Bilo's 2017 College Football Previews: UNLV Rebels

UNLV Rebels
It is now year three in the bold experiment of hiring a high school coach to take over at one of the all-time worst programs in Mountain West history. UNLV has been a model of football disaster since entering the league, and desperate times called for a bold measure, and Tony Sanchez was that measure. Sanchez is now entering year three, and expectations are rising in the desert, and those expectations state that UNLV has got to make a surge towards a bowl bid, and that needs to happen now. Nationally, pressure is mounting, and a new AD is in place, and a new stadium seems to be on the horizon. Does UNLV have enough in the talent tank after three years of building to finally make a push around a corner?
What To Be Excited About: Offense
The Rebels finally started to move forward in a big way in the run game last season, as the team has a two headed monster situation brewing at RB. Both Charles Williams and Lexington Thomas made major strides last season, and there is no reason to believe that with a freshman QB coming into play, that both backs will not have more freedom and more work ahead of them this fall. They combined for 1405 yards rushing last season and 11 scores, and both averaged over five yards per carry last fall. They could be two major breakout stars in the Mountain West this season.
With the roster being what it was last fall, several young players got time in at the receiver spots, and that will benefit the Rebels this fall. Devonte Boyd is the veteran and leader of the group, and led the team with 45 receptions for 746 yards and four scores last fall. With more consistent QB play this season being an expectation, he should become a big time star in this league. Darren Woods, Jr. and Mekhi Stevenson also both return, and got solid time in as freshmen. They, too, should blossom in the offense this fall.
Four starters will return on the line for the Rebels this season, and that maybe the biggest development of all. Consistency on the line and at QB have been two huge issues affecting the production of this unit for a long while now, and that may be a thing of the past. Kyle Saxelid (LT), Michael Chevalier (LG), Justin Polu (RG), and Nathan Jacobson (RT) will all be back. Zach Singer, a junior, will likely be the starting Center according to projections.
Evan Pantels was a huge success at PK last fall, and will also return after hitting 12/13 FG attempts.
What To Be Concerned About: Offense
The QB position is reason for both excitement and concern in 2017. The Johnny Stanton (transfer from Rancho Santa Margarita and Nebraska) experiment appears to be over with. He never caught on with the Rebels, and although he is returning as a senior, he is not going to be the starter. That job has been handed to RS freshman Armani Rogers, who hails from the Los Angeles area. Rogers is coming in with a ton of fanfare, the coaches love him, and the local media is fired up about him to varying degrees. He has a ton of potential, but to quote the great Don Henley, "If dirt were dollars, I wouldn't worry anymore." Potential is one thing, but real game experience is another. UNLV has landed with several promising, high potential QBs in the past, and rarely have they worked out. Here's hoping for the best this time around.
What To Be Excited About: Defense
Here we have a problem, but not one unlike the rest of the league to some degree. The Rebels only return two starters on defense. This, as I have said, is a recurring problem in 2017 in the Mountain West.
Both returning starters play on the interior line, so there is a start to something. DTs Salanoa-Alo Wily and Mike Hughes, Jr. are your returning defensive starters. They combined for a total of six TFLs last fall. I had to find something, right?
Evan Pantels was rock solid at Punting, as he was at PK last season, and is slated to handle both jobs. He averaged 41.72 yards per punt.
What To Be Concerned About: Defense
In one word, everything. With only two starters returning, both at DT, and both highly ineffective, this unit could end up being Kent Baer's biggest coaching job ever.
The Rebels must find nine new starters across the board, and must replace the entire secondary, as well as every LB spot. Both DEs must be replaced as well. As it comes, Wily may not even be a starter when fall camp breaks, as Jason Fao was ahead of him on the spring depth chart. Nick Dehdashtian will start at one DE spot, but also shows the lack of depth on the line, as he is also a key backup at DT. Senior Mark Finau is slated to start at the other open DE spot.
Gabe McCoy and Bailey Laolagi are slated to win the OLB jobs, while Brian Keyes is projected to start at MLB. They combined for a total of 34 tackles last season.
The secondary looks to have Robert Jackson and Tim Hough or Jericho Flowers starting at CB. Those three players combined for four PBUs last season as reserves. Evan Austrie, Javin White, and Chauncey Scissum were locked in a three way battle to start at SS this spring, while Dalton Baker is battling with Scissum to start at SS as well.
2017 Schedule: 9/2 Howard, 9/9 at Idaho, 9/23 at Ohio State, 9/30 San Jose State, 10/7 San Diego State, 10/14 at Air Force, 10/21 Utah State, 10/28 at Fresno State, 11/4 Hawaii, 11/10 BYU, 11/17 at New Mexico, 11/25 Nevada
Final Overview
The Rebels are entering a crucial phase of the Tony Sanchez era in 2017, and everything must start to come to a head this fall. With a new AD in place, Sanchez is going to have to prove that his tenure is working forward, and there have been some signs of that, if not in the win/loss column entirely. UNLV is not going to win a Mountain West Conference or Division title, but getting to a bowl will be a benchmark to work for, and the Rebels, with this schedule, will have to steal a game or two to make that happen. It's going to be an interesting ride.

Bilo's 2017 College Football Previews: Hawaii Rainbow Warriors

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
Nick Rolovich has come on board to coach this rambling wreck of a program, and has...gasp...made this team not so horrible. Rolovich gave this program some life after the mistake that was Norm Chow, and now Hawaii football seems to have a future again. The offense emerged as something to sometimes behold, and while the defense was horrible most of the time, this team did enough to get to a bowl game (stayed home in the Hawaii Bowl, beat Middle Tennessee), and was able to infuse some hope. Can that trend continue this season with a newly acquired target on their backs?
What To Be Excited About: Offense
The minds of Rolovich and OC Brian Smith are awesome things to behold. They can run speed with two slotbacks. They can run power with TE and H-Backs. They can go big with tall receivers, and they mix it all into one giant bag of fun.
Dru Brown is now the undisputed QB this fall after passing for 2488 yards and 19 scores against just seven INTs. He completed 62.4% of his passes, and should be even better this fall than last after taking over the starting job from Ikaika Woolsey, who moved on after last season. Brown added four scores on the ground, and is a perfect fit for this weird science offense.
Diocemy Saint Juste is also back at RB after breaking loose last fall for 1006 yards and three scores. With a more defined role, he could be even better this season than last. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry, and could be one of the more surprising backs in the MWC in 2017.
Amon Barker is back to start at WR after averaging over 14 yards per reception, but the real talent is at Slotback, where both John Ursua and Dylan Collie return. They combined for 86 receptions last fall, and combined for seven scores.
The line returns intact from Center to the left in LT Dejon Allen (who sometimes is an eligible receiver), LG John Wa'a, and C Asotui Eli. UCLA transfer Fred Ulu-Perry is eligible, and will start at RT.
What To Be Concerned About: Offense
The right side of the line is going to be new, even with Ulu-Perry coming on. Elijah Tupai will likely be the new starter at RG, and this tandem will need to gel quickly in the complex schemes of the offense, with sets changing on almost every play.
The PK will be brand new in sophomore Alex Trifonovich. Riboberto Sanchez was perfect on FG attempts last season at 13/13, and will be a major loss.
What To Be Excited About: Defense
The defense will be a work in progress once again, but will have a couple of different looks this fall, as they try to keep pace with the ever changing offense.
The talent at LB is deep this fall for the Warriors, as Jahlani Tavai and Malachi Mageo both return. Tavai was a beat last season with 129 tackles, and 19.5 TFLs, and was an All-Bilo national team member. He added seven sacks as well, created four QB hurries, picked up two PBUs, and forced two fumbles. Mageo finished with 78 tackles of his own, and will help form a LB corps that will shift depending on what coverage is called. He will play inside and out, and Tavai will drop into coverage, or line up as a rush end when needed. Ikem Okeke will fill out the starting unit at OLB.
The right side of the line will return intact, as DE Moffy Koloamatangi and NT Penitito Faalologo both return to the mix. They combined for seven TFLs last season.
What To Be Concerned About: Defense
The secondary returns just one starter in S Trayvon Henderson. He finished second on the team with 90 tackles, and finished with seven PBUs and three INTs. Both CBs are projected to be sophomores in Rojesterman Farris II and Zach Wilson, while Senior Daniel Lewis, Jr. will start at Safety.
The Punting job is open as well, as freshman Stan Gaudion is set to take over with zero experience.
The left side of the line is open as well. Senior David Manoa picked up 2.5 TFLs in a rotation role last season at DE, and isprojected to start, while Viane Moala, a sophomore, could be starting at DT.
Hawaii will be entering the season with their sixth DC since 2013 in Lagi Suiaunoa, so it will, again, be an adjustment period while the team adjusts to his schemes. Kevin Lempa left for Michigan after last season.
2017 Schedule: 8/26 at U Mass, 9/2 Western Carolina, 9/9 at UCLA, 9/23 at Wyoming, 9/30 Colorado State, 10/7 at Nevada, 10/14 San Jose State, 10/28 San Diego State, 11/4 at UNLV,  11/11 Fresno State, 11/18 at Utah State, 11/25 BYU
Final Overview
Hawaii, while maybe not being the most talented team in the league, is certainly one of the more exciting teams to watch, as their constantly changing schemes in games keeps teams guessing on both sides of the football. The offense goes from run and shoot to power football, to speed football, while the defense goes from 4-3, to add man, and shifts personnel all over the field. In any event, there is enough talent to win another seven games, and return to a bowl game, which would most likely return the Warriors home to the Hawaii Bowl. With the recent past being what it has been, I would say that this would be one heck of an accomplishment.

