College Football Preview Part I
Welcome Back!
Today starts 5 weeks of my college football previews. I'll begin with 3 weeks of individual team previews, and then conclude with 2 weeks of conference previews.
In case you are interested, I get all of my information from various sources. I use the 3 main preview magazines (Phil Steele, Lindy's, and Athlon), but I also use many different websites, including (but not limited to): Google, Winsipedia.com, sports-reference.com, ESPN.com, TeamRankings.com, Wikipedia, NCAA.com, and, of course, individual school websites.
I don't have a staff- it's just me- so all of the research is my own from these various sources (it doesn't help when they contradict each other...), so any mistakes are mine. I also don't have an editor/proofreader, so you are likely to find several (many? I hope not) typos, such as commas where periods should be (or vice versa), a misspelled or missing word, doubled words ("the the" in the middle of a sentence, for example), etc.
Finally, feel free to leave a comment. Interacting is much of the fun! Of course, if you know me personally, you can just text. I'll get that a lot quicker.
So, on with the previews! Today is #s 136-125.
136- Kent State Golden Flashes 0-12/0-8
Coach: Mark Carney (1st year, 1st overall)
Coach FBS Record/Rank: 0-0/.000/116th
3-year record/rank: 6-30/.167/133rd
6-year record/rank: 23-44/.343/117th
10-year record/rank: 33-82/.287/127th
Last League Title: 1972 MAC/ 2021 MAC East
Bowl Streak/Last Bowl Season/Last Bowl Win: 3 years bowl-less/2021/2021
Bowl Record/Rank: 1-3/.250/126th
CFP Playoff Appearances: 0
AP Championships/Last AP Championship: None
Last Undefeated Season: Never (since 1962); best season was 11-3 in 2012 under HC Darrell Hazell (also 9-2 in 1973 under Don James)
Last Winless Season: 1998/0-11 under HC Dean Pees
All-time Record/Rank: 365-608-28/.379/131st
Offense/ranks:
Scoring: 13.9/134th/12th in MAC
Rushing: 76.9/133rd/12th
Passing: 156.3/125th/12th
Total: 233.3/134th/12th
Defense/ranks:
Scoring: 44.1/134th/12th
Rushing: 264.9/134th/12th
Passing: 251.1/114th/11th
Total: 516.0/134th/12th
Returning Starters (Off/Def): 4/3
Schedule:
Aug 30 Merrimack
Sep 6 @ Texas Tech
Sep 13 Buffalo
Sep 20 @ FSU
Oct 4 @ Oklahoma
Oct 11 UMass
Oct 18 @ Toledo
Oct 25 Bowling Green
Nov 5 @ Ball State
Nov 11 @ Akron
Nov 19 Central Michigan
Nov 28 @ Northern Illinois
Notes: The Golden Flashes ranked dead last in 5 of the 8 statistical measures listed above (and were next to last in another) with their highest ranking being 114th in pass ypg; and were last in the MAC in 7 of the 8 (and next to last in the other- pass defense); K Will Hyrszko (3-5 FGs, 15-15 PATs) returns, but P will be new; KSU suffered 3 shutouts last year; Fordham transfer C.J. Montes will be the QB; Mark Carney was appointed as interim HC (he was the OC) following off-season release of former HC Kenni Burns; the Flashes have lost 23 of their last 24 games, and have not defeated an FBS opponent since the final game of 2022 (Buffalo); they have a 22-game FBS losing streak, a 21-game overall losing streak, a 16-game MAC losing streak, a 14-game road losing streak, a 9-game home losing streak, and a 10-game home FBS losing streak (last home win vs FCS team in week 3 of 2023, and last home FBS win vs Akron in mid-season of 2022); defense allowed 5.9 ypc rushing last year; KSU did not have a lead in any game until week 10 (7-0 lead vs Miami, but lost 34-7).
Outlook: In a word: dismal. However, there is a chance for improvement and their 1st win in 2 years, as they open against Merrimack, an FCS team that was 5-6 last year. Unfortunately, they lost to a St. Francis team last year that finished just 4-7. Kent State has a brutal non-conference slate: Texas Tech, FSU, and Oklahoma, all on the road. If they were any other team, I would say the Flashes have an easy MAC schedule, but nothing will be easy for this team. KSU should have 2 very modest goals: get a win, and get a MAC win.
