Which Teams Have The Best Shot Of Going To The CUSA Title Game: Some Clarity Emerges

It wouldn't be another week of CUSA football without at least one major upset. This week, FIU surprisingly took care of Marshall while UAB snuck out with a win versus Southern Miss. All that did was strengthen the grips of North Texas and FAU on a trip to the CUSA title game. 

Back to back CUSA champion WKU was virtually eliminated from contention after giving up a second half lead in a loss to FAU. Let's see how Conference USA stacks up.

Conference USA East Division:

Contenders: FAU, FIU, Marshall, WKU (Barely).

Pretenders: MTSU, Charlotte, Old Dominion.

• Florida Atlantic (5-3, 4-0 CUSA): Either CUSA is really not very good this year or FAU figured things out after a road loss to Buffalo. They are the only undefeated team in the conference, but face a put up or shut up three-game stretch of the season with Marshall, La. Tech, and FIU on the slate. Win all three and the season finale versus Charlotte doesn’t even matter. A loss to La. Tech wouldn’t be that bad as long as they beat Marshall and FIU. A loss to Marshall or FIU could open the division for anyone to win. Chance of winning the division: 58%.
• Florida International (5-2, 3-1 CUSA): Surprise, surprise, the Panthers are sitting in second place and only one game from a bowl berth. Winning out would give them a 7-1 CUSA record and tiebreakers over FAU and Marshall. There is still a tough game upcoming as UTSA travels to Miami in a virtual division winner elimination game. Only after that win can FIU even think about being the East Division representative. Until they are eliminated, I will not count FIU out. Chance of winning the division: 22%.
• Marshall (6-2, 3-1 CUSA): The Thundering Herd blew a chance to effectively eliminate FIU from the race in a 41-30 loss. What that did was force Marshall into needing a perfect final four games to have any hope of a division title. They have FAU and WKU in the next two weeks with a shot to earn a tiebreaker over both and give WKU a fatal third CUSA loss.  Even going 4-0, they need some help in the form of an FIU loss to take the division. Chance of winning the division: 19%.
• Western Kentucky (5-3, 3-2 CUSA): The Hilltoppers are on life support after blowing a lead versus FAU. That win means that FAU would need to lose three of their final four games to fall behind WKU. Winning out would give them the tiebreakers over FIU and Marshall, eliminating both teams from contention. Asking the only CUSA undefeated to lose three of four to end the season is quite a bit of a request. Chance of winning the division: 1%.

Conference USA West Division:

Contenders: North Texas, UAB, Southern Miss, UTSA, Louisiana Tech.

Pretenders: Rice, UTEP.

• North Texas (7-1, 4-1 CUSA): Beat Louisiana Tech. As stated before, they are basically then West Division champs if they win over the Bulldogs. With that win, it would take losses in each of the final two CUSA games to keep from winning the division. A loss would send us into chaos as there would then be a multi-team tie at the top and the tiebreaker sheet would come out. Let’s not look at the silly tiebreaker sheet until we are absolutely forced to do so. Chance of winning the division: 65%.
• UAB (6-2, 3-2 CUSA): The only realistic shot for the Blazers is to win out and hope for North Texas to lose two games down the stretch, one to Louisiana Tech and one to either Rice or UTEP. Winning out would give them tiebreakers over Southern Miss, UTSA, and Louisiana Tech in addition to a one game lead over UNT. Not the easiest route to winning the division, but not entirely impossible. Chance of winning the division: 5%.
• Southern Miss (5-2, 3-2 CUSA): The Golden Eagles need to win down the stretch and get a bit of help. They hold tiebreakers over LA Tech and UTSA, but lose in tiebreakers to UNT and UAB. Basically, a win by LA Tech over North Texas and complete chaos is the most realistic route to Southern Miss winning the division. USM would still need UAB and to lose another game and North Texas to lose to either Rice or UTEP to clear out a few of the tiebreakers, but anything is possible. Chance of winning the division: 5%.
• UTSA (5-2, 2-2 CUSA): The Roadrunners, needing a bit of help to win the west, actually have the ability to affect the entire CUSA race in both divisions. All four of their November games are versus teams that still have a shot at winning their division. Win out and the Roadrunners eliminate UAB and LA Tech from contention. Then UTSA needs some help at they need at least one more USM loss and two losses by UNT before the season ends. Can anyone reliably expect Rice or UTEP to beat North Texas? Chance of winning the division: 10%.
• Louisiana Tech (4-4, 2-2 CUSA): Looking down and out not all that long ago, the Bulldogs may have the best shot at taking out North Texas. A win over the Mean Green followed by running the table could throw the division into a multi-team jumble at the top with LA Tech holding tiebreakers over UTSA and North Texas. They would still need some help from losses by UAB and Southern Miss down the stretch to head back to the CUSA title game. Chance of winning the division: 15%.

