Flirting With Change: Mountain West Preview

 It's been no secret that San Diego State would love to leave the Mountain West for the Pac-12 to fill their upcoming vacancies next season. However; the Mountain West was not too keen on letting the Aztecs just up and leave and they will not be waiving or reducing the exit fee. Perhaps the Aztecs are looking to jump ship after a down year for the conference stuck in mediocrity outside Boise State, Fresno State, and Air Force.

The Broncos are once again the favorite to win the conference, don't expect the Bulldogs or Falcons to let them waltz through the league without issue. All three teams hope to get better competition from the bottom of the conference as four teams won three games or fewer. Here's a look at the Mountain West in 2023.

Boise State

Head Coach: Andy Avalos (3rd Season, 17-9)

Last Year Record (Rank): 10-4 (24)

Preseason Rank: 22
 

Prediction: 8-4

What's Ahead: Did you know Boise State hasn't won the Mountain West since 2019? It's hard to believe that they are in this long of a drought after being dominant for the majority of the 21st Century. Part of the issue has been quarterback play for 3rd-year coach Andy Avalos, but Taylen Green provided a spark for a Broncos team that went 2-2 last year before he took over. The conference will likely be down to a three-team race as Air Force and Fresno State look to keep Boise State from claiming another conference crown.

Air Force 

Head Coach: Troy Calhoun (17th Season, 121-78)

LYR: 10-3 (17)

PR: 30

Prediction: 10-2

What's Ahead: A favorable schedule and one of the country's longest-tenured coaches is a recipe for success. The Falcons look to make it back-to-back seasons with 10+ wins and barring a few surprises, looked primed to do it again. The only real challenge on the schedule isn't until the last weekend when they travel to Boise. Could this be the year they finally win the Mountain West?

Fresno State

Head Coach: Jeff Tedford (5th Season, 36-18)

LYR: 10-4 (23)

PR: 36

Prediction: 9-3

What's Ahead: The Bulldogs went 1-4 to begin 2022 but then went on a nine-game streak to achieve an unthinkable 10 wins and a conference championship. There is a lot of turnover on the offensive side of the ball, but Jeff Tedford has found success in Fresno and after some rough road tests at Purdue and Arizona State, the road looks pretty favorable. They even get the luck of welcoming Boise State to California instead of playing on the blue turf.

San Jose State

Head Coach: Brent Brennan (7th Season, 27-42)

LYR: 7-5 (55)

PR: 69

Prediction: 6-6

What's Ahead: This Spartans' squad has a lot of great things going for it on offense including the return of senior quarterback Chevan Cordeiro. The biggest factor for the boys of Silicon Valley is their schedule. The road schedule includes trips to USC, Toledo, and Boise State, while they get visits from Oregon State, Fresno State, and Air Force. Fortunately, they should get wins against the rest of their schedule to make it back to a bowl game. Hopefully, that bowl comes against EMU since the Spartans are the only team they can beat in December.

San Diego State

Head Coach: Brady Hoke (6th Season, 36-24)

LYR: 7-6 (67)

PR: 72

Prediction: 7-5

What's Ahead: The Aztecs took a step backward in 2022 and made an unfortunate move to let the Mountain West know that they were leaving despite not receiving an invitation from the Pac-12 (which is currently in shambles). Jaylen Mayden is back at quarterback for Brady Hoke, but the schedule is brutal as they draw two Pac-12 teams and the previous four conference teams on this list.

Wyoming

Head Coach: Craig Bohl (10th Season, 52-56)

LYR: 7-6 (68)

PR: 73

Prediction: 7-5

What's Ahead: The Cowboys need better quarterback play if they want to rise above the midline. Their AD should also get props for bringing some big games to Laramie in Texas Tech and Appalachian State.

Utah State

Head Coach: Blake Anderson (4th Season, 17-10)

LYR: 6-7 (82)

PR: 107

Prediction: 5-7

 

What's Ahead: The bowl streak could be in jeopardy. A visit from James Madison could be the tipping point for the Aggies.

