ Florida State, 9/25 Nevada

Losses: 10/16 @ TCU, 11/27 @ Utah

The Cougars have to go on the road for their toughest games of the season (Florida State, TCU, Utah). With all of the questions on both sides of the ball, it makes it tougher to sort out toss games from winners. This is a pretty tough schedule for a rebuilding football team.

Outlook: Things are not too clear right now for BYU. They have to replace some incredible players on both sides of the ball, and nobody knows how the new guys will adapt. The schedule is tough, and we'll get a good feel on 9/4 after we see how they handle Washington. I still see a bowl game, but I am not sure where yet.

Mountain West 2010-Utah Utes

2009 Record: 10-3 (6-2)
Head Coach: Kyle Whittingham (6th season, 48-17)
Offensive Coordinator: Dave Schramm (2nd season) and Aaron Roderick (1st season)
Defensive Coordinator: Kalani Sitake (2nd season)
2009 Bowl Game: Poinesttia Bowl, defeated California 37-27

Offense: Jordan Wynn proved any doubters wrong by putting up a solid campaign as a freshman in 2009, ending with a 337 yard effort in a bowl win over Cal. Terrence Cain had started early in the season, and returns to back up Wynn. RB Eddie Wide had a solid season at RB, gaining 1069 yards and 12 scores. The great news is that there will be a two headed beast at the position as Matt Asiata was granted a 6th year of eligibility after missing last season with an injury. Both players are huge play makers. Jereme Brooks is the lone returnee at WR. There is some depth at the WR position, but the group is very young. The line returns 4 starters.

Defense: The interior line is set with DTs Dave Kruger and Sealver Siliga returning, but the ends are both new. The entire LB coprs is starting fresh as well. Nai Fotu was supposed to anchor the new LB group, but blew out his knee in the spring. DT James Aiono will rotate into the middle of the line. LB JJ Williams did start for one season before going on a church mission. CB Brandon Burton returns in the secondary, and he is the lone returnee there.

Special Teams: Joe Phillips returns as the PK, and he is phenominal at the job. He connected on 22 of 24 FGs in 2009. Sean Sellwood had a very nice season as a redhisrt freshman last season, and returns to try to increase his 42.7 yard average.

2010 Schedule

Wins: 9/11 UNLV, 9/18 @ New Mexico, 9/25 San Jose State, 10/9 @ Iowa State, 10/16 @ Wyoming, 10/23 Colorado State, 11/20 @ San Diego State, 11/27 BYU

Toss Up Games: 9/2 Pittsburgh, 10/30 @ Air Force, 11/6 TCU, 11/13 @ Notre Dame

Losses: None

There are no guaranteed losses here, but the schedule is a bit difficult in patches. If the Utes roll up Pitt on opening night, than that will be a good designator as to how good the Utes will be the rest of the way. November gets interesting as well with TCu at home and a trip to South Bend.

Outlook: Very good, but not in TCU's class this season. That's not to say that the Utes can't pull out a win against the Frogs. This will be the last season for Utah in the MWC, as they won big time by being upgraded to the PAC 12 in 2011. That means that Utah will have an open opportunity to go BCS bowling every year without having to concern themselves with going 12-0. I predict that TCU will go to the BCS this season, while Utah will come to my home town of Las Vegas, and I'll be there to watch them play in December.

Mountain West 2010-TCU Horned Frogs

2009 Record: 12-1 (8-0)
Head Coach: Gary Patterson (10th season, 85-28)
Offensive Coordinator: Jarrett Anderson (2nd season) and Justin Fuente (2nd season)
Defensive Coordinator: Dick Bumpas (7th season)
2009 Bowl Game: Fiesta Bowl, lost to Boise State 17-10

Offense: You can't say too many good things about QB Andy Dalton, as he is the perfect QB to win behind. He manages to put up incredible numbers while never looking flashy or over the top. He just wins. He'll own every passing record at TCU by mid-season barring injury. Ed Wesley and Matthew Tucker return as a two headed monster at RB, and they combined to rush for over 1300 yards last season. Jeremy Kerley is one of the best WRs in the country, and Antoine Hicks just knows how to score. Evan Frosch returns at TE, and Jimmy Young rounds out the receiving corps. 4 Starters come back on the line, and C Jake Kirkpatrick and LT Marcus Cannon are potential AA candidates.

Defense: TCU was the best defensive team in the country last season. They do lose outstanding D Jerry Hughes, but there is incredible depth coming back on D. 3 starters return on the line, with DE Ross Frost being the replacement for Hughes. Tank Carder is a monster at LB, and Tanner Brock seems to be his new mate in the 4-2-5 set. There may be an issue at CB, as both corners will be new starters in 2010. WS Alex Ibiloye and FS Tejay Johnson are the lone returnees in the secondary.

Special Teams: Ross Evans may be the best PK in the conference, as he was a 1st team all MWC selection in 2009. Anson Kelton was solid at nailing balls down inside the 20, but his overall range is below average.

2010 Schedule

Wins: 9/4 Oregon State (@ Arlington), 9/11 Tennessee Tech, 9/18 Baylor, 9/24 @ SMU, 10/2 @ Colorado State, 10/9 Wyoming, 10/16 BYU, 10/23 Air Force, 10/30 @ UNLV, 11/13 San Diego State, 11/27 @ New Mexico

Toss Up Games: 11/6 @ Utah

Losses: None

This schedule is completely manageable. Utah will be fired up at home and looking to avenge a 55-28 loss last season. They will also be trying to win the Mountain West before bailing to the new PAC 12.

Outlook: It is very possible that TCU could return once again to the BCS. Patterson is one of the best coaches in the country, and he avoided several temptations to bail after last season, which means that the future is blindingly bright. I don't see the opening game against Oregon State being as big a challenge or game as most people do. The only game anyone should be concerned about is the Utah trip.