Bilo's 2017 College Football Previews: San Diego State Aztecs

San Diego State Aztecs
San Diego State, long a basic doormat in the old WAC, has found a new life under head coach Rocky Long, and for two years now has established themselves as a dominant power in the extremely weak Mountain West West Division. With Donnel Pumphrey working up record rushing numbers, the Aztecs pounded the football to impressive seasons, and last season won the MWC conference championship. Pumphrey is gone, but there are more than enough tools coming back to ensure that SDSU can win the West once again, but are they good enough to take the overall crown, and push for more?
What To Be Excited About: Offense
Even with Pumphrey being gone, the Aztec running game is in excellent hands with the return of Rashaad Penny, who rushed for 1018 yards as the primary "backup" last season. Penny is an explosive back, always capable of breaking the long run, as he averaged 7.49 yards per carry last fall while scoring 11 times. Talented sophomore Juwan Washington also showed major promise by averaging just over eight yards per carry last fall, and should help give the Aztecs another top flight one-two punch in the run game.
Christian Chapman returns for his third season as a starting QB for the Aztecs, and has proven to be an adept game manager in the run first offense for this offense. He passed for 1994 yards and 20 scores last fall, while tossing just six INTs. He completed 61% of his passing attempts, and he does what is asked of by the offensive flow, and more importantly, he rarely makes dumb mistakes with the football.
WR Mikah Holder and TE David Wells both return this fall as well after finishing one and two in total receiving for the Aztecs. They combined for 52 receptions last fall for 875 yards and nine scores.
John Barron II hit 21/23 FG attempts in what was an almost automatic season for him. He returns to carry the load at PK.
What To Be Concerned About: Offense
The line lost a ton of talent after last season, and returns only one starter in RG Antonio Rosales. Long did not go the route of other MWC teams in search of line help, and avoided the JC circuit to better develop the talent that he had on hand, which may pay big dividends down the line. Tyler Roemer (LT) and Keith Ismael (LG) will man the left side of the line and are both freshmen. Nick Gerhard (C) is just a sophomore. Ryan Pope will be the most experienced new starter at RT, and is a junior.
What To Be Excited About: Defense
The Aztecs play in a 3-3-5 defense, and as such, the secondary will return the most experience of any unit on that side of the field. Three starters return in CB Ron Smith, S Parker Baldwin, and FS Trey Lomax. Smith played in all 14 games and finished with four PBUs as he was forced onto the field as a freshman due to injuries. He also finished with three INTs. Baldwin finished with seven PBUs and a pair of INTs. Lomax finished with 33 tackles on the season. Kameron Kelly was one of those players who saw time last season, and returns as a starting CB this fall, even though he could move to Safety in fall camp. He finished second on the team with five INTs last season. Trenton Thompson, who saw some time as a freshman last fall, may end up starting at Safety as well.
Ryan Dunn and Ronley Lakalaka will both start at OLB this fall. Lakalaka finished second on the team with 73 tackles last season. Dunn started late, but played in 12 games, and finished with 24 tackles.
What To Be Concerned About: Defense
The Aztecs lost a ton of production and pressure with the departures of Alex Barrett and Kyle Kelly on the line, and Calvin Munson at MLB. With those departures, 31.5 TFLs from last season come off the board, leaving the Aztecs to look for a new group of pressure providers in fall camp this season. Noble Hall, who finished with six TFLs, will return at DE, while a pair of seniors, Sergio Phillips (NT) and Dakota Turner (DE) will step into starting roles in camp.
Jay Henderson, another senior, will try to replace Munson at MLB.
The Punting job is open heading into camp as well. Freshman Neil Boudreau will step in to try to take on a job that has been held by a long line of successful Aztec kickers.
2017 Schedule: 9/2 UC-Davis, 9/9 at Arizona State, 9/16 Stanford,  9/23 at Air Force, 9/30 Northern Illinois, 10/7 at UNLV, 10/14 Boise State, 10/21 Fresno State, 10/28 at Hawaii, 11/4 at San Jose State, 11/18 Nevada, 11/24 New Mexico
Final Overview
The only glaring issue, for me, this season is on the offensive line. If Rocky Long's gamble pays off, that of not trading in his future by allowing young players to take over, this team could more than easily take the West again, but could also be in line for a larger conference title. The window for Aztec title runs is still wide open, and if the line gels in camp, and everything falls together early, this season could be at least as good as last, and maybe a touch better. The schedule should not intimidate anyone, as the Aztecs, like against Cal last season, should be favored outright against Arizona State, even on the road. I even like their chances for an upset win over Stanford in San Diego, but would not go so far as to favor them there. I can easily see another ten win season on the horizon for this team, with an easy West division title. Despite their losses, the Aztecs still look just fine.

Bilo's 2017 College Football Previews: Utah State Aggies

Utah State Aggies
A few short seasons ago, Matt Wells, the head coach of the Aggies, was one of the hottest names around in coaching circles, and everyone wanted to talk to him about open jobs they had. Now, the window on all of that seems closed, if only for the moment. It is true that Wells stock has slipped in a big way, as the Aggies have now won just nine games in two seasons. They now find themselves looking at trouble areas on both lines, and are trying to stop gap the issue with JC transfers and freshmen. With those issues so glaringly large, are the Aggies in a position to make due and push forward, or has the window on one of the more successful eras of Utah State football closed for the foreseeable future?
What To Be Excited About: Offense
Kent Myers returns to the fold at QB in 2017, and although his numbers were not great overall last fall, he still may be the best bet that the Aggies have of generating more offense than a year ago. He passed for 2389 yards and 10 TDs, but also tossed eight picks, and completed 58.4% of his passes. The offense will ride on his shoulders, and he will have a ton to carry.
Tony Lindsey returns at RB, and averaged 5.16 yards per carry, but really does need to be unleashed this fall after averaging just over 12 carries per game last fall. If the aggies can get more out of him (at least 15 carries per game), it may be a huge key to fixing some of the issues they had a year ago. He tied Myers and backup QB Damion Hobbs with six rushing TDs.
Ron'Quavion Tarver led the team in receiving last fall, and returns after catching 46 passes for 602 yards last season. Rayshad Lewis, the second leading receiver with 40 receptions, also returns, which gives the passing game half a chance to succeed this season.
What To Be Concerned About: Offense
The line returns just one starter in RT Preston Brooksby. The net has been flung far and wide for replacements and depth, but there just is not very much experience in this group, which could be what eventually does the team in. Two juniors (LT Roman Andrus and C Quin Ficklin), a sophomore (RG KJ Uluave), and a freshman (LG Ty Shaw) are all set to win starting jobs in camp battles this fall.
The PK job is being handed to Dominik Eberle full time after he participated in four games last season. He hit just 3/5 attempts, but that was in limited duty. It's time to see what he can do as a sophomore.
What To Be Excited About: Defense
The best part of this defense returns three starters, and that is the secondary. The Aggies ranked 11th nationally against the pass last season, so it is a good building block to start with. Jalen Davis is back at CB, while Dallin Leavitt and Jontrell Rocquemore are the returning Safeties. Davis was good for seven PBUs last fall at CB, while Leavitt finished with 57 tackles and Rocquemore finished with 40 tackles on the year. Leavitt finished with three INTs to lead the team as well.
Two starters are back at LB, one inside and one outside. Alex Huerta is back inside, while Derek Larson is back outside. Huerta finished with 45 tackles last fall, while Larson finished with 43. They will take over the leadership from departed starters Anthony Williams and Brock Carmen.
What To Be Concerned About: Defense
The Aggies employ a three man front, and only one starter returns in Ian Togiai. Togiai was not the most productive end in the land, as he finished with just three TFLs for a total of six yards. Sophomore Jacoby Wildman and junior Gasetoto Schuster are expected to win jobs at DE and NG respectively.
The Punting job is back in the hands of Aaron Dalton, but he struggled to a tune of an average of 37.87 yards per punt last fall.
2017 Schedule: 9/1 at Wisconsin, 9/7 Idaho State, 9/16 at Wake Forest, 9/23 at San Jose State, 9/29 BYU, 10/7 Colorado State, 10/14 Wyoming, 10/21 at UNLV, 10/28 Boise State, 11/4 at New Mexico, 11/18 Hawaii, 11/25 at Air Force
Final Overview
The Aggies have serious issues on both sides of the ball on the line, and really do not have enough consistency in the passing game. That is a major issue for a team that has slid down the ranks of the Mountain West the last two years. The pieces do not appear to be in place to escape the gravity well of the bottom of the highly competitive Mountain Division of the MWC, and Matt Wells and his staff are trying to find answers. The only real shot for the Aggies is if defensive shortcomings by both Air Force and New Mexico are bad enough to have those teams fall deeper than the Aggies this season, especially with a fairly brutal early schedule that includes three road trips in their first four games, and the home games are not exactly kind either. The three wins from last season are about all anyone could expect, and I believe that the team may only be favored once all season, and that would be in week two against Idaho State.

Bilo's 2017 College Football Previews: Air Force Falcons

Air Force Falcons
The Falcons graduated their largest senior class ever after last season, and with that class, they lost some of the best players to have ever played at the Academy. Now Troy Calhoun is going to have to do his best coaching job in his stint at Air Force if he is to get this team even close to chasing 10 wins again this fall. There is enough talent on offense to compensate, but with 10 starters gone on defense, can the Falcons compete in the MWC Mountain Division in 2017?
What To Be Excited About: Offense
The Falcons get the interesting and happy dilemma of having two returning starting QBs who both do very different things for their offense. Arion Worthman took over just over midway through the season in 2016, and is a flashy runner who really drives the option offense forward. He was instrumental last season in helping the staff realize that the offense is best served when running the football is a priority, and Worthman handles that role like a pro. Nate Romine also returns, and is the passer to Worthman's runner. Romine was not nearly successful when it came to running the ball, as he averaged under three yards per carry last fall. Where Worthman edges ahead is with his performance in the Arizona Bowl, where he showed that, when necessary, he could toss the rock, as he did in the win over South Alabama, by passing for 207 yards in a 24 point win.
Tim McVey returns at TB, and he is one of the best that Air Force has every had, and one of the most explosive. He holds the career record for yards per rushing attempt at 8.4, and also has a craeer yards per catch record at 27.8. His 26 TDs has him ranking 10th all-time on the Air Force records. He finished with 708 yards rushing last fall, and scored 10 times, while averaging 8.53 yards per carry.
The Falcons will be set at the Tackles and at Center when it comes to the line, as Jake Barnhorst and James Rast return at the OT spots, and Alex Norton is back at Center.
Luke Strebel returns, and was one of the best kickers in the nation last fall, hitting 22/25 attempts on the season.
What To Be concerned About: Offense
Jalen Robinette is gone at WR, and was an all-time great at the Academy. Three receivers are battling to replace him in Jake Malkovich, Marcus Bennett, and Geraud Sanders. Tyler Williams, who is a returning starter, caught just six passes last fall.
The Falcons will also be seeking new starters on the interior line, as both Guard spots are open as we approach fall camp. Ryan Beveridge and Griffin Landrum are the leaders for those jobs as we head to camp.
What To Be Excited About: Defense
There is next to nothing to be certain about as we approach the 2017 season on defense for the Falcons, as LB Grant Ross is the lone returning starter in the entire unit. Ross finished with 68 tackles last season, which was good for third on the team. He also added 6.5 TFLs and 3.5 sacks.
What To Be Concerned About: Defense
The simple answer here is everything. 10 new starters need to be identified. Santo Coppola is going to get the nod at DE as a senior, while fellow senior Cody Moorhead will start at DT. Mosese Fifita, a sophomore, will be the leader at NG as we head to camp.
Three new starters must be found at LB, with Ross taking up one of the inside spots. He will be joined inside by Shaquille Vereen, a senior. The outside backers as of now look to be RJ Jackson and Jack Flor.
The entire secondary is getting replaced. Marquis Griffin and Dailen Sutton have the edge at CB, while Kyle Floyd and James Jones IV are the leaders at the Safety spots.
The Falcons also will be needing a new Punter, which appears to be Cecil Moskowitz as of this moment.
2017 Schedule: 9/2 VMI, 9/16 at Michigan, 9/23 San Diego State, 9/30 at New Mexico, 10/7 at Navy, 10/14 UNLV, 10/20 at Nevada, 10/28 at Colorado State, 11/4 Army, 11/11 Wyoming, 11/18 at Boise State, 11/25 Utah State
Final Overview
With all things being as they are, and with such a massive graduating class, it is impossible for me to say that Air Force gets anywhere near winning another 10 games this fall. The opener is a breeze, and then everything turns meat grinder, with games against Michigan, San Diego State, New Mexico, and Navy. Three of the final five games are against Colorado State, Wyoming, and Boise State, with Army falling in between, and that is no guarantee. Just getting to a bowl game will be enough for this version of Falcons Football.