Colorado State

Head Coach: Jay Norvell (2nd Season, 3-9)

LYR: 3-9 (122)

PR: 113

Prediction: 6-6

What's Ahead: The offense has some big playmakers returning to Fort Collins. Tory Horton went over 1,000 yards receiving and seems to have a great report with Clay Millen. Jay Norvell was too successful at Nevada for the Rams to be down for very long.

UNLV

Head Coach: Barry Odom (1st Season)

LYR: 5-7 (96)

PR: 114 

Prediction: 3-9

What's Ahead: The Rebels were nearly bowl eligible because of their academic progress report, but were a few teams short. That failure led to a coaching change as UNLV has not been to a bowl since 2013 and has never won the MWC or any conference since they won the Big West in 1994. Barry Odom has the unenviable task of trying to turn all this around.

Hawaii

Head Coach: Timmy Chang (2nd Season, 3-10)

LYR: 3-10 (124)

PR: 121 

Prediction: 3-10

What's Ahead: Speaking of unenviable tasks, Timmy Chang is finding it much harder in Honolulu the second time around.

New Mexico

Head Coach: Danny Gonzales (4th Season, 7-24)

LYR: 2-10 (125)

PR: 126 

Prediction: 2-10

What's Ahead: Danny Gonzales' seat is hot and it's not because of the New Mexico sun.

Nevada

Head Coach: Ken Wilson (2nd Season, 2-10)

LYR: 2-10 (127)

PR: 129 

Prediction: 4-8

What's Ahead: The Wolfpack should be much improved after last season's rough transition period for Ken Wilson. They will still be at the bottom but they should be able to take the Fremont Cannon back.

A Change From Good to Bad: AAC Preview

The American Athletic Conference was the pinnacle of the Group of 5 schools, but UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston have all left for the Big 12 requiring some replacements. Not only did they find three replacements, but they added three more to grow the conference from 11 to 14. UTSA, FAU, UAB, North Texas, Rice, and Charlotte have all moved on from Conference USA to hopefully greener pastures. UTSA alongside Tulane were two of the biggest surprises in college football last season and look to continue their success. But it will be difficult to replace the high-caliber schools that left and it may take a few years for the AAC to recover. Here's a look at the new AAC.

Tulane

Head Coach: Willie Fritz (8th Season, 43-45)

Last Year Record (Rank): 12-2 (4)

Preseason Rank: 13

Prediction: 9-3

What's Ahead: The Green Wave shocked the college football world with wins over Cincinnati, UCF, and USC to close out their season. Tulane returns quarterback Michael Pratt, but there are a lot of vacant roles on both sides of the ball. They were extremely entertaining in 2022 and hopefully, the city of New Orleans is treated to another fun Fall.

UTSA 

Head Coach: Jeff Traylor (4th Season, 30-10)

LYR: 11-3 (13)

PR: 17

Prediction: 10-2

What's Ahead: Frank Turner is back for a seventh season in San Antonio and will only cement his legacy as the best player in Roadrunners history. Harris helped lead UTSA to a CUSA Championship and almost all of the talent on the offensive side of the ball is back. The Roadrunners will provide the toughest task for Tulane if they want to repeat as AAC Champs.

SMU 

Head Coach: Rhett Lashlee (2nd Season, 7-6)

LYR: 7-6 (66)

PR: 66

Prediction: 8-4

What's Ahead: The Mustangs were explosive on offense in 2022, but the defense had more holes than Swiss cheese. Preston Stone takes over as quarterback from Tanner Mordecai (transferred to Wisconsin) while Jaylan Knighton comes over from Miami (FL) to bolster the backfield. If the defense can stop anyone, then the Mustangs could be the dark horse (pun intended) of the AAC.

ECU

Head Coach: Mike Houston (5th Season, 22-24)

LYR: 8-5 (46)

PR: 75

Prediction: 5-7

What's Ahead: After a strong finish to the 2022 season, the Pirates are headed for a fallback to the middle of the pack. Without any real experience on offense, especially in the quarterback position, ECU may find it harder to win in 2023.

