1. Louisville (7-1 in Conference, 9-2 overall)
Offense: There's no weakness with returning experience everywhere, lightning speed at receiver, too many good running backs, massive offensive linemen mixed with all-star athletes, and an All-Conference quarterback in Stefan LeFors to pull it all together. It'll be a major disappointment if this isn't the best offense in Conference USA after finishing fifth in the nation in total offense last year.
Defense: There's a ton of experience returning to an extremely athletic defense, but there's little star power and there needs to be far more production from the back seven. The corners need to tighten up and the linebacking corps needs playmakers to help out MLB Robert McCune. Overall, this should be a better D after a not-that-bad 2003.
Five Most Important Conference Games
1. TCU at Louisville, Nov. 11
2. Southern Miss at TCU, Nov. 20
3. Louisville at Memphis, Nov. 3
4. So. Miss at Memphis, Nov. 12
5. Cincinnati at Louisville, Nov. 27
Team that will surprise
UAB
Team that will disappoint
Houston
Coach that must produce
John Thompson, East Carolina
Best head coach
Gary Patterson, TCU
The potentially huge Conference USA upset might be ... Houston over Louisville, Nov. 20
The potentially worst Conference USA game might be ... Louisville at Army, Sept. 11
Best player no one pays attention to ... Tulane SS Tra Boger
T2. Memphis (6-2, 8-3)
Offense: This will be one of the nation's best offenses led by QB Danny Wimprine, RB DeAngelo Williams, and more big, strong, fast receivers than quarterback would know what to do with. The best and deepest array of skill players in Conference USA get the luxury of an experienced line with five returning starters. The offense averaged 30.2 points and 444.5 yards per game last year and should blow the roof off those numbers this season.
Defense: The Joe Lee Dunn 3-3-5 style worked to perfection last year as the Tigers finished ninth in the nation in total defense. The whole will be far better than the sum of the parts this year with major personnel changed being made to the front six. This is an undersized defense relying on speed and quickness, but there have to be more big plays and more turnovers.
T2. Southern Miss (6-2, 6-5)
Offense: The offense had some explosiveness but no consistency. The mediocre backfield has to produce more playing behind an experienced offensive line and with an athletic and talented receiving corps to work with. Southern Miss isn't going to win games because of QB Dustin Almond and RB Anthony Harris, and there are talented players behind them ready to push for jobs.
Defense: This was one of the best defenses in America allowing 17.4 points per game. Seven starters need to be replaced, but there are several good players waiting to step in along with a surprising number of good backups. Michael Boley leads a great linebacking corps, while the secondary will be fine in time after all four new starters get comfortable. There needs to be a consistent pass rush from the new starters on the ends.
T2. TCU (6-2, 8-3)
Offense: There's no excuse for the Horned Frogs to not be one of the most explosive teams in Conference USA with veterans at every position, developed depth and all-star candidates galore. They should have one of the league's best lines to lead the way for the deadly 1-2 rushing punch of Lonta Hobbs and Robert Merrill. The passing game should be explosive with veteran quarterback throwing to big, fast receivers.
Defense: TCU's defense took a step back last year from its tremendous 2002 season, and it could take another leap in the wrong direction if the front six of the 4-2-5 alignment doesn't make more plays. The secondary could be out of this world, and will improve on the average production of last year, if the safeties stay healthy. A pass rush needs to develop now that Bo Schobel is gone off the line.
T5. Cincinnati (5-3, 6-5)
Offense: There's no excuse for a repeat of last year's average offensive performance with nine returning starters and experience to burn. After dealing with growing pains of last year, the line and receiving corps should develop into a strength, while the running backs are talented and provide several good options. It should all come together with QB Gino Guidugli ready for a bounce-back year after a mediocre junior campaign.
Defense: The defense was decent last year, and could be great if some big holes get patched. There needs to be production from the tackles and depth has to emerge in the secondary along with a number two corner. There should be plenty of pressure on opposing quarterbacks from the talented ends and outside linebackers.