Bilo's 2017 College Football Previews: Colorado State Rams

Colorado State Rams
Colorado State pushed through last season to finish 7-5, but had a miserable defensive performance in the Idaho Potato Bowl, and gave up 61 points to an Idaho team that had announced that they were heading back to the FCS ranks in 2018. Clearly, Colorado State was not prepared for what was coming with Idaho playing in their own state for the bowl. At 14-12 after two seasons, and with a brand new stadium opening up, Mike Bobo has got to find a way to push this team to the next level, or else he may not be what this program needs to do so. Is this the year?
What To Be Excited About: Offense
Nick Stevens was horrible in a loss to Colorado last season, and then missed the following month after being benched. He stuck it out, and played in ten games, passing for 19 TDs and just five picks after getting back into the starting role after Collin Hill wrecked his ACL. He may be ready for a big comeback season in 2017.
Dalyn Dawkins returns at RB after rushing for 919 yards last fall. Izzy Matthews is the power back, and also returns after rushing for 13 scores last fall. Marvin Kinsey returns as well after injuring his knee last season, and could be a candidate for a breakout season after averaging 5.87 yards per carry last fall.
Michael Gallup became Stevens' best friend last season, and likely saved Steven's career as a Ram as well. He finished with 1272 yards receiving last fall on 76 catches. He scored 14 times and averaged 16.74 yards per catch. Olabisi Johnson returns as well, and I expect him to see numbers advanced of where he was a year ago. He averaged just under 22 yards per reception last fall. Detrich Clark is back as well, and moves into the starting lineup after limited action a year ago.
Wyatt Bryan is back at PK, and was largely solid as a sophomore, hitting 11/14 FG attempts on the season.
What To Be Concerned About: Offense
The offensive line may be a work in progress, as only two starters return this fall in LT Zack Golditch and C Jake Bennett. Colby Meeks could start at LG, while Jeff Taylor (RG) and Trae Moxley (RT) will also get starting shots in fall camp.
What To Be Excited About: Defense
The line looks to be a strength this fall, as four players with starting experience will return to start. Toby McBride played a ton in rotation as a freshman last fall, and finished with four sacks. NT Darnell Thompson added another 3.5 sacks as well to provide pressure up the middle. Evan Colorito will return to start at DE after a 10 TFL season, and DT Jakob Buys added another four. This very well could be one of the best defensive lines in the Mountain West.
Josh Watson and Tre Thomas both return to start at LB. Watson finished with 90 tackles last fall, and added 7.5 TFLs. Thomas added seven TFLs on 38 total tackles. Kevin Davis is gone, but 2015 starter Deonte Clyburn will be back from missing all of last season with an injury.
I usually would be concerned about freshman Punters, but Ryan Stonehouse comes from a long line of Punters, and he was the highest rated high school punter in this class. He averaged over 45 yards per punt at Mater Dei in California.
What To Be Concerned About: Defense
The secondary has some missing parts this season, as two starters need to be replaced. CB Kevin Nutt, Jr. is back, as is FS Jake Schlager. Nutt was not the most active CB in the nation last year, and only finished with one PBU. Schlager finished with 73 tackles, but is not the most active Safety in pass coverage. Justin Sweet is in line to win the open CB job, while Jamal Hicks, a sophomore, may end up with the SS spot.
2017 Schedule: 8/26 Oregon State, 9/1 Colorado @ Denver, 9/8 Abilene Christian, 9/16 at Alabama, 9/30 at Hawaii, 10/7 at Utah State, 10/14 Nevada, 10/20 at New Mexico, 10/28 Air Force, 11/4 at Wyoming, 11/11 Boise State, 11/18 San Jose State
Final Overview
There has been a lot of talk around Colorado State looking for greener pastures outside of the Mountain West for the last year now, and there has been some interest with the new stadium going into play this fall. If that is to truly happen, however, winning seven games per season and scraping into a bowl game will not cut it. This is a solid year for the Rams to shock some people beyond the seven wins that I see on the schedule once more. If they can win just two games in which they will likely be a dog, that would be enough to push for a division title run this season. If they fall short of that, the Rams may want to start thinking about whether or not Mike Bobo is enough to lead them into the new era. The brass ring is there, the division is winnable, the window is open, and the brass ring is within reach. Time to make a run at it all.

Bilo's 2017 College Football Previews: New Mexico Lobos

New Mexico Lobos
After a 2-3 start, it wasn't looking good for the Lobos, especially with one of those losses coming against state arch rival New Mexico State. Another of those losses came to one of the worst teams in the nation in Rutgers as well. after a 28 point loss to Boise State, the Lobos picked themselves up and took off on a five game winning streak, and ended up picking up a share of the Mountain Division title. New Mexico finished the season on a 7-1 run and won the New Mexico Bowl as well. Will this version of Lobos football have enough to make yet another run for a division title, or will they end up settling back down the chain again?
What To Be Excited About: Offense
The Lobos do lose Teriyon Gibson at RB, but they return junior Tyrone Owens, who rushed for 1097 yards and seven scores last season, and there should be no drop off, as Richard McQuarley also returns after rushing for 18 TDs. He is also the prime short yardage back.
Lamar Jordan is the starting QB, and will not be sharing the job in 2017. He rushed for 739 yards last season in the option oriented offense, and passed for 681 yards. His running skills are more important than his passing skills in this offense, as UNM loves to pound the rock and keep the football on the ground.
When the Lobos do need to throw the football, they have a decent set of receivers to go to in Patrick Reed and Matt Quarells. Delane Hart-Johnson, who redshirted last season because of injuries sustained in a car crash, also returns, and was the second best receiver on the team in 2015.
Jason Sanders was almost automatic on FG tries last season as he hit 12/13, and will be back to handle the job once again.
What To Be Concerned About: Offense
The line is not a sure thing this fall, as only two starters return in C Blaise Fountain and RG Aaron Jenkins. A pair of sophomores seem set to start on the left side in LT Beau Hott and LG Charlie Grammel. Senior Avery Johnson is being given the shot to win the job at RT.
The Lobos will get young at TE as well, as sophomore Erik Beilman is set to start there as we head into fall camp.
What To Be Excited About: Defense
There is not a ton to be excited about on this defensive unit, as only two starters return from the final game of last season. DE Garrett Hughes is the returnee up front, and finished with 6.5 sacks last fall at DE. Kimmie Carson is back at LB as well after finishing with 58 tackles and 7.5 TFLs.
Corey Bojorquez is back at Punter, and had a solid season in 2016 while averaging 42.18 yards per punt. With a mostly new defensive lineup, his leg will be ever more important in 2017.
What To Be Concerned About: Defense
The Lobos allowed 31.5 points per game last season, and that was an improvement over 2015. with nine starters missing from the team this fall, it is hard to see the Lobos continue the trend of improvement, and the offense may have to win in shootout mode.
Cody Baker is set to take over at the open DE spot, while senior Johnnie Williams takes over at NT. Hughes could also shift over to NT to open up yet another DE spot.
Austin Ocasio and Alex Hart are stepping into starting roles at LB to work with Carson.
The entire secondary must be replaced, and that means five spots in the 3-3-5 defense. Jordan Boatright and D'Angelo Ross look to be the CBs, while Jake Rothschiller, Jacob Girgle, and Kenneth Maxwell are in line for the three open Safety jobs.
2017 Schedule: 9/2 Abilene Christian, 9/9 New Mexico State, 9/14 at Boise State, 9/23 at Tulsa, 9/30 Air Force, 10/14 at Fresno State, 10/20 Colorado State, 10/28 at Wyoming, 11/4 Utah State, 11/11 at Texas A&M, 11/17 UNLV, 11/25 at San Diego State
Final Overview
The Lobos will have to really push this new defense hard if they wish to get close to returning to their status of last season. With all of the new moving parts, and what they have lost, it's hard for me to look at this football team and see a group that can push back for a share of the Mountain Division title this fall. I think that the team can be competitive, but there are just too many holes, and too many games that I can see this team losing to make it all work. I see this as a five win football team this fall, unfortunately.

