College Football Preview 2015: Sun Belt

The landscape of the Sun Belt has changed considerably during the age of expansion and movement in college football, however, in some ways, it seems that the Sun Belt has benefited somewhat when most folks thought that this league would suffer the most. Indeed, it would be interesting to see how good Western Kentucky could be in this league format, however, the entrance of Georgia Southern, Appalachian State, and South Alabama has breathed an interesting new wind of change to the conference. Georgia Southern was the darling of the conference last season, even if they fell out of a bowl bid because of an archaic set of transition rules. The Eagles finished 8-0 in conference play last fall, and really had Georgia Tech and NC State up against the ropes. Willie Fritz is one of the best coaches in the country that most people don't know about outside of insider and conference circles, so I expect the Eagles to keep on flying under his direction. Appalachian State is in prime shape to steal the belt this season with a huge load of starters returning, Arkansas State will be a tough out, and there's always the ever tough Ragin' Cajuns to concern yourselves with. One note to mention, look for Troy to have a seriously improved football team now that the stale leadership of Larry Blakeney has moved on and former OC Neal Brown comes home to roost.

Projected Order of Finish
1. Appalachian State
2. Georgia Southern
3. Arkansas State
4. Louisiana-Lafayette
5. Texas State
6. Troy
7. UL-Monroe
8. South Alabama
9. New Mexico State
10. Georgia State
11. Idaho

All Conference Team
QB-Fredi Knighton, Arkansas State
QB-Tyler Jones, Texas State
QB-Taylor Lamb, Appalachian State
RB-Matt Breida, Georgia Southern
RB-Marcus Cox, Appalachian State
RB-Larry Rose III, New Mexico State
RB-Elijah McGuire, UL-Lafayette
WR-Teldrick Morgan, New Mexico State
WR-Donovan Harden, Georgia State
WR-Rashon Ceasar, UL-Monroe
WR-Ajalon Holley, UL-Monroe
TE-Joel Ruiz, Georgia State

DL-Ronald Blair, Appalachian State
DL-Gerrand Johnson, UL-Monroe
DLLorenzo Jackson, UL-Monroe
DL-Ja'Von Rolland-Jones, Arkansas State
LB-Michael Johnson, UL-Monroe
LB-Marc Millan, Idaho
LB-Rodney Butler, New Mexico State
LB-Derek Ibekwe, New Mexico State
DB-David Mims II, Texas State
DB-Doug Middleton, Appalachian State
DB-Trey Caldwell, UL-Monroe
DB-Montres Kitchens, Troy

PK-Aleem Sunanon-South Alabama
P-Austin Rehkow, Idaho
KR-Derek Keaton, Georgia Southern
PR-Blaise Taylor, Arkansas State

Team Previews


Appalachian State Mountaineers
2014 Record: 7-5
2015 Projected Record: 9-3
Head Coach: Scott Satterfield (11-13, 3rd season)

The Good News: Ten starters return to the offense, a unit that averaged 35.7 points per game last fall. QB Taylor Lamb is a preseason all league pick after passing for 2381 yards last season with 17 TDs. Marcus Cox is another all league pick after rushing for 1415 yards and a whopping 19 scores on the year. There should be excellent balance between run and pass, which should help make this offense explosive after piling up 461 yards per game last fall. All three starting receivers also return in Malachfi Jones, Bobo Beathard, and Simms McElfresh. All three will be seniors this fall. The best news of all on offense will be the return of four starters on the line in RT Beau Nunn, OGs Parker Collins and Colby Gossett, and Center Jesse Chapman. TE Barrett Burns also returns to top everything off.
The news is solid on defense as well, with ten starters returning to a unit that finished first in the conference in total defense last fall, giving up 347.5 total yards per game, including only 195.5 yards passing in an era of pass happy offenses. All three starters are back on the line in ends Ronald Blair and Olawale Dada, and NT Tyson Fernandez. Nathaniel Norwood will also see time at DE, as should Thomas Bronson in a deep rotation. Kennan Gilchrist, Eric Boggs, and John Law also all return at LB. Latrell Gibbs is back in that strong secondary at CB, and both Doug Middleton and AJ Howard return at Safety. Expect junior Alex Gray to get some time at Safety as well, with sophomore Treyon Garrett pushing for playing time as well.
Bentlee Crithcer is back at Punter after averaging 40.7 yards per punt last fall, but may give up PK duties.
The Bad News: There is seriously not much to pick apart about this football team in 2015. The schedule is a bit tough in September with road games at Clemson and Old Dominion, but the Mountaineers should win the game at ODU, and will roll over Howard in the opener.
The depth on the O line should be a bit thin, so the starters must stay healthy. Three freshmen are listed on the current depth chart on the second unit.
On defense, the open CB job may go to sophomore Brandon Pinckney, so he will have to grow quickly into the role.
The PK game may be a mess, as Zach Matics hit just one of five FGs last season.
The Overview: There have been some recent road bumps in this once dominant program, but this is the year where Scott Satterfield can pull this unit out of the fog. ASU has every chance and should have every expectation of rolling up a shot at a conference title. Nobody returns as much starting talent as they do, and that is going to be their driving factor.
First Game: 9/5 Howard


Georgia Southern Eagles
2014 Record: 9-3
2015 Projected Record: 8-4
Head Coach: Willie Fritz (9-3, 2nd season)

The Good News: Despite severe losses on offense to graduation, the Eagles return a key to their offensive success in All League RB Matt Breida. Breida rushed for 1485 yards and 17 scores last fall on 171 carries, and could be an even more central cog in the machine in 2015. Another huge key is the return of QB Kevin Ellison, who should really start to blossom into a more traditional QB role in 2015 after coming along out of the triple option last fall. BJ Johnson's return at WR should be helpful as well, as he should break out this season after catching 23 passes last year. LG Darien Foreman is a key returnee as well.
The anchor unit on defense could be the line, where three starters return in Ends Bernard Dawson and Lonnie Richardson, and NT Jay Ellison. Antwione Williams returns at LB after racking up 66 tackles last fall, and should be the leader in the middle of the field. Antonio Glover and Matt Dobson return at S, which should help the Eagles shore up what was an iffy at best pass D a year ago.
The Bad News: Graduation hit the offense hard after last season, and just four starters return. Four new starters must be found on the line, and replacing those bodies will be key early in the season. Depth could be a major issue even after that happens, as three freshmen figure into the rotation.
The Eagles run a 4-2-5 set on defense, and must find a new starter at LB. DeShawntee Gallon looks like the man, however Ken Butler and Chris Delarosa are battling for playing time there as well. Both Corners need to be replaced, as does the NB, so there is work to do in fall camp.
The PK spot is up for grabs between Younghoe Koo and Alex Hanks, and the punting game is wide open as well with Ryan Nowicki leading heading into camp.
The Overview: I may be overvaluing this team heading into the fall, but where they have value is in the schedule, which is really manageable. Games against West Virginia and Western Michigan in the first two weeks will tell a tale, but nobody saw them coming last fall. A quick start could jump the Eagles into t nice spot in the conference race, and the Eagles could soar again. Never doubt the ability of Willie Fritz.
First Game: 9/5 at West Virginia


Arkansas State Red Wolves
2014 Record: 7-6
2015 Projected Record: 8-4
Head Coach: Blake Anderson (7-6, 2nd season)

The Good News: The Red Wolves have a coach coming back for another season. Seriously, in Jonesboro, that's the only good news you need these days. After coaches like Gus Malzahn and Bryan Harsin all bolted, amongst others, for bigger jobs, just having stability on the coaching staff means everything right now.
The offense should be highly explosive this season, as the Wolves return nine starters in a unit that averaged 36.7 points per game and 421.2 yards per game in 2014. Fredi Knighton passed for 3277 yards and 24 TDs last fall, and is the best returning QB in the conference statistically speaking. Michael Gordon returns at RB and provides amazing balance to the offense after managing 1100 yards and 13 scores last fall. All three starters return at WR as well in JD McKissic, Tres Houston, and Dijon Paschal. Houston was the best of the group last fall, catching 53 passes for 685 yards. Both tackles return in Jamar Clark and Colton Jackson, while Center Devin Modie rounds out the returning starters on the line. Starting TE Darion Griswold is back as well.
The line should be decent on the edge with the return of Ends Chris Stone and all league pick Ja'Von Rolland-Jones, and LB Xavier Woodson. The man with the best name in college football will anchor the secondary in Safety Money Hunter.
Luke Ferguson is back at Punter after averaging 41 yards per punt, but will likely give up PK duties. Blaise Taylor is an all league pick when it comes to returning punts, averaging over eight yards per return.
The Bad News: The offense is mostly set, however both OGs must be replaced. Senior Steven Stevens and sophomore Daniel Keith are the leaders heading into camp, and experience is thin after that.
The defense is going to be an adventure this fall, as only four starters return. The interior line must be replaced, as must the second starting LB spot in the 4-2-5 defense. Sophomore Chuks Ota and senior Robert Mondie are the likely candidates to start, with Waylon Roberson and Jack Swalley giving chase. Quanterio Heath and Sterling Wright are battling for the open LB spot. Four of five starters must be replaced in the secondary as well, including both CB spots and two of three safety spots.
Luke Ferguson was a mess as PK last fall, so there is a wide open competition going on heading into fall camp.
The Overview: The offense alone should be enough to keep the Wolves in the conference race in 2015, but the defense is bare, and that unit was already largely not good after giving up 30.5 points per game last fall (90th nationally) and giving up 205 yards per game on the ground (103rd). How fast any semblance of a unit can come together will be a huge key in how good ASU can be heading into the season. The first month is brutal with USC, Missouri, and Toledo all on the slate, with Missouri State being the only outright winnable game on the board in September.
First Game: 9/5 at USC


UL-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns
2014 Record: 9-4
2015 Projected Record: 8-4
Head Coach: Mark Hudspeth (36-16, 5th season)

