College Football Predictions & Preview: CUSA

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This is a continuation of our series on our exclusive 2009 college football predictions.  Today, we take an early look at Conference USA.

College Football Predictions

Conference USA

East

1) Southern Miss
2008 Record: (7-6, 4-4)
Coach: Larry Fedora, 2nd year (7-6 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Darrell Wyatt (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Todd Bradford (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 16 (8 offense, 8 defense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Austin Davis)

Offense: Austin Davis returns at quarterback after a record-breaking freshman season. He threw for 3,128 yards and 23 touchdown playing in the no-huddle spread attack. They also return senior RB Damion Fletcher, who led the conference in rushing with 1,313 yards but he was suspended in the spring and worked hard to get back in Larry Fedora’s good graces. At receiver, sophomore DeAndre Brown (6-6, 228) returns after leading all freshman in receiving with 1,117 yards, while scoring 12 touchdowns. He also missed spring ball after breaking his leg in their bowl game against Troy (30-27 win). The offensive line returns four starters and is a major strength.

Defense: The defense returns eight starters from a unit that allowed 24.1ppg (54th in the nation) and 366.1 yards per game (65th in the nation). They did lose star LB Gerald McRath, a first-team all-league pick who left early for the NFL. Junior Anthony Gray (6-0, 301) returns at tackle, while sophomore Deddrick Jones (6-3, 242) is back at end. Martez Smith (6-0, 211), a hard-hitter at linebacker, returns for his junior season. They also add Hendrick Leverette (5-10, 221), a transfer from Pearl River (Miss.) Community College to compete for the job in the middle. The secondary returns an experienced crew, led by safeties Eddie Hicks (4 INTs) and Justin Wilson (4 INTs).

Outlook: The schedule is pretty tough as they open with Alcorn State, UCF and Virginia at home and then takes on Kansas on the road. They also face Louisville on the road in mid-October. The East divsion may be decided when they take on East Carolina on the road at the end of the season. This team is loaded, not just on offense, but the defense is also strong enough to make them a contender. They are a certain bowl team this year.

2) East Carolina
2008 Record: (9-5, 6-2)
Coach: Skip Holtz, 4th year, (29-22 at East Carolina, 63-45 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Todd Fitch (3rd year) and Steve Shankweiler (15th year)
Def. Coordinator: Greg Hudson (5th year)
Returning Starters: 18 (8 offense, 8 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Patrick Pinkney)

Offense: Patrick Pinkney returns after the NCAA gave him a sixth year of eligibility after missing the 2205 season recovering from shoulder problems after redshirting in 2004. He started in 13 of 14 games last season, throwing for 2,675 yards with just seven interceptions in 363 attempts. He should have an even bigger season with the return of receivers Darryl Freeney and Dwayne Harris, who led the way with 654 yards on 58 catches last season. The big concern is at running back where Norman Whitley (698 yards, 4 TDs) returns after taking a leave of absence in the spring. That leaves an opening for Kentucky transfer Brandon Jackson because junior Jonathan Williams (380 yards) has legal issues and might not play this fall. The offensive line returns four starters from a strong unit.

Defense: The defense returns eight starters from a defense that allowed 21.1ppg (30th in the nation) last season and 330 yards per game (41st in the nation). The defensive line is experienced, led by end C.J. Wilson (6-4, 271), who led the Pirates in tackles for loss with 18.5 and 10.5 sacks. Tackles Linval Joseph (6-6, 300) and Jay Ross (6-3, 306) are sturdy against the run up the middle. The linebackers are anchored by senior MLB Nick Johnson (6-1, 215), who led the team with 102 tackles last season. Senior OLB Chris Mattocks (6-0, 210) is back after playing some at safety and linebacker last year. The secondary is the strength of this unit as FS Van Eskridge (6-0, 200) is back after picking off four of their 22 interceptions last year. He also finished third in tackles with 97.

Outlook: The Pirates open with a very tough FCS (1-AA) opponent in Appalachian State at home, and then face West Virginia and North Carolina on the road. They also host rival Virginia Tech at home in November. This is one tough schedule that features Southern Miss at home in the season finale.

