The Lane Train was full steam ahead last year as he led the Owls to the C-USA Championship. The cupboard is a bit bare there this year so we shall see if they can repeat without Kiffin at the helm. This conference is somewhat deep but the bottom is ugly. Neither UTEP or Old Dominion won a conference game last year. Unfortunately for us, and them, they don’t play each other this year either.
East Division
Charlotte
The 49ers had their first ever winning season last year. They return several exciting playmakers on offense, a unit that averaged 30 ppg last year. Chris Reynolds is an electric dual threat at quarterback. Charlotte should be able to put up like numbers on offense. The defense needs to improve but has some solid guys on that side of the ball including Penn State transfer Brelin Faison-Walden, so you know he’s good. A tough road schedule will keep Charlotte from greatness, but they will be a pest all year.
FAU
It will be interesting how the Owls respond to Taggert this season. I still believe he is a good coach and this is a nice opportunity to build himself back up. He has plenty of fire power on offense with Chris Robinson returning at QB and tons of depth at receiver and running back. Surprisingly the Owls led the country in turnover margin last year. They lose quite a bit from that defense this year including the majority of the d-line. Their best linebacker is also a question mark for this year due to academic issues. I believe the offense can be almost as good as it was last year, but with a weaker defense I’m not sure if FAU can repeat.
FIU
If a new look offense comes together early the Panthers could be in for a very good year. That is because their defense is one of the best in the conference. Kaylan Wiggins brings a new dynamic to the offense at quarterback. They have a lot to replace on that side of the ball, but Georgia WR transfer JJ Holloman will help.
Marshall
After throwing 11 interceptions last year Isaiah Green will be looking to rebound. Running Back Brenden Knox is the returning C-USA MVP so he will surely take some of the pressure off. Most of the offensive line is back so I expect the Thundering Herd to improve on their 25.8 ppg. Marshall was quite strong on defense last year, but only return four starters. I still think they will be good enough on defense and should be better on offense. If they can split their back to back road games at WKU and LA Tech I think they will be in really good shape at the end of the year.
MTSU
Gone are the days of the aerial assault from the Blue Raiders. Asher O’Hara is pretty much a one man show on offense at quarterback. He was their leading rusher last year by a large margin and his passing numbers were respectable. Their offense should be ok again this year but their defense, like last year, doesn’t look good. MTSU ranked 114th in total defense last year. I don’t see more than the four wins they got last year.
Old Dominion
Ricky Rahne (sorry ODU) arrives in Norfolk to take over a flat out horrible team. Add to the fact that he got no spring work due to covid-19. The Monarchs ranked 128th in offense last year. I believe in the scheme of Rahne just not his game management, because it’s the worst in the world. The defense is actually serviceable so maybe they can sneak out a conference win at UTSA this year.
WKU
The Hilltoppers won nine games last year, but the majority of them were nailbiters. Their biggest margin of victory came against Arkansas of all teams. Unreal. They should be in for a similar season this year. The defense will have to carry the torch again, but they are more than capable. WKU’s defense ranked 24th in the country in total defense last year and returns nine starters. Their offensive line is intact, but questions at quarterback and receiver are concerning. This defense will win them a good amount of games, but will it be enough to win the division?
West Division
LA Tech
Replacing J’Mar Smith at quarterback is a tall task for the Bulldogs. The rest of an improved offense is mostly intact, but still should regress. A defense that ranked 30th in the nation in scoring only returns two starters. The conference schedule sets up nicely with the majority of their tougher games at home, still I think they fall short of the 10 wins they accrued last year.
North Texas
Even with Mason Fine last year North Texas only managed four wins. Nothing really stands out about this team other than their awesome jerseys. The west division is definitely the weaker side, but the Mean Green still have a tough draw. I think best case is five wins.
Rice
For an offense that only averaged 18 ppg it was pretty amazing that the defense only allowed 26 ppg. The defense returns ten starters so that unit should be fine. The offense is still a huge question mark. Maybe backup fullback Luke Armstrong (Lance’s son) can fire up the troops, sans PEDs of course.
Southern Miss
Southern Miss can air it out. Jack Abraham is a gunslinger, but needs to cut down on his turnovers. The receiving corps is deep. If the Eagles can find some semblance of a run game look out. The defense wasn’t as good as two years ago but still held their own. The West could be won the final weekend of the year when Southern Miss travels to Birmingham.
UAB
Despite an anemic offense the blazers won the west division last year thanks to an outstanding defense led by Jordan Smith and Kristopher Moll. Smith and Moll are both back along with seven other starters. UAB ranked 8th in the country in total defense last year. The offense returns ten starters as well so they should be able to help our their defense more this year.
UTEP
The Miners are 2-34 over the last three seasons. Tell me why North Dakota State can’t take their place. What are we doing here? One win would be a good season.
UTSA
This team stinks as well. Week 2 at the Bounce House known as Bobcat stadium will be a potential Gameday game. Texas State will be licking their chops to take out this in state rival.
Prediction
East Division: I could realistically see any of four teams (FAU, Charlotte, Marshall, or WKU) winning this division. I think Isaiah Green bounces back and leads Marshall to the championship game.
West Division: Two horse race here most likely between Southern Miss and UAB. The Eagles stomped them last year, but I think they have the tougher overall road. I will side with the Blazers.
Championship Game: UAB over Marshall
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