The Good News: Mark Hudspeth is still in Lafayette, and that's the best thing going. HIs name has come up for a few different jobs, but he has shown a loyalty and commitment to the school, and now enters his fifth season on the job.
The anchor on offense will be the line, where three starters return in LG Mykhael Quave, RG Donovan Williams, and RT Octravian Anderson. All League pick RB Elijah McGuire shold more than be able to run behind that unit after rushing for 1264 yards and 14 scores last fall. McGuire is also a weapon in the receiving game, as he caught 45 passes 468 yards to add to his totals of offense. Al Riles is the lone returning starter at WR.
The Cajuns are all set at Safety with the return of TJ Worthy and Tracy Walker. Dominique Tovell returns at LB after racking up 76 tackles last fall.
The Bad News: This is one of Hudspeth's thinnest returning units in his tenure at the school. Brooks Haack is likely the starter at QB, but he attempted just 23 passes last fall. Two of three starters must be replaced at WR, and a new TE, LT, and C must all be found in camp. Depth is an issue across the board, as six underclassmen are listed on the second team.
The front seven is loaded with new faces, as only one starter returns. All four starters on the line are gone, two are gone at LB, and both CB jobs are open as well.
The news is no better in the kicking game, with a pair of freshmen slated to grab the PK and P jobs.
The Overview: Hudspeth has endured in the Sun Belt, and has won nine games in each of his previous four seasons. He may take a bit of a step back this season as the Cajuns reload, but we're still talking about a Hudspeth coached team here. Much like Fritz, it's more than hard to bet against this guy and this program. It would not surprise me to see ULL right in the mix once again, however I would not expect it straight out the gate.
First Game: 9/5 at Kentucky


Texas State Bobcats
2014 Record: 7-5
2015 Projected Record: 6-6
Head Coach: Dennis Franchione (36-34, 7th season)

The Good News: Tyler Jones is back at QB and is a preseason all league pick after passing for 2670 yards and 22 scores to just seven picks. Jones should be in good shape in 2015 in passing to an experienced group of WRs in Jafus Gaines, CJ Best, and Brandon Smith. Best led the group with 37 receptions in 2014, so the Cats will need to see some improvement there, but with another season under their belts, that should be expected. Robert Lowe returns at RB, so there should be enough weapons to compete. The line returns three starters in LT Adrian Bellard, RG Felix Romero, and RT Ryan Melton.
The Bobcats are all set up the middle of the front seven, as NT Dallas McCarty and DT Mershad Dillon both return, as does MLB Trey McGowan, who recorded 80 tackles last fall. Jeff Banks, a sophomore, and senior Rusmin Nikocevic are leading candidates to start at DE, while Stephen Smith and freshman Camyron Brown are the leaders at the SLB and WLB spots. Damani Alexander is back at ROVER and all league pick David Mims II is back at CB.
The Bad News: The receiving corps returns  in bulk, but they need to step up, as CJ Best is the best of the bunch after catching just 37 passes. The middle of the line could be questionable with holes at LG and C, and finding a new starter at TE will help that group as a whole.
Defensively, the Bobcats were a bit of a mess last fall, and gave up over 200 yards per game. With questions on the edge of the line and at OLB, the Cats will be hard pressed to find a way to stop the bleeding there. Half of the secondary must also be replaced, and so it will be difficult to move up from a ranking of 99th in total defense.
The other issue is a kicking game which needs new starters at both PK and P after the loss of Will Johnson, and finding return artists that can actually spark that area of the game.
The Overview: When will the Bobcats actually break through mediocrity and rise to compete in this league? Every season, the Bobcats have floated to the middle. Eventually, this program will have to break through. Is Franchione the guy that can inspire this team to rise up? Considering his record here is just two games above .500 after six seasons, I am beginning to think not. Expect nothing more than another season in the middle. Anything better than that is a success.
First Game: 9/5 at Florida State


Troy Trojans
2014 Record: 3-9
2015 Projected Record: 5-7
Head Coach: Neal Brown (1st season)

The Good News: The Trojans really needed to move on from legendary coach Larry Blakeney, and that has been evident for a few years now. They finally made the move, and Blakeney retired under pressure. Troy should see immediate dividends from the change, as new blood is needed to reboot the program. Neal Brown was a perfect choice, after a push for UAB's Bill Clark fell short.
Brandon Silvers, a sophomore, showed promise at times as a freshman last fall. He passed for 1836 yards and 11 scores, while tossing just three picks. Look for a breakthrough season. All three starters are back at WR in Teddy Ruben, KD Edenfield, and Bryan Holmes. Add TE Tommy Blevins, and the potential of this unit is sky high.
The line should be the anchor of the defense in 2015, as three starters return in Ends Jamal Stadum and Tyler Roberts, and DT Lonnie Gosha. Safety should be an area of strength as well with the return of both all league pick Montres Kitchens and JaQuadrian Lewis.
Ryan Kay hit 10 of 14 FGs last season, but could be pushed in camp, which I feel is a mistake.
The Bad News: The Trojans need that breakthrough at QB, and will likely get it, but the Trojans passed for just 198.8 yards per game last season. The Trojans were a better rushing team, but really could use one of their two primary backs to step up and be the guy. Brandon Burks led all rushers with 584 yards, but that's just not enough. Jordan Chunn will be back as well. The Trojans also must find three new starters on the line.
Defensively, Troy must replace six starters, including every starting LB spot. William Lloyd and Justin Lucas could step into those jobs. Both CBs must be replaced, with Darrin Reddick and Jalen Roundtree leading the pack heading into camp. Lamarcus Farmer and Rod Adams are both looking for a shot to start at Safety.
Ryan Kay is likely to return at Punter, but averaged just under 40 yards per punt last fall. Special teams as a whole seems up in the air.
The Overview: Troy needed a change in direction, and while Brown is a blast from the past as the former OC here, and so he has familiarity without being a stale part of the former staff. Brown is an innovator, and so offense should never be a problem while he is in charge. The defense needs to be rebooted altogether after ranking 107th in total defense in 2014. Troy should welcome veteran DC Vic Koenning, who should really get a jump on building a unit that could end up being pretty good in a couple of seasons. With all that said, I think Troy could be a surprise team this fall, and should steal a couple of wins they may not have otherwise seen in seasons past.
First Game: 9/5 at NC State


Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks
2014 Record: 4-8
2015 Projected Record: 4-9
Head Coach: Todd Berry (27-34, 6th season)

The Good News: Whomever ULM decides on to start at QB will at least have two top notch receivers to toss the ball to next fall in Ajalen Holley and Rashon Ceasar, both all league picks to start the season. The line should be decent as well, returning three starters in LG Frank Sutton, C Colby Mitchell, and RT Chase Regian.
The defense, like last season, could be a serious strength, especially up front, where several preseason all league picks exist. NT Gerrand Johnson and DE LOrenzo Jackson are both back on the line, while Michael Johnson and Hunter Kissinger are both back at LB. Johnson racked up 93 tackles, and Johnson picked up eight sacks. The secondary is fairly impressive heading into the fall as well, with four of five starters coming back. Both CBs are back in Lenzy Pipkins and Trey Caldwell, while Justin Backus and Mitch Lane are both back at Safety.
The Bad News: There are more questions than answers on offense, and Berry himself is taking over as OC. That's probably not the best idea moving forward, but it's what is happening.
The Hawks will have to figure out the QB spot first, with as many as three players competing into the fall. ULM also could not run the ball to save their lives last season, and so will have to find some balance, and a RB that can step into the job. In short, the Hawks could be offensively offensive this fall.
If the defense has one deficiency, it is stopping the run, where they gave up 183.3 yards rushing per game a year ago.
The Kicking game is also in reboot mode, with a pair of freshmen trying to acquire the jobs.
The Overview: Berry is seven games under .500 coming into his 6th season at the school, and he's showing a desperation move by taking over as OC. Berry has never been a big winner at any of his previous stops, so the heat has to be on at this point. ULM just has too many serious issues on offense to believe that they can win this season, so we could be in for a bit of trouble with this football team.
The First Game: 9/5 at Georgia


South Alabama Jaguars
2014 Record: 6-7
2015 Projected Record: 4-8
Head Coach: Joey Jones (37-28, 7th season)

The Good News: There isn't much this season as far as depth and experience. USA will be depending on several UAB transfers after the Blazers shut down for what only turned out to be a year. Bryant Vincent is coming back to USA as the OC after having a previous stint at USA as QB coach. Cody Clements will likely step in at QB, DJ Vinson at WR, and Cameron Blankenship (RG) should all step in and start, but transfers are always an iffy proposition. Joseph Scelfo and Chris May both return on the line, while Danny Woodson II starts at WR.
Only two starters return on defense, and both are safeties in Roman Buchanan and Antonio Carter.
Aleem Sunanon is back after hitting 15 of 18 FGs last fall, and is an all league pick. Brandon McKee returns at Punter after averaging over 42 yards per punt last season, so at least there are answers in the kicking game.
The Bad News: Only five total starters return for the Jags (3 on offense, 2 on defense) and they are depending way too much on transfers from UAB, a middling at best program, and other schools as well. Transfers, as a whole, don't always work out, and that could be a problem as the Jags are trying to mix in too many elements to work out too well. This team as a whole needs time to gel, and it could be a sloppy process.
The Overview: Joey Jones is an excellent coach, and there's no doubt about that. What he is facing this fall is a monumental task of trying to reboot almost an entire starting lineup on both sides of the ball with players who are either inexperienced in the game, or inexperienced in the program.I don't care who you are, that's not the best recipe by far. Everyone talks about how much talent these guys have, but this is just too much to ask, and if they were that talented, maybe UAB would have been better than they were. There are too many questions for me to believe in the Jags for 2015.
The First Game: 9/5 Gardner-Webb


New Mexico State Aggies
2014 Record: 2-10
2015 Projected Record: 3-9
Head Coach: Doug Martin (4-20, 3rd season)