Bilo's 2017 College Football Previews: Wyoming Cowboys

Wyoming Cowboys
After a 7-2 start last season that included a win over Boise State (the Cowboys later also beat San Diego State), the wheels fell off of the wagon a bit, and Wyoming finished the season  by losing four of their final five. Still, the Cowboys had done just enough to get to the MWC title game, where they fell by a FG in their rematch against San Diego State. The Cowboys, like Boise State, lost a ton of talent off of their roster after last season, but expect Craig Bohl and his staff to keep the wheels churning in a tough, but winnable, Mountain West Mountain Division.
What To Be Excited About: Offense
Josh Allen is back at QB as a junior, and will be the primary focus of the Cowboy offense this fall. He passed for  yards and 28 TDs, but he will have to find a way to decrease his mistakes (15 INTs) and increase his accuracy (56%). Still, Allen has the most potential of any QB in the league, and that could carry this team far.
Four starters return up front on the line, including LT Zach Wallace, C Gavin Rush, RG Kaden Jackson, and RT Ryan Cummings.
What To Be Concerned About: Offense
Brian Hill, one of the most productive backs in Mountain West and Wyoming history, as departed early, leaving a gaping hole at RB. Projected starter Milo Hall does not have a single carry in the program, and could end up sharing the load.
James Price and CJ Johnson are the new starting WRs, as both spots came open after last season. They combined for all of 27 receptions last fall, and sophomore Austin Conway added just 11.
The PK job is back in the hands of Cooper Rothe, but he was hardly dependable enough last fall, hitting on just 13/20 FG attempts.
What To Be Excited About: Defense
The Cowboys will be set at DE this fall, as both Carl Granderson and Kevin Prosser return. Prosser led the team with 11 TFLs last fall, while Granderson added another six.
The secondary looks like it should be the strength of the defense this fall, as three starters return. Marcus Epps and Andrew Wingard are back at SS and FS respectively, while Rico Gafford is back at CB. Wingard led the team last fall with a whopping 131 tackles, and Epps added another 111. They also combined for four forced fumbles. Gafford finished with five PBUs, and also added another two forced fumbles of his own. This group combined for seven INTs as well.
LB Logan Wilson is also back this fall at an outside spot, and tied for the team lead with three INTs last fall, while adding 94 tackles and 7.5 TFLs.
What To Be Concerned About: Defense
While the ends are all set up front, the Cowboys get two new starters on the interior. Sydney Malauulu has the insdie crack at the DT spot, while Youhanna Ghaifan is slotted in at NT for now.
Wilson being back at LB is a great thing, but there will be two new starters working with him. Jalan Ortiz finished with just 15 tackles in seven games last fall, while Cassh Maluia finished with just 16 tackles in 13 games as a freshman last fall.
Rico Gafford is likely to be holding on tohis starting job at CB, but Robert Priester is in a dog fight to start at the other CB spot, as several Cowboys have starting experience at CB, and are making it difficult for any one candidate to hold onto the job.
Wyoming suffered many injuries on defense last season, and if the Cowboys are to make another run at the Mountain Division title in the MWC, they will have to stay on the field as individuals, and do better than allowing 34 points per game.
The Punting job is also open, with freshman Tim Zaleski to get first look in fall camp.
2017 Schedule: 9/2 at Iowa, 9/9 Gardner-Webb, 9/16 Oregon, 9/23 Hawaii, 9/30 Texas State, 10/14 at Utah State, 10/21 at Boise State, 10/28 New Mexico, 11/4 Colorado State, 11/11 at Air Force, 11/18 Fresno State, 11/25 at San Jose State
Final Overview
The Cowboys made an unexpected run to a share of the Mountain Division title, and played in the MWC title game last season, narrowly missing out on a conference championship. They will be playing with an unusual target on their backs this season, and the early schedule is fairly difficult, with games against Iowa and Boise State on the road, and Oregon and Hawaii at home. The Cowboys do get New Mexico and Colorado State at home, and the last two games should be wins. The roster has some questions, and some holes, so the Cowboys are anything but a sure bet, but luckily, the Mountain Division could be watered down from where it was last season.

Bilo's 2017 College Football Previews: Boise State Broncos

Boise State Broncos
The Broncos Had a couple of losses that were tough to swallow in conference play, and were games that they never would have lost a few years ago. Boise State lost to Wyoming, and then lost to Air Force in the regular season finale, and ended up in the Cactus Bowl, where a team that was completely uninspired got hammered by a Baylor team that was on a six game losing skid. That is not typical of this program to fall flat like that, so this season has to be about some unfinished business, and the Broncos are also scrapping this fall to reclaim their reputation as a Power Five killer. Will they be able to overcome the mistakes of last season and get back to the top of the heap in the Mountain West, and on the national scene?
What To Be Excited About: Offense
Brett Rypien is back as a junior, and we should see some interesting year to year growth in the nephew of Washington State legend Mark Rypien. Brett played well at times, but when he did turn it over (eight picks last fall), it was at severely inopportune times. He will have to be able to play smarter and more under control this fall, but that is all possible. He passed for  yards and 24 scores last fall, and completed 61.9% of his passes.
What To Be Concerned About: Offense
There are more questions than answers this season for the Broncos on the offensive side of the football. Jeremy McNichols being gone at RB is one of those glaring issues. He rushed for 1709 yards last fall, and then took his talents to the NFL draft. Alexander Mattison, a sophomore, has been ttagged as the potential starter, but has all of 67 career carries behind him. He has potential, but potential has to turn into reality.
Thomas Sperbeck is also gone at WR. Cedrick Wilson is back at WR, and is a big time threat. He caught 56 passes for 1129 yards and a team leading 11 scores last fall, and averaged just over 20 yards per catch. That is the good news. The bad news is that Sean Modster and AJ Richardson have been tagged as the other two starters at WR, and they combined for 13 receptions last fall. The entire receiving corps outside of Wilson coming back this season have a combined 29 catches.
Only two starters return on the line in LT Archie Lewis and C Mason Hampton. This unit will have to gel quickly for Rypien to have a chance to grow, and for  Mattison to be able to continue on as a member of a long line of successful Bronco backs.
The PK position is also open after Tyler Rausa, who struggled at times last fall, has departed. Joel Velazquez, a freshman, is slated to get the nod there.
What To Be Excited About: Defense
Three starters are slated to return on the line, and they will be instrumental in the new attacking style being implemented on defense. Durrant Miles is back at DE, while Jabril Frazier is returning at STUD end. They combined for 9.5 TFLs last fall. David Moa is back at DT, and could switch to NT. He finished with 8.5 sacks last season, and is the true star up front. Sonatane Lui will likely start as a sophomore at the open DT spot.
What To Be Concerned About: Defense
There are no returning starters at LB for the Broncos this fall. Not one player slated to start heading into fall camp has started in a game with the exception of  Leighton Vander Esch, who was hindered by injuries last fall. Tyson Maeva played sparingly as a freshman, while Desmond Williams will be a freshman.
The secondary boasts only one returning starter in CB Tyler Horton, who finished with nine PBUs last fall to go with 35 tackles. Junior Michael Young is getting his first real action, as he is tagged as the starter opposite Horton at CB entering fall camp. Kekoa Nawahine and DeAndre Pierce are slotted in as the starting safeties, and while they got some time in as freshmen last season, they are expected to take on much bigger roles as sophomores.
The Punting game is on reboot as well, as Joel Velasquez is expected to start here as well as at PK, which is a lot for a freshman to be taking on.
2017 Schedule: 9/2 Troy, 9/9 at Washington State, 9/14 New Mexico, 9/22 Virginia, 10/6 at BYU, 10/14 at San Diego State, 10/21 Wyoming, 10/28 at Utah State, 11/4 Nevada, 11/11 at Colorado State, 11/18 Air Force, 11/25 at Fresno State
Final Overview
After what could be a three or four win opening month for the Broncos, depending on how they fare with Washington State on the road, things get real as we head into October. The middle month of the slate is a meat grinder for the Broncos, as the first three games of the month are all losable games with BYU, San Diego State, and Wyoming. November also has tough games with Air Force at home and Colorado State on the road. This will be no easy run for the Broncos in 2017, and that opener with Troy is a trap as well. If the young defense does not come together, and create more than nine turnovers that they created last season, Bryan Harsin's group could be in for some trouble. There will be no easy ride to the MWC title this fall.

Bilo's 2017 College Football Previews: Ball State Cardinals

Ball State Cardinals
Head coach Mike Neu took over at his former school last fall, and as could be predicted, had some issues getting things off of the ground for the Cardinals. The start of the season was promising, as the Cardinals started off 3-1, but then the wheels came off late, with Ball State losing their final five games. We can probably expect a bit more in terms of program building from Neu this season, but how much can we expect to happen, and how fast?
What To Be Excited About: Offense
Riley Neal did not play at all in spring ball as he recovered from non throwing shoulder surgery. He should be ready to go in fall camp, and should be all in on opening day. He is a gifted two way threat at QB, but he has got to cut down on his turnovers and increase his ability to make big plays, which he has the propensity for. He passed for 13 TDs last fall, while throwing 12 INTs, but he did rush for eight more scores.
James Gilbert is one of the best backs in the MAC, and returns for more work in 2017 after rushing for 1332 yards and 12 scores last fall. He averaged 5.31 yards pr carry and 11 yards rushing per game. Darian Green and Malik Dunner will add depth in the run game as well.
Three starters will return on the line in LT Pat Maloney, LG Vinnie Palazeti, and RT Alex Joss.
Morgan Hagee is one of the better kickers in the MAC after hitting 15/19 FG attempts last season as a sophomore.
What To Be Concerned About: Offense
If Neal cannot stay healthy, Jack Milas gets the call, and he only completed 20/38 passes last fall. The other issue in the passing game is that the Cardinals have to replace each starting WR, and the starting TE. Riley Miller, Jordan Hogue, and Devin Reece have the inside tracks to start at WR, but they don't bring a ton of experience with them. Danny Pinter gets first shot at the TE job.
The interior line has some holes at C and RG. A pair of sophomores are up for the jobs in Andrew Poenitsch at C, and Zac Ricketts at RG.
What To Be Excited About: Defense
There is not a ton of early hope on defense at all, as just three starters return in DE Anthony Winbush, DT Kevin Willis, and CB Marc Walton. Winbush finished with 10.5 TFLs last fall, and Willis added 4.5. Walton was a star at CB, finishing with 11 PBUs on the year.
What To Be Concerned About: Defense
The entire defense is in some state of disarray as we head into fall camp, with the line being the only area that is at least half resolved. Sophomore Chris Crumb will step in at NG, while freshman Frank Burton III is likely going to win the open DE job.
The entire LB corps will be new and very young. Brandon Martin is getting a look at OLB, and is a freshman, while junior Damon Singleton, a junior, is likely to line up on the other side. MLB candidate Jacob White is just a sophomore.
The secondary needs three new starters to line up with Walton. Josh Miller could get a look at CB, while Armani McNulty (SS) and Romero Wade (FS) are also starting candidates.
The Punter job is a bit of a problem as well, as Hagee may have to handle that job after averaging just 36 yards per try last fall.
2017 Schedule: 9/2 at Illinois, 9/9 UAB, 9/16 Tennessee Tech, 9/23 at Western Kentucky, 9/30 at Western Michigan, 10/7 at Akron, 10/21 Central Michigan, 10/26 Toledo, 11/2 at Eastern Michigan, 11/9 at Northern Illinois, 11/16 Buffalo, 11/21 Miami (Ohio)
Final Overview
This is a process for Neu and his staff, and things may take a step back before taking a step forward this fall. The early schedule lends itself to a potential fast start once again, but by week four, things get real with the schedule, and the Cardinals also suffer three straight road games from the end of September into October. The defense is a royal mess, and the offense has questions in the passing game, so to expect anything better than another four win season would be unreasonable at this point. All you can do is watch the development happen, and expect to see some growth here and there. Expect nothing more.