135- UMass Minutemen 2-10
Coach: Joe Harasymiak (1st year, 1st overall)
Coach FBS Record/Rank: 0-0/.000/116th
3-year record/rank: 6-30/.167/133rd
6-year record/rank: 8-56/.125/130th
10-year record/rank: 21-92/.185/130th
Last League Title: 2007 Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) co-champs, 2006 Atlantic 10 Conference
Bowl Streak/Last Bowl Season/Last Bowl Win: 13 years bowl-less/None/None
Bowl Record/Rank: 0-0/.000/133rd
CFP Playoff Appearances: 0
AP Championships/Last AP Championship: None
Last Undefeated Season: 1963/8-0-1 under HC Vic Fusia
Last Winless Season: 2020/0-4 under HC Walt Bell
All-time Record/Rank: 582-651-50/.473/109th
Offense/ranks:
Scoring: 22.5/110th
Rushing: 163.5/65th
Passing: 181.8/114th
Total: 345.3/104th
Defense/ranks:
Scoring: 35.5/125th
Rushing: 197.9/119th
Passing: 176.6/12th
Total: 374.5/70th
Returning Starters (Off/Def): 4/4
Schedule:
Aug 30 Temple
Sep 6 Bryant
Sep 13 @ Iowa
Sep 27 @ Missouri
Oct 4 Western Michigan
Oct 11 @ Kent State
Oct 18 Buffalo
Oct 25 @ Central Michigan
Nov 4 @ Akron
Nov 12 Northern Illinois
Nov 18 @ Ohio
Nov 25 Bowling Green
Notes: The Minutemen have never been to a bowl (been in FBS since 2011), and have obviously never won, which gives them the longest bowl drought; UMass was slightly worse on offense from the year before, but their defense showed quite a bit of improvement except where it matters- on the scoreboard, there was only slight improvement; the Minutemen haven’t won more than 4 games in a season since they were 5-6 in 2011, their last year as an FCS team, and have not had a winning record since they were 6-5 in 2010; UMass has lost 12 straight FBS games (both wins last year were versus FCS teams), with their last FBS win at Army in 2023, and have lost 14 straight FBS home games, with their last home FBS win against UConn in 2021 (their only win that year); K Derek Morris (11-15 FGs, long of 46, 13-13 PATs) was at Cal last year, and P will also be new; offense hasn’t averaged more than 23.2 ppg since 2018; QB is likely to be Utah transfer Brandon Rose or Yale transfer Grant Jordan, with AJ Hairston (played in 4 games last year) waiting in the wings; defense had just 16 sacks; 3 of 10 losses were by 5 pts or less, with 2 of those in OT.
Outlook: UMass is returning to the MAC after a 9-year hiatus (they were members from 2012-2015, and went 7-25 in the conference). Theoretically, this should give them a better chance to earn wins, but they’ve played 8 MAC teams the last 2 years (5 last year) and lost all of them (with 6 losses by double digits). The Minutemen do play Kent State this year, but that game is in Kent, and UMass hasn’t won a road game since upsetting Army in late 2023. The Minutemen have typically fared well against FCS teams, so if they can get 3 more wins somewhere, they could match their best seasons at the FBS level (4-8 in 2017 and 2018). The key may be in staying healthy following back-to-back games at Iowa and Missouri, but they do have an off week in between. Four wins seem to be their ceiling, though 5 is possible, but I expect 2 or 3 wins the most likely outcome.
134- Kennesaw State Owls 2-10/2-6
Coach: Jerry Mack (1st year/1st overall FBS)
Coach FBS Record/Rank: 0-0/.000/116th
3-year record/rank: 2-10/.167/132nd
6-year record/rank: N/A
10-year record/rank: N/A
Last League Title: 2021 Big South
Bowl Streak/Last Bowl Season/Last Bowl Win: N/A
Bowl Record/Rank: N/A
CFP Playoff Appearances: 0
AP Championships/Last AP Championship: None
Last Undefeated Season: Never (since 2015); best season was 12-2 in 2017 under HC Brian Bohannon (11-2 and 11-3 the next 2 years)
Last Winless Season: Never; worst season was 2-10 in 2024, their 1st year at the FBS level
All-time Record/Rank: 73-40/.646/15th
Offense/ranks:
Scoring: 16.5/129th/10th CUSA
Rushing: 114.6/112th/7th
Passing: 136.3/128th/10th
Total: 250.9/133rd/10th
Defense/ranks:
Scoring: 31.2/107th/7th
Rushing: 175.9/101st/5th
Passing: 238.1/102nd/8th
Total: 412.4/104th/8th
Returning Starters (Off/Def): 4/8
Schedule:
Aug 29 @ Wake Forest
Sep 6 @ Indiana
Sep 13 Merrimack
Sep 20 Arkansas State
Sep 27 Middle Tennessee
Oct 9 La Tech
Oct 21 @ FIU
Oct 28 UTEP
Nov 8 @ New Mexico State
Nov 15 @ Jacksonville State
Nov 22 Missouri State
Nov 29 @ Liberty
Notes: The Owls were 0-5 on the road last year, their 1st at the FBS level, and haven’t won a road game since 2022, but won 2 of their last 3 home games (over Liberty-1st FBS and CUSA win- and FIU); KSU has only won 3 of their last 12 games against FCS competition; the Owls don’t play a game on a Saturday for the entire month of October (play on 2 Tuesdays and a Thursday); QB is unsettled, but could be Georgia Southern transfer Dexter Williams, if he’s healthy (2 ACL surgeries during his career); both K and P will be new; 8 of 10 losses were by double digits, and their 2 wins were by a combined 4 points.