The Good News: Larry Rose III is back at RB, and is an all league pick heading into the season after rushing for 1102 yards and nine scores. He should be a focal point of this offense, especially with QB Tyler Rogers' propensity to give the football to the other team. Teldrick Morgan is the premier receiver coming back after catching 75 balls for 903 yards last fall to go with his seven TDs. The line is in decent shape with three starters returning in LT Houston Clemente, LG Isaiah Folesa-Lutui, and RG Thomas McGwire.
The Aggies return two starters at DE in Stody Bradley and Brandon Agomuo, but the real strength is at LB, where NMSU returns all three starters in Rodney Butler, Derek Ibekwe, and Dalton Herrington. Butler and Ibekwe are both all league picks, with Butler grabbing 119 tackles last fall. The entire secondary returns in CBs Lewis Hill and Winston Rose, and Safeties Jalen Wright and Kawe Johnson. That secondary ranked 6th in the nation against the pass last fall, giving up just 174.5 yards per pass.
The Bad News: Rogers was one of the worst offenders in college football last season when it came to turning over the ball. He tossed an abysmal 23 picks last fall to just 18 TDs, so he has some work to do. Throwing the ball away at that rate is a huge reason why this football team can't find a way to win. Despite the return of Morgan, the Aggies need to find two starters at WR to compliment him.
As great as the Aggies were against the pass, they were equally as awful against the run, ranking just 125th nationally against the run, giving up 309.9 yards per game. There are too many decent players up front, and enough talent to find an answer to that problem this fall. The first order of business will have to be to find two new starters at DT, which could help.
The kicking game was a mess last fall, and so answers need to be found there as well.
The Overview: NMSU will not be the worst team in the Sun Belt. That's a positive to start. Think about this fact...I have been following and writing about college football for 35 years as of this season. I can only remember one season in that time when this program finished over .500, and that was a 6-5 season under Tony Samuel. Several of those early years were when the Aggies were a 1-AA program playing in the Missouri Valley Conference. This program has flailed around forever, and there is no sign that anything is about to change. It's a shame that 3-9 this season would be a success.
First Game: 9/5 at Florida


Georgia State Panthers
2014 Record: 1-11
2015 Projected Record: 2-10
Head Coach: Trent Miles (1-23, 3rd season)

The Good News: Nick Arbuckle is back at QB after passing for 3283 yards and 23 TDs, but he has to cut down on the turnovers after tossing 17 picks last fall. He's trying to do too much on his own, but only because he basically has to. Donovan Harden is back after catching 60 passes last fall for 885 yards and seven scores, and is an all league pick. Robert Davis also returns at WR as well, so hopefully that will be enough to cut down o the mistakes. TE Joel Ruiz, another all league pick, returns as well.
The defense returns 10 starters, including all three on the defensive line. Tevin Jones and Shawayne Lawrence return at DE, while Jalen Lawrence is back at DT. The word is, however, that all three could be pushed in camp. Joseph Peterson is back at LB, and is likely the best player on the defense after recording 97 tackles. Bruce Dukes and Chandon Sullivan each return at CB, and Marcus Caffey could push for playing time as well. Tarris Batiste and Nate Simon both return at Safety to round out the unit.
Will Lutz will return after hitting seven of eight FGs last fall, and he will likely handle punting duties as well.
The Bad News: Where does one start when this program has never beaten an FBS opponent. Not only that, but their only win in 2014 was against Abilene Christian, and they only won by a single point late in the game (yeah, I watched it). Arbuckle is promising, but those INT numbers were much too high. The run game is a joke after averaging just 96 yards per game, and the Panthers only scored 22.7 points.
The Panthers were decent against the pass (19th nationally), but everyone ran like crazy against them to a tune of 303.4 yards per game (124th). GSU gave up 43.3 points per game, and gave up 34 points or more ten times. The talent level is largely perceived as just awful, and at best walk on quality.
The Overview: Well, there's no place to go but up. The best thing I can say is that they may not be the worst team in the league in 2015. That's about all that I can say on a positive note. I find it a huge mistake that this program elevated to FBS football They are poorly set up for it, and they are also becoming a bit transient, as when the Georgia Dome comes down ( a place that they should not be playing in anyway), they may end up at Turner Field, which won't be much better. They get scant at best support, and winning has been non existent. Trent Miles likely won't see a season four.
First Game: 9/4 Charlotte


Idaho Vandals
2014 Record: 1-10
2015 Projected Record: 1-11
Head Coach: Paul Petrino (2-21, 3rd season)

The Good News: We'll go with the strength of the unit, which is the line. The line returns four starters in 2015, including LT Jordan Rose, LG Dallas Sandberg, C Steven Matlock, and RT Mason Woods. TE Deon Watson returns at TE as well after catching 37 balls last fall for 343 yards.
On defense, two starters return on the line in DE Quinton Bradley and NT Ryan Edwards. OLB Marc Millan is back as well after recording 102 tackles, and is the heart of this defense. CB Jayshawn Jordan is the lone returnee in the secondary.
Austin Rehkow is back at PK and P. HIs strength is in Punting the football, and it would be good if he could simply concentrate on that, He averaged a booming 47.75 yards per punt last fall, and is probably the best Punter in the nation.
The Bad News: There's just so much bad news. The state of this program is just awful. Matt Linehan was just terrible most of last fall, and despite passing for 2540 yards, he threw for only 11 TDs, and was picked a miserable 18 times. There is no real answer in the run game as well, after the Vandals rushed for only 141.9 yards per game (93rd nationally). They need three new starters at WR as well.
On defense, the Vandals just had no answers last season, and Millan seems to be the only true weapon they have. They ranked 112th in scoring D, 119th against the run, and 112th in total defense. Petrino is really against it with this team.
The Overview: The Vandals made a huge mistake when the old WAC folded up shop. They should have joined their basketball program, and went back to their old home, the Big Sky and FCS football. The reality is that this program simply cannot compete at the FBS level, as they have always struggled to maintain a respectable program. Idaho is a mess, and if there is a fix, I surely don't know what it is.
First Game: 9/3 Ohio

Next: Independents

College Football Preview 2015: Mountain West

Another season went into the books, and Boise State once again performed to their obligatory standards, dominated the conference, and broke into the big boy club with a birth in a New Year's Six Bowl game (the new, much improved version of the BCS). Boise State will just dominate in every way, in every season, as they have for just about forever now. Nothing slows down the smurf turf machine, and nothing likely will this fall, either. Of course, there will be potential challengers, such as Utah State, Colorado State, and Air Force in the Mountain, and to a small degree San Diego State in the West, but we all pretty much know how this story will likely end. The only question left is, have we finally gotten to the point where we have collectively risen Boise State to such heights that it's time to knock them down?

Projected Order of Finish

Mountain
1. Boise State
2. Utah State
3. Air Force
4. Colorado State
5. Wyoming
6. New Mexico

West
1. San Diego State
2. Nevada
3. Fresno State
4. San Jose State
5. Hawaii
6. UNLV

All-Conference Team
QB-Chuckie Keeton, Utah State
RB-Donnell Pumphrey, San Diego State
RB-Jacobi Owens, Air Force
RB-Marteze Walker, Fresno State
WR-Rashard Higgins, Colorado State
WR-Devonte Boyd, UNLV
WR-Thomas Sperbeck, Boise State
WR-Hunter Sharp, Utah State
TE-Garrett Griffin, Air Force
TE-Jarred Gipson, Nevada

DL-Kamalei Correa, Boise State
DL-Ian Seau, Nevada
DL-Eddie Yarbrough, Wyoming
DL-Rykeem Yates, Nevada
LB-Nick Virgil, Utah State
LB-Tannr Vallejo, Boise State
LB-Ejiro Ederaine, Fresno State
LB-Dakota Cox, New Mexico
DB-Darian Thompson, Boise State
DB-Donte Deayon, Boise State
DB-Weston Steelhammer, Air Force
DB-Cleveland Wallace III, San Jose State

PK-Donny Hageman, San Diego State
P-Alex Boy, Nevada
KR-Deionte Gaines, Colorado State
PR-Lloyd Mills, San Diego State

2015 Team Previews


Boise State Broncos
2014 Record: 12-2
2015 Projected Record: 11-1
Head Coach: Bryan Harsin (12-2, 2nd Season)

The Good News: If you want somewhere to start on offense, it's along the line, where every starter returns for another go. Even better news is that the line returns three juniors and two seniors, and is seemingly even deep behind the starters, so the rich depth of this unit should extend into 2016 as well. All conference pick Thomas Sperbeck is back at WR after catching 51 passes for 877 yards and three scores, and will be joined by Shane Williams-Rhodes. Junior Chaz Anderson figures in as the new starter. Jake Roh also returns at TE, giving the Broncos a deep and talented group at receiver.
The Broncos will have some solid play in the secondary this fall, and that's good news considering this was their weakest area of play in 2014. CB Donte Deayon and S Darian Thompson are both all league picks, and will anchor the back of the defense. Junior Jonathon Moxey will also return at CB with Deayon. Mercy Maston, a senior, should step in at NB, while a sophomore, Dylan Summer-Gardner should win the open safety job. Ben Weaver and Tanner Vallejo both return to their starting jobs at LB, and senior Tyler Gray will give them some depth there as well. Armand Nance and all league DE Kamalei Correa will both be back as well, and Correa is as disruptive a force in the backfield as you will find anywhere in the nation.
Punter Sean Wale is back, and so the Broncos should be in a good spot when they do need to kick it away.
The Bad News: Many people are high on new starting QB Ryan Finley, but there really is not much of a book on the sophomore other than he completed just 12 of 27 passes last season in mop up duty. I'm taking a cautious approach and am trying not to get to worked up about him too soon. The Broncos also lose all world RB Jay Ajayi, and those will be huge shoes to fill indeed. Sophomore Jeremy McNichols and freshman Cory Young will be first in line to win the job, but will more likely share carries.
There's not much to worry about on defense, however the Broncos did give up 26.8 points per game last fall, so  am guessing that they'd like to see that number drop somewhat. They gave up 27 or more points in a game eight times last season, and seeing that they have lost some significant offensive firepower, expecting them to score 39.7 points per game or more this season doesn't seem a realistic thing heading into fall camp.
The Overview: The schedule lines up just fine for another big run in 2015, but the most intriguing early season game is a home game opener with former Chris Peterson and the Washington Huskies. Boise should win that game, but then goes to BYU the following week. The Broncos also visit Virginia in their final September game, which should end seeing Boise with wins against two power five teams, albeit not very good ones. That should be enough to spark a deep run that should more than see Boise State take the one birth that the big guys will allow in their New Years Party.
First Game: 9/4 Washington