3) Memphis
2008 Record: (6-7, 4-4)
Coach: Tommy West, 9th year (47-51)
Off. Coordinator: Clay Helton (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Kenny Ingram (1st year)
Returning Starters: 12, (4 offense, 7 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Arkelon Hall)

Offense: The Tigers return just four starters on offense, but one of them is senior quarterback Arkelon Hall (6-3, 225). Hall threw for 2,275 yards last season (12 TDs, 7 INTs) after transferring from a California junior college. He dropped 10 pounds, which should help his ability to run. However, he could be pushed by Brett Toney, Byron Ingram and Tyler Bass in the fall. At running back, senior Curtis Steele (6-0, 185) is back after rushing for 1,223 yards, as he was named the league’s Newcomer of the Year. The receivers are very strong, led by seniors Duke Calhoun (6-4, 200) and Carlos Singleton (6-8, 220). Calhoun has 144 career catches for 2,058 yards, while Singleton adds 19 career touchdown receptions. The offensive line returns just one starter in RG Dominik Riley (6-4, 315), guards Ronald Leary (6-4, 313) and Malcom Ralws (6-5, 315) have some experience.

Defense: The defense returns seven starters and new coordinator Kenny Ingram, but the defensive brings back just one in junior end Jada Brown (6-2, 265). One impact player could be junior DT Justin Thompson (6-4, 290), who was a big-time juco prospect, who originally signed with Oregon. The linebackers should be a strength of the unit as they return all three starters. Senior OLB Greg Jackson (6-2, 212) is the playmaker, who recorded four sacks last year. They also add two transfers in James Hughes (6-0, 230) from Mississippi State and junior Derrick Odom (6-2, 202) from LSU, who could both be factors. In the secondary, the Tigers return three of four starters including senior safety Alton Starr, who led the team with 90 tackles last year.

Outlook: The Tigers face Ole Miss at home, followed by Middle Tennesse State on the road, Tennessee-Martin at home and Tennessee on the road in their non-conference schedule. In conference, games at Houston and a home game against East Carolina will be key. If they can find a consistent running back, they have a legitimate shot to make a bowl game.

4) UCF
2008 Record: (4-8, 3-5)
Coach: George O’Leary, 6th year (26-36 at UCF, 78-69 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Charlie Taafe (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Dave Huxtable (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 18 (10 offense, 7 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Rob Calabrese)

Offense: The Knights return 10 offensive starters and they add coordinator Charlie Taaffe, a former CFL coach and coordinator. That’s the biggest addition to an offense that ranked just 113th in the nation (16.6ppg) in points score and 119th (last) in the nation in yards per game (119). Sophomore Rob Calabrese (6-2, 218) returns at quarterback and he’ll have more responsibility as the passing game will be upgraded and the spread will be implemented. He has a deep receiving corps featuring the top three pass catchers from last year-Brian Waters (594 yards), Kamar Aiken and Khynest Williams. They also return HB/TE Corey Rabazinski, who missed most of last season with a leg injury. The running game returns sophomore Brynn Harvey (6-1, 202), who led the team with 519 yards. The offensive line features four players who were first-year starters a year ago.

Defense: The defense returns seven starters from a unit that allowed 24.1ppg (54th in the nation) and 333.8 yards per game (43rd). Those are not bad numbers, but they had to play like USC to win because their offense couldn’t put points on the board. The front seven is strong, led by junior DE Bruce Miller (6-2, 258), who recorded seven sacks last year. They are also very strong at tackle, which is a major reason why the unit was first against the run in the conference last year (126.1ypg). The linebackers return two starters though they are moving one junior Derrick Hallman (6-0, 213) to free safety. Junior Lawrence Young (6-0, 205) though undersized, finished with 72 tackles last year. The secondary moves Hallman up from linebacker but that means they’ll still have four new starters. Potential starting CB Emery Allen also hurt his leg in the spring and might not be ready in the fall.

Outlook: UCF should be improved this season with 10 starters back and a new offense. The offense can’t be much worse than last year’s abysmal unit-even with the same players. They’ll open with Samford and then go right into conference play against a very tough Southern Miss team. They also host Buffalo, Miami (FL) and travel to Texas. Brutal schedule other than 1-AA Samford. They should be better than last year, but the record might not show it.