Bilo's 2017 College Football Previews: Northern Illinois Huskies

Northern Illinois Huskies
Last season saw a rare dip in the Northern Illinois win total, and the Huskies were stumped with a five win season, the first season in recent memory where the Huskies did not see a bowl game. Everyone wanted Rod Carey's head on a platter last fall, but that, in my opinion, was a rush to judgement, as the Huskies could not buy a healthy QB. With a wealth of health in 2017, can NIU climb back to the perch in the MAC West?
What To Be Excited About: Offense
Jordan Huff will be the lead RB in a three headed monster setup for the Huskies, and rushed for 703 yards last fall, while scoring five times as the primary backup. He averaged 6.33 yards per carry, and could be a big breakout candidate for the Huskies this fall. Marcus Jones and Tommy Mister will also get into the action, and could give the Huskies one of the deeper rotations in the nation.
Christian Blake is back at WR, as is Shane Wimann at TE. They should provide reliable targets for whomever comes out ahead in the QB battle that will carry over into fall camp. They combined for over 56 receptions last fall for just over 700 yards and nine scores.
Three starters are back on the line in LT Max Scharping, LG Jordan Steckler, and C Luke Shively.
What To Be Concerned About: Offense
The Huskies have played five different QBs in the starting role over the last two seasons due to injury. That has got to change this season, and someone must stay healthy between Ryan Graham and Daniel Santacaterina this season. Either could handle the job if they can reduce mistakes and just be game managers, and that lends better to Graham, but someone has to win the job, as this battle will flow into fall camp.
There will be two new starters at WR for the Huskies around Blake. Chad Beebe and DJ Brown have the edge to start as of now, but again, that will not go final until we wrap up fall camp in late August.
The right side of the line needs to be rebuilt, with Shane Evans having first crack at RG, and Ryan Roberts will have a shot at RT.
The PK game is also a bit of a mess, as Christian Hagan only managed to hit 11/18 FG attempts last fall.
What To Be Excited About: Defense
The secondary will be the strength of the defense, as several holes exist in the front seven. Shawun Lurry is back to start at CB, and finished with 11 PBUs last season. Albert Smalls is set to take over the starting CB job opposite Lurry. Mayomi Olootu, Jr. and Jalen Embry will also get some action in there as well. Traquan Smith is back at SS, and Mycial Allen will be back at FS. Brandon Mayes will also see time at both spots, giving the Huskies one of the best Safety units in the league and in the nation.
What To Be Concerned About: Defense
DE Josh Corcoran is back this fall after recording seven TFLs last fall, but he is the only returning player with any real production on the line. William Lee is back at NG as well, but his numbers are not flashy. Sutton Smith gets the edge to start at DE, while Ben LeRoy is being given a shot to win the DT spot.
Bobby Jones IV is the lone returning starting LB. He finished with 59 tackles. Kyle Pugh and Jawuan Johnson are getting a shot to win the open jobs, but they lack in total production.
The Punting job is open as well, with senior Josh Orne looking like the leader for the job.
2017 Schedule: 9/1 Boston College, 9/9 Eastern Illinois, 9/16 at Nebraska, 9/30 at San Diego State, 10/7 Kent State, 10/14 at Buffalo, 10/21 at Bowling Green, 10/26 Eastern Michigan, 11/2 at Toledo, 11/9 Ball State, 11/15 Western Michigan, 11/24 at Central Michigan
Final Overview
If the Huskies can get a blessing from the health fairy, they should be able to do well enough to get back to a bowl game this fall. The early schedule is very difficult for them, with early non con games with Boston College, Nebraska, and San Diego State, but they get an easy road in October, before things tighten up again in November. With any luck, NIU can steal a game here or there, and really surprise some people, but seven wins should be the expectation baseline.

Bilo's 2017 College Football Previews: Central Michigan Chippewas

Central Michigan Chippewas
Jim Bonamego pushed the Chippewas once again in 2016, and the team surprised a few people along the way. This may very well be the most talented team that he has had thus far, however, and some people see CMU pushing past Western Michigan in the MAC West this season. With expectations on the rise, will the Chippewas live up to the promise and hype, or will they collapse under the pressure?
What To Be Excited About: Offense
Expect Devon Spalding to get more work in the spread attack as the run game will have to counter for a new QB. Spalding has big play potential, and rushed for 758 yards and six scores last season, and averaged 5.49 yards per carry. Sophomore Jonathon Ward will step up to the number two back position, and averaged 5.56 yards per carry last fall.
Corey Willis will be back as the primary target in the passing game after catching 71 passes for 1087 yards and nine scores, while averaging over 15 yards per catch last season. Mark Chapman also returns after catching 44 passes last season. TE Tyler Conklin is also a big time target who caught 42 passes for 560 yards and six scores last fall. Brandon Childress, a sophomore, is likely to break into the starting lineup as the third receiver.
The entire line is back in order this season. LT Jon Austin, LG Shakir Carr, C Austin Doan, RG JP Quinn, and RT Derek Edwards all return.
What To Be Concerned About: Offense
Cooper Rush has moved on, and that is bad news for the Chippewas. Tony Pujian, a RS freshman who is as big as a mountain (6-7) is the current leader for the job, and was a recruit at some Big Ten schools as a TE. He could be pushed by Michigan transfer Shane Morris, who never really lived up to his potential with the Wolverines.
The PK job is open as well, but that could be a good thing. Brian Eavey only hit 8/17 FG attempts last fall, and has moved on. Kaden Keon is in the lead as we head into fall camp.
What To Be Excited About: Defense
The Chippewas are all set at DE, as Chris Kantzavalos and Jon Ostman both return. Ostman led the team last fall with 13.5 TFLs and nine sacks. Kantzavalos finished with 22 tackles.
Both CBs also return with Amari Coleman and Josh Cox coming back. Coleman was one of the best CBs in the nation with 15 PBUs last season. Cox added five PBUs, and the two combined for seven INTs last fall.
Jack Sheldon is the returning starting Punter, and averaged 40.21 yards per punt last fall, but Cooper Mojssiejenko is also back if they need him after he averaged 40.95 yards per punt.
What To Be Concerned About: Defense
The Chippewas are looking to rebuild at DT after allowing 169 yards rushing per game last fall. D'Andre Dill and Nate Brisson-Fast are the leading candidates.
Malik Fountain is the lone returning starting LB from last season, but he did lead the team in tackles with 92. He will be flanked by new starters in Trevor Apsey and Carlos Clark.
The Chippewas also need two new starters at Safety. Otis Kearney and Tyjuan Swaith have the edge there as we head to fall camp.
2017 Schedule: 8/31 Rhode Island, 9/9 at Kansas, 9/16 at Syracuse, 9/23 Miami (Ohio), 9/30 at Boston College, 10/7 at Ohio, 10/14 Toledo, 10/21 at Ball State, 11/1 at Western Michigan, 11/8 Eastern Michigan, 11/14 at Kent State, 11/24 Northern Illinois
Final Overview
The Chippewas have been stuck in the middle for a couple of years now. It's now a time when the window is opening to move forward, but the real question is can the current staff move them around the corner? Can this team get to the next level in the MAC West? With a new QB coming in, that s a tough question to answer, especially with all of the equally heavy questions setting up on defense. The window is definitely open with the changes at Western Michigan, so now is the time to make the move.

Bilo's 2017 College Football Previews: Western Michigan Broncos

Western Michigan Broncos
The Broncos are starting a new era after their most successful season in school history closed out with a Cotton Bowl loss to Wisconsin. PJ Fleck is gone as head coach, but now WMU gets one of their own in charge in the form of former QB Tim Lester. Lester has a lot to live up to in his first season as coach of the Broncos, but there should be enough talent on hand to keep the Broncos relevant, even if they slip some from the heights of last fall. Will there be enough on hand to challenge Toledo in the MAC West?
What To Be Excited About: Offense
The run game should be a major strength for the Broncos in 2017, as Jarvion Franklin returns after rushing for 1353 yards and 12 TDs. He averaged 5.46 yards per carry, and 96.64 yards per game last fall. Jamauri Bogan is also back after rushing for 923 yards as the primary backup last fall, and that total was before he was injured. LeVante Bellamy also returns after missing all but three games last fall.
What To Be Concerned About: Offense
There is no clear cut QB as of now, as Zach Terrell has moved on. Tom Flacco, brother of Joe Flacco, is the only QB on the roster with game experience, and he has a scant amount of that. He is in a battle with Joe Wassink that will carry over into fall camp.
Corey Davis, the record setting WR, is gone, as are the top three WRs from last season's roster. The most experienced WR returning is D'Wayne Eskridge, who had all of 17 receptions as a freshman last fall. He now steps into the role of being the lead man. Keishawn Watson and Anton Curtis, also both sophomores, have the leads at the other two starting spots.
Only one starting lineman returns in LT Chukwuma Okorafor. Curtis Boyle has the lead at LG, John Keenoy has the lead at C, Luke Juriga at RG, and Elliott Jordan has the edge at RT.
Even PK Butch Hampton has departed to go and play soccer, and that is 19 FGs coming off the board.
What To Be Excited About: Defense
Two starting LBs will return this fall in Caleb Bailey and Robert Spillane. Spillane led the team last fall with 111 tackles, and also added 10.5 TFLs, while Bailey finished with 71 tackles as well, and added an additional 9.5 TFLs.
Three starters return in the secondary as well. Darius Phillips and Sam Beal are both back at CB, while Justin Tranquill is back at Safety. Phillips finished with nine PBUs, and Beal added another eight. Phillips also led the team with four INTs. Tranquill finished third on the team in tackles with 89. Expect senior Asantay Brown to have the edge at the open OLB spot, while Devontae Ginwright is the current leader at the open Safety spot.
Derrick Mitchell got some decent work in at Punter last season, and averaged 41.38 yards per punt.
What To Be Concerned About: Defense
DT Andre Turner is the lone returning starter on the line. He finished with 35 tackles and four TFLs last fall. Eric Assoua and Tony Balabini are the leading candidates to start at the DE spots, while Ken Finley has the edge to start at DT.
2017 Schedule: 9/2 at USC, 9/9 at Michigan State, 9/16 Idaho, 9/23 Wagner, 9/30 Ball State, 10/7 at Buffalo, 10/14 Akron, 10/21 at Eastern Michigan, 11/1 Central Michigan, 11/8 Kent State, 11/15 at Northern Illinois, 11/24 at Toledo
Final Overview
Western Michigan, with a new offense, and a new head coach, in principle, has enough left in the tank to make another seriously nice run in MAC play, but to repeat what they did last season would not be in the cards with as much as they have to adjust to in changes. I still see WMU covering eight or nine wins this season, and a bowl is more than reachable, but this is a new era, and so we have to wait and see how Tim Lester will place his stamp on his former school. Still, I see good things ahead for this program.