*It should be noted that if multiple teams (3+) end up in a tie, we are headed to the dreaded tiebreaker sheet and there are just too many possible scenarios to evaluate at this point without driving me crazy.*

Projected CUSA Title Game: North Texas at FAU (again)

Which Teams Have The Best Shot Going To The CUSA Title Game?

By Patrick M. McLeod - http://www.flickr.com/photos/misternaxal/1880129223/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7889392

Halloween week has descended upon college football, so now is as good of a time as ever to take a look at Conference USA standings and how things shaking out. It has been an interesting season to this point with multiple plot twists worthy of a blockbuster movie. Could you have imagined that FAU would look dominant in conference play while preseason west favorites UTSA and Louisiana Tech sit on the outside looking in at this point in the season?

Speaking of preseason favorites, which teams were picked by the media to take each division?

• College Football News: MTSU (East), Louisiana Tech (West)
• USA Today: WKU (East), Louisiana Tech (West)
• Athlon: WKU (East), Louisiana Tech (West)
• CUSA Media Poll: WKU (East), Louisiana Tech (West)

How do those predictions look at this point in the season?

East Division:

Contenders: FAU, Marshall, WKU, FIU (technically).

Pretenders: MTSU, Charlotte, Old Dominion.

• Florida International (4-2, 2-1 CUSA): The Panthers have been a bit of a surprise this season under Butch Davis. They have to only win two of their final six games to become bowl eligible, an accomplishment for the ages considering the last few years. That aside, FIU is still in the running for the east with only one loss (MTSU) in conference play. They have yet to play the meat of their CUSA schedule with trips to Marshall and FAU while hosting Marshall, UTSA, ODU, and WKU. Already a game behind FAU and Marshall in the loss column, they would likely need to sweep their four remaining east opponents. Otherwise, it would take too many tiebreakers falling in their favor to have a shot at the division. Chance of winning the east: 1%.
• Western Kentucky (5-2, 3-1 CUSA): The Hilltoppers are an incredibly tough team to figure out. They are 5-2 and barring a letdown for the ages, will get to six wins and another bowl game. Their one loss in CUSA play was versus a west opponent, taking most tiebreakers from that specific game off the table. Running the table would give WKU yet another east division title, but they have FAU and Marshall sandwiched between a trip to Vanderbilt, making that goal just a bit harder. Lose to either FAU or Marshall and WKU is almost completely out of title game hopes, barring multiple teams finishing with the same record. Basically, sweep FAU and Marshall and the path is clear. Chance of winning the east: 20%.
• Florida Atlantic (4-3, 3-0 CUSA): Credit has to be given to Lane Kiffin and company for turning a team that looked in trouble after week four into a potential division winner. Sitting at 3-0 after a big win over North Texas, the Owls face a make or break section of their season. Trips to WKU and Louisiana Tech sandwich a visit from Marshall and the Owls could be cruising to a division title if they go 3-0. Winning two of three would almost certainly put them within reach of the title if those two wins are against WKU and Marshall. That would give them the tiebreaker over both teams with only FIU and Charlotte left on the schedule. TL;DR: Beat WKU and Marshall and you will almost certainly win the division. Chance of winning the east: 45%.
• Marshall (6-1, 3-0 CUSA): After an ugly win over Charlotte to start CUSA play, the Thundering Herd have rolled to a 3-0 conference record and overall bowl eligibility. They will be heavy favorites over FIU on Saturday, knocking FIU out of division title contention and setting up a huge four-game end to the season. With UTSA and Southern Miss still left from the west, while also facing WKU and FAU from the east, Marshall by far has the toughest end to the season. As with WKU and FAU, pulling the sweep over the other two would put them in a great spot to win the division and head to the CUSA title game. A loss to either opens the door to losing via tiebreaker, so we have to wait until October 11 to figure out Marshall’s true fate. Chance of winning the east: 34%.