Outlook: Kennesaw State had an OK debut in the FBS, winning twice, both wins coming in the conference, but they were far below the debuts of other recent transitional teams (James Madison or Jax State, for example). With a new HC and staff, this may be a rough year for the Owls, especially since they may have the toughest opening 2 games of any team in the G5- road games at Wake Forest and Indiana. If they can make it through those 2 games healthy, then perhaps they can get to 3 or 4 wins, though they play most of the expected top teams in CUSA (don’t play WKU, Delaware, or Sam Houston). This probably won't matter, but KSU is now eligible to win the conference and play in a bowl game.
133- Tulsa Golden Hurricane 3-9/1-7
Coach: Tre Lamb (1st year, 1st overall)
Coach FBS Record/Rank: 0-0/.000/116th
3-year record/rank: 12-24/.333/117th
6-year record/rank: 29-41/.414/99th
10-year record/rank: 50-70/.417/106th
Last League Title: 2012 CUSA
Bowl Streak/Last Bowl Season/Last Bowl Win: 3 years bowl-less/2021/2021
Bowl Record/Rank: 11-12/.478/72nd
CFP Playoff Appearances: 0
AP Championships/Last AP Championship: None
Last Undefeated Season: 1920/10-0-1 under HC Francis Schmidt
Last Winless Season: 1917/0-8-1 under HC Hal Medford
All-time Record/Rank: 650-543-27/.544/67th
Offense/ranks:
Scoring: 25.0/91st/11th AAC
Rushing: 151.1/80th/10th
Passing: 238.6/52nd/7th
Total: 389.7/62nd/9th
Defense/ranks:
Scoring: 42.0/133rd/14th
Rushing: 180.8/104th/9th
Passing: 316.0/134th/14th
Total: 496.8/132nd/14th
Returning Starters (Off/Def): 5/5
Schedule:
Aug 30 Abilene Christian
Sep 6 @ New Mexico State
Sep 13 Navy
Sep 19 @ Oklahoma State
Sep 27 Tulane
Oct 4 @ Memphis
Oct 16 @ East Carolina
Oct 25 Temple
Nov 8 @ FAU
Nov 15 Oregon State
Nov 22 @ Army
Nov 29 UAB
Notes: The Golden Hurricane had one of the worst defenses in FBS, giving up the most 50+-yd plays (19) and the most passing plays of 20+ yds in FBS last year; K Seth Morgan (10-15 FGs, long of 47) and P Angus Davies (43.6 avg/38.2 net) both return; Tulsa special teams gave up the 2nd most punt returns of 20+ yds and had 2 kicks blocked; 6 of 9 losses were by 30+ points; QB Kirk Francis (1,585 yds, 58.9%, 9 TDs, 6 INT) returns; the Hurricane have a current 4-game losing streak, and lost 7 of their last 8 games; Tulsa has won 7 of their last 11 bowl games.
Outlook: Tulsa has a difficult OOC schedule, with a game at Oklahoma State and one at home against Oregon State, but they should get by FCS Abilene Christian and possibly at New Mexico State, so the best they can hope for there is 2-2. They also play most of the top contenders in the AAC (Navy, Tulane, at Memphis, at ECU, at Army), so 3-5 might be the best they can hope for, for a possible 5-7 overall. I expect 3 or 4 wins at most, with 2 being the floor as they transition to a new staff.