5) Marshall
2008 Record: (4-8, 3-5)
Coach: Mark Snyder, 5th year (16-31 overall)
Off. Coordinator: John Shannon (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Rick Minter (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 17 (7 offense, 8 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

Offense: Marshall returns seven starters to an offense that produced just 20.5ppg and 330.4yds/game. Sophomore QB Mark Cann (6-4, 238) returns after throwing for 1,767 yards, but he struggled late in the season, completing just 30 of 70 passes in the final three games. Junior Brian Anderson (6-3, 217) played in the final when Cann was hurt and threw for 177 yards and three TDs (14-of-19). He moved past Cann with that effort but will also be pushed by juco transfers Press Taylor and Jacob Laudenslayer. At running back, junior Darius Marshall (great name) led the team with 1,095 yards, but only one TD in the last eight games. They have an outstanding tight end in senior Cody Slate (6-4, 220), who caught 40 passes for 510 yards. The receivers lack experience as there is hope that juco prospect Wayne Bonner (6-4, 210) will add size and 4.5 speed to a team lacking playmakers. The offensive line returns just two starters from a unit that allowed just 13 sacks. Fortunately, both tackles are back in sophomores C.J. Wood (6-5, 288) and Ryan Tillman (6-5, 282).

Defense: marshall returns eight starters on defense including all four on the defensive line. The defense was awful last season, especially against the pass, as six opponents passed for more than 300 yards against them. Five opponents rushed for more than 200 yards. The line is anchored by senior All-C-USA selection DE Albert McClellan (6-2, 252). At linebacker, senior Mario Harvey (6-0, 244) returns after leading the team in tackles with 107 and sacks with 4.5. The secondary is more of a concern as they have a pair of sophomore corners returning in DeQuan Bembry and T.J. Drakeford who should improve. Bembry had 80 tackles last season and a team-high 7.5 tackles for loss.

Outlook: Marshall opens with Southern Illinois at home, but then faces Virginia Tech. They also take on Bowling Green at home and rival West Virginia on the road. This is a pretty tough schedule for a team that has issues at quarterback and a defense that should be better but is still far off the rest of the league.

6) UAB
2008 Record: (4-8, 3-5)
Coach: Neil Callaway, 3rd year (6-18 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Kim Helton (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Eric Schumann (3rd year)
Returning Starters: 18 (11 offense, 7 defense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Joe Webb)

Offense: The bright side for the offense is that they return starting quarterback Joe Webb (6-4, 220), a senior, along with 10 other starters on the offense. The problem is the offense was ineffective last season, ranking 86th in the nation (22.8ppg) in points scored and 76th in the nation in passing (197.3ypg). Webb had 21 touchdowns in 2009, threw for 2,367 yards and ran for 1,021 yards, setting a single-season C-USA qb record. However, he also threw for 16 interceptions, the third-highest total in the conference. Senior Rashaud Slaughter led the team in rushing last year with 514 yards and four TDs. He also ranked second in catches with 29. Junior WR Frantrell Forrest (6-2, 195) is back after leading the team with 536 yards. The offensive returns all five starters, but are moving Greg Calhoun (6-3, 300) to right tackle and are searching for a new left tackle.

Defense: The defense returns seven starters from a unit that allowed 31.3ppg and 429.9yds/game (106th in the nation). They did start to turn the corner the last three games, allowing just 13.7ppg. Up front, they return three of four starters including DE Bryant Turner (6-2, 260), who had four sacks last year. Junior Tim Davs (6-0, 275) moves from tackle to end to make room for senior NT David DeCordova (6-2, 280). Juco transfer Derek Slaughter (6-2, 245) could also make an impact up front. At linebacker, they must replace two starters. Freshman Daniel White (6-2, 220) will get an early nod in the middle, while junior Keon Harris (5-11, 205) is back (47 tackles). In the secondary, UAB must replace three starters in the secondary, including All-C-USA CB Kevin Sanders. SS Chase Daniel (6-3, 190) has the most experience after finishing tied for third in tackles with 47.

Outlook: UAB faces Rice and SMU at home to start the season, so they jump right into conference play. Their non-conference schedule features Troy, Texas A&M Florida Atlantic and Ole Miss. They do take on Southern Miss at home and ECU on the road. Pretty tough schedule for a team that needs to rebuild their defense and find a consistent running game on offense.