T5. UAB (5-3, 6-5)
Offense: Experience, experience, experience. There's enough quarterback and receiving talent for three teams, but it'll all break down if the shaky offensive line doesn't perform well. There's little experience and no depth up front among the big group of linemen. QB Darrell Hackney could be one of the year's breakout statistical stars with all all the weapons to work with.
Defense: Defensive coordinator Wayne Bolt helped turn around the Blazer D. Now he should help make it a killer with experience and depth at every position with several options to work with and numerous All-Conference caliber players. The linebacking corps should be fantastic while the line, if everyone stays healthy, will be great if it can be a bit stronger against the run. The secondary only allowed 11 touchdowns last year and gets almost everyone back.
T7. East Carolina (3-5, 3-8)
Offense: Former Florida quarterback/new offensive coordinator Noah Brindise has installed the old Gator Fun 'n' Gun attack, but that might take the focus away from the team's strength; the running backs. Marvin Townes, Art Brown and Robert Tillman form a loaded backfield. The receiving corps needs playmakers to emerge and the near-new offensive line has to jell quickly. Quarterbacks James Pinkney and Patrick Dosh should shine in the new system.
Defense: The defense was stunningly bad last year in true rebuilding mode. The linebackers will be the stars led by all-everything-to-be junior Chris Moore. The key is developing more of a pass rush after only registering 12 sacks last year. In the trickle down world of defense, the lack of anyone consistently getting into the backfield hurt the young corners. The secondary has potential and could see a massive improvement if sophomore Erode Jean becomes a top shut-down corner.
T7. South Florida (3-5, 4-7)
Offense: The offense had major issues last year sputtering at times and occasionally needing to get gimmicky running the option around the goal line. The line has the potential to be strong with all five starters returning and the receivers and running backs will come around in time. The quarterback situation is the key with Pat Julmiste needing to get the offense moving.
Defense: South Florida continues to play strong defense and continues to surprise by plugging holes faster than a Conference USA program should. There are major question marks in the defensive back seven needing several new starters to come through. The line should be outstanding if everyone stays healthy; 20-25 sacks from the line isn't out of the question.
9. Houston (2-6, 3-8)
Offense: The offense was outstanding against bad teams last season thanks to the emergence of then-freshman QB Kevin Kolb. There will be a slight drop-off in overall production with the loss of WR Brandon Middleton and several good offensive linemen, but Houston can go toe-to-toe with any Conference USA team when it comes to the skill players. The key will be for the line to come together quickly to pave the way for a strong group of running backs.
Defense: Even with the great overall team improvement, the defense stunk last year allowing 36 points and over 440 yards per game not having a prayer against good teams. There's a good chance for a huge turnaround with plenty of good athletes and tons of depth. The defensive line is too talented not to be better against the run, but the linebackers aren't physical enough to handle power running teams. The secondary will be good, not great.
10. Tulane, (1-7, 3-8)
Offense: The offense wasn't nearly as good as it should have been last year thanks to an offensive line that needed time to jell. Now it's bigger and stronger with all five starters returning forming a good front wall. The line will need to shine with an inexperienced backfield that will be trying to figure out its quarterback situation up until the opener. The receiving corps is one of the best in the league.
Defense: The formula has been simple over the last few years for Tulane: experience = production. The D suffered through growing pains in 2003 allowing 35.3 points and 464.6 yards per game with nothing of note to hang its hat on. Things should be better this year with a good looking (and experienced) secondary with several big hitting athletes led by senior Tra Boger. The front seven still needs work against the run, so the hope is for a few of the 290-pound tackles to eat everything up.
11. Army, (0-8, 0-11)
Offense: Gone is the ineffective pure passing offense and in comes a two-back set that should make RB Carlton Jones a star. The offensive line isn't all that talented, but it's experienced. The receiving corps should be strong led by 6-6 weapon Aaron Alexander. Now a quarterback has to step up to run the show.
Defense: Things can't help but be better with eight returning starters to a defense that allowed 36.6 points and 464 yards per game. The size isn't there on the front six in the 4-2-5 alignment to be nastier against the run, while there isn't enough team speed to make up for mistakes. The secondary should be the strongest aspect of the D with four starters and some good backups returning.