132- Akron Zips 4-8/3-5
Coach: Joe Moorhead (3rd year, 5th overall FBS)
Coach FBS Record/Rank: 22-40/.355/100th
3-year record/rank: 8-28/.222/130th
6-year record/rank: 11-55/.167/T129th
10-year record/rank: 35-82/.299/124th
Last League Title: 2005 (MAC)
Bowl Streak/Last Bowl Season/Last Bowl Win: 7 years bowl-less/2017/2015
Bowl Record/Rank: 1-2/.333/116th
CFP Playoff Appearances: 0
AP Championships/Last AP Championship: None
Last Undefeated Season:1-0 in 1894 under HC John Heisman; next best records are 10-3 in 1976 under HC Jim Dennison, 9-1 in 1969 under HC Gordon Larson, and 9-1 in 1929 under HC Red Blair
Last Winless Season: 2019/0-12 under HC Tom Arth
All-time Record/Rank: 534-602-36 /.471/111th
Offense/ranks:
Scoring: 20.4 /120th/11th MAC
Rushing: 100.3/122nd/11th
Passing: 232.4/59th/5th
Total: 414.4/108th/10th
Defense/ranks:
Scoring: 32.0 /111th/10th
Rushing: 183.3 / 105th/10th
Passing: 231.1 /88th/9th
Total: 414.4 /109th/9th
Returning Starters (Off/Def): 5/2
Schedule:
Aug 28 Wyoming
Sep 6 @ Nebraska
Sep 13 @ UAB
Sep 20 Duquesne
Sep 27 @ Toledo
Oct 4 Central Michigan
Oct 11 Miami, OH
Oct 18 @ Ball State
Oct 25 @ Buffalo
Nov 4 UMass
Nov 11 Kent State
Nov 18 @ Bowling Green
Notes: The Zips have the 4th longest bowl drought at 7 years, and haven’t won a bowl game since 2015; the offense improved from 2023, but the defense got worse; QB Ben Finley (2,604 yds, 54.8%, 16 TDs, 9 INT) returns; Akron is ineligible for a bowl due to falling below the minimum for the NCAA Academic Progress Rate, the 1st team since Idaho in 2014; the Zips are currently on a 2-game winning streak, their first winning streak of any kind since they won 2 in a row in October of 2018; 7 of 8 losses were by double digits; K and P will both be new; their 3 MAC wins were their most since 2017 (6-2 in the MAC).
Outlook: Akron hasn’t had a winning season since 2015, though they were 7-7 in 2017. They have a typical MAC schedule- their OOC games are Wyoming and Duquesne at home and Nebraska and UAB on the road- but they avoid Ohio, and Northern Illinois, 2 teams expected to compete for a MAC title. With no hope for a bowl game, they may be less motivated than usual, but then again, they may take an “us against the world” attitude. There is a path to 6 wins, assuming an upset or 2, but I think 5 wins is most likely, though they could just have a repeat of last year’s 4 wins. If their offense can repeat last season’s success (or maybe even continue to improve) and if their defense can return to even 2023’s modest results, the Zips could get to those 6 wins.
131- Ball State Cardinals 3-9/2-6
Coach: Mike Uremovich (1st year, 1st overall FBS)
Coach FBS Record/Rank: 0-0/.000/116th
3-year record/rank: 12-24/.333/117th
6-year record/rank: 30-39/.435/96th
10-year record/rank: 43-74/.368/116th
Last League Title: 2020 MAC
Bowl Streak/Last Bowl Season/Last Bowl Win: 3 years bowl-less/2021/2020
Bowl Record/Rank: 1-8/.111/130th
CFP Playoff Appearances: 0
AP Championships/Last AP Championship: None
Last Undefeated Season: 1965/9-0-1 under HC Ray Louthen
Last Winless Season: 1999/0-11 under HC Bill Lynch
All-time Record/Rank: 479-465-32/.507/90th
Offense/ranks:
Scoring: 25.3/88th/7th MAC
Rushing: 102.8/121st/10th
Passing: 245.0/43rd/2nd
Total: 347.8/103rd/9th
Defense/ranks:
Scoring: 40.1/132nd/11th
Rushing: 175.3/100th/9th
Passing: 279.6/130th/12th
Total: 454.9/125th/11th
Returning Starters (Off/Def): 3/4
Schedule:
Aug 30 @ Purdue
Sep 6 @ Auburn
Sep 13 New Hampshire
Sep 20 @ UConn
Oct 4 Ohio
Oct 11 @ Western Michigan
Oct 8 Akron
Oct 25 @ Northern Illinois
Nov 5 Kent State
Nov 15 Eastern Michigan
Nov 22 @ Toledo
Nov 29 @ Miami
Notes: Ball State enters 2025 on a 4-game losing streak; the Cardinals went from a run heavy offense in ‘23 to a pass heavy one in ‘24, and while their offensive numbers improved somewhat, their defensive numbers plummeted; defense had only 20 sacks last year, allowed 5.2 ypc rushing, and allowed 61 TDs, 37 through the air; Kiael Kelly appears to be the QB, but Colorado transfer Walter Taylor is also likely to play; both K and P will be new; 4 of 9 losses were by 6 points or less (1 in OT), but all 3 wins were by 8 or less.
