In less than 50 days, college football will be kicking off again, albeit with games you probably don't care about, but nonetheless, it's football. Of course, no bigger game occurs in week one for fans of this blog than Notre Dame at Ohio State on Sept. 3. Throughout these outlooks I'll be evaluating conferences by strength and then making notes of any future changes (and boy are there changes). In 2022, there will be 7 teams competing as independents in FBS football, but that number drops to 4 in 2023 when New Mexico State and Liberty join Conference USA and BYU joins the Big 12. Notre Dame is rumored to be joining a conference soon with the emergence of super conferences, but for now, they'll piggyback off the ACC. Here's a look at those 7 schools and their chances of earning an at-large bid for a playoff spot.
Notre Dame
Last Year Rank: 14 (11-2)
Preseason Rank: 6
2022 Prediction: 10-2
Brian Kelly jetted to the south (LSU) and now Marcus Freeman will get a chance to wash the awful taste left in his mouth when the Fighting Irish squandered a 20-point lead against Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl. He may not get to do that until Week 2 as they thrust themselves into Columbus for a Week 1 showdown with the Buckeyes. The schedule from there isn't super difficult as they may stumble against BYU (in Las Vegas) and Clemson. Tyler Buchner is expected to be the quarterback if he can stay healthy and he'll get some help from tight end Michael Mayer and Rimmington Trophy candidate (top center), Jarrett Patterson. The defense returns about half their starters and brings over safety Brandon Joseph from Northwestern. Overall, the Irish can make a run and wouldn't certainly secure a spot with a win in the Buckeye State.
BYU
Head Coach: Kalani Sitake (7th Season, 48-29)
LYR: 24 (10-3)
PR: 18
2022 Prediction: 9-3
The Cougars' season ended with a thud in their loss to UAB in the Independence Bowl, but part of their struggles was due to the fact that quarterback Jaren Hall was injured. He's back and healthy and looking to make BYU's final season as an independent a good one. They'll be joining the Big 12 next year and will be preparing for the Power 5 conference move with a Power 5 schedule in 2022. Baylor, Oregon, Notre Dame, Arkansas, and Stanford all play the Cougars in 2022. Even their non-Power 5 games include a trip to Boise State and Liberty. Likely, BYU will end up in a mid-level bowl game.
Army
LYR: 36 (9-4)
PR: 56
Prediction: 8-4
The option may give defensive coordinators fits, but when facing Army, it'll likely be Andre Carter II (No. 34) that keeps opposing coaches up at night. Carter became the first All-American for Army since the late 80s after setting a school record with 15.5 sacks. The offense is going to have a lot of new faces, especially in the skill positions. The biggest prize for Army is the Commander-in-Cheif's Trophy which they hope to hold for the third-straight season.
Liberty
LYR: 47 (8-5)
PR: 61
Prediction: 8-4
The Flames will be without Malik Willis, who was drafted by the Tennessee Titans, so the quarterback position is wide open for Freeze and the Flames. It's a pretty soft schedule overall, so bowl hopes are high in their last season as an independent before joining Conference USA next season.
UMass
LYR: 128 (1-11)
PR: 129
Prediction: 2-10
Don Brown returns to Amherst after previously coaching from 2004-08. Since then he's been the defensive coordinator at many different locations, most notably at Michigan. He'll have workhorse Ellis Merriweather to carry the load as he ran for over 1,100 yards and didn't fumble in 218 carries. The schedule is weak, but then again, so is this team on paper.
UConn
Head Coach: Jim Mora (1st Season)
LYR: 129 (1-11)
PR: 130
Prediction: 2-10
The Huskies welcome new coach Jim Mora to Storrs, but this is a long way from UCLA or the NFL. Mora loses most of his offense, but maybe that's a good thing considering their lone win was against Yale. While they are not moving yet, Mora has been publicly telling recruits and the media that the Huskies would love to join the ACC.
New Mexico State
Head Coach: Jerry Kill (1st Season)
LYR: 126
PR: 131
Prediction: 2-10
The Aggies also welcome a new face to the coaching ranks as Jerry Kill is hopefully over the health problems that caused him to miss time at Northern Illinois and Minnesota. If they can get things going, there's potential for three wins, but there are a lot of fresh faces, but like UConn, that's probably a good thing.
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