Bilo's 2017 College Football Previews: Eastern Michigan Eagles

Eastern Michigan Eagles
The EMU Eagles turned a major corner under Chris Creighton in 2016, and won a bowl game for the first time in nearly 30 years. The major challenge will be doing it once again in 2017, and now they have a target on them as a team to beat in the MAC. Creighton has now been given a contract extension as head coach until 2022, but is it possible to maintain winning and heading to bowls at a school where the student body and some faculty wanted the program cut just a year ago? Has the attitude on campus changed enough to warrant a long term future for the program?
What To Be Excited About: Offense
Brogan Roback became a star at QB, even if he did not fully start until mid-season last fall. He managed to pass for 2694 yards and 18 TDs to just seven picks last fall, and will not have the pressure of losing the job this season. He will drive the train moving forward, and may be one of the best QBs in the conference as we head into fall camp.
Ian Erickson rushed for 771 yards and scored nine times at RB last season, and the expectation is tha he will grow even more this fall. He is not an explosive back, but he will provide consistency and keep defenses honest. Shaq Vann will be back from injury last season, and he is much more explosive than Erickson. If healthy, he may provide a major boost to this offense in 2017.
Sergio Bailey II is back at WR after finishing with 60 receptions for 868 yards last season. He will be a candidate for All-MAC in 2017. Eddie Daugherty also returns at WR after catching 31 passes, and Johnnie Niupalau is also back to round out the starting WR spots. Dan Buschman also returns at TE, and caught two TD passes last fall.
Paul Fricano had a solid freshman effort at PK last season, and hit 19 of 24 FG attempts. He may be even better this fall with a year behind him.
What To Be Concerned About: Offense
Ka'John Armstrong and Jimmy Leatiota are the only returning starters on the line this fall. With three new starters needed in fall camp, this should be the most focused upon area on this side of the football. This will also be a situation that could hinder the development of the offense across the board.
What To Be Excited About: Defense
Both LBs return in the 4-2-5 defense this fall. Kyle Rachwal returns after finishing the season with 109 tackles last fall, and is a prime All-MAC contender. He started just ten games last fall. Ike Spearman looked healthy after two lost seasons last fall, and finished with 44 tackles. He should be more than ready to go in camp.
Four of five starters return in the secondary this fall. Jason Beck finished second on the team with 104 tackles last season, and finished with seven TFLs. Ikie Calderon is also back on the field after finishing with 63 tackles and two forced fumbles. Vince Calhoun is back at CB after finishing his freshman season with nine PBUs. Kevin McGill started six games as a freshman, and finished with 35 tackles and three PBUs.
Austin Barnes was one of the best Punters in the nation last fall, and returns after averaging well ovr 43 yards per punt.
What To Be Concerned About: Defense
Only two of four starters return on the line in Jeremiah Harris and Luke MacLean. Harris finished with nine TFLs last season, and ranked fifth in blocked kicks nationally. MacLean finished with just 10 tackles and two TFLs.
The Eagles allowed over 265 yards passing per game, and another 167 yards rushing per game. If those numbers are to improve in 2017, the new starters on the line will have to be keyed up from the first snap this fall.
2017 Schedule: 91 Charlotte, 9/9 at Rutgers, 9/23 Ohio. 9/30 at Kentucky, 10/7 Toledo, 10/14 at Army, 10/21 Western Michigan, 10/26 at Northern Illinois, 11/2 Ball State, 11/8 at Central Michigan, 11/15 at Miami (Ohio), 11/21 Bowling Green
Final Overview
With the strides that the Eagles made after last season, and the extension given to Creighton, it would appear that the future looks brighter than the long and dark past of the last few decades, but with a loaded schedule this fall, it is going to be a serious challenge for the Eagles to repeat the success of last season. I am not saying that it cannot happen, but it will be much more challenging for this team with a tough early conference schedule, and also for the fact that they will not be sneaking up on anyone this go around. If some chips fall into place, EMU may be going back to a bowl, but there is no margin for error this time.

Bilo's 2017 College Football Previews: Toledo Rockets

Toledo Rockets
The Rockets fell just short of winning the MAC West title in 2016, but the road is wide open for them to run to the West title this season, as Toledo may just have the most talented roster returning in the conference this fall. Jason Candle and staff appear to be holding all of the cards this season, but can their talented roster hold off all challengers to run to the MAC title, and even have enough to push USF out of the running for a NY6 bowl bid?
What To Be Excited About: Offense
One of the top five QBs in the nation resides in Toledo, in his name is Logan Woodside. Woodside is one of the most talented passers in the nation, and if he were playing at a Power Five program, he would be a front runner for the Heisman trophy this year. As it is, he is a dark horse candidate, who will likely be a major target for any NFL team in the first round of the draft in spring of 2018. Woodside passed for 4129 yards last season with 45 TDs to just nine INTs, and averaged 317 yards passing per game, while completing 69.1% of his passes. He will be a major force in the MAC, and will be the driving force moving the Rockets towards a title run in the league this fall.
Kareem Hunt is gone at RB, but Terry Swanson showed plenty last fall to show that he can carry the load. He averaged just over five yards per carry last season, and should get first crack at the full time job after rushing for 583 yards. Art Thompkins, a sophomore this season, averaged just over eight yards per carry in limited action, and could also be an explosive player in the mix. Nevone McCrimmon and Shakif Seymour, a pair of RS freshmen, are looking for carries as well.
Cody Thompson is back for his senior season at WR after leading the Rockets with 64 receptions for 1269 yards and 11 scores in 2016. He is one of the more talented receivers in the nation, and will give Woodside an proven target to get the football to on any given day. Jon'Vae Johnson is also back after a 40 catch season, and will move up the depth chart a bit to become the number two receiver, replacing the departed Corey Jones. Dionate Johnson is also back after missing last season with injury, and as many as five other receivers have seen action that return to the fold this season.
What To Be Concerned About: Offense
The line will lose three starters, and that is a concern on the surface, however, five players who saw major action all return in Elijah Nkansah, Nate Jeppeson, Bryce Harris, Brant Weiss, and Yazeed Atariwa. The challenge will getting these pieces to fit into the puzzle, and have them all ready to gel on day one of the season.
PK is another area where not all went perfectly last fall. Jameson Vest returns, but hit just 13/19 FG tries, and he also missed a PAT. The hope is for growth this fall, but having someone around to push him may not be the worst thing.
What To Be Excited About: Defense
Ja'Wuan Woodley will be one of the best defenders coming back in the MAC this fall at LB. He finished last fall with 79 tackles, and more impressively finished with 13 TFLs. He is a force coming off of the edge. He will be joined by fellow returning starter Tyler Taafe, who started all 13 games at MLB last fall. He finished with 70 tackles on the season. Jack Linch figures in at the other OLB spot after mixing time between special teams and defense least season. Richard Olekanma is back after missing ten games last fall to injury. Tre'shun Wilson, a RS freshman, got some serious looks in spring ball as well.
Three starters return to the secondary this fall, including both CBs in Trevon Mathis and Ka'dar Hollman. Hollman was truly the star last fall, as he finished the year with eight PBUs. Mathis finished with 44 tackles. Aaron Covington, Marcus Whitefield, and Kennedy Frazier all return as key reserves at the corner, while Justin Clark, Keelen Roberts, and Kareem Felder are all RS freshmen who the staff is high on.
What To be Concerned About: Defense
The line is kind of hit and miss this fall, with only two players coming back with serious experience and production. DT Marquie Moore is back at DT, and finished with 36 tackles, while DE Olasunkanmi Adeniyi also returns after finishing last fall with eight TFLs. Zach Quinn is back at DE, but has spread 43 tackles over three seasons, and he will have to step up big this season. Seven others could figure into the rotation at DT, but none come with any kind of pedigree to date, while Tuzar Skipper will also figure in at DE after finishing with 22 tackles last fall.
The Safety spot is really up for grabs this fall as well, despite Josh Teachey coming back at the STAR spot. He does not have a firm grip on the job, however, and everything seems open as we head into fall camp.
The punting job is also open after the departure of Nick Ellis, who averaged 43.11 yards per punt last season.
2017 Schedule: 8/31 Elon, 9/9 at Nevada, 9/16 Tulsa, 9/23 at Miami, 10/7 Eastern Michigan, 10/14 at Central Michigan, 10/21 Akron, 10/26 at Ball State, 11/2 Northern Illinois, 11/8 at Ohio, 11/15 at Bowling Green, 11/24 Western Michigan
Final Overview
This may be one of the most talented teams in Toledo history on offense, as every position seems loaded, even at RB where Kareem Hunt has departed. Jason Candle has this team primed to win the MAC West and take the overall MAC title this fall, especially if a rebuilt line and deep secondary hold together. This defense gave up 25.7 points per game last fall, and may have to win a few more in shootout fashion. If that transpires, or the defense plays beyond expectations, we could see the Rockets pushing for a major bowl bid.

Bilo's 2017 College Football Previews: Buffalo Bulls

Buffalo Bulls
Lance Leipold has had a very difficult run as head coach as Buffalo head coach. He has already lost more games at Buffalo than he ever did in a long run at Wisconsin-Whitewater. He had a two win season last fall, and the heat is starting to turn on him now, and one has to wonder if he is in over his head at this job. Recruiting has not jumped through the roof, and the overall talent level seems stagnant. Something has to give this season.
What To Be Excited About: Offense
One major strength is on the line where four starters return in the form of LG Brandon Manosalvas, C James O'Kegan, RG Tomas Jack-Kurdyla, and RT David Goldsby. Jacquis Webb, a junior, has the first shot at taking over at LT after transferring from Rutgers.
That's where the excitement ends.
What To Be Concerned About: Offense
Tyree Jackson is back at QB, but hardly blew the roof off of any buildings last fall. He tossed nine TDs and was picked nine times as well. He completed just 53.1% of his passes as well. There is no telling whether or not we can expect any development.
Jonathon Hawkins is slated to be the starting RB, but he rushed for just 74 times for 338 yards and one score. He is a decent receiver as well, but he is pretty much all the Bulls have.
Kamathi Holsey is the lone returning starting WR this fall. He caught just 19 catches last fall. Jacob Martinez and Jamarl Eiland are slated to start beside him, but they have limited experience at best.
Adam Mitcheson is back at PK, and he, too, struggled. He hit just 11/18 FG attempts.
What To Be Excited About: Defense
Three starters return at LB, including Khalil Hodge, who finished with 123 tackles last season, and is a legitimate NFL draft prospect. He also added seven TFLs. He will be joined by Jarrett Franklin and Ishmael Hargrove. Hargrove finished with 103 tackles, while Franklin finished with 75. This may very well be one of the most active LB units in the nation.
Three members of the secondary return this fall as well, with CB Cameron Lewis, SS Ryan Williamson, and FS Tim Roberts. Lewis finished with seven PBUs last season. Williamson finished with 74 tackles last fall, and Roberts finished with 64 tackles. Williamson has 157 tackles over the last two seasons, and is another legit NFL draft prospect.
What To Be Concerned About: Defense
The line is a major area of concern, as only two starters return from a team that allowed 253 yards rushing per game last fall. Damone Harris (DE) and Chris Ford (DT) are the only returnees, but this unit needs some help. Justin Brandon (DT) and Charles Harris (DE) are expected to hold the starting spots heading into fall camp.
Kyle DeWeen is back as Punter, but averaged just 39.79 yards per punt.
2017 Schedule: 8/31 at Minnesota, 9/9 at Army, 9/16 Colgate, 9/23 FAU, 9/30 at Kent State, 10/7 Western Michigan, 10/14 Northern Illinois, 10/21 at Miami (Ohio), 10/28 at Akron, 11/7 Bowling Green, 11/16 at Ball State, 11/24 Ohio
Final Overview
Leipold was an interesting hire when it was made, but the heat is definitely starting to get turned up. The Bulls may very well be the worst team in the MAC once again, despite some serious talent in the back seven on defense. The way I see it, the Bulls should be a dog in all games but one, and that is the Colgate game. It could be yet another long season in 2017.