Outlook: Ball State opens with 2 road games at P4 schools: Purdue and Auburn. If they survive those 2 healthy, they have a chance to get wins against New Hampshire and at UConn, though the latter is less likely. With a move to a new coaching staff and a choice of run-first QBs, will the Cardinals return to the RPO-heavy offense of 2023? This is obviously a rebuilding season for BSU, and having to play all the top MAC teams (except Buffalo) won’t make things easy. Expect 3 or 4 wins at most, but I wouldn’t be surprised at a 2-10 season.
130- UTEP Miners 3-9/3-5
Coach: Scotty Walden (3rd year, 3rd overall)
Coach FBS Record/Rank: 4-12/.250/109th
3-year record/rank: 11-25/.306/122nd
6-year record/rank: 22-47/.319/121st
10-year record/rank: 32-85/.274/128th
Last League Title: 2000 WAC co-champs/1956 Border Conference champions
Bowl Streak/Last Bowl Season/Last Bowl Win: 3 years bowl-less/2021/1967
Bowl Record/Rank: 5-10/.333/116th
CFP Playoff Appearances: 0
AP Championships/Last AP Championship: None
Last Undefeated Season: Never (since 1914); best seasons were 9-2 in 1956 under HC Mike Brumbelow and 10-3 in 1988 under HC Bob Stull
Last Winless Season: 2017/0-12 under HC’s Sean Kugler (0-5) and Mike Price (0-7)
All-time Record/Rank: 417-644-28/.396/130th
Offense/ranks:
Scoring: 19.5/122nd/8th CUSA
Rushing: 120.8/104th/5th
Passing: 200.0/96th/5th
Total: 320.8/122nd/9th
Defense/ranks:
Scoring: 32.3/113th/8th
Rushing: 179.3/103rd/6th
Passing: 223.2/75th/7th
Total: 402.5/99th/7th
Returning Starters (Off/Def): 6/5
Schedule:
Aug 30 @ Utah State
Sep 6 UT Martin
Sep 13 @ Texas
Sep 20 ULM
Sep 27 La Tech
Oct 8 Liberty
Oct 15 @ Sam Houston
Oct 28 @ Kennesaw State
Nov 8 Jacksonville State
Nov 15 @ Missouri State
Nov 22 New Mexico State
Nov 29 @ Delaware
Notes: The Miners last won a bowl in 1967, losing all 7 appearances since then, the longest bowl win drought in FBS; UTEP won 2 of their last 3 games, both by 8 points or less (loss was to Tennessee) and 3 of their last 6; Skyler Locklear (1,583 yds, 64%, 10 TDs, 6 INT) is the probable starter at QB, but Cade McConnell also has starting experience (cut short by injury), and USC/Boise State transfer Malachi Nelson could be a factor; both K and P will be new; the Miners haven’t had back-to-back winning seasons since 2004-05, and have only done so twice since 1987 (‘87-88); 3 of their 9 losses were by 7 points or less.
Outlook: UTEP will spend their last season in CUSA, as they are moving to the Mountain West. This really won’t be that new for the Miners, as they were members of the WAC (from which the MWC split off in 1998) from 1968-2004. Their schedule is much easier this year, and they could go 2-2 or even 3-1 in their OOC games: at Utah State, UT Martin, at Texas, and ULM. If that happens, they would only need 3 or 4 wins in the conference to get to their 1st bowl since 2021 (their last winning season at 7-6 under HC Dana Dimel). They get a fortunate draw within CUSA, as they play all 3 of the newest members- Kennesaw State, Missouri State, and Delaware- on the road, and host La Tech, and New Mexico State. Surely they can find 6 wins with that schedule. Don’t be surprised if the Miners go bowling.