Utah State Aggies
2014 Record: 10-4
2015 Projected Record: 8-4
Head Coach: Matt Wells (19-9, 3rd season)

The Good News: Let's try this again. Chuckie Keeton is back for another try at USU after missing the last two seasons due to injury. He has received an extra year of eligibility, and will be back to enter the fray once again. We all know at this point what he's capable of, and that is greatness in the college game, but the bigger question is whether or not he can stay healthy to do it. Just having the chance to see is a win in and of itself. If he falls again, Oregon transfer Damian Hobbs and Kent Myers are both ready to go, so head coach Matt Wells doesn't seem concerned. Myers, by the way, had been moved to WR, and enters 2015 back at QB with the transfer of Darrell Garretson. Hunter Sharp and Devonte Robinson both return at WR, but this news would be even better if the Aggies weren't forced to dismiss WR and PR JoJo Natson from the team just weeks ago. Still, the Aggies should have plenty of depth at WR, even if they need more help from a larger group of players. The line is loaded, with four starters returning.
Defensively, the Aggies have a solid LB corps to take the lead in the middle of the defense. Nick Virgil is a beast, and will be joined by LT Filaga inside, and Torrey Green outside. Jordan Nielson returns at DE, and CB Jalen Davis also returns.
The news isn't all bad in the kicking game, as although the PK job is seemingly open, Jake Thompson has been used there before, and should be just fine.
The Bad News: The loss of Natson at WR and in the return game will hurt. He was extremely productive and could have been an all league pick at both spots. The other issue on offense is finding a back or two that will be able to carry the load. Right now it looks like a committee situation, which usually isn't a great thing.
On defense, while the middle of the field is set at LB, the D Line and the secondary are much more jumbled at this point. There is an opening at both RDE and NG in the 3-4 set, so the Aggies will have to work fast to find replacements. Senior John Taylor is battling Edmund Faimolo at RDE, while senior Travis Seefeldt is competing with David Moala, another senior, at NG. It's more likely that they all see time in a rotation. The secondary also has three battles going on, including at both safety spots, but all competitors are upperclassmen.
The Aggies need to find a new Punter this fall, and a freshman is the front runner in Aaron Dalton.
The Overview: The Aggies should be strong, but not strong enough to run Boise State out of the top spot in the Mountain Division. USU has some interesting position battles going on heading into fall camp, but leave it to Matt Wells to get the most out of the situation, and lead the Aggies back to yet another bowl, probably in Las Vegas this time around.
First Game: 9/3 Southern Utah


Air Force Falcons
2014 Record: 10-3
2015 Projected Record: 8-4
Head Coach: Troy Calhoun (59-44, 9th season)

The Good News: The Falcons have two of the biggest offensive weapons in the conference in RB Jacobi Owens, and TE Garrett Griffin, both all conference selections heading into 2015. Owens rushed for 1054 yards last fall, and will see the bulk of the carries this season. Griffin averaged 19.19 yards on each reception last season, and should see an increased load in the passing game this fall. Jalen Robinette and Garrett Brown both return at WR as well. Heading back to the run game, the Falcons are also loaded at the most important position in their offense, FB. Shayne Davern and DJ Johnson both return, and will both see plenty of action.
Defensively, Air Force is all set at both OLB spots, with Connor Healy and Dexter Walker both back. Alex Hansen is back at DE, as is all league pick SS Weston Steelhammer.
The Bad News: While the run game is ready to fly, it is imperative that the Falcons figure out how they will fill three holes on the O line this fall. Only LT Matt Rochell and RG Andrew Ruechel return. Kevin Romine is set to return at QB, but he was a bench guy last fall after starting in 2013. If he was that solid, would he have been benched for almost the entire season last year?
Defensively, the DT and NG spots must be filled. Samuel Byers and Jalen Lacy are fighting it out at DT, while David Harris and Santo Coppola are in the fight for the NG spot. While the OLB spots are all set, there is a big set of holes at ILB, as both spots will need to be filled. With Steelhammer the only returning starter set heading into the season, there are three holes to fill in the secondary, and CB Gavin McHenry is suspended, with his earliest estimated return being on 10/17 against Colorado State.
The PK game was a mess in the spring, and that issue may come hurdling into fall camp, with Drew Dehrle leading for the job as we speak. He may not hold onto the spot heading into the opener, however. The Punting job is in the same boat, with Brett Dunn leading the pack by a narrow margin.
The Overview: Troy Calhoun did a remarkable job moving the win meter from two to 10 in one short year, but this version of the Falcons looks like they could slide just a shade once again in 2015, but not by a ton. The offensive issues seem to have been ironed out to a degree, the defense must find a slew of new starters after the unit that took the field last year had gone to such lengths to improve. Starting over again is never fun, and Calhoun does have the talent, but what may be lacking is more or less the experience to rely on, and experience trumps talent, always.
First Game: 9/5 Morgan State


Colorado State Rams
2014 Record: 10-3
2015 Projected Record: 6-6
Head Coach: Mike Bobo (1st season)

The Good News: All America WR Rashard Higgins is back after catching 17 TD passes last season to go along with his 96 receptions and 1750 yards. Higgins could start and star for any program in the nation right now. Joe Hansley also returns as a starter and could see his numbers increase as teams try to spend extra bodies on Higgins. Steven Walker and Kivon Cartwright also both return at TE, giving the Rams some serious firepower in the receiving game.
On defense, the line is largely set with three starters returning to the fold in DE Joe Kawulok, and DTs Terry Jackson and Justin Hansen. With those guys in play, the open DE spot is looking like a camp battle between Steve Michel and Martavius Foster. While the D Line is mostly set, the secondary is entirely set with all four starters returning in CBs Tyree Simmons and Preston Hodges, and Safeties Kevin Pierre-Louis and Trent Matthews.
The Punting game is a serious strong point as well, with Hayden Hunt returning after averaging almost 44 yards per punt last fall. KR Deionte Gaines is an all league pick heading into the fall.
The Bad News: Garrett Grayson is gone. Potential starter Nick Stevens tossed all of 25 pass attempts last season, and so there is a huge hole to fill there, especially with a new offense being installed. Both FB and RB need new starters as well, and the line returns only two starters from last season. The offense that finished 18th in total offense last season in the country is largely gone.
The Rams are also switching defenses, and will be running a standard 4-3 this fall. The hit here is that the Rams must replace two of three starters at LB, with only Cory James returning after a 6.5 sack season in 2014.
The PK game is also a huge concern with the loss of Jared Roberts. Freshman Wyatt Bryan has the lead heading into the fall to replace him.
The Overview: The Rams will be different in 2015. With the loss of head coach Jim McElwain to Florida, the Rams are starting over again in many ways. I still see that Bobo can likely get them into a bowl this season, but with a new coach, system, QB, and RB, there could be many more bumps along the way. It will be interesting to see how quickly everyone responds to the upheaval.
First Game: 9/5 Savannah State


Wyoming Cowboys
2014 Record: 4-8
2015 Projected Record: 5-7
Head Coach: Craig Bohl (4-8, 2nd season)

The Good News: Not counting QB, the Cowboys could be n excellent shape in the backfield with the return of RB Shaun Wick and FB Drew Van Maanan. Brian Hill, the number two back from a year ago, also returns to the fold. The line is strong on the left side from center, with all three starters returning in LT Ryan Cummings, LG Chase Roullier, and Center Rafe Kiely.
Eddie Yarbrough is back at DE after recording 63 tackles and 10.5 TFLs last fall, and will be the leader of this defense. Uso Olive returns next to him at DT.
Ethan Wood returns as the Punter in 2015 after averaging 41.4 yards per punt, and will likely be needed to help out a green defense with field position.
The Bad News: The WR game is starting from mostly scratch, although Tanner Gentry did have 32 receptions a year ago. He's the most experienced guy out there, however. The right side of the line needs to be replaced, but the real question is who will be starting at QB? Will it be Indiana transfer Cameron Coffman, who fell out of favor at IU. or will it be inexperienced junior Josh Allen?
One half of the D line must be replaced, with Chase Appleby leading the way at DT,and Siaosi Hala'api'api likely set to start at DE. Tim Kamana started at Safety a year ago, and now moves to OLB, where he will largely be learning on the job. Both MLB and OLB spots must be folled, and there is little to go on there. CB Robert Priester returns as a starter, however he will be the lone returning starter in the secondary in 2015.
Junior Justin Martin is in line to be the new PK, however that is still uncertain heading into fall camp.
The Overview: Nobody thought that Craig Bohl would be winning MWC titles at Wyoming overnight, and the building continues. After what he managed at North Dakota State, there is no doubt that he will have Wyoming winning sooner than later. That being said, keep low expectations this fall. This is going to take a little time, and it goes beyond football as the school administration was a train wreck for most of the last year or so. Bohl will win eventually.
First Game: 9/5 North Dakota


New Mexico Lobos
2014 Record: 4-8
2015 Projected Record: 4-8
Head Coach: Bob Davie (11-26, 4th season)

The Good News: The run game, which averaged 300 yards per game last fall, has its weapons back in Jhurell Pressley and Teriyon Green. They will run behind a largely experienced line, as three starters return in LT Reno Henderson, LG Eden Mahina, and Center Garrett Adcock. TE Reece White also returns as the most experienced of the receiving corps, and is also a fine run blocker.
Defensively, all three LBs return in Donnie White, all league pick Dakota Cox, and Kimmie Carson. Zack Rogers will be back to handle the Punting job after averaging 42.6 yards per punt, but will give up the PK job this fall.
The Bad News: QB is open heading into fall camp, but Lamar Jordan had some experience from a year ago, and will likely be the front man heading into the battle. The WR spots are a huge desolate hole in the game right now, and the Lobos have basically zero experience there. The right side of the line must be replaced as well.
Nik D'Avanzo is the lone returning starter on the D Line at DE, and so new starters must be found at NT and DE. CB Cranston Jones returns, as does S Markel Byrd, but every other member of the secondary must be replaced in the 3-3-5 defense.
With Rogers giving up PK duties, the Lobos need to find a new starter there as well. Sophomore Jason Sanders seems to have the inside track.
The Overview: UNM has historically been a bad program. Bob Davie has tried to get things right in his three seasons on the job, but it doesn't seem to be working out. With the rest of the division so strong, the Lobos are in a really deep hole when it comes to talent, recruiting base, and facilities, and those issues are not shoring up. Davie could very well be heading into his final season at the helm if bog improvements are not evident when this season closes out. Hey, at least you are better than New Mexico State.
First Game: 9/5 Mississippi Valley State