Bilo's 2017 College Football Previews: Akron Zips

Akron Zips
Injuries decimated the Akron Zips last fall to drop the program from an eight win bowl winner in 2015 to a five win team staying home for the holidays last season. Some of those injuries are still lingering as we head into fall camp, and if the roster does not get healthy in a hurry, it could be another slip for Terry Bowden and his Zips this fall. Can they get healthy and have enough in the tank to be a surprise team in the West and get back to another bowl in 2017?
What To Be Excited About: Offense
Thomas Woodson was one of those injured players at QB, and was limited to eight games. If he is healthy in 2017, he is one of the better QBs in the league. He managed to pass for 2079 yards and 18 scores in those eight games, and tossed just six INTs. He missed spring ball due to shoulder surgery, and just got back to throwing in June. If he is not ready to go, this position gets devalued to a concern rather than a point of excitement. Virginia and JC transfer Nick Johns and Kato Nelson are the other options.
The interior line will be solid for the Zips in 2017, as both Guards and the Center all return. Stephen Erickson and Kyle Ritz will be back at the Guard spots, while LaVonne Gauthney will be back at Center.
Tom O'Leary is back as the PK, and was almost automatic last fall when he hit 10/11 FG attempts.
What To Be Concerned About: Offense
If Woodson is not healthy, we start there. Otherwise the run game will have to show a massive improvement over last season, as only one player, Warren Ball, carried the ball over 10 times per game (12 carries per game last fall).Ball was given an extra year of eligibility to return in 2017. He ran for 181 yards in just two games. Van Edwards and Manny Morgan, the two leading rushers from last season, are both back, but have to battle Ball for carries.
The receivers are a mixed bag, as both Jermoe Lane and JoJo Natson, Jr. are gone. That's 121 receptions from last fall headed out the door. Austin Wolf is back after catching 36 passes for 550 yards and five scores, and can get up field after averaging over 15 yards per reception. Former QB and Pitt transfer Tre'Von Chapman has moved over to receiver to add bodies, while Kwadarrius Smith and AJ Coney hold the spots that are currently open as starters.
What To Be Excited About: Defense
Ulysees Gilbert III is back at LB after finishing with 121 tackles last fall and is the heart and soul of the defense as a junior. He also led the team with 11.5 TFLs, four sacks, eight QB hurries, and two forced fumbles.
The line was beat up last season, but several players got experience who would not have otherwise. Three returning starters will suit up this fall camp in DE Darius Copeland, DT Brock Boxen, and NT Ibrahima Camara. Copeland is the leader of that group after finishing with 4.5 TFLs. Deon'Tae Moore, a senior, will get first crack at the open DE spot. Look for Pitt transfer Jamal Davis to get some looks at both DE and LB as well.
The secondary will return three starters, but there are other options as well. CB Jordan George collected 32 tackles in five games at Safety, and now moves to the corner. Zach Guiser and Alvin Davis are back at Safety. Guiser finished with 53 tackles, while Davis finished second on the team with 87 tackles as a freshman. Junior Kyron Brown has an inside track at CB, but look for Rutgers transfer Darian Dailey to get a look as well, as the unit could make use of his burning speed.
What To Be Concerned About: Defense
It's all about staying healthy for the Zips, who went from having one of the best defenses in the MAC in 2015 to one of the worst in the nation last fall. Akron ranked 114th in total defense as a lack of returning talent took its toll, and then injuries did it in.
Outside of Gilbert, the LB corps is thin. Andrew Hauser is back after collecting 39 tackles in eight games, and Travonte Junius is back to grab a starting spot after not doing much last fall. Look for Jamal Davis to get plenty of snaps here as well.
Nick Gasser returns as the starting Punter, but averaged just 37.73 yards per punt last fall, and could use a push.
2017 Schedule: 9/2 at Penn State, 9/9 Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 9/16 Iowa State, 9/23 at Troy, 9/30 at Bowling Green, 10/7 Ball State, 10/14 at Western Michigan, 10/21 at Toledo, 10/28 Buffalo, 11/7 at Miami (Ohio), 11/14 Ohio, 11/21 Kent State
Final Overview
This is a brutal schedule for the Zips, as I can only see three straight up opportunities for wins in 2017. They are going to have to stay healthy, find a solid run game, and show massive improvements on defense, and then they will have to steal some games that they will not be favored to win to get back to any kind of bowl this season. Terry Bowden has one of his biggest challenges to date, and that's a lot given what happened last fall.

Bilo's 2017 College Football Previews: Kent State Golden Flashes

Kent State Golden Flashes
It is purely shocking to me that Paul Haynes survived last season as head coach of Kent State football as we head into the 2017 season. Haynes is now just 12-35 as head coach of the Golden Flashes, and if you will remember, he took over from Darrell Hazell, who had this program on the verge of busting the old BCS. Haynes is out  of his element as coach of this program, and it looks like 2017 could be the final nail in his head coaching career.
What To Be Excited About: Offense
Let's just say that calling QB Nick Holley a passer is like saying that a Golden Labrador is a cat. He simply is just ugly throwing the football. He is, however, a solid runner, and that is what Kent State will concentrate on this season, is the power run game. Holley was, by far the leading rusher on this team last fall with 920 yards and 10 TDs, and carried an average of 17.73 times per game last fall, while attempting just 13.3 passes per game, and that probably is for the better. If he can get into the open field, he will generate some yardage. He still does have to win the job outright in fall camp, as he was in a competition that was limited by injuries.
What To Be Concerned About: Offense
Everything, including that QB situation (I had to find something to be optimistic about). Haynes is saying that all three QBs in the competition (George Bollas and Mylik Mitchell are the others) could be playing early in the season, and that is probably the worst idea I have heard from any one team in previews I have written this spring and summer.
There is no clear cut winner at RB either. Justin Rankin is listed as a probable starter, but was not exactly what I would deem impressive last fall. Will Matthews, Myles Washington, and Keon Singleton will all be making a push, with Singleton being the preferred short yardage guy.
Three starters return on the line, but there have been changes. Stefano Miller moves from C to LT, and the depth overall is not very good.
Shane Hynes is back to start at PK, but go figure, he had issues as well. He hit just 68.2% of his FG attempts.
What To Be Excited About: Defense
DTs Jon Cunningham and Kalil Morris will join LB Jim Jones as a group that coaches and media are high on when it comes to the front end of this defense. Cunningham finished with 34 tackles, and was active in the backfield to a point, and Morris will move the pile to open things up. Jones finished with 37 tackles last season, but has shown some significant improvement in spring ball. James Alexander will move up from the rotation to start at LB, while Matthew Sommers joins Theo Eboigbe at DE.
Derek Adams was a rare bright spot last fall, as he averaged 40.3 yards per punt as a freshman.
What To Be Concerned About: Defense
The secondary is depleted, with their best player in Nate Holley gone. Jarrell Foster (CB) and FS Juantez McRae (FS) are both back, and Foster did manage to finish with an impressive 11 PBUs. McRae finished with 59 tackles, but is not the best in coverage. Akeem Peters is back at the STAR spot in the 4-2-5 set, but again, is not much in the passing game defense. Demetrius Monday (CB) and Erik Simpson (SS) are in the lead for those spots as we head into fall camp.
The team also loses Terrence Waugh up front at DE, and that is a very challenging player to replace.
2017 Schedule: 9/2 at Clemson, 9/9 Howard, 9/16 at Marshall, 9/23 at Louisville, 9/30 Buffalo, 10/7 at Northern Illinois, 10/14 Miami (Ohio), 10/21 at Ohio, 10/31 Bowling Green, 11/8 at Western Michigan, 11/14 Central Michigan, 11/21 at Akron
Final Overview
It is hard for me to see any way that Haynes will survive past the end of September with the slate that the Golden Flashes are taking on, and it is hard to see how Kent State will be favored in any game between 10/7 and 11/14. The Golden Flashes are just lucky that they are in the same division as Akron and Buffalo, or else they would certainly be a basement dweller this fall. The talent level is a mess, the offense is a mess, and the defense is missing their two best performers from last fall. This could get ugly.