129- FIU Panthers 4-8/3-5
Coach: Willie Simmons (1st year, 1st overall)
Coach FBS Record/Rank: 0-0/.000/116th
3-year record/rank: 12-24/.333/117th
6-year record/rank: 19-47/.288/126th
10-year record/rank: 45-71/.388/112th
Last League Title: 2010 Sun Belt
Bowl Streak/Last Bowl Season/Last Bowl Win: 5 year bowl-less/2019/2018
Bowl Record/Rank: 2-3/.400/101st
CFP Playoff Appearances: 0
AP Championships/Last AP Championship: None
Last Undefeated Season: None (since 2002); best season was 9-4 in 2018 under HC Butch Davis
Last Winless Season: 2006/0-12 under HC Don Strock
All-time Record/Rank: 92-178/.341/134th (last)
Offense/ranks:
Scoring: 20.1/116th/6th CUSA
Rushing: 120.6/105th/6th
Passing: 229.4/63rd/3rd
Total: 350.0/101st/5th
Defense/ranks:
Scoring: 25.8/73rd/5th
Rushing: 191.3/111th/7th
Passing: 179.6/16th/4th
Total: 370.9/67th/4th
Returning Starters (Off/Def): 3/3
Schedule:
Aug 29 Bethune-Cookman
Sep 6 @ Penn State
Sep 13 FAU
Sep 20 Delaware
Oct 4 @ UConn
Oct 14 @ WKU
Oct 21 Kennesaw State
Oct 29 @ Missouri State
Nov 8 @ Middle Tennessee
Nov 15 Liberty
Nov 22 Jacksonville State
Nov 29 @ Sam Houston
Notes: The Panthers haven’t been to a bowl since 2019, the 6th longest bowl drought; FIU will be the 1st to host Delaware in a CUSA contest; QB Keyone “Lights Out” Jenkins (2,557 yds, 62%, 22 TDs, 8 INT) returns; both P and K will be new; 5 of 8 losses were by 7 points or less, including 1 in OT; the Panthers have lost 10 consecutive road games (last win at UConn in 2023).
Outlook: FIU has had 3 straight seasons of 4-8 records, so the bar to improve is to get to 5 wins, something they haven’t done since they were 6-7 in 2019. The Panthers lost their top 2 receivers to the portal (both went to GT), so one key to their offensive success will be if their passing game can do enough to complement their running game. Defensively, FIU improved tremendously from 2023 to 2024. If they can improve again, this could be a dangerous team in CUSA. However, it may take a year or 2 for the new coaching staff to implement their schemes and get their players in. A repeat of 4-8 seems likely, though anywhere from 3 to 5 wins is possible, depending on if they can pull an upset (and avoid one of their own).
128- New Mexico Lobos 5-7/3-4
Coach: Jason Eck (1st year, 1st overall)
Coach FBS Record/Rank: 0-0/.000/116th
3-year record/rank: 11-25/.306/122nd
6-year record/rank: 18-49/.269/128th
10-year record/rank: 40-77/.342/118th
Last League Title: 1964 WAC Co-champs/2016 MWC Mountain Champs/ 1963 WAC Champs
Bowl Streak/Last Bowl Season/Last Bowl Win: 8 years bowl-less/2016/2016
Bowl Record/Rank: 4-8-1/.346/115th
CFP Playoff Appearances: 0
AP Championships/Last AP Championship: None
Last Undefeated Season: 1927/8-0-1 under HC Roy W. Johnson
Last Winless Season: 1987/0-11 under HC Mike Sheppard
All-time Record/Rank: 504-648-31/.439/121st
Offense/ranks:
Scoring: 33.5/24th/3rd MWC
Rushing: 253.6/2nd/1st
Passing: 230.7/61st/5th
Total: 494.3/4th/1st
Defense/ranks:
Scoring: 38.0/130th/12th
Rushing: 212.9/126th/11th
Passing: 279.2/129th/12th
Total: 492.1/131st/12th
Returning Starters (Off/Def): 3/4
Schedule:
Aug 30 @ Michigan
Sep 6 Idaho State
Sep 13 @ UCLA
Sep 27 New Mexico State
Oct 4 @ San Jose State
Oct 11 @ Boise State
Oct 18 Nevada
Oct 25 Utah State
Nov 1 @ UNLV
Nov 15 Colorado State
Nov 22 @ Air Force
Nov 29 San Diego State
Notes: The Lobos have the 3rd longest bowl drought at 8 years, and haven’t won a bowl game since 2016 (their last appearance), the 10th longest bowl win drought; K Luke Drzewiecki (13-18 FGs, long 45, 41-42 PATs) returns, but P will be new; QB is likely to be Idaho transfer Jack Layne (1,477 yds, 65%, 14 TDs, 4 INT); Willie Simmons is UNM’s 3rd HC in the last 3 seasons; New Mexico hasn’t blocked a punt since 2009, the longest streak in FBS; 3 of 7 losses were by 8 points or less, and 3 of the 5 wins were by 5 points or less.
