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This is the final chapter in our series on 2009 college football predictions. Today, we continue with a look at the Independents (FBS) Conference.

College Football Predictions

Independents (FBS)

1) Notre Dame
2008 Record: (7-6)
Coach: Charlie Weiss, 5th year (29-21 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Charlie Weiss (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Jon Tenuta (2nd year) and Corwin Brown (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 18 (10 offense, 6 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Jimmy Clausen)

Offense: The Irish return 10 starters from an offense that was mediocre. They averaged just 24.7ppg and 355.1 yards per game, which is one of the reasons why Charlie Weiss has taken over the offense. The key will be the progression of junior Jimmy Clausen (6-3, 217), who threw for 3,172 yards with 25 TDs and 17 picks. He has to improve his footwork and limit the interceptions. They have two outstanding targets returning in junior Golden Tate (58 receptions for 1,080 yards) and sophomore Michael Floyd and sophomore TE Kyle Rudolph (6-6, 258). At running back, junior Armando Allen (5-10, 195) is back after rushing for 585 yards and three TDs. They also have quality backups in Robert Hughes (382 yards) and James Aldridge (357 yards). The ofensive line returns four starters and at left tackle Paul Duncan (6-7, 308) started 12 games in 2007.

Defense: The defense returns six starters from a unit that allowed 22.2ppg (42nd in the nation) and 329.9 yards per game (39th in the nation). With Corwin Brown getting bumped up to associate head coach, Jon Tenuta will call the plays and that means even more blitzing. The line will be the biggest concern with just one returning starter in junior Ian Williams (6-2, 310). Ethan Johnson (6-4, 275) came off the bench last year to record 3.5 sacks and should make a bigger impact as a starter. At linebacker, junior Brian Smith (6-3, 245) is a beast, who can play inside our out. But they have to replace the other linebacker spots. The secondary adds Harrison Smith (6-2, 212), who was a linebacker last year and moves to free safety. At strong safety, senior Kyle McCarthy (6-1, 203) was the leading tackler last year with 110 stops. They also return senior starting corner Raeshon McNeill (6-0, 190). Darrin Walls (6-0, 190) is back after starting in 2007 at corner. He missed last season due to personal reasons.

Outlook: The schedule is tough, but not as difficult as in recent years. It looks a lot more favorable with winnable home games against Navy, Uconn, Nevada, Washington (bad team), Boston College (down year) and Stanford on the road. Washington State in San Antonio should be a win, while they take on their toughest team-USC-at home. This should be Weis’ best team as the have an opportunity to win at least nine games and anything less would be a disappointment.

2) Navy
2008 Record: (8-5)
Coach: Ken Niumatalolo, 2nd year, (8-6 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Irvin Jasper (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Buddy Green (8th year)
Returning Starters: 12 (4 offense, 7 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

Offense: It’s usually tough when an option offense has to replace a quarterback, but fortunately for Navy, junior Ricky Dobbs (6-1, 194) has a good amount of experience. The junior was third string last season, but came in several games to injuries, including a spectacular performance against SMU, when he rushed for 224 yards with four touchdowns. He’s a bigger athlete than most Navy option qbs with a strong arm and good elusiveness. He threw for 212 yards in limited action, which means they may actually throw the ball more than five times per game. They do lose FB Eric Kettani and slot back Shun White, both outstanding runners in the triple option. Sophomore FB Alexander Teich (6-0, 200) is undersized, while sophomore slotback Marcus Curry (5-11, 207), though fast with good hands, is unproven. He’ll be the key to the offense along with Dobbs. The receivers have to block in this offense, but may see more time catching the ball. Up fron, they return three starters including junior LT Jeff Battipaglia (6-4, 260).

Defense: The defense returns seven starters from a unit that allowed 22ppg (40th in the nation) and 346.7 yards per game. They made huge strides from the previous season when they were awful, especially against the pass. Senior NG Nate Frazier (6-3, 287) anchors a three-man line, with all three starters returning. He tied for the team lead with nine tackles for loss. At linebacker, they loss two of four starters, but do return seniors Ross Pospisil (6-0, 223), who had 106 tackles last year and senior Clint Sovie (5-11, 210), who moves from the inside to the outside to utilize his speed. The secondary returns junior safety Wyatt Middleton (6-0, 192), one of their best players, but they need help at the cornerback spot.

Outlook: Navy mixes up their schedule with top teams as well as winnable games so they can win enough to make a bowl game. They open with Ohio State on the road and also have brutal road games at Pitt and Notre Dame. Aside from facing rivals Army in Philadelphia and Air Force at home, they have winnable games against Delaware, Western Kentucky, Temple and Louisiana Tech at home, with Rice and SMU on the road.

3) Army
2008 Record: (3-9)
Coach: Rich Ellerson, 1st year (60-41 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Ian Shields (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Payaam Saadat and Chris Smeland (1st year)
Returning Starters: 11, (3 offense, 7 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Chip Bowden)

Offense: Another year, another Army coach. Rich Ellerson brings the triple-option attack from Cal Poly, which if run correctly, should have most opponents guessing. Last season, Army ran the option, but it was very bland, consisting of fullback dives and quarterback keepers. Jujnior Chip Bowden (6-0, 211) returns at quarterback after running for 572 yards and throwing for just 282 yards. He will be pushed by sophomore Max Jenkins (6-2, 197) and youngster Trent Steelman. The running game is the key as they have three new starters at fullback and slotback. They have to replace Collin Mooney (1,339 yards), who set the academy single-season rushing record. Sophomore CeDarius Williams (5-11, 203) gets the nod at fullback. An interesting move and a creative one at that, was switching former left tackle Ali Villanueva (6-10, 283) to wide receiver. He certainly provides a big target, but there won’t be a lot passing in the triple option, so why not use a former tackle who is athletic enough to block as a wideout? The O-line has major issues overall with just one starter returning in senior RT Jason Johnson (6-3, 251).

Defense: The defense returns seven starters from a unit that allowed a solid 23.7ppg (51st) and 339.5 yards per game. They ran a 4-3 scheme last year, but will use a more attacking defense called the double-eagle flex. Up front, senior Victor Ugenyi (6-3, 262) will move from end to tackle to provide more of a pass rush. Rush end Josh McNary (6-1, 225) led the Black Knights with 12 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. At linebacker, they return just one starter. Junior Stephen Anderson (5-10, 219) is the leading returning tackler with 82 and moves from the outside to the inside to take advantage of his playmaking skills. In the secondary, they return junior FS Donovan Travis (6-1, 187), who is an outstanding athlete and picked off two passes last year.

Outlook: Army is moving in the right direction with Ellerson, who ran the spread option and will utilize more passing. He just needs more talent to run his offense. They face Eastern Michigan on the road and Duke at home to start the season. It’s certainly a very tame schedule, but they have face Air Force on the road, which means a Commander-in-Chief Trophy is not likely.

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