West

1) Houston
2008 Record: (7-6, 6-2)
Coach: Kevin Sumlin, 2nd year (8-5 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Dana Holgrosen (2nd year) and Jason Phillips (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: John Skladany (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 11 (8 offense, 5 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Case Keenum)

Offense: The Cougars return eight starters from one of the best offenses in the nation. Junior Case Keenum (6-2, 210) is back, after leading the offense to 40.6ppg. He threw for 5,020 yards last season with 44 TDs and just 11 INTs, earning the C-USA’s 2008 Offensive Player of the Year. They also return sophomore RB Bryce Beall (5-11, 205), who ran for 1,247 yards as a freshman, breaking the school’s freshman rushing record. At receiver, they also return two outstanding sophomores. Sophomore Tyrone Carrier (5-8, 162), who is small, but very fast, caught 80 receptions for 1,026 yards and nine TDs. Sophomore Patrick Edwards caught 46 receptions for 634 yards in eight games before suffering a broken leg when his right shin hit a cart in the back of the end zone during the Marshall game. The offensive line returns three starters and also adds two juco transfers in RT Roy Watts (6-6, 300) and LG Jave Dean (6-3, 325), who will be in the picture.

Defense: The defense returns just five starters from a unit that allowed a whopping 30.9ppg (91st in the nation) and 413.5 yards per game (100th in the nation). This was the prototypical bend-but-not break defense that gave up yards, but made key stops when they had to. They return just one starter up front in junior DT Isaiah Thompson (6-4, 285). They lost C-USA’s Defensive Player of the Year-Phillip Hunt. They hope that former linebacker Tyrell Graham (6-3, 225) can make up part of the loss with a big year at defensive end. At linebacker, they return sophomore Marcus McGraw (5-11, 220), who was MVP of the Amred Forces Bowl win over Air Force and led the team with 103 tackles. In the secondary, they also added two more juco transfers to bolster the secondary. S Jacky Candy and speedy CB Devin Mays are expected to start off the bat.

Outlook: The Cougars open with Northwestern State, but that’s followed by two tough Big 12 games against Oklahoma State on the road and Texas Tech at home. The key conference game will be at Tulsa on November 7th. The Cougars have such a powerful offense, even with a mediocre defense (at best), they can go back to a minor bowl game or even move higher, if they can finish with just a couple of losses.

2) Tulsa
2008 Record: (11-3, 7-1)
Coach: Todd Graham, 3rd year (21-7 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Herb Hand (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Keith Patterson (4th year) and Ron West (1st year)
Returning Starters: 14 (6 offense, 7 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

Offense: Tulsa returns six starters on an explosive offense that averaged 47.2ppg (2nd in the nation) and 569.9 yards per game (1st in the nation). They set a school record with 7,978 yards, but the bad news is that they’ll have to find a new quarterback to replace David Johnson. Junior QB Jacob Bower (6-3, 242) will be trying to fill his shoes, though he attempted just 15 passes last year. He’ll compete with G.J. Kinne and Shavodrick Beaver. At running back, junior Charles Clay (6-3, 230) returns as a top-notch receiver, who has 1,488 receiving yards and 449 rushing yards. The no-huddle spread attack is designed for a balanced offense. Receivers Damaris Johnson, Trae Johnson and Slick Shelley are all-top notch. Damaris Johnson led the club with 53 receptions for 743 yards and 10 TDs, while Trae Johnson set the school record for freshman with 1,088 receiving yards and 13 scores. The offensive line returns two starters and will have to replace the right side.

Defense: The defense brings back seven starters from a defense that allowed 27.9ppg (75th in the nation) and 379.1 yards per game (74th). The big problem for last year’s defense was the turnovers. The didn’t create any, recording just nine interceptions. They were 84th nationally in turnover ration at -5 and 97th in passing defense (249.6ypg). They return just one starter on the defensive line in the 3-3-5 scheme. Senior NG Wilson Garrison (6-4, 283) received honorable mention all-conference recognition. The defense gets most of its pass rush from the secondary. Senior S James Lockett (5-11, 203) was a second-team all-conference selection after leading the team with 16.5 tackles and also added 8.5 sacks. At linebacker, they return all three including senior Mike Bryan (6-3, 226), who led the team with 119 tackles. In the secondary, they return two of five including Lockett and CB Kenny Sims, who also received honorable mention All-C-USA selection.