UAB

Head Coach: Trent Dilfer (1st Season)

LYR: 7-6 (64)

PR: 77 

Prediction: 6-6

What's Ahead: Trent Dilfer, who may remember as the worst quarterback to win a Super Bowl, is now the head coach at UAB, with his only experience coming from coaching high school football. It's yet to be determined if he's in over his head, but he's fortunate to have Jermaine Brown Jr. in the backfield. Brown was second on the team with 900 yards rushing, but only because DeWayne McBride led the nation in rushing yards last year. Other than Brown though, UAB has the same problem as any program with a new coach, a lot of new faces in a lot of different positions. Does Ray Lewis still have eligibility?

Memphis

Head Coach: Ryan Silverfield (4th Season, 21-15)

LYR: 7-6 (70)

PR: 78

Prediction: 8-4

What's Ahead: The Tigers were a middle-of-the-road team and they might be slightly better in 2023. DeMeer Blankumsee brings the MACtion to the AAC after transferring from Toledo. This may not be the most exciting team, but they have what looks to be a soft schedule that should bring them success.

North Texas

Head Coach: Eric Morris (1st Season)

LYR: 7-7 (71)

PR: 87 

Prediction: 7-5

What's Ahead: Eric Morris inherits a favorable situation with many starters returning and a team that made it to the CUSA Championship. Chandler Rogers transfers in from Louisiana Monroe to provide some flash at the quarterback position. The Mean Green have a chance to make a big move in their new conference, but can Morris bring it all together in his first season.

Florida Atlantic 94, 5-7 (92)

Head Coach: Tom Herman (1st Season)

LYR: 5-7 (92)

PR: 94

Prediction: 6-6

What's Ahead: FAU tries the rehash at head coach with Tom Herman, after a failed stint at Texas. He falls in line with hires like Willie Taggart and Lane Kiffin. Herman hopes this can launch his career back to relevance like Kiffin, but he'll have to find a quarterback first. Daniel Richardson transfers in from CMU, but there could be as many as four horses in the race. Larry McCammon III was a 1,000-yard rusher last season, so he should be able to take some of the burden off the QB situation.

Tulsa

Head Coach: Kevin Wilson (1st Year)

LYR: 5-7 (93)

PR: 104

Prediction: 3-9

What's Ahead: Kevin Wilson takes over as the new head coach of the Golden Hurricane and good luck, because the cupboard in Tulsa was left bare.

Rice

 Head Coach: Mike Bloomgren (6th Season, 16-39)

LYR: 5-8 (100)

PR: 110

Prediction: 3-9

What's Ahead: Mike Bloomgren is looking to hold off updating his resume by bringing in the well-traveled J.T. Daniels. Daniels comes over from West Virginia, but before that, he won a National Championship at Georgia and began at USC. He's never quite been as advertised and Dallas is his final stop before he finally leaves college.

Navy

Head Coach: Brian Newberry (1st Season)

LYR: 4-8 (102)

PR: 116

Prediction: 2-10

What's Ahead: Brian Newberry takes over the head coaching reigns, but fear not, the triple-option is here to stay in Annapolis. It might take a few years before they become relevant again.

Temple

Head Coach: Stan Drayton (2nd Season, 3-9)

LYR: 3-9 (123)

PR: 123

Prediction: 4-8

What's Ahead: It was a bumpy road in Philadelphia for the Owls last season, but it seems like they've at least solved their quarterback problem. E.J. Warner, son of Kurt Warner, threw for over 3,000 yards but needs to control his gunslinger style and cut down on his 12 interceptions.

Charlotte

Head Coach: Biff Poggi (1st Season)

LYR: 3-9 (118)

PR: 127

Prediction: 3-9

What's Ahead: The 49ers found their new head coach in Biff Poggi, but now they'll have to figure out who's going to give Shadrick Byrd the football.

USF

Head Coach: Alex Golesh (1st Season)

LYR: 1-11 (130)

PR: 130 

Prediction: 3-9

What's Ahead: One thing that Alex Golesh can bank on is that USF can't be much worse than they were last year.