Offense: There's no weakness with returning experience everywhere, lightning speed at receiver, too many good running backs, massive offensive linemen mixed with all-star athletes, and an All-Conference quarterback in Stefan LeFors to pull it all together. It'll be a major disappointment if this isn't the best offense in Conference USA after finishing fifth in the nation in total offense last year.
Defense: There's a ton of experience returning to an extremely athletic defense, but there's little star power and there needs to be far more production from the back seven. The corners need to tighten up and the linebacking corps needs playmakers to help out MLB Robert McCune. Overall, this should be a better D after a not-that-bad 2003.
Five Most Important Conference Games
1. TCU at Louisville, Nov. 11
2. Southern Miss at TCU, Nov. 20
3. Louisville at Memphis, Nov. 3
4. So. Miss at Memphis, Nov. 12
5. Cincinnati at Louisville, Nov. 27
Team that will surprise
UAB
Team that will disappoint
Houston
Coach that must produce
John Thompson, East Carolina
Best head coach
Gary Patterson, TCU
The potentially huge Conference USA upset might be ... Houston over Louisville, Nov. 20
The potentially worst Conference USA game might be ... Louisville at Army, Sept. 11
Best player no one pays attention to ... Tulane SS Tra Boger
T2. Memphis (6-2, 8-3)
Offense: This will be one of the nation's best offenses led by QB Danny Wimprine, RB DeAngelo Williams, and more big, strong, fast receivers than quarterback would know what to do with. The best and deepest array of skill players in Conference USA get the luxury of an experienced line with five returning starters. The offense averaged 30.2 points and 444.5 yards per game last year and should blow the roof off those numbers this season.
Defense: The Joe Lee Dunn 3-3-5 style worked to perfection last year as the Tigers finished ninth in the nation in total defense. The whole will be far better than the sum of the parts this year with major personnel changed being made to the front six. This is an undersized defense relying on speed and quickness, but there have to be more big plays and more turnovers.
T2. Southern Miss (6-2, 6-5)
Offense: The offense had some explosiveness but no consistency. The mediocre backfield has to produce more playing behind an experienced offensive line and with an athletic and talented receiving corps to work with. Southern Miss isn't going to win games because of QB Dustin Almond and RB Anthony Harris, and there are talented players behind them ready to push for jobs.
Defense: This was one of the best defenses in America allowing 17.4 points per game. Seven starters need to be replaced, but there are several good players waiting to step in along with a surprising number of good backups. Michael Boley leads a great linebacking corps, while the secondary will be fine in time after all four new starters get comfortable. There needs to be a consistent pass rush from the new starters on the ends.
T2. TCU (6-2, 8-3)
Offense: There's no excuse for the Horned Frogs to not be one of the most explosive teams in Conference USA with veterans at every position, developed depth and all-star candidates galore. They should have one of the league's best lines to lead the way for the deadly 1-2 rushing punch of Lonta Hobbs and Robert Merrill. The passing game should be explosive with veteran quarterback throwing to big, fast receivers.
Defense: TCU's defense took a step back last year from its tremendous 2002 season, and it could take another leap in the wrong direction if the front six of the 4-2-5 alignment doesn't make more plays. The secondary could be out of this world, and will improve on the average production of last year, if the safeties stay healthy. A pass rush needs to develop now that Bo Schobel is gone off the line.
T5. Cincinnati (5-3, 6-5)
Offense: There's no excuse for a repeat of last year's average offensive performance with nine returning starters and experience to burn. After dealing with growing pains of last year, the line and receiving corps should develop into a strength, while the running backs are talented and provide several good options. It should all come together with QB Gino Guidugli ready for a bounce-back year after a mediocre junior campaign.
Defense: The defense was decent last year, and could be great if some big holes get patched. There needs to be production from the tackles and depth has to emerge in the secondary along with a number two corner. There should be plenty of pressure on opposing quarterbacks from the talented ends and outside linebackers.