West Division:

Contenders: North Texas, Southern Miss, Louisiana Tech, UTSA, UAB (technically).

Pretenders: UTEP, Rice.

• Louisiana Tech (3-4, 1-2 CUSA): Despite sitting at 1-2 in conference play and a devastating loss to Southern Miss to rebound from, there is still hope in Ruston. As with any two-loss team, running the table is almost the only way to win the division. That includes beating Rice, North Texas, FAU, UTEP, and UTSA. Doing that alone would knock every other contender except UAB and Southern Miss from contention. La Tech would then need the Blazers to lose one game down the stretch and Southern Miss lose two games. Another long shot possibility. Chance of winning the east: 8%.
• UAB (4-3, 2-2 CUSA): I am not saying that the Blazers hopes of winning the division went up in smoke on Saturday, but basically they did. The first thing that has to happen is beating Southern Miss, Rice, UTSA, and UTEP. That would put them at 6-2 in the division, a game ahead of UTSA, and a tiebreaker winner over Southern Miss. In addition, they would need two losses by North Texas. That is a tough request considering UNT’s schedule down the stretch. Chance of winning the west: 1%.
• UTSA (4-2, 1-2 CUSA): Football is a game of inches and no truer is the case than with the Roadrunners. A play here or a tackle there and they are sitting pretty and rolling to a division title. Instead, they are sitting at 1-2 in CUSA play and need Southern Miss and North Texas to both lose 2+ games down the stretch. They also need to take care of business and beat UTEP, FIU, UAB, Marshall, and Louisiana Tech to end up at 6-2 in CUSA play. That is asking quite a bit and adding what they need from USM and UNT is almost asking the impossible. Chance of winning the west: 3%.
• Southern Miss (5-2, 3-1 CUSA): The Golden Eagles are the only team other than North Texas that has a high chance at winning the division. They have a very winnable final three games (UAB, Rice, Charlotte) before facing Marshall in the regular season finale. If North Texas loses down the stretch and is sitting one game behind USM, then the Marshall game becomes everything. A win would give them the west. I know it sounds sacrilegious, but Southern Miss fans must root for Louisiana Tech when they face North Texas on November 4. Chance of winning the west: 41%.
• North Texas (4-3, 3-1 CUSA): Considering they took one of the worst beatings in school history, hope is still alive for the Mean Green. Honestly, nearly everything else within division fell perfectly to give them a chance at the west division crown. They have played the hardest part of their in-conference slate and should cruise wins over Old Dominion, UTEP, and Rice. The game that could decide which team represents the east will be played on November 4 in Ruston, Louisiana. A win over the Bulldogs and a sweep of the dregs of the conference this year guarantees UNT a spot in the title game. Chance of winning the west: 47%.

CUSA title game prediction as of today (10/22/17): Marshall vs. North Texas. 

Conference USA Power Rankings (9/4/17)

It was an odd start to the season for CUSA as the elites struggled with inferior opponents, MTSU no showed versus Vandy again, and Marshall showed that you don’t always need an offense to win a game. With that said, let’s take a look at the CUSA power rankings.