Outlook: Offense was not the problem last year for the Lobos; defense was, as they finished last in the Mountain West in 3 out of the 4 main categories, and they were next to last in the other. Unfortunately, only 3 starters return on offense, so it is questionable whether they can maintain that level of success, though several quality transfers were brought in on that side of the ball. UNM has a difficult schedule, opening at Michigan, then traveling to UCLA 2 weeks later. They also have road games at SJSU, Boise State, UNLV, and Air Force, so unless there’s an upset in there, the best they can do is 6 wins. That seems like a bit much to ask, as they haven’t had a winning season since 2016 (9-4 under HC Bob Davie). I expect a step back to 3 or 4 wins, but a repeat of last season’s 5-7 record is possible.
127- Temple Owls 3-9/2-6
Coach: K. C. Keeler (1st year, 3rd overall FBS)
Coach FBS Record/Rank: 12-12/.500/79th
3-year record/rank: 9-27/.250/128th
6-year record/rank: 21-47/.309/123rd
10-year record/rank: 56-66/.459/87th
Last League Title: 2016 AAC
Bowl Streak/Last Bowl Season/Last Bowl Win: 5 years bowl-less/2019/2019
Bowl Record/Rank: 3-6/.333/116th
CFP Playoff Appearances: 0
AP Championships/Last AP Championship: None
Last Undefeated Season: 1907/4-0-2 under HC Horace Butterworth
Last Winless Season: 2005/0-11 under HC Bobby Wallace
All-time Record/Rank: 491-632-52/.440/120th
Offense/ranks:
Scoring: 19.6/121st/14th AAC
Rushing: 92.8/127th/14th
Passing: 216.0/82nd/7th
Total: 308.8/125th/14th
Defense/ranks:
Scoring: 35.4/124th/13th
Rushing: 226.1/132nd/14th
Passing: 191.7/30th/5th
Total: 417.8/113th/10th
Returning Starters (Off/Def): 7/3
Schedule:
Aug 30 @ UMass
Sep 6 Howard
Sep 13 Oklahoma
Sep 20 @ Georgia Tech
Oct 4 UTSA
Oct 11 Navy
Oct 18 @ Charlotte
Oct 25 @ Tulsa
Nov 1 East Carolina
Nov 8 @ Army
Nov 22 Tulane
Nov 29 @ North Texas
Notes: The Owls have not appeared in a bowl since 2019, the 6th longest bowl drought; QB Evan Simon (2,032 yds, 58.8%, 15 TDs, 9 INT) returns, but Texas State/Oregon State/Idaho transfer Gevani McCoy (1,300 yds, 61%, 3 TDs, 6 INT, 328 yds rushing, 5.6 ypc, 5 TDs) could be a factor; P Dante Atton (40.5 avg/ 39.4 net) returns, but K will be new; all 9 losses were to bowl teams (and their 3 wins were against non-bowl teams); Temple has lost 21 straight road games dating back to a win at Akron in week 2 of the 2021 season; the Owls have not won more than 3 games in a season since they were 8-5 in 2019 under HC Rod Carey; Temple has a modest 2-game losing streak.
Outlook: Temple has stocked on on transfers, and new HC K.C. Keeler is a proven winner. The question is how quickly he can turn things around. The Owls have a decent chance to start the season 2-0, as they open at UMass and against FCS Howard at home, but then they host Oklahoma and travel to Ga Tech, so they best they can hope for at that point is 2-2, barring a massive upset. In the AAC, they miss Memphis and USF, but play all the other top contenders. It will only take 2 AAC wins to top their 3-win total from last year (assuming they win their opening 2 games), but last year was the 1st time they had 2 conference wins since their last bowl season in 2019, when they were 5-3 in the AAC. Honestly, I think 4 wins could be the ceiling for this team this year, but if they pull an upset, they could get to 5.