San Diego State Aztecs
2014 Record: 7-6
2015 Projected Record: 7-5

The Good News: Donnell Pumprhey is returning to the fold at RB after rushing for 1867 yards and 20 TDs last season. With FB Dakota Gordon blocking and opening holes, there is no reason to believe that the Aztecs can't match or even improve on their 216 yards rushing per game from last fall, a mark that ranked 26th nationally. The line returns some solid experience as well, with three starters returning in LG Nico Siragusa, RG Darrell Greene, and RT Pearce Slater.
Defensively, the strength of this unit which ranked 13th nationally in points allowed is the secondary, which ranked 10th nationally while giving up just 178.5 yards passing per game. Every starter in the secondary returns. JJ Whitaker and Damontae Kazee will man the CB spots, while Malik Smith, Trey Lomax, and Na'im McGee will all be back at Safety. Calvin Munson returns at one of two LB spots after recording 83 tackles and four sacks last fall. Munson also is the returning leader in picks with four. The line boasts the return of both Jon Sanchez and Alex Barrett at DE.
Donny Hageman returns after hitting 20 of 25 FGs, but was the goat in the bowl loss to Navy.
The Bad News: The SDSU passing game last fall was basically abysmal, and things could struggle to improve after averaging just 178.4 yards per game last season. Maxwell Smith, a Kentucky transfer, has the edge to start at QB this season, but he basically lost a starting gig at UK, so he is a huge question, as is the depth behind him. Eric Judge is the best returning WR, but caught just 24 passes a year ago, so WR is an issue as well. Larry Clark was slated to return, but was booted from school, as was starting Center Lenicio Noble and OG Paul Rodriguez.
The defense looks solid once again, but if there is one issue to pick six members of the second unit are just sophomores, so there is a lack of depth behind the starters.
The Aztecs are heading into the unknown at Punter, as JC transfer Tanner Blain has the edge heading into the fall.
The Overview: The Aztecs will rely heavily on their run game, but expect opposing defenses to stack up for it and challenge them to win passing the football. The defense could have a heavy burden placed upon them if those opposing defenses can stop the run, and the passing game flails. In short, scoring more than 25 points per game would really help the Aztecs, but even in that case, the West is so very weak again this fall, that it's hard for me to see any real reason why SDSU cannot win the division once again.
First Game: 9/5 San Diego


Nevada Wolfpack
2014 Record: 7-6
2015 Projected Record: 6-6
Head Coach: Brian Polian (11-14, 3rd season)

The Good News: Don Jackson is back at RB after rushing for 957 yards and seven TDs last fall. He will need to give the offense more productivity this fall, as the Pack will be breaking in a new QB in the Pistol offense. TE Jarred Gipson will be a huge target for whomever wins the QB job in the fall, and is an all league pick heading into camp. Jerico Richardson returns after catching 56 passes for 655 yards last fall, and again, the staff is hoping for more productivity this season. Hasan Henderson also returns at WR, giving the Pack a solid receiving corps.
DE Ian Seau is back after racking up 8.5 sacks last fall, and should be a force up front. Rykeem Yates is back as well, and both players are all league selections up front. Bryan Lane and Matthew Lyons are also back at LB, giving the Pack some stability in the front seven.
Brent Zuzo returns at PK after hitting a solid 14 of 18 FGs last fall, and all league pick Alex Boy is back at Punter after averaging 44.3 yards per punt last fall. The kicking game should be just fine.
The Bad News: Cody Fajardo wrapped up a solid career at QB, and now there is a three way battle heading into fall, with the favorite (Tyler Stewart) not being up to the running game expectations of a QB in the Pistol. Sophomore Dante Mayes could give him a run in camp. The line is a question as well, with three new starters coming up in the mix at LG, C, and RT.
Defensively, the entire secondary needs to be replaced, and the unit that was in place last season was largely terrible. Nevada gave up 267.6 yards passing per game last season, and that number could actually slip while the unit is being rebuilt from scratch. Nevada also needs to find three new starters in the front seven.
The Overview: Year three is usually the time when a relatively new coach is expected to start turning the corner, especially at a place like Nevada, where the talent cupboard has usually never been entirely bare. Brian Polian has the team on the level of average right now, but the division is winnable, and he has to find a way to overcome mediocrity in this football team. We shall see if this unit can gel and take the division, or if we are in for another middle of the road ride.
First Game: 9/3 UC-Davis


Fresno State Bulldogs
2014 Record: 6-8
2015 Projected Record: 4-8
Head Coach: Tim DeRuyter (26-14, 4th season)

The Good News: Marteze Waller will be the primary focus of this offense in 2015 after rushing for 1368 yards and 11 TDs in 2014. Waller, a senior, is an all league pick heading into the season. Aaron Peck and Delvon Hardaway both return at WR, but Hardaway is recouping from a torn ACL, and may not be ready to start the season. Peck caught 32 passes last fall, and will need to step into a much bigger role. Three starters return on the line in LT Alex Fifita, C Bo Bonnheim, and RT Justin Northern.
All League selection Ejiro Ederaine is back at LB, and should be the anchor of the defense heading into the fall. Kyrie Wilson joins him at MLB after recording 90 tackles last fall. Charles Washington and Malcolm Washington both return at CB, but must improve after the secondary gave up 254.1 yards passing per game last fall. DE Todd Hunt also returns.
Garrett Swanson returns after averaging just over 40 yards per punt last fall.
The Bad News: Fresno State struggled to score last season, ranking just 82nd nationally in points per game. Much of that has fallen on the inability to replace Derek Carr, now two seasons out. Zack Greenlee is slated to likely win the job, but no final decisions will be made until fall camp. With Josh Harper gone at WR, and Hardaway's return date a question, too much pressure could be placed on an inexperienced WR group for any new QB to succeed early. To make matters worse, the Bulldogs must replace both starting OGs.
Both Safeties must also be replaced on defense, and that secondary, as mentioned, was largely already bad. With the Bulldogs running a 3-4 defense, a big problem comes in replacing two LBs opposite the returning starters, and two thirds of the line must be replaced as well.
Kody Kroening lost confidence from the coaching staff, and will now be moved aside to make way for Sophomore Jimmy Camacho at PK.
The Overview: Two short seasons ago, Fresno State was looking like a west coast power. Then came a MWC loss to San Jose State which knocked Fresno out of BCS consideration, which was followed by a blowout loss to an average USC team in Vegas, and it has been downhill ever since. The Bulldogs must find a way to find their mojo once again, as this slide is getting the program closer to the edge of the cliff leading into the abyss. This is too good a program to let that happen.
First Game: 9/3 Abilene Christian


San Jose State Spartans
2014 record: 3-9
2015 Projected Record: 4-8
Head Coach: Ron Caragher (9-15, 3rd season)

The Good News: There has to be a place to start to build, and that may just be in the passing game in 2015. QB Joe Gray returns, as do all three of his starting WRs in Tyler Ervin, Hansell Wilson, and Tyler Winston. Ervin, who also doubles as a RB, is the most interesting weapon that the Spartans have. Gray lost the job last fall at QB, and then reclaimed it, but will be pushed hard in fall camp, with JC transfer Kenny Potter expecting to give the biggest push. Winston caught 78 passes last fall, but will need to stretch the field a bit better after picking up just 694 yards on those grabs. The line is solid, with four starters returning in LT Wes Schweitzer, C Jeremiah Kolone, RG Nate Velichko, RT Evan Sarver.
In 2015, nobody could pass against the Spartans, as they ranked 1st national giving up just 117.8 yards passing per game. Both CBs are back from that secondary in Jimmy Pruitt and Cleveland Wallace. Christian Tago is also back at LB after rolling up 96 tackles last fall.
The Bad News: The passing game was mostly down last season, and what could be a strength with some nice swings in productivity this fall, was certainly not great last season. The Spartans offense scored 13 points or less six times last fall, including in each of the final three games of the season, which included a 13-0 loss to Hawaii. The run game is up in the air after averaging just 141.3 yards per game last season as well.
On defense, while the pass defense was amazing, the run defense was one of the worst in the nation, ranking 116th against the run while giving up 239.4 yards per game. The Spartans must find five new starters in the front seven, and must also replace both safeties.
Special teams was also an area of concern last season, as PK Austin Lopez hit on only 12 of 24 FGs, and P Michael Carrizosa averaged just over 37 yards per punt.
The Overview: The Spartans have been laragely a one step forward and two step back program for decades now, and even though Carragher started out strong, it's been a slide down the hill ever since. The Spartans could be better in certain areas than they were a year ago, but if the offense can't score points, and the defense can't stop the run, real problems could once again ensue. I am projecting the Spartans to be marginally better in 2015, but not by much.
First Game: 9/3 New Hampshire


Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
2014 Record: 4-9
2015 Projected Record: 3-10
Head Coach: Norm Chow (8-29, 4th season)

The Good News: Ikaika Woolsey was not always entirely awful at QB last fall, and he does return, however he is expected to fall behind USC transfer Max Wittek this fall after passing for over 2500 yards a year ago. Wittek is more of a big arm, and looks like a pro set QB that Norm Chow seems to love. The passing game should see some improvements as OC Don Bailey comes over from Idaho State, which enjoyed a resurgence a year ago. Quinton Pedroza and Marcus Kemp both return at WR, and Pedroza caught 59 passes last fall. Steven Lakalaka showed some flashes at RB last fall, and also returns.
The secondary returns the most starting experience from last season, as three starters will return in Ne'Quan Phillips, Nick Nelson, and Safety Trayvon Henderson. Simon Poti and Lance Williams both return at LB, and Kennedy Tulimaseali will anchor the line at DE.
The Bad News: The Rainbows averaged just 20.9 points per game last season, and if they are to turn any corner at all, that's a place that must be addressed. The line must find three new starters, someone has to step up as a primary big play back, and the passing game expectations cannot fail.
On defense, four new starters must be found in the front seven, and an improvement against the pass must be found after Hawaii gave up 245.8 yards through the air per game.
Special teams is hitting a reboot button as both PK and P must be replaced. Aaron Novoa has the edge at PK heading into fall camp, but freshman Alexander Trifonovitch is likely going to be the new Punter, replacing all everything Scott Harding.
The Overview: If Hawaii wasn't losing money by the bundle in the athletic department, Chow would have been bought out already. The school simply cannot afford to dump and replace him right now. Hawaii's deficits were much worse than UAB, and UAB dropped football before reinstating it. There is simply no way that Hawaii is good enough to compete with the upper half of this conference right now, and it's not getting much better.
First Game: 9/3 Colorado