Four New Teams Join the Fold: Conference USA Preview

 Everyone can talk about the Big 12, SEC, PAC 12, and Big Ten all making moves, but there's a ripple effect that goes all the way down the lowest of conferences. Enter Conference USA, which was pillaged by the American, that was pillaged by the Big 12. UTSA, Florida Atlantic, UAB, North Texas, Rice, and Charlotte have all joined the AAC leaving CUSA with just five teams and rumors of a MAC and Western Kentucky alliance. That alliance fell through and the conference brought in two independents, Liberty and New Mexico State, and two teams from the FCS (Jacksonville State and Sam Houston State) to fill the voids. 

The main reason CUSA ranks above the MAC in conference power rankings is that there are fewer teams and they also have one team in the Top 50, something the MAC does not. There's a lot to learn about the new look conference, but it will likely be ignored by the big shots, so here's a snapshot.

Western Kentucky

Head Coach: Ty Helton (5th Season, 32-21)

Last Year Record (Rank): 9-5 (38)

Preseason Rank: 47

Prediction: 9-3

What's Ahead: Austin Reed was the nation's leading passer with 4,700 yards and 40 touchdowns and he's back to pick on some pretty weak competition. It should be a cakewalk for the Hilltoppers, but they'll probably stumble somewhere on their way to a spot in the R+L Carriers Bowl against the second-best Sun Belt team. The defense was just as good as the offense last season, but they lost a good number of players on that side of the ball. Ty Helton should be on the radar for bigger schools because he is an offensive guru that has had WKU slinging the pigskin and scoring points over his five years in Bowling Green.

Liberty

Head Coach: Jamey Chadwell (1st Season)

LYR: 8-5 (53)

PR: 67

Prediction: 7-5

What's Ahead: Speaking of coaches that have had a lot of success recently, Jamey Chadwell heads over from Myrtle Beach, where he made Coastal Carolina into a perennial Top 25 team. He takes over for Hugh Freeze, who left the program in pretty good shape before he headed back to the SEC. Chadwell will install a completely new offense and scheme, so it's hard to say who sticks around or who will make it from Week 1 until Week 6. A good coach and a program that is continuing an upward trend should breed success, but look for a few bumps along the way.

Middle Tennessee State

Head Coach: Rick Stockstill (18th Season, 109-103)

LYR: 8-5 (54)

PR: 76

Prediction: 6-6

What's Ahead: Rick Stockstill has seen all sorts of chaos and realignments because he's currently the fourth-longest tenured coach in all of college football and the longest out of any Group of 5 schools. He's always rebuilding and retooling and 2023 will be no different. He's got his leading rusher in Frank Peasant back, but otherwise, the offense is made up of a lot of new parts. The defense returns a handful of players, so they should help lead the Blue Raiders to yet another bowl under Stockstill. The one downside is their first game is to tune up Alabama and then they head to Missouri, hopefully in one piece before their first home game.

New Mexico State

Head Coach: Jerry Kill (2nd Season, 7-6)

LYR: 7-6 (69)

PR: 98

Prediction: 8-5

What's Ahead: The offense is bringing nearly everyone back and that's great news for Jerry Kill. Kill lead the Aggies to a winning season and a bowl win for the first time since 2017. New Mexico State is also back in a conference after being kicked out of the Sun Belt Conference in 2017. A fairly weak schedule should lift the Aggies to another bowl game, which would be the first time in history that they went in back-to-back seasons.

UTEP

Head Coach: Dana Dimel (6th Season, 17-40)

LYR: 5-7 (97)

PR: 107

Prediction: 6-6

What's Ahead: The Miners' best rushers entered the portal, but a good chunk of the offense is back, including four of the five starting linemen (the other one transferred as well). They have a chance to do enough to become bowl-eligible, something they fell short of achieving last season by one game.

Louisiana Tech

Head Coach: Sonny Cumbie (2nd Season, 3-9)

LYR: 3-9 (117)

PR: 118

Prediction: 4-8

What's Ahead: Smoke Harris is probably the only real exciting thing about this team at the moment, but Sonny Cumbie hopes he can get more out of the Bulldogs after a bad first season. Hank Bachmeier comes over from Boise State to throw Harris the ball in space and let him do his thing.