1. Western Kentucky (1-0, 0-0): Sure, EKU is a rival, but the Hilltoppers looked a bit disinterested and looking ahead Saturday night. A win is a win and with Illinois, Louisiana Tech, and Ball State filling out a September slate, things will only get tougher for WKU.
2. Louisiana Tech (1-0, 0-0): It is hard to get up to play versus a vastly inferior opponent. The Bulldogs took care of business, but have quite a bit to work on before facing Mississippi State, WKU, and South Carolina in the next three weeks.
3. MTSU (0-1, 0-0): As usual, the Blue Raiders choked against their neighbors from Nashville. All you can really do is throw that game out the window and start new. Wins over Syracuse and Minnesota in the next two weeks could completely change the trajectory of the program this season.
4. Old Dominion (1-0, 0-0): It was an ugly game, but Old Dominion held off a tougher than expected Albany squad in week one. LaRussa showed flashes of brilliance and should have his spot cemented as a starter with his week one performance. Three turnovers cannot happen versus North Carolina and Virginia Tech if they want to pull an upset or two.
5. UTSA (0-0, 0-0): Weather kept the Roadrunners from playing in week one. They instead get to start their season with a trip to a Baylor squad smarting from a loss to Liberty in week one. If they can get this win, they could be looking at a possible 9/10 win season this fall.
6. Marshall (1-0, 0-0): I don’t even know what to make of the Thundering Herd. They cannot expect to score 21 non-offensive points every week. Until the offense proves they are improved from last season, Marshall sits in the middle of the CUSA pack.
7. Southern Miss (0-1, 0-0): There is hope for the Golden Eagles as they have found their quarterback in Kwadra Griggs. There were multiple chances for USM to beat Kentucky and they would have moved to #6 if they did, but they could not pull out the win. With Southern and ULM next on the slate, USM should start CUSA play at 2-1 overall.
8. North Texas (1-0, 0-0): The Mean Green took care of business in week one and beat the doors off Lamar as expected. Now, they have a real challenge with SMU and Iowa on the schedule before starting CUSA play with a visit from UAB.
9. UAB (1-0, 0-0): The Return got off to a great start in week one with a 38-7 win over Alabama A&M. The Blazers get into real FBS action in week two versus a solid Ball State squad, followed by Coastal Carolina. Five wins are possible for UAB this year.
10. Charlotte (0-1, 0-0): The 49ers hung around and had a chance to get within a score versus EMU, but could not put things together offensively in the 24-7 loss. Fix some mistakes and Charlotte could be battling for a bowl berth.
11. Florida Atlantic (0-1, 0-0): The Lane Kiffin era got off to a lackluster start versus a solid Navy squad. The players looked lost at times and the coaching staff looked ill prepared for the triple option of Navy. It could get ugly for the Owls in the next two weeks as they travel to #9 Wisconsin and Boston College comes to town.
12. UTEP (0-1, 0-0): The Miners were never going to compete with Oklahoma on the road. Forget that game. This week marks a matchup with Rice that could determine the worst team in Conference USA.
13. Florida International (0-1, 0-0): If Kiffin’s era got off to a lackluster start, the Butch Davis era started with a disaster. Playing rival UCF, the Golden Panthers are lucky that they didn’t give up 80 points. It was bad.
14. Rice (0-1, 0-0): With Stanford, Houston, Pitt, and Army making up the non-conference schedule, this could be the year that Rice goes 0-12. The best chances for the Owls to win a game might come in September as they travel to UTEP and host FIU.

Ten Conference USA Non-Conference Games To Watch

Again littered with SEC opponents, Conference USA spares no expense in getting some of the most compelling matchups in the sometimes drab non-conference schedule. Why Vanderbilt continues to schedule WKU and MTSU is beyond me, but let's enjoy it while it lasts. 

Other games may be memorable or you may have a specific reason for looking forward to another game. What I looked for in this was a that encompasses G5/G5 play, home games versus the P5, and the first FBS opponent in the return of UAB football. 

Let's take a look at Conference USA's top non-conference games that you must watch (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER). 

• Miami at Marshall (September 2): A matchup that goes well into the history of both programs, the Thundering Herd and RedHawks could end up giving us one of the most interesting games of the non-conference season. Among the many aspects of the game to watch, the battle of quarterbacks Gus Ragland and Chase Litton nearly guarantees us a high-scoring affair. Currently, Miami looks like the early favorite to win this game.

• UAB at Ball State (September 9): This is the first FBS game for the Blazers since putting together the pieces of a disbanded program not all that long ago. UAB is a complete mystery full of players that have been with the program more than a year before playing their first game. Do not expect them to beat Ball State, but it may be more competitive than many think. Ball State needs a hot start to the season if they want to go bowling and this is a must win game.

• Ball State at Western Kentucky (September 23): A year after watching MAC rival Miami nearly knock off one of the top three G5 teams in the nation last season, the Cardinals look to do the same. There is quite a bit of talent on the Ball State roster, but it will take a nearly perfect effort to knock off the kings of Conference USA. The Hilltoppers are in a very slight rebuilding process, but still have Mike White, a stable of talented running backs, and the most dynamic return man in the nation. WKU has questions on defense, but they can normally score enough for that to be only a small problem.

• Florida International at Central Florida (August 31): It is honestly a surprise when you look at this series’ five game history and realize that FIU has won on two occasions. Sure, both were ugly wins including a 15-14 pillow fight in 2015. Since that loss, UCF has moved in a different direction, hiring Scott Frost and dominating the Golden Panthers in route to a bowl berth. There is little reason to think this game will go any different, but it is a rivalry game with Butch Davis in control and nine days before an enormous matchup with Memphis for UCF.  