UNLV Rebels
2014 Record: 2-11
2015 Projected Record: 1-11
Head Coach: Tony Sanchez (1st season)

The Good News: There is some experience coming back at WR, including all league pick Devonte Boyd, who caught 65 passes for 980 yards last fall. Senior Anthony Williams will return along with Boyd to give the Rebels a decent receiving one two punch to start the season.
The defense has a viable star in Safety Peni Vea, who loves to rush the QB from the secondary, as he picked up 3.5 sacks last fall. Tau Lotulelei is back at LB after recording 100 tackles last season, and Ryan McAleenan is back at LB as well. DE Sonny Sanitoa should anchor the line at DE.
Logan Yunker returns at Punter after averaging 40.53 yards per punt. He is a directional punting specialist who could be a real field position weapon for the Rebels this fall.
The Bad News: Where does it start and where does it end? The entire offensive line must be replaced. Not a single starter returns, and both potential starters at tackle are sophomores in Kyle Saxelid and J'Ondray Sanders. The Rebels were awful in running the football last fall, averaging just 129.2 yards per game, which ranked 102nd nationally. They couldn't score either, averaging 21.9 points per game, ranking 104th nationally. Blake Dekker is back at QB, but was mostly awful last season, and is a turnover machine, tossing 18 picks. He should be pushed in camp.
As bad as the Rebels were on offense last fall, they were equally terrible on defense. The Rebels ranked 113th in points allowed, 123rd in rushing, and 123rd in total defense. When you are that far down, the only way to go is up.
The Overview: Sanchez was coaching a high school program last fall. It was a great high school program, but a high school program none the less. Sanchez has created a buzz of sorts around Vegas, but he will have to build a program to build a national buzz. There just is not enough talent locally to build much on, so he will have to create a reach that has a larger visible footprint to build on. Anything above one win this season will seem like heaven in year one of this process, so expect nothing to start, especially with a brutal September to kick things off.
First Game: 9/5 at Northern Illinois

Coming next: 2015 Sun Belt Preview

College Football Preview 2015: MAC

For the MAC to continue to elevate their conference profile in the Group of Five focus, job number one will be to improve their standing when it comes to winning bowl games. Last season, the MAC finished just 2-3 in the post season, with the losses coming at an average of just over 14 points per. Now to be fair, Northern Illinois carries a brunt of that burden as they lost to a pissed off Marshall club by 29 points in the Boca Bowl, so there is that to consider.
2015 brings a season of promise to the conference for several teams. Bowling Green has just begun to flourish under Dino Babers as coach, UMass should see more positivity under Mark Whipple and QB Blake Frohnapfel, and the West should be incredibly strong in their upper half. Here's a look at what to expect in 2015...

Projected Order of Finish

East
1. Bowling Green
2. UMass
3. Buffalo
4. Ohio
5. Akron
6. Kent State
7. Miami (Ohio)

West
1. Toledo
2. Northern Illinois
3. Western Michigan
4. Ball State
5. Central Michigan
6. Eastern Michigan 0-12

All Conference Team
QB Zach Terrell, Western Michigan
QB-Blake Frohnapfel, UMass
QB-Joe Licata, Buffalo
RB-Kareem Hunt, Toledo
RB-Anthone Taylor, Buffalo
RB-Jarvion Franklin, Western Michigan
WR-Corey Davis, Western Michigan
WR-Tajae Sharpe, UMass
WR-Roger Lewis, Bowling Green
WR-Daniel Braverman, Western Michigan
TE-Rodney Mills, UMass
TE-Matt Weiser, Buffalo

DL-Pat O'Connor, Eastern Michigan
DL-Blake Serpa, Central Michigan
DL-Orion Jones, Toledo
DL-Trent Voss, Toledo
LB-Jatavis Brown, Akron
LB-Great Ibe, Eastern Michigan
LB-Jovan Santos-Knox, UMass
LB-Grant DePalma, Western Michigan
DB-Clint Stephens, Bowling Green
DB-Ronald Zamort, Western Michigan
DB-Randall Jette, UMass
DB-Paris Logan, Northern Illinois

PK-Andrew Haldeman, Western Michigan
P-Anthony Melchiori, Kent State
KR-Darius Phillips, Western Michigan
PR-Corey Jones, Toledo

2015 Team Previews


Bowling Green Falcons
2014 Record: 8-6
2015 Projected Record: 7-5
Head Coach: Dino Babers (8-6, 2nd season)

The Good News: The Falcons are loaded at QB, as they return Matt Johnson from injury, and James Knapke returns after starting most of last season in Johnson's place. There are questions still regarding both, but we'll save that for later. Any team that has two starting caliber QBs returning should count that as a blessing. Travis Greene is back at RB as well, so defenses should be kept honest by the Falcon's ability to balance run and pass. Three starters also return at WR in All League pick Roger Lewis, Ronnie Moore, and Ryan Burbrink. Chris Gallon also returns from injury, and the Falcons add Baylor transfer Robbie Rhoades. The Falcons should have one of the deepest passing units in the nation. The real stenght is in the fact that all five starting linemen return as well, making BGSU one of the most dangerous offensive units around.
A defense that was largely a mess last season does return a few decent pieces in DTs Gus Schwieterman and Taylor Royster, along with OLB James Sanford and CB Darrell Hunter.
Tyler Tate returns at PK after hitting 23 FGs last fall, and should be a nice weapon in reserve once again. Joseph Davidson also returns at Punter, where he has a cannon leg that could help out his messy defensive teammates.
The Bad News: Straight to that defense we go, as this will likely be an Achilles issue for the Falcons once again in 2015. This unit, which loses eight starters as well, ranked just 115th in the country in total defense, and frankly is a reason that I am unable to find more winnable games in the schedule than seven without a MAC title appearance or bowl. The Falcons could not stop the pass (291.4 yards per game), and gave up 33.5 points per game. With so many holes to fill, it's hard to see how the Falcons can improve on that this fall. Babers has tried to retool this unit through recruiting, with as many as five players in the top ten of the incoming class playing that side of the football. This is going to take time to fix.
The Overview: Nobody is going to question how good this offense can be. It will likely be the best in the conference, and can be one of the best in the nation. The question is how much will they have to score to cover their hole ridden at best defense. That defense is an anchor keeping the Falcons from truly flying in 2015. I see seven wins on the schedule, but that Tennessee game away from Neyland really intrigues me as an upset opportunity. Either way, the offense should be more than enough to win a very shallow Eastern Division this fall.
First Game: 9/5 Tennessee at Nashville


UMass Minutemen
2014 Record: 3-9
2015 Projected Record: 7-5
Head Coach: Mark Whipple (52-35, 8th season total over two stints)

The Good News: There is finally a lot to like at UMass in 2015, and this is only proof that Mark Whipple has his thumb firmly on the pulse of what works at this particular school.
It all starts with QB Blake Frohnapfel, a legitimate NFL prospect. Despite missing the final two games of the year, he passed for an average of 334.5 yards per game, which led the MAC, and tossed 23 TDs. This is the first time in a long time that UMass has had a trigger man that has been able to step up and thrive in Amherst. Frohnapfel has two legitimate receiving threats in All Conference selections WR Tajae Sharpe and TE Rodney Mills. Mills worked at H-Back, but was productive enough to start at TE for any program in the league last fall. Sharpe scored seven times on 85 receptions last season, and should be a beast this fall as well. Once again, the key is on the offensive line, where all five starters return, and the Minutemen are as deep as they've been in decades there.
UMass has two major stars on defense in tackling machine ILB Jovan Santos-Knox and CB Randall Jette, a pass break up specialist. Nine total starters return on defense, but the unit must improve big time to succeed and pass Bowling Green, as they ranked 101st nationally in total defense. Look for a major improvement to come, as with so many starters returning, one would expect some serious off season development of this unit.
The Bad News: There is certainly little to pick apart about the offense, but the run game is an area of concern heading into 2015. Nobody stepped into that role and thrived last season, and to keep defenses honest against the pass, someone will have to step up big and take the reins here. UMass could see any from a group of five backs try to take control in fall camp, including Jamal Wilson, who lost a chunk of time to injury. An answer must be found early.
The defense, as talked about above, has to overcome some bad habits and prove that they can truly take an opportunity and overcome their past. The Minutemen gave up 33 points per game last fall, a trait that cannot continue.
What's more concerning is a kicking game, where three PKs could not lock down the job last fall, and a freshman may be the answer this fall. The Punting game was no better, and someone has to step in and step up to help out that defense.
The Overview: The Minutemen have an identity issue on defense and special teams. Luckily, most of the teams in the east have an identity crisis on defense, so that could be mitigated in conference play. What's good is that with so many starters returning on D, they should start to resolve the problems that plagued them. The offense is as potentially explosive as any other in the league, but they must find a run game to compliment what should be a top tier passing game. If the Minutemen can find some answers early, they could steal this division from the Falcons. Mark Whipple has done an amazing job at UMass, but that won't happen matters after 2015, as the school leaves the MAC to become an independent once more.
First Game: 9/12 at Colorado


Buffalo Bulls
2014 Record: 5-6
2015 Projected Record: 7-5
Head Coach: Lance Leipold (1st season)