FIU

Head Coach: Mike MacIntyre (2nd Season, 4-8)

LYR: 4-8 (111)

PR: 120

Prediction: 2-10

What's Ahead: A lot of returning starters on both sides of the ball, but I think they'll struggle against the slightly better competition.

Jacksonville State

Head Coach: Rich Rodriguez (2nd Season, 9-2)

LYR: N/A

PR: 131

Prediction: 4-8

What's Ahead: First, let's meet one of the newest additions to the FBS. They are located in Alabama and not Florida despite what you might think and they are led by former West Virginia, Michigan, and Arizona head coach, Rich Rodriguez. Rich Rod did phenomenally in year one, leading the Gamecocks to a first-place finish in the Atlantic Sun (FCS). It'll be interesting to see if they adapt like James Madison did in 2022 or if they will falter in year one at the big level. One thing is for certain, quarterback Zion Webb was allowed to return for his seventh year of eligibility.

Sam Houston State

Head Coach: K.C. Keeler (11th Season, 85-27)

LYR: N/A

PR: 133

Prediction: 3-9

What's Ahead: Everyone say hi to the Bearkats, that's with a k on purpose (for some reason). The school is named after the first President of the Republic of Texas and they have had some great success at the FCS level as seen by Keeler's stellar record. Last year was a bit of a drop and this year might be the low point for SHST. Keegan Shoemaker returns as the quarterback, for now, but has a bunch of transfer quarterbacks looking to take his job if he puts up the same numbers as he did in 2022.

Get Ready for MACtion: Mid-American Conference Preview

 Here I was laughing to myself about how bad Conference USA is and how I was going to do their breakdown next, but figured I should crunch some numbers as I work my way down from worst to best conferences. After that number crunching, I was appalled to find no MAC teams in the Top 50 to begin the year, but a whole bunch located in the triple digits. Toledo, Ohio, and Eastern Michigan are on the watchlist, but MAC schools don't usually invite themselves into the top tier of the rankings until about Week 7 after they've shaken off a Big Ten beatdown or a surprise loss to an FCS school in overtime. 

It is both strange and relieving to see EMU at the top of the conference as they actually shared the West title with Toledo, but the Rockets got to represent the West in the MAC Championship. Ohio had it good in the East last season but might face some stiffer competition in a conference that is as unpredictable as any. Here's a look at the schools that will fill your need for football on Tuesdays and Wednesdays come November.

West:

Toledo

Head Coach: Jason Candle (8th Season, 54-32)

Last Year Record (Rank): 9-5 (39)

Preseason Rank: 56

Prediction: 9-3

What's ahead: Last year the Rockets were challenged for supremacy in the MAC, but when it came down to when it mattered the most, DeQuan Finn and company took care of business once again. Toledo brings back 16 starters from that championship squad and has the potential to get to double-figure wins this season, but it's also the MAC, so throw everything out the window. However, you slice it, the road to Detroit runs through Toledo, literally for all the MAC schools not located in Michigan already.

Eastern Michigan

Head Coach: Chris Creighton (9th Season, 46-61)

LYR: 9-4 (35)

PR: 62

Prediction: 7-5

What's Ahead: The Eagles finally won a bowl game for the first time since 1987 and even earned a share of the MAC West with Toledo. Those are great building blocks for Chris Creighton, but they will have to find a way to win with a lot of new faces on both sides of the ball. Luckily, some key pieces like running back Samson Evans and slot receiver Tanner Knue return to help Austin Smith, who started a few games for EMU in 2022. Perhaps the loudest and most confident corner in the MAC, Kempton Shine, returns to back up his smack talk on a defense that must replace Jose Ramirez (one of two Eagles drafted). Could the Eagles make a mark in the Twin Cities with another Big Ten win, sure, but when for them, the question is whether they can slay the dragon that dons blue and gold.

Western Michigan

Head Coach: Lance Taylor (1st Season)

LYR: 5-7 (94)

PR: 105

Prediction: 4-8

What's Ahead: The Lance Taylor ere begins in Kalamazoo after a rough season for the Broncos. The defense played well in 2022, but the offense ranked 118th in scoring. Not many faces return and maybe that's a good thing, but 2023 will likely be a growing year for the Broncos.