Bilo's 2017 College Football Previews: Bowling Green Falcons

Bowling Green Falcons
Mike Jinks was an interesting choice as the new head coach of the Falcons before last season, to say the least, and Bowling Green took a major step back in his first season after replacing Dino Babers, who had left for Syracuse. Several issues that plagued this team last season could still be issues this fall, so will this team stay in the upper half of the their division, yet miss a bowl game again, or will they sink farther into the depths of what appears to be a two team race in the MAC West?
What To Be Excited About: Offense
The run game should be the strength of the offense this season, as Jinks came to BGSU after working as the RB coach at Texas Tech. Donovan Wilson has slipped ahead of Josh Cleveland as the lead candidate to start at RB after the departure of lead rusher Fred Coppet. Cleveland and Wilson will both likely get plenty of turns with the ball, as they combined for 1152 yards rushing last season as backups. Cleveland has more of the big play potential that the Falcons will need, as he averaged 6.43 yards per carry to Wilson's just over 4.5 per carry.
The receiving corps is getting plenty of attention, even if Scott Miller is the lone returning starter. Miller led the team with 72 receptions last fall for 968 yards and 10 scores, and was first team All-MAC. JC transfer Datrin Guyton will likely step in, and is highly regarded, but will need to win a job in fall camp. Teo Redding caught 31 passes, and is in a battle for a position as well, but brings experience. Marquis Zimmerman and Janarvis Pough are also up for major reps this fall as well.
What To Be Concerned About: Offense
James Morgan started seven games as a freshman last season, and was thrown largely to the wolves. He did manage to pass for 2082 yards and 16 TDs in those seven games, but he also managed to throw 15 INTs, meaning that he was not entirely ready to shoulder the load. He also completed just 56% of his attempts. The hope is that he will show some growth as the full time starter this fall, but one has to be concerned that he may not have, and he has plenty to prove.
The line is also a concer for the staff, as there is a general lack of experience and depth. Ryan Hunter (LT), Lorenzo Taborn (LG), and C Tim McCauliffe all return, but if any one of them is injured, the level of talent falls of dramatically.
Jake Suder is back at PK, but was a bit all over the place last fall. While he did manage to hit 9/12 FG attempts, he also managed to miss three PAT tries last fall, and that is a problem for an offense that scored just over 24 points per game.
What To Be Excited About: Defense
This football team allowed 38.3 points per game last season, so having something to be excited about is all relative.
The secondary will likely be the strength of the defense this season, as several injured players return to action after missing most, or all of last season. CB Jack Walz, CB Ben Hale, and CB Clint Stephens all played in either one game, or no games last fall due to injuries, and are all back. JC transfer Fred Garth looked solid in spring ball, and may move up to start. Cameron Jeffries is back at CB as well. Jamari Bozeman is back at FS, and finished with 71 tackles last fall, and led the team with three INTs. Robert Jackson, Jr. (CB) and Jerry McBride III (SS) both figure in for larger roles as well.
Joesph Davidson is a gem at Punter, and averaged over 45 yards per punt last fall. He will be one of the most important pieces to this football team this season.
What To Be Concerned About: Defense
The Falcons allowed 190.9 yards rushing per game last fall, and there is no clear answer as to how to improve on that number. The line returns just two starter in DE Davis Konowalski and DT Gus Schweiterman, but the line does not boast one single player over 300 lbs, and the ends look more like smallish LBs.
Brandon Harris returns, but is the lone starter returning at LB. He finished with 51 tackles last fall, and will be asked to do much more this time around. He is, like the line, also on the smaller side, and that could spell trouble in the physical side of the game for this football team. The Falcons play in a 4-2-5 set on defense, and half of the front six will be compiled of new starters.
2017 Schedule: 9/2 at Michigan State, 9/9 South Dakota, 9/16 at Northwestern, 9/23 at Middle Tennessee, 9/30 Akron, 10/7 at Miami (Ohio), 10/14 Ohio, 10/21 Northern Illinois, 10/31 at Kent State, 11/7 at Buffalo, 11/15 Toledo, 11/21 at Eastern Michigan
Final Overview
Bowling Green did manage to win three straight at the end of last season to get to 4-8, but that run came against the weakest part of their slate, and the schedule has a similar setup this fall. I see the Falcons heading into mid-week games in November at 2-6, and another 4-8 finish may very well be likely, unless injuries settle in, and then it could be far worse. If that occurs, Jinks could very well find himself on the hot seat in 2018.

Bilo's 2017 college Football Previews: Miami (Oh) RedHawks

Miami (Ohio) RedHawks
The RedHawks finally turned a major corner last fall after an 0-6 start, as they won their final six regular season game and got to a bowl game where they took Mississippi State to the brink. There is no reason to believe that Miami will not turn yet another corner, and they have enough returning talent to maybe push Ohio for the MAC West title. The only thing left to do is to prove that they can.
What To Be Excited About: Offense
The QB position should be in decent shape this fall with the return of Gus Ragland , who will be a junior this fall. Ragland returned against Kent State from a major knee injury, and his return helped to turn the tide, and the team took off under him. He passed for 1537 yards in seven games, and tossed 17 TD passes to just one INT, and completed 64.2% of his passes. He averaged 219 yards passing per game during the run that turned the season around. Billy Bahl, who started five games last fall, returns, as does Jordan Martin, who was in competition for the starting job last fall before an injury ended his year early.
The line should be a major strength this fall, as four starters return. Jordan Rigg (LT), Jordan diamond (LG), Danny Godleveke (C), and Sam McCollum (RG) all return. Sophomore Jarrett LaRubbio will get first shot at the open RT job in fall camp.
James Gardner and Jared Murphy both return at WR, which should give Ragland plenty of opportunities to complete passes this season. Gardner caught 45 passes last year, and Murohy caught another 43. They combined for 1302 yards and 11 scores. Senior Sam Martin has the first shot at taking the open third receiver spot, but caught just seven passes last fall.
Nick Dowd is back at PK after hitting 10/13 FGs last fall.
What To Be Concerned About: Offense
If there is one area where Miami is lacking, it is in the run game. Alonzo Smith is back as the returning starter, but rushed for just 54.54 yards per game on just over 12 carries on average. Kenny Young averaged just 10 carries per game last season, so one of the two will need to step up and give the RedHawks a reliable run game in order for them to move up to the next level.
What To Be Excited About: Defense
DT will be a strength for Miami, who finished 37th nationall against the run last fall. Ikeem Harris and Nate Trawick both return to the middle of the line, and should do a great deal when it comes to controlling the line of scrimmage.
Junior McMullen and De'Andre Montgomery both return at LB as well. They combined for 11 TFLs last fall. McMullen finished with 90 tackles last fall (second on the team), while Montgomery finished with 65 tackles.
The entire secondary returns intact this fall, which is a huge bonus. Heath Harding and Deandre Daniels both return at CB, while Tony Reid and Joshua Allen are both back at Safety. Harding finished with 11 PBUs to lead the team last fall, and tied with Montgomery for the team lead in INTs with four. Daniels finished with six PBUs last season. Reid led the team in tackles with 98, and also finished with four PBUs. Allen finished with 39 tackles.
Kyle Kramer did a solid job as Punter last fall, as he averaged 41.07 yards per punt.
What To Be Concerned About: Defense
There are few concerns on defense, but the team does need to replace both starters at DE. Quinn Calcagno will likely start at one spot, but a freshman will likely start at the other spot in Ben Kimpler.They will have to step up big for the RedHawks to continue on their upward trends against both the pass and the run.
2017 Schedule: 9/2 at Marshall, 9/9 Austin Peay, 9/16 Cincinnati, 9/23 at Central Michigan, 9/30 at Notre Dame, 10/7 Bowling Green, 10/14 at Kent State, 10/21 Buffalo, 10/31 at Ohio, 11/7 Akron, 11/15 Eastern Michigan, 11/21 at Ball State
Final Overview
It looks a great deal like the dark days of Miami football have passed on by now that the team turned the corner last fall. They simply cannot afford to lose their way and backtrack, but there is no way I believe this will happen. The talent has finally taken a big leap forward, and this is a team moving up. Tough dates in the schedule make me think that Miami will be behind Ohio in the West for just one more season, as they have to travel to play the Bobcats, and Central Michigan, and there a few trap games on the slate as well. That said, if there is one team in the league that can pull off a stunner, it could be this one.

Bilo's 2017 College Football Previews: Ohio Bobcats

Ohio Bobcats
Frank Solich has had an incredibly solid run at Ohio, with this being his 13th at the school. The Bobcats, once again will be the favorites in the MAC West, even with a tinkered offense and some QB issues that may come into play. Where the Bobcats have excelled is on defense in recent years, and that should be the same once again, but will the defense be strong enough with a changing offense in play to help carry the load to a division title once again?
What To Be Excited About: Offense
The Pistol will largely be gone in 2017, with the offense going back to having the QB under Center. A more traditional offense will actually work to compliment the run game, as Ohio has a loaded group in the backfield to run the football. AJ Ouellette is back from injury to lead the way, and is joined by Dorian Brown, who rushed for 825 yards last fall, and Maleek Irons. They combined for 22 carries per game last fall, and with Ouelette back in play, the run game should be a focal point of the offense.
Three starters return up front in LT Joe Lowery, C Jake Pruehs, and RG Darrell Wood. Pruehs played almost every snap last season, and is the leader. Joe Anderson, a junior, is slated to start at LG, while Jared McCray will likely start at RT. He will be a senior this fall.
Louie Zervos was amazing during his freshman season at PK, hitting 29 FGs on 35 attempts. You cannot ask for anything more than that.
What To Be Concerned About: Offense
Solich will always go with a run first philosophy on offense, which I can appreciate, but the QB position needs to show more production. Greg Windham has moved on, and Quinton Maxwell returns to be the full time starter, but he may not be able to hold the job through camp, as he will receive a challenge from both Drew Keszei and JC transfer Nathan Rourke.
The receiver spot is down some heads as well, as the top three receivers from last season are gone. Papi White caught 41 passes last season as a RB, but will likely move to receiver full time this season. He provides excellent speed, and could do some damage from the slot, but will be learning some nuance. Elijah Ball and Keevon Harris will also get a shot to start at receiver, but both are just sophomores.
What To Be Excited About: Defense
Chad Moore and Quinton Poling are both back at LB this fall. Moore finished with 97 tackles last season and added six TFLs. Poling was a star as well, finishing with 109 tackles, and added an outstanding 13.5 TFLs. Evan Croutch will likely start  at OLB, and will be replacing leading tackler Blair Brown, who finished with 129 tackles. Croutch finished with a solid 32 tackles off of the bench last fall.
Three starters return in the secondary. Bradd Ellis will join returning starter Mayne Williams at CB. Williams played in eight games as a freshman, and won the job by the end of the season. Ellis finished with five PBUs. Javon Hagan starts at SS and Kylan Nelson is back at FS. Hagan finished with eight PBUs and forced six fumbles last fall, and finished with 52 total tackles. Nelson finished with 33 tackles last season.
Michael Farkas had a solid year as a freshman Punter last fall, averaging 40.77 yards per punt.
What To Be Concerned About: Defense
The main concern for the Bobcats on the defensive side of the football will be on the line, where five of the top seven linemen from last season have all moved on. Only NG Cleon Aloese is back up front. Seniors Kevin Robinson and Tony Porter look to fill in at DE and DT, while sophomore Sam McKnight is likely to start at the other DE spot. The DEs are undersized, but Solich will be depending on speed and agility rather than outright size to provide pressure up front from this current unit.
2017 Schedule: 9/2 Hampton, 9/8 at Purdue, 9/16 Kansas, 9/23 at Eastern Michigan, 9/30 at U Mass, 10/7 Central Michigan, 10/14 at Bowling Green, 10/21 Kent State, 10/31 Miami (Ohio), 11/8 Toledo, 11/14 at Akron, 11/24 at Buffalo
Final Overview
Ohio holds all the cards in the MAC West once again, even with a rising Miami (OH) team lurking right behind them. Ohio may be looking over their shoulders in the future, but not quite yet. There is enough talent, and Ohio has the ability to grind down a clock enough to hold off any challengers for the division title once again.