T5. UAB (5-3, 6-5)
Offense: Experience, experience, experience. There's enough quarterback and receiving talent for three teams, but it'll all break down if the shaky offensive line doesn't perform well. There's little experience and no depth up front among the big group of linemen. QB Darrell Hackney could be one of the year's breakout statistical stars with all all the weapons to work with.
Defense: Defensive coordinator Wayne Bolt helped turn around the Blazer D. Now he should help make it a killer with experience and depth at every position with several options to work with and numerous All-Conference caliber players. The linebacking corps should be fantastic while the line, if everyone stays healthy, will be great if it can be a bit stronger against the run. The secondary only allowed 11 touchdowns last year and gets almost everyone back.
T7. East Carolina (3-5, 3-8)
Offense: Former Florida quarterback/new offensive coordinator Noah Brindise has installed the old Gator Fun 'n' Gun attack, but that might take the focus away from the team's strength; the running backs. Marvin Townes, Art Brown and Robert Tillman form a loaded backfield. The receiving corps needs playmakers to emerge and the near-new offensive line has to jell quickly. Quarterbacks James Pinkney and Patrick Dosh should shine in the new system.
Defense: The defense was stunningly bad last year in true rebuilding mode. The linebackers will be the stars led by all-everything-to-be junior Chris Moore. The key is developing more of a pass rush after only registering 12 sacks last year. In the trickle down world of defense, the lack of anyone consistently getting into the backfield hurt the young corners. The secondary has potential and could see a massive improvement if sophomore Erode Jean becomes a top shut-down corner.
T7. South Florida (3-5, 4-7)
Offense: The offense had major issues last year sputtering at times and occasionally needing to get gimmicky running the option around the goal line. The line has the potential to be strong with all five starters returning and the receivers and running backs will come around in time. The quarterback situation is the key with Pat Julmiste needing to get the offense moving.
Defense: South Florida continues to play strong defense and continues to surprise by plugging holes faster than a Conference USA program should. There are major question marks in the defensive back seven needing several new starters to come through. The line should be outstanding if everyone stays healthy; 20-25 sacks from the line isn't out of the question.
9. Houston (2-6, 3-8)
Offense: The offense was outstanding against bad teams last season thanks to the emergence of then-freshman QB Kevin Kolb. There will be a slight drop-off in overall production with the loss of WR Brandon Middleton and several good offensive linemen, but Houston can go toe-to-toe with any Conference USA team when it comes to the skill players. The key will be for the line to come together quickly to pave the way for a strong group of running backs.
Defense: Even with the great overall team improvement, the defense stunk last year allowing 36 points and over 440 yards per game not having a prayer against good teams. There's a good chance for a huge turnaround with plenty of good athletes and tons of depth. The defensive line is too talented not to be better against the run, but the linebackers aren't physical enough to handle power running teams. The secondary will be good, not great.
10. Tulane, (1-7, 3-8)
Offense: The offense wasn't nearly as good as it should have been last year thanks to an offensive line that needed time to jell. Now it's bigger and stronger with all five starters returning forming a good front wall. The line will need to shine with an inexperienced backfield that will be trying to figure out its quarterback situation up until the opener. The receiving corps is one of the best in the league.
Defense: The formula has been simple over the last few years for Tulane: experience = production. The D suffered through growing pains in 2003 allowing 35.3 points and 464.6 yards per game with nothing of note to hang its hat on. Things should be better this year with a good looking (and experienced) secondary with several big hitting athletes led by senior Tra Boger. The front seven still needs work against the run, so the hope is for a few of the 290-pound tackles to eat everything up.
11. Army, (0-8, 0-11)
Offense: Gone is the ineffective pure passing offense and in comes a two-back set that should make RB Carlton Jones a star. The offensive line isn't all that talented, but it's experienced. The receiving corps should be strong led by 6-6 weapon Aaron Alexander. Now a quarterback has to step up to run the show.
Defense: Things can't help but be better with eight returning starters to a defense that allowed 36.6 points and 464 yards per game. The size isn't there on the front six in the 4-2-5 alignment to be nastier against the run, while there isn't enough team speed to make up for mistakes. The secondary should be the strongest aspect of the D with four starters and some good backups returning.