Northern Illinois

Head Coach: Thomas Hammock (5th Season, 17-27)

LYR: 3-9 (120)

PR: 111

Prediction: 7-5

What's ahead: Rocky Lombardi returns for one more year to try and help the Huskies back to MAC West glory. He won't have much returning in the skills department, but NIU brings back an experienced defense that wants to avoid the letdown of 2022. I see a bounce-back year for the Huskies which means they'll go 0-12 and Hammock will get fired.

Central Michigan

Head Coach: Jim McElwain (5th Season, 24-21)

LYR: 4-8 (110)

PR: 112

Prediction: 6-6

What's Ahead: The Chippewas were just three points away from going 6-6 and heading to a bowl game, but some weird bounces and weather kept them sitting at home. The offense will feature many new faces including transfer Stephen Bracey Jr. from Wisconsin to help the receiving corp. The defense has a majority of the starters returning including All-MAC DT Robi Stuart and DB Dante Kent, and leaving tackler Kyle Moretti. If the offense clicks, they can challenge Toledo, but mediocrity awaits if they don't.

Ball State

Head Coach: Mike Neu (8th Season, 33-48)

LYR: 5-7 (99)

PR: 115

Prediction: 3-9

What's Ahead: They lost four games by seven points or less and subsequently stayed home during bowl season. Now they have to replace the bulldozer Carson Steele at running back, along with many other positions on that side of the ball. Clayton Coll returns to lead a respectable defense, but ultimately it seems like rough sailing for the boys from Muncie.

East:

Ohio

Head Coach: Tim Albin (3rd Season, 13-13)

LYR: 10-4 (25)

PR: 61

Prediction: 9-3

What's Ahead: If Kurtis Rourke is healthy come MACtion, then the Bobcats roll through the East and head back to Detroit looking for their first MAC title since 1968. If he's not then their Battle of the Bricks foe in Oxford will be up for the challenge. They can make some splashes against some tough Group of 5 schools on the road and then get a chance to stun Iowa State in Athens. There are a lot of good things for the Marching 110 to celebrate.

Buffalo

Head Coach: Maurice Linguist (3rd Season, 11-14)

LYR: 7-6 (62)

PR: 85

Prediction: 6-6

What's Ahead: Cole Snyder can keep the Bulls in just about any game, but it'll be interesting to see if they'll be able to overcome a slow start like they did in 2022. There's not as much support on the offense, but look for the Bulls to be an annoying foe in 2023.

Miami (OH)

Head Coach: Chuck Martin (9th Season, 45-59)

LYR: 6-7 (84)

PR: 86

Prediction: 8-4

What's ahead: Brett Gabbert is always dangerous and he's got a defense to support him on the other side. The Redhawks allowed just 22.6 points per game last season, but could only score 20.2 per game. Can Gabbert lead the Redhawks over their rivals in Athens or will it be more mediocrity from Oxford?

Bowling Green

Head Coach: Scott Loeffler (5th Season, 13-29)

LYR: 6-7 (79)

PR: 101

Prediction: 4-8

What's ahead: When they figure out who is going to play quarterback, then maybe I'd feel better, but those first five weeks are brutal and will be tough to gain confidence. If they can find the right man, then maybe this turns into another 6-6 campaign, but the MAC is forever a mystery.

Kent State

Head Coach: Kenni Burns (1st Season)

LYR: 5-7 (95)

PR: 117

Prediction: 2-10

What's ahead: In one of the more head-scratching decisions of the off-season, head coach Sean Lewis left the brand that he had built in Kent to take an assistants job for Deion Sanders in Colorado. Former Minnesota assistant Kenni Burns takes over the reins of a team gutted by the transfer portal. The offense will have no returning starters from 2022 and the defense brings back 5. At least they play Akron once this season.

Akron

Head Coach: Joe Morehead (2nd Season, 2-10)

LYR: 2-10 (126)

PR: 128

Prediction: 3-9

What's Ahead: The Zips have a dual-threat quarterback in DJ Irons and a linebacker that's been in college longer than some doctors. Bubba Arslanian was granted a seventh year of eligibility and for some reason is deciding to spend all this time in Akron.