The Good News: The Bulls made a splashy move in grabbing the ultra successful Leipold from a D3 school where losing wasn't an option (109-6 during his tenure at Wisconsin-Whitewater). Leipold made Mount Union look like a whipping boy during his stay at the school, something nobody prior had ever been able to do. This hire was outside the box, bold, and refreshing.
Leipold isn't walking into a terrible situation, despite what the pundits may believe. He inherits three all league selections on offense, including four year starter Joe Licata at QB. Licata may quietly be one of the best QBs in college football, and has broken several school records at UB during his tenure. Senior RB Anthone Taylor also returns after rushing for over 1400 yards in his first season as starter last fall, and the Bulls have depth with Devin Campbell and Jordan Johnson. TE Matt Weiser returns as well, and should have a break out season for the Bulls. Collin Lisa, a UAB transfer, will add depth at TE as well. Ron Willoughby is back at WR, and there is enough experience to go around behind him.
Tyler Grassman averaged just under 41 yards per punt last season, and will be back. Campbell will also return kicks, and is close to school records in the return game.
The Bad News: It's officially a theme, but the defense could be a disaster this fall. Only three starters return, and one of them, OLB Okezie Alozie, was playing Safety last fall. OLB James Franklin returns, but only had 49 tackles last fall, hardly a juggernaut. Boise Ross is the only other returning starter at CB. The entire line must be replaced on defense, and the tackles used to be ends.
On offense, the issue will come on the line, where the entire interior line must be replaced, and starting LT Robert Blodgett used to play RG.
The Bulls lose PK Patrick Clark, which is a big blow. Adam Mitcheson, a freshman, will get the first opportunity to replace him.
The Overview: The Bulls, like most others in this division, are a mess on defense, and that could be a major problem in Leipold's first season as a division one head coach. The offense has enough talent (minus the questions on the line) to compete, but they are certainly the next tier in the division after UMass and Bowling Green. Will Leipold be able to upgrade this program, and move past his D3 roots to succeed here? I believe that he can, but right now he is certainly an upgrade over Jeff Quinn and Alex Wood at this point.
First Game: 9/5 Albany


Ohio Bobcats
2014 Record: 6-6
2015 Projected Record: 6-6
Head Coach: Frank Solich (72-56, 11th season)

The Good News: QB Derrius Vick should be healthy this fall, and will likely give the Bobcats a much needed boost on offense this season after the Cats struggled to score just 20.5 points per game last season (111th nationally). Look for the Bobcats one back attack to take off with Vick at full strength when he pulls up and runs. His passing numbers could use a boost, but the Bobcats rely on a read option run game to make their offense fly. If Vick fall, JD Sprague returns. That run game will be bolstered by the return of five starters on a deep offensive line that should be a key to the success to this unit. Sophomore RB AJ Ouelette is back after a thrilling freshman campaign last fall, and he should break the 1000 yard mark as the key guy from day one this season. Daz Patterson and Papi White will add depth and change of pace behind Ouellette.
Ohio was particularly nasty on defense against the run last fall, ranking 25th nationally in that area. Terrell Basham and Casey Sails both will start at DE this fall, so they should be able to close off the edge. LB is loaded with the return of all three starters in Jovon Johnson, Qunetin Poling, and Blair Brown. CB should be an area of strength as well, with Ian Wells and Brett Layton starting, and Devin Bass coming in off the bench.
Josiah Yazdani returns to give Ohio some stability at PK.
The Bad News: Despite the strengths in the run game, the passing game struggles at times because they cannot find a top flight WR in the group that is present. Sabastion Smith and Brandon Cope both return at WR, and Jordan Reid is a hoped for answer, but someone needs to step up and be a big time threat.
Defensively, as good as they were against the run, the Bobcats were equally bad against the pass, giving up 261.4 yards per game through the air in 2014. The middle of the line must be replaced as well, and both safety jobs are up for grabs heading into the fall.
Punter Mitch Bonstetter returns, but his average was just that, average.
The Overview: The Bobcats seem stuck in a rut, and they will struggle to find their way out this fall. If the passing game can find an uptick, and the questions are answered in the pass defense, Ohio could surprise, as there is enough talent on hand to do so. At this point, however, talent must be overcome with execution for the Cats to break out of the middle of the pack.
That being said, there is one more issue to consider. For the first time in Athens, Solich is starting to fell some heat from a fan base that isn't happy with being stuck in the middle. He isn't a young guy, so retirement is likely close anyway, but Solich has got to get this going to be able to walk out on his own terms.
First Game: 9/3 Idaho


Akron Zips
2014 Record: 5-7
2015 Projected Record: 5-7
Head Coach: Terry Bowden (11-25, 4th season)

The Good News: The RB position could be a major strength, as the Zips have more depth than they have had in a while. Of course, right now, it's all in paper, as Donnell Alexander (Colorado State transfer), and Conor Hundley have yet to establish themselves. Manny Morgan and Hakeem Lawrence also provide some depth. Three starters return on the line, and that could help this unit show some improvement this fall.
All league pick Jatavis Brown returns at LB this fall, and should be the anchor on a decent defense. Se'Von Pittman returns at DE, and will be the guy nobody wants to run into on the edge. Cody Grice returns at NT as well, giving the Zips a solid up front unit. Rodney Coe and Jamal Marcus transfer into the program to add additional depth. One more transfer, Darryl Monroe, will enter the fray at LB. The Zips should have some depth at CB as well, with DeAndre Scott, Kris Givens, and Miami transfer Larry Hope all providing some strength.
The kicking game is solid, with Robert Stein (13/16) back at PK, and Zach Paul (42.5) back at Punter.
The Bad News: The Zips need to find answers at RB and WR to survive in 2015, and the QB situation is hardly stable, even with Kyle Pohl coming back. Pohl was more a mess than not in 2014, and is being pushed in fall camp. The Zips averaged just 22.6 points per game last season, and that will not win many games.
There is plenty of potential coming back on defense, but it is just that, potential. The Zips need to find solid answers at both Safety spots, and must also find answers at two LB spots as well.
The Overview: The Zips largely couldn't get out of their own way in 2014, and therefore lost their way to a bowl bid. Terry Bowden has never failed at any job he's ever had, but this situation isn't great. More bad news, Akron finished dead last in attendance per game nationally last fall, and that's not what I call job security. The Zips really need a break, but it may not come this fall.
First Game: 9/5 at Oklahoma


Kent State Golden Flashes
2014 Record: 2-9
2015 Projected Record: 2-10
Head Coach: Paul Haynes (6-17, 3rd season)

The Good News: The blocks are there for a decent run game in 2015, but only if power back Traion Durham can stay healthy, and Nick Holley shows continued development. The WR spot should be a strength as well, with Kris White and Ernest Calhoun returning as starters, and an expected breakout by James Brooks. That should help out QB Colin Reardon, who has largely struggled in his two years as starter. The left side of the line is set with the return of Reno Reda (LT), and Wayne Scott (LG), while Center Alex Nielson also returns.
The secondary should be set in 2015, and the team was solid against the pass last season, ranking 45th nationally. Najee Murray is back at CB, while SS Jordan Italiano and FS Nate Holley both return. Elcee Refuge and Matt Dellinger will both be back at LB, and should be able to cover until the open OLB spot gets filled permanently. The middle of the line should be decent, as Nate Terhune and Jon Cunningham both return at the tackle spots.
Anthony Melchiori is back at both Punter and PK, but Punting is his strength. He is an all conference selection at Punter, averaging 44.3 yards per punt last fall. The Flashes would be wise to find another PK this season, as he only hit for 10 of 18 FGs.
The Bad News: The Flashes were more like sputtering fumes last fall, having just scored 16 points per game. The passing game could use some work, but the run game needs health, as they only rushed for 81.8 yards per game, which ranked only 122nd in the nation. In total, the offense was in the tank, ranking just 116th in the nation in total offense. Maybe a reboot is necessary at this point.
On defense, some of that returning talent has to develop in the middle, as the Flashes gave up 214 yards per game rushing. Otherwise, the unit wasn't entirely terrible, but Kent State has to find answers in so many areas, it's hard to know where to start.
The Overview: Paul Haynes took over from Darrell Hazell at a high point in program history. Ever since he's taken over, the program has been in a steep decent into the ground. There has been little in the way of consistency in any area, and that is why they have failed. If Haynes fails to find a way to overcome expectations in 2015, the heat may be too much to bear. In short, Kent State will be hard pressed to find a way to break through even to mediocrity this season.
First Game: 9/4 at Illinois


Miami (Ohio) Red Hawks
2014 Record: 2-10
2015 Projected Record: 2-10
Head Coach: Chuck Martin (2-10, 2nd season)

The Good News: There isn't much to go on with the offensive side of the football. Jared Murphy (WR), Trevan Brown (LG), and Collin Buchanan (RT) are the only returning starters on an offense that largely was a mess last fall.
There's much more to go on when it comes to defense, where every returning starter is back up front on the line (J'Terius Jones and Bryson Albright at DE, Mitchell Winters and Jimmy Rousher at DT), and two of three LBs also return in Kent Kern and Joe Dolan. The open LAB spot is likely a battle between TJ Williams and freshman Brad Koening. Both corners are locked down as well in Heath Harding and Marshall Taylor.
Kaleb Patterson is back at PK after hitting 9 of 13 FGs last season. Christian Koch is back at Punter, and averaged 40.1 yards per punt.
The Bad News: There is no answer at QB, and the battle heads into the fall. RB is going to be dominated by freshmen in the fall battle, and they need to isolate someone who can step up and be a primary. The WR spot is overloaded with guys who have not stepped up, and so there are major questions there as well. The line needs three new starters as well.
On defense, the only major issue is at Safety, where two new starters must be found.
The Overview: The Hawks will be limited and grounded by an offense that will struggle to find bodies and talent this fall. There are so many questions and battles going on, that I would be surprised if all the battles were solved by the opener. Miami will be young, and winning is still some ways off.
First Game: 9/5 Presbyterian


Toledo Rockets
2014 Record: 9-4
2015 Projected Record 9-3
Head Coach: Matt Campbell (26-13, 4th season)