Outlook: Tulsa faces Sam Houston State and Boise State at home with Oklahoma and New Mexico on the road in their non-conference schedule. That’s not easy, though they do face elite conference teams Houston, East Carolina and Memphis at home with Southern Miss on the road. This is a quality team that will rely on a consistent quarterback and an improved defense to put them over the top. The quarterback is the main thing that separates them from Houston.

3) UTEP
2008 Record: (5-7, 4-4)
Coach: Mike Price, 5th year (30-30 at UTEP, 159-152 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Bob Connelly (2nd year) and Aaron Price (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Osia Lewis (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 15 (8 offense, 6 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Trevor Vittatoe)

Offense: The Miners produced 32.9ppg and 406.5ypg last season and with eight starters returning, the offense should be stacked again. That’s usually not the issue for a Mike Price team. Junior QB Trevor Vittatoe (6-2, 230) returns after throwing for 3,274 yards and 33 touchdowns last year with just nine picks. He also played most of the season with a torn ankle ligament. With four starters returning on the line and his top two receivers back, Vittatoe should have a huge season. Senior Jeff Moturi and junior Kris Adams combined for 101 receptions and 23 touchdowns. At running back, the Miners need an impact player to emerge. Sophomore Vernon Frazier (5-7, 165) was electric in the spring, while junior Donald Bucrkam (5-10, 10) sat out the spring with a minor injury after being listed as the projected starter.

Defense: The defense struggled in the new 3-3-5 scheme last season and they return just six starters. The key will be the healthy return of “Miner” safety Braxton Any (6-0, 210), who missed last season due to a torn ACL. In 2007, he led the team with 112 tackles. Up front, they return two of three starters, but they lack depth on the line. Linebackers Roddray Walker (6-1, 215) and Royzell Smith (6-1, 215) are solid. The secondary returns three of five starters, but that’s not necessarily a good thing for a secondary that was torched last year.

Outlook: The Miners open with Buffalo and Kansas at home. They follow that with roadies against New Mexico State and Texas. The conference schedule features Tulsa and Houston at home, so if they find a defensive rotation that works, they could surprise.

4) Rice
2008 Record: (10-3, 7-1)
Coach: Dave Bailiff, 3rd year (13-12 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Ed Zaunbrecher (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Chuck Dreisbach (3rd0 year) and Craig Naivar (3rd year)
Returning Starters: 14 (4 offense, 8 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

Offense: The Owls return just four starters from a dynamic offense that produced 41.3ppg and 470.9 yards per game. It’s not just the quantity but the quality of the losses as they have to replace star QB Chase Clement and top wideouts (TE) James Casey and Jarrett Dillard (4,138 career receiving yards). Head coach David Bailiff will have his work cut out for him as he also brings in new offensive coordinator Ed Zaunbrecher. Junior John Thomas Shepherd, redshirt freshman Ryan Lewis and sophomore Nick Fanuzzi (Alabama transfer) will vie for the starting quarterback job. At tailback, Tyler Smith (5-8, 190) is back after a strong spring and a knee injury in 2007 and should beat out senior Jeramy Goodson, who had limited touches last year. Senior Toren Dixon (6-2, 212) will lead the way at receiver after catching 50 passes for 598 yards and five touchdowns. The offensive line, which returns two starters, is anchored by junior left tackle Scott Mitchell (6-4, 290).

Defense: The defense brings back eight starters from a unit that allowed 33.3ppg and 452.2 yards per game (111th in the nation). They were simply awful last year, but still managed to win 10 games because their offense was so strong. They return three of four starters including tackle Chance Talbert (6-6, 283) and junior DE Scott Soloman (6-3, 263), who recorded 4.5 sacks last year. At linebacker, they return senior Terrance Garmon (6-2, 220) along with top safeties Andrew Sendejo (6-1, 210) and Chris Jones (6-3, 200) in the 4-2-5 defense. Sendejo led the team in tackles with 94 and also added three picks. He’s the career leader with 254 tackles and eight picks.

Outlook: The Owls open with UAB on the road and then face non-conference opponents Texas Tech and Oklahoma State on the road, along with Vanderbilt at home. That’s a tough task for a team looking to find a suitable replacement at quarterback. They also face East Carolina and Houston on the road, not great luck for a team trying to win the C-USA West. The schedule is extremely challenging for a team that lost so much offensively.

5) Tulane
2008 Record: (2-10, 1-7)
Coach: Bob Toledo, 3rd year (6-18 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Dan Dodd (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Steve Stanard (1st year)
Returning Starters: 16 (8 offense, 6 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

Offense: The Green Wave return eight starters from an offense that averaged 16.7ppg (112th in the nation) and 339.7 yards per game. They return junior quarterback Kevin Moore (6-5, 234), who threw for 2,150 yards last season sharing the position with Anthony Scelfo. However, sophomore Joe Kemp (6-4, 206) could be more of a playmaker in the West Coast offense and is a better option than Moore. Senior RB Andre Anderson (6-0, 211) return after rushing for 864 yards last year, averaging 142 yards per game before suffering a shoulder fracture in the seventh game. Senior wide receiver Jeremy Williams (6-1, 201) was also having a strong year (437 yards, 16.2ypc) before suffering a knee injury in the fifth week. Up front, they return three of five starters.

Defense: The defense was atrocious last season, allowing 34.5ppg (106th in the nation) and 391.3 yards per game. The hope is that new coordinator Steve Stanard can improve the unit. They return six starters including two on the defensive line. The line is their strong point, which is not saying much because they gave up 218.4 yds/game against the run last year. Senior NT Reggie Scott (6-4, 260) is back for a sixth year of eligibility and moves to tackle from end. Senior DE Logan Kelley (6-2, 246) led the team in sacks last year with seven. At linebacker, senior David Kirksey (6-1, 224) is the only returning starter (41 tackles). The secondary returns three starters including senior S Corey Sonnier, who recorded 86 tackles last year.

Outlook: The Green Wave opens with Tulsa, before facing BYU, McNeese State and Army in their non-conference schedule. They also face state rival LSU in Baton Rouge on Oct. 31. In conference, they end the season with three straight on the road against Rice, UCF and SMU. A road game against Southern Miss is tough. The whole slate is tough for a squad that needs to find its identity on both sides of the ball.

6) SMU
2008 Record: (1-11, 0-8)
Coach: June Jones, 2nd year (1-11 SMU, 77-52 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Dan Morrison (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Tom Mason (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 15 (8 offense, 7 defense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Bo Levi Mitchell)

Offense: The Mustangs return eight starters from the 98th ranked offense (314.3ypg). That certainly doesn’t typify a June Jones offense, but turnovers were the main culprit. Sophomore QB Bo Levi Mitchell threw 23 picks and the team finished next-to-last in interceptions thrown. They have two weapons in senior WR Emmanuel Sanders (67 catches for 958 yards) and junior Aldrick Robinson (59 for 1,047 yards). At running back, junior Chris Butler is the likely starter, who ran for 174 yards. The running game is usually not a staple of the run-and-shoot, though they are putting more emphasis on a pistol formation, where the qb lines up closer to center and the running back is four yards behind the qb. The offensive line returns three starters.

Defense: The defense returns seven starters from a unit that allowed 479.5 yards per game (118th in the nation) and 38.2ppg. Jones moved the defense to a 3-4 to utilize their athletes. Junior Pete Fleps (6-1, 228) moves from strongside linebacker to the middle and will call the signals. Fleps led the team last year with 106 tacdkles. They also return junior Youri Yenga (6-1, 223), who moves from end to outside linebacker. He led the Mustangs with 6.5 tackles last year and 10. 5 tackles for loss. This a young team that will have to get better up front, if they have a chance to improve. They’ll use their quickness at linebacker and athletes in the secondary to get more pressure on the quarterback. Senior CB Bryan McCann leads the way in the secondary with three interceptions. All four members of the secondary return.

Outlook: The Mustangs aren’t really shying away from competition, despite winning just one game last year. They do open with Stephen F. Austin, but after that, they take on Washington State on the road, are at TCU and host Navy. They aren’t gimmes, but will at least be winnable games. This will be a tough season for the Mustangs, but expect some improvement as they are still adjusting to the run-and-shoot and 3-4 schemes.

• 2009 College Football Predictions: UAB Blazers
• 2009 College Football Predictions: Tulane Green Wave
• 2009 College Football Predictions: Tulsa Golden Hurricanes
• 2009 College Football Predictions: SMU Mustangs
• 2009 College Football Predictions: Rice Owls