And Then There Were Four: Independents Outlook

 For the first time since 2017, only four teams qualify as independents for the upcoming college football season. Notre Dame is almost a de facto member of the ACC but needs that sweet TV money, so it can remain independent. The other three schools consist of UConn, Army, and UMass. Last year there were seven independents, but BYU joined the Big 12, while New Mexico State and Liberty are now members of Conference USA.

Here's a look at the first four of the 133 teams that make up FBS College Football.

Notre Dame

Head Coach: Marcus Freeman (2nd Season, 9-5)

Last Year Record (Pool Rank): 9-4 (26)

Preseason Rank: 19

Prediction: 9-3

My Take: Sam Hartman (pictured) might finally be the quarterback that the Irish have been looking for after grad transferring from Wake Forest. While he was a Demon Deacon, Hartman threw for nearly 13,000 yards and 110 TDs in the air and another 17 rushing. It's a good thing he showed up as Tyler Buchner (Alabama) and Drew Pyne (Arizona State) both left South Bend over the winter. Joe Alt provides All-American-level protection at left tackle as the Irish look to improve their passing offense which ranked 97th last season.

Gerard Parker takes over the reins from Tommy Rees (also at Alabama now) as the Big O while Al Golden will run the defense for second-year coach Marcus Freeman. The defense has a lot of returning starters and hopefully, they'll remember what they did wrong as they allowed teams to score touchdowns on nearly 80 percent of their red zone trips.

The season starts with a cool trip to Dublin, Ireland, where they will play Navy on Aug. 26 (aka Week 0). That should be the start to an easy path to a 4-0 start before the Buckeyes head to South Bend. That's the first of three major hurdles for Notre Dame if they want to make the playoffs. The next one comes three weeks later when USC heads east on Oct. 14. They finally get a tough road test on Nov. 4 when they head to Clemson before Hartman faces his former school. It's tough seeing them clearing two of these hurdles and I don't think they'll be anywhere but a New Year's Day Bowl (note to self, save for potential freezing cold takes).

UConn

Head Coach: Jim Mora (2nd Season, 6-7)

LYR: 6-7 (83)

PR: 89

Prediction: 5-7

MT: Jim Mora performed a miracle by getting the Huskies bowl eligible for the first time since 2015. He'll have a bunch of returning starters on the defense that he calls the plays for, including leading tackler Jackson Mitchell (140 tackles). Also back to lead the offense is running back Victor Rosa, who scampered his way to 636 yards and 11 touchdowns. He'll be joined in the backfield by Jalen Mitchell, who comes over from Louisville. It'll be interesting to see if Ta'Quan Roberson or Zion Turner will be the ones taking the snaps by the halfway point.

Army

Head Coach: Jeff Monken (10th Season, 64-49)

LYR: 6-6 (73)

PR: 82

Prediction: 6-6

MT: I'm not exactly sure who is doing the scheduling at Army, but they really need to get it together. For the second straight season, the Black Knights could be at risk of not making a bowl game despite six wins. Last year Army knocked off Navy to get to six wins, but two of their wins were against Villanova and Colgate, who are both FCS schools. NCAA rules state that if you have two wins against FCS schools, you must reach seven wins or more to become bowl eligible. With Syracuse, LSU, and UTSA on the schedule, it might be hard for Army to find a seventh win. Offensively, it's still about the option attack and they'll use that ball control and a hard-nosed defense to win close games.

UMass

Head Coach: Don Brown (7th Season, 44-30)

LYR: 1-11 (131)

PR: 132

Prediction: 2-10

MT: Don Brown's return to UMass was not what the defensive guru wanted to see. The Minutemen ranked 103rd in defensive scoring (31 PPG) and were an even worse 130th in points scored (12.5). Virtually no one from the offense on the skills side returns which is probably for the best and their potential starting QB, Taisun Phommachnah will likely get a nickname from UMass announcers. It looks like another tough year, but I swear to god if I watch them put up points in Ypsilanti this fall, I'm going to rip my TV off the wall.