The Good News: Phillip Ely and Logan Woodside both return at QB, and either could start at any given point. Both, however, are coming off of injury, so health will be a key factor. The biggest weapon on the team will be RB Kareem Hunt, and All-America type back who returns after a 1600 yard season, and 250 yard bowl game performance. Hunt will be one of the hardest backs in the nation to stop. Alonzo Russell and Corey James both return at receiver as well to bolster the passing game.
The defensive line is built and stocked, with every starter coming back. Allen Covington and all league selection Trent Voss are back at the DEs, while Treyvon Hester and Orion Jones are back at Tackle. The secondary is almost as solid, with three starters coming back in CB Jordan Martin, and Safeties Chaz Whittaker and DeJuan Rogers. Chris Dukes started last fall as well, but sits behind senior Cheatham Norris on the depth chart heading into fall camp. Both will play plenty.
The Bad News: There is a situation on the O line, which needs to be entirely rebuilt across the board. It is the only major question, other than health at QB, but the line is a huge question heading into the season, and it may take some time for the unit to come together.
On defense, the entire LB unit must be replaced as well, and that could make the line work just a little harder, and those safeties as well, until they figure things out.
The kicking game also could be troublesome. The Rockets need to find a new PK (Sam Vucevich has the inside track), and the Punting game with Nick Ellis, struggled a great deal as Ellis averaged just a shade over 37 yards per punt last fall.
The Overview: Matt Campbell is one of the best young coaches in America today, so with a line problem on offense, and a LB problem on defense, it's hard for me to bet against the Rockets in 2015. Toledo still has enough in the tank to win the West, but it's not a sure thing. Even so, odds favor Toledo to make it back to the MAC title game this fall.
First Game: 9/3 Stony Brook


Northern Illinois Huskies
2014 Record: 11-3
2015 Projected Record: 8-4
Head Coach: Rod Carey (23-6, 3rd season)

The Good News: Drew Hare returns at QB, and had a nice 2014 campaign. He is a passer, and not a great runner, so the Husky offense has changed dynamics. With Hare back, he has a decent WR corps that will include Juwan Bresacin and Tommylee Lewis, who returns after missing most of last season due to injury. The group is deep and talented, so the passing game should be on track.
The middle of the D Line should be a solid rotation, with starters William Lee and Corey Thomas returning, and senior Ben Compton rotating in at tackle. Perez Ford also returns at DE, giving the Huskies a solid foundation up front. There is strength at LB as well, as both Rasheen Lemon and Boomer Mays return. Sean Folliard should win the open spot at LB, with Cameron Clinton-Earl the leading candidate to win the open spot at DE. The secondary should be solid as well, with three starters returning, including CBs Anthony Brooks and Paris Logan, and Safety Marlon Moore. Logan is the Huskies' lone all league selection heading into 2015.
The Bad News: The O line returns just two starters in 2015, which could make the passing game struggle a bit to get going due to protection issues. Making matters worse is that the Huskies really don't have an A option at RB, and may be forced to go to a committee four deep.
On special teams, the PK job is headed back to Christian Hogan, who took over during the season last fall, but he needs to find a bit more consistency and experience. Peter Deppe is the leader to take over at Punter, but he is just a RS freshman.
The Overview: Rod Carey has done an amazing job since taking over for Dave Doeren, but something feels a little off about this club. Hare is a decent QB, but him not having a real run option in his game is kind of going away from what the Huskies do best. The RB by committee approach also falls short of what we have come to expect. If the line doesn't come together, there could be issues. The defense looks good enough to hold things together until answers are found on offense, and the Huskies have the coaches, and mostly the talent, to give Toledo a run this fall.
First Game: 9/5 UNLV


Western Michigan Broncos
2014 Record: 8-5
2015 Projected Record: 8-4
Head Coach: PJ Fleck (9-16, 3rd season)

The Good News: Zach Terrell is back at QB after passing for 3443 yards and completing 69.1% of his passes on the season. The All-League pick should have plenty of opportunities to get the ball slung about, as all three of his starting WRs return this fall, including fellow all league picks Daniel Braverman (86 receptions) and Corey Davis (78). Kendrick Roberts is back as well to round out the group, and depth is decent behind them as well, including freshman Kadeem Goulborne. All League RB Jarvion Franklin is back as well after rushing for 1551 yards and 24 scores. The Broncos should be explosive at both running and passing the football. Three starters return on the line as well, giving WMU a decent corps up front.
Defensively, WMU is loaded up front. Jarrell McKinney and Nathan Braster both return at DE, while Cleveland Smith is back at DT. All conference pick Grant DePalma is back at LB, and will anchor the middle of the unit. Robert Spillane returns as well. David Curle will have the inside track at the open DT spot, while junior Austin Lewis should step in at LB. Ronald Zamort joins a deep cast of all league picks for the Broncos and will be back at CB. Rontavious Atkins is also back at SS.
Andrew Haldeman returns after hitting 14 of 17 FGs last season, and is yet another all league pick heading into 2015. J. Schroeder returns at Punter as well, and has plenty to offer after averaging 42.8 yards per punt last fall.
The Bad News: There isn't much bad news for PJ Fleck and crew heading into the season. The one area of concern is a very difficult September schedule that includes Michigan State at home, and road trips to Georgia Southern and Ohio State. That's brutal.
The Overview: If you are looking for a dark horse to win the MAC, WMU is the longshot bet that has a chance to pay off. PJ Fleck has done a remarkable job on the turn around with the Broncos, and he has them on a fast rise. The offense should be explosive, and the defense is relatively loaded. If they can get out of September in one piece, it could be quite a special season.
First Game: 9/4 Michigan State


Ball State Cardinals
2014 Record: 5-7
2015 Projected Record: 4-8
Head Coach: Pete Lembo (30-20, 5th season)

The Good News: The key is the O line, which returns completely intact from last fall, and should help some offensive skill players with their evolution. That unit is led by three seniors in QG Jeremiah Harvey, C Jacob Richard, and SG Jalen Schlachter. The Cardinals return some decent depth at RB, and QB, but must find someone to step up and lead in both spots. Jordan Williams and KeVonn Mabon are both back at WR, and Dylan Curry and Sam Brunner both return at TE as well, giving the Cardinals decent receiving options.
On defense, the Cardinals are in good shape on the line, returning three starters in RE Michael Ayers, and DTs Darnell Smith and Keenan Noel. All three starters are back at LB as well, with Aaron Taylor, Zack Ryan, and Ben Ingle all coming back for another go.
Kyle Schmidt is back at Punter after averaging a solid 41.5 yards per punt.
The Bad News: Jack Milas and Ozzie Mann both played last fall, but someone really needs to win the job this fall. The RB situation has plenty of candidates, but nobody who has produced to any great degree, and so again, someone needs to step up and take control.
In short, the Cardinals could use some improvement almost everywhere, including at PK, where freshman Morgan Hagee has the inside track at starting.
Pete Lembo is a solid coach, but he has to start getting this team on the right track fairly soon. He's in his fifth season, and this team is sinking rather than rising. The talent level is way off from the rest of the league, and so there isn't any real hope of this team going bowling right now.
First Game: 9/3 VMI


Central Michigan Chippewas
2014 Record: 7-6
2015 Projected Record: 4-8
Head Coach: John Bonamego (1st season)

The Good News: Cooper Rush is back at QB, and that is big news for CMU, as he passed for 3157 yards last season, including 27 TDs, which included seven in the bowl game. Jesse Kroll returns for his senior season, and Corey Willis is back as well, giving Rush at least two go to guys in the passing game.Three starters return on the line, which is a decent foundation to build on with LT Ramadan Ahmeti, C Nick Beamish, and RG Kenny Rogers all returning.
On defense, the strength will be up front on the line, as DE Blaker Serpa, DE Joe Ostman, and DT Jabari Dean all return. Brandon Greer returns at CB, and S Tony Annese both return as well.
Brian Eavey did a solid job last fall at PK in limited opportunities, hitting 8 of 9 FGs on the season.
The Bad News: The receivers, despite Kroll and Willis returning, are not a deep group, especially when it comes to experience. Talent is one thing, game experience is quite another. There is no clear answer at RB, and a deep battle is expected to go into fall camp. Once again, there is very little in productivity there.
Defensively, the entire LB unit needs to be replaced in the starting lineup, and that will need to be fixed in short order, as right now there is a gaping hole in the middle of the field.
Ron Coluzzi is back at Punter, but averaged just 37 yards per punt after returning from injury.
The coaching situation is another issue, as Bonamego is an unknown quantity after coming over from his job as Special Teams Coach of the Detroit Lions. He also is fighting a cancer diagnosis, which he should recover from, but he could be distracted just a bit.
The Overview: Nobody knows much about Bonamego, but what we do know is that whatever is going on, it could be an improvement on Dan Enos, who left without care for an OC job at Arkansas. Enos always seemed like a bad fit, so they couldn't be much worse for wear on that front, despite making a bowl game last fall.
There really seems to be very little in the way of enough talent to viably compete this season, so look for some road bumps early on. It's going to be an interesting ride.
First Game: 9/3 Oklahoma State


Eastern Michigan Eagles
2014 Record: 2-10
2015 Projected Record: 0-12
Head Coach: Chris Creighton (2-10, 2nd season)

The Good News: Reginald Ball is a key playmaker at QB, as he has shown some flashes of playmaking ability in his one season at QB. Now he has to find consistency and some playmakers to rally around him to get this thing going in the right direction. Dustin Kreel and Kris Strange both return at WR, and that will be a start, especially Kreel, who may blow up this season.
Five starters return in the front seven, including all league pick Patrick O'Connor and Mike Brown at DT, and a group of LBs including Hunter Matt, all league pick Great Ibe, and Anthony Zappone.
The Bad News: EMU has been a mess for decades. and that's not stopping anytime soon. The line is in rebuild mode, with one returning starter only. There is no depth at WR, and the RB position is just as bad.
The defense ranked 118th in total defense, 122nd in scoring, 113th in rushing, and 116th against the pass. The Eagles should show some improvement, but you will have to look for those improvements, as they may not be entirely obvious at first.
The Overview: Creighton is recruiting to build something at EMU, however, this is a massive job, and it is going to take a good long while to put something, anything, together.
First Game: 9/5 Old Dominion

Next: Mountain West