126- Missouri State Bears 8-4/6-2 (FCS)
Coach: Tran Beard (3rd year, 1st overall FBS)
Coach FBS Record/Rank: 0-0/.000/116th
3-year record/rank: N/A
6-year record/rank: N/A
10-year record/rank: N/A
Last League Title: 2020 Missouri Valley co-champs/1990 Gateway co-champs/1989 Gateway Champions
Bowl Streak/Last Bowl Season/Last Bowl Win: N/A
Bowl Record/Rank: N/A
CFP Playoff Appearances: 0
AP Championships/Last AP Championship: None
Last Undefeated Season: Never (since 1986); best season was 10-3 in 1989 under HC Jesse Branch (was also 9-3 in 1990) when they were known as Southwest Missouri State
Last Winless Season: Never; worst season was 1-10 in 2015 and 2019, both under HC Dave Steckel
All-time Record/Rank: N/A
Offense/ranks:
Scoring: 34.8/13th FCS
Rushing: 118.6/97th
Passing: 306.2/5th
Total: 424.8/17th
Defense/ranks:
Scoring: 30.2/87th
Rushing: 177.9/95th
Passing: 213.8/58th
Total: 391.7/83rd
Returning Starters (Off/Def): 4/5
Schedule:
Aug 30 @ USC
Sep 6 @ Marshall
Sep 13 SMU
Sep 20 UT Martin
Sep 27 WKU
Oct 8 @ Middle Tennessee
Oct 22 @ New Mexico State
Oct 29 FIU
Nov 8 @ Liberty
Nov 15 UTEP
Nov 22 @ Kennesaw State
Nov 29 La Tech
Notes: Missouri State is in their 1st season at the FBS level, and thus are not eligible to win the CUSA or participate in a bowl game (unless there aren't enough bowl eligible teams); QB Jacob Clark (3,604 yds, 69.7%, 26 TDs, 6 INT, Walter Payton Award finalist) returns; K Yousef Obeid (11-12 FGs, long of 50, 53-54 PATs) returns, but P will be new; the Bears haven’t defeated an FBS opponent since 1990.; MSU is on a modest 2-game losing streak, but have won 8 of their last 10.
Outlook: As Missouri State transitions into the FBS, they have as tough an opening 3 games as any transition team in memory: @ USC, @ Marshall, and SMU at home. Ouch! Then they follow that up with FCS UT Martin and then host WKU, their 1st CUSA contest. They play all the top teams in the conference, missing Jax State, Sam Houston, and Delaware. I expect no more than 2 or 3 wins, but just 1 win is also a possibility. Mo State’s entrance into FBS should be much like Kennesaw State’s from last year (2-10).
125- Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 3-9/2-6
Coach: Derek Mason (2nd year, 9th overall)
Coach FBS Record/Rank: 30-64/.319/106th
3-year record/rank: 15-22/.405/102nd
6-year record/rank: 29-42/.408/101st
10-year record/rank: 59-67/.468/85th
Last League Title: 2006 Sun Belt co-champs/1992 Ohio Valley Conference/2018 CUSA East
Bowl Streak/Last Bowl Season/Last Bowl Win: 2 years bowl-less/2022/2022
Bowl Record/Rank: 4-6/.400/101st
CFP Playoff Appearances: 0
AP Championships/Last AP Championship: None
Last Undefeated Season: 1965/10-0 under HC Charles M. Murphy (led team to 4 undefeated seasons)
Last Winless Season: 1911/0-2 under HC L.T. Weber
All-time Record/Rank: 608-472-29/.561/54th
Offense/ranks:
Scoring: 18.1/127th/9th CUSA
Rushing: 89.0/130th/10th
Passing: 261.1/36th/2nd
Total: 350.1/100th/4th
Defense/ranks:
Scoring: 34.3/120th/9th
Rushing: 197.0/117th/9th
Passing: 252.2/116th/9th
Total: 449.2/122nd/10th
Returning Starters (Off/Def): 7/8
Schedule:
Aug 30 Austin Peay
Sep 6 @ Wisconsin
Sep 13 @ Nevada
Sep 20 Marshall
Sep 27 @ Kennesaw State
Oct 8 Missouri State
Oct 22 @ Delaware
Oct 29 Jacksonville State
Nov 8 FIU
Nov 15 @ WKU
Nov 22 Sam Houston
Nov 29 @ New Mexico State
Notes: Middle Tennessee failed to score more than 24 pts against any FBS opponent last year; QB Nicholas Vattiato (3,092 yds, 64.4%, 16 TDs, 10 INT, 77 yds rushing) returns; K and P will both be new; offense averaged just 3.2 yds per rush; MTSU is on a 3-game losing streak; all 9 losses last year were by at least 11 points; but all 3 wins were by 9 points or less.
Outlook: The Blue Raiders need to improve in 2 areas if they want to increase their win totals and perhaps make a bowl game. First, they need to have a run game good enough to complement their passing game. Second, their defense must improve by a TD or more per game; giving up almost 5 TDs a game is just too much for almost any offense to overcome. MT could win as many as 3 of their OOC games- FCS Austin Peay, at Wisconsin, at Nevada, Marshall- which would mean a 3-5 CUSA record would get them to a bowl. The Raiders avoid Liberty, La Tech, and UTEP, giving them one of the easier schedules in CUSA. I see MT flirting with bowl eligibility, and perhaps even getting to 7 wins.
Make sure you come back tomorrow as I continue my previews!
Until next time, may you and your loved ones be blessed!
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