• Vanderbilt at Middle Tennessee (September 2): I am still not sure what happened last year to the Blue Raiders. They were the dominant team but multiple errors saw them looking at an enormous hole on the scoreboard. All MTSU has to do is play up to its potential and CUSA will have a nice looking win on Labor Day weekend. That is asking a lot of an MTSU squad that seems to fall flat when on the national stage. Just look at the Hawaii Bowl last year if you need confirmation. I think MTSU finally gets the monkey off their back and beats Vanderbilt.

• Kentucky at Southern Miss (September 2): Speaking of games that logically made no sense last fall, this game is at the top of the list. Southern Miss was down and out in the first half with Kentucky looking to earn a blowout win. Suddenly, everything changed and the CUSA squad scored 34 straight points in route to a 44-35 win. Both teams have multiple players to replace, but Southern Miss has the best player on the field in senior running back Ito Smith. A Southern Miss win would be nice for the conference here.

• Houston at UTSA (September 2): In many ways, losing to the Roadrunners in 2015 was the best thing to ever happen to Houston. It set course a path that led to the hiring of Tom Herman, a Peach Bowl win over Florida State, and a ranking as high as sixth nationally. The Cougars that were on the team in the previous meeting are looking for revenge. UTSA is not the newborn FBS program led by Larry Coker anymore. This team is a quality CUSA program that may be ready to give Louisiana Tech a real battle for the CUSA West Division crown this fall. A win over Houston would suddenly make Frank Wilson a “new big thing” coaching candidate nationwide.

• Mississippi State at Louisiana Tech (September 9): Every year, it seems like Louisiana Tech is the team just missing out on a huge upset. They are perennially one of the best team in CUSA and a top ten G5 team, but they seem to be missing that signature win that gets the blood pumping. While Mississippi State is not expected to be a SEC title contender, a Louisiana Tech win in the battle of the Bulldogs would be a nice feather in the cap for CUSA. Remember, Mississippi State lost to South Alabama last season, so there is an unspoken need to avoid embarrassment with an early season loss to Conference USA.

• North Carolina at Old Dominion (September 16): Outside of lacking a proven quarterback, the Monarchs seem to be one of the best teams in CUSA. Instead, ODU has to prove that the end of the 2016 season was not a fluke and that they are really that good. Getting the Tar Heels at home is a huge coup for the program and a chance to earn their first top level P5 scalp since moving to the FBS ranks. How well the Tar Heels handle arguably the best running back duo in Conference USA will decide this game.

• Western Kentucky at Vanderbilt (November 4): This is the third rematch from last season on this list that just makes you scratch your head. The Hilltoppers kicked a field goal with 1:02 left on the clock and allowed Vanderbilt to race downfield. The Commodores scored as time expired, eventually winning in overtime. From the inability to hold Vandy to going for two in the first overtime, this was not the WKU we expected to see. It was a bit of a wakeup call and the Hilltoppers looked great down the stretch in route to another 10+ win season. Mike White and company not only want this win, but they also want to embarrass their SEC foe in the process.

Others to watch: Stanford vs. Rice (Sydney, Australia), Navy at Florida Atlantic, Alabama A&M at UAB, Marshall at NC State, MTSU at Syracuse, North Texas at SMU, WKU at Illinois, Arizona at UTEP, MTSU at Minnesota, Coastal Carolina at UAB, BGSU at MTSU, UTEP at NMSU, Marshall at Cincinnati. 

2017 Conference USA Top Returning Offensive Players

One of the best parts of watching college football is the chance that any night could be a 55-52 shootout. In no conference is that truer than in Conference USA. Every team has a multitude of weapons on offense and defenses seem to be a step behind at all times. 

The 2016 season may have been a peak for CUSA offenses, but don't discount this year's group. Beyond the returning stars, there are quite a few dark horse players that could put up outstanding seasons. 

With that said, let's take a look at the top returning offensive skill position players for this fall.

Rushing:

1. Ito Smith, Southern Miss: 265/1,459/17TD
2. Ray Lawry, Old Dominion: 200/1,255/11TD
3. Jarred Craft, La. Tech: 191/1,074/9TD
4. Devin Singletary, FAU: 152/1,021/12TD
5. Jeffery Wilson, North Texas: 169/936/14TD

Others to watch: Alex Gardner FIU (181/930/6TD), Gregory Howell Jr. FAU (167/828/13TD), Jalen Rhodes UTSA (155/827/9TD), Jeremy Cox ODU (129/732/13TD), Anthony Jones FIU (116/562/4TD), Quinton Baker WKU (99/542/4TD), Boston Scott LA TECH (70/515/6TD), Leon Allen WKU (Injured).  

The running back position took a hit with graduation and the NFL, losing the league’s top three rushers from last season. That trio combined for just under 5,000 yards and 61 touchdowns last season. Despite the losses, the drop is not as steep as you would think with Ito Smith, Ray Lawry, and Jarred Craft all ready to dominate this fall.

Watch out for the ODU combination of Lawry and Jeremy Cox to be among the most deadly in CUSA, but eyes have to be on WKU’s Leon Allen. He has recovered from a devastating injury and could be a difference maker if he is anywhere near the player he was in 2015.

Passing:

1. Mike White, WKU: 329-496/4,617/41TD/168.6 Efficiency
2. Brent Stockstill, MTSU: 262-414/3,233/31TD/150.2 Efficiency
3. Chase Litton, Marshall: 231-371/2,612/24TD/137.9 Efficiency
4. Jason Driskel, FAU: 200-327/2,415/9TD/125.6 Efficiency
5. Dalton Strum, UTSA: 169-299/2,170/20TD/135.5 Efficiency

Others to watch: Alex McGough FIU (1,891/13TD), Mason Fine UNT (1,572/6TD), Ryan Metz UTEP (1,375/14TD), Hasaan Klugh CHARLOTTE (1,356/10TD).

When you talk about star power in Conference USA, it starts behind center. WKU’s Mike White and MTSU’s Brent Stockstill are two of the best in the nation. Stockstill already has 7,279 yards passing and is on pace to end his career inside of the top ten all time. If he duplicates his first two years, he would end up seventh all-time behind Kellen Moore of Boise State.

It is put up or shut up time for a few other quarterbacks as Chase Litton has to prove his worth, Jason Driskel has to prove he deserves to start, and Alex McGough has to live up to expectations.

Receiving:

1. Richie James, MTSU: 105/1,625/12TD
2. Allenzae Staggers, Southern Miss: 63/1,165/7TD
3. Jonathan Duhart, ODU: 48/735/9TD
4. Ty Lee, MTSU: 63/699/9TD
5. Josh Stewart, UTSA: 36/682/5TD

Others to watch: Thomas Owens FIU (47/652/7TD), Kerry Thomas Jr. UTSA (35/555/8TD), Travis Fulgham ODU (29/478/8TD).

Compared to previous seasons, this year’s crop leaves a little to be desired. Only James and Staggers broke 1,000 yards last year, but both did it in style. James is among the best in the nation at his position and is already within 2,307 of catching Corey Davis for #1 all-time. If he stays all four years and does not get injured, he will set the record.

An outside the box player to watch is Travis Fulgham of Old Dominion. He made only 29 catches last season, but he ended the year with eight touchdown grabs. He could be a stud second receiver with Duhart this fall.

Next week, we will take a look at defense and special teams for Conference USA before rolling out conference previews. 

Top Group Of 5 Quarterback Battles For 2017

The 2017 season is quickly approaching and many teams do not know who will take the first snap as starting quarterback. For some teams, it may come down to the final moments before the opening drive while others already have a strong idea. 

Some, like Georgia Southern, may not have a clue what they are going to do with the season just a few short weeks away. 

Let's take a look at some of the top G5 quarterback battles heading into the season. 

Temple:

• 2016 Quarterback: PJ Walker
• 2017 Candidates: Anthony Russo (R-Fr.), Logan Marchi (So.)

It seems like PJ Walker was the quarterback for Temple for seven years. The four-year starter finally left for graduation and professional football after throwing for over 10,000 yards and 74 touchdowns in 49 games played.

A redshirt in 2015, Logan Marchi won the backup role as a redshirt freshman, seeing action in five games. He only attempted six passes for 29 yards, barely making a dent in the 2016 final statistics. The Connecticut native was a dual threat in high school with over 3,000 yards passing and over 500 yards rushing as a senior. Marchi is the most experienced quarterback on the current roster.

Arguably the best quarterback prospect to sign with Temple in program history, Anthony Russo is likely the top challenger for Marchi. Russo redshirted as a freshman to save as much eligibility as possible for the future. For many within and outside the program, it is not a matter of if but when Russo finally earns the job. Currently, this race is a toss-up with Marchi holding a slight advantage.

Do not count out junior Frank Nutile or freshman Todd Centeio, but they are both long shots for the starting job.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: Logan Marchi.

East Carolina:

• 2016 Quarterback: Philip Nelson/Gardner Minshew
• 2017 Candidates: Gardner Minshew (Jr.)/Thomas Sirk (Sr.)

The 2016 season for the Pirates was an unmitigated disaster due in part to instability behind center. The new coaching staff moved James Summers to running back (great move) with the belief that former Minnesota quarterback Philip Nelson would be the answer. Nelson played well at times but struggled with injuries on multiple occasions.

One of the final players added to the 2016 roster by head coach Scottie Montgomery, Gardner Minshew quickly earned the backup role to Nelson after stepping foot on campus. The JUCO transfer stepped in and threw for 1,347 yards and eight touchdowns in limited duty. Minshew has starting experience after making the final two starts of 2016 versus Navy and Temple.

A quiet pickup that could turn into one of the best graduate transfers in all of college football, Thomas Sirk followed his former offensive coordinator to ECU with hopes of earning the starting job. Sirk looked on pace to have an excellent senior season after throwing for 2,624 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior in 2015. Instead, the Florida native ruptured his left Achilles tendon and had to take a medical redshirt. That marked his second Achilles injury after rupturing his right one in 2013. If he is fully healed, he is the favorite to win the job.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: Thomas Sirk.

Connecticut:

• 2016 Quarterback: Bryant Shirreffs/Donovan Washington
• 2017 Candidates: Donovan Williams (So.)/Bryant Shirreffs (Sr.)

Of the many teams that needed better play behind center in 2016, the Huskies were the most desperate. Incumbent starter Bryant Shirreffs could not get anything going offensively for the program all season long, before finally losing the starting job to freshman Donovan Williams. Despite burning his redshirt, the Huskies saw no improvement in the passing game under Williams either.

Unless Edsall knows something we do not about either of these two quarterbacks, the Huskies could be in line for another long fall in the AAC. I didn’t even list him as a true candidate but do not be overly surprised if David Pindell works his name into the mix before the season opener versus Holy Cross.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: Bryant Shirreffs.

Florida Atlantic:

• 2016 Quarterback: Jason Driskel/Daniel Parr
• 2017 Candidates: Jason Driskel (Jr.)/De’Andre Johnson (So.)

 Another year and another year of question marks behind center. Driskel beat out Daniel Parr last season and was solid, but never did anything that wowed the rest of Conference USA in leading the Owls to another disappointing 3-9 season.

The offseason saw FAU bring in a new head coach (Lane Kiffin) and a quarterback looking to reset his college career (De’Andre Johnson). The redshirt sophomore signed with Florida State out of high school over offers from the who’s who of college football. He was kicked off the team before playing a snap and went the JUCO route. Kiffin brought him in with the expectation to start.

Many have written off Daniel Parr, but Kiffin is not a conventional coach. Parr is in the running (on the outskirts) until told otherwise.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: De’Andre Johnson.

Southern Miss:

• 2016 Quarterback: Nick Mullens/Keon Howard
• 2017 Candidates: Kwadra Griggs (Jr.)/Keon Howard (So.)

The 2017 season, second under Jap Hopson, will finally give us a true glimpse of what the former Alcorn State head coach has in store for the program. The Golden Eagles have to replace several important players on offense, but none are bigger than quarterback Nick Mullens.

The good news for Southern Miss is that true freshman Keon Howard got a chance to get on the field and get reps. The bad news is how poorly he performed during that starting quarterback tryout. Howard was a highly ranked recruit out of high school and may turn out to be a star, but he was a disaster with a 44% completion percentage and only 365 yards in four games played.

The original plan for Hopson and company in 2017 was for Kwadra Griggs to play the role of backup while Howard sat as a redshirt. Griggs instead struggled in the classroom and had to redshirt the 2016 season instead. All indications point to his head being on straight and ready to take the starting role. I feel like this is Griggs’ job to lose.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: Kwadra Griggs.

Northern Illinois:

• 2016 Quarterback: Anthony Maddie/Ryan Graham/Drew Hare/Daniel Santacaterina
• 2017 Candidates: Ryan Graham (Jr.)/Daniel Santacaterina (So.)

The 2016 season was an abject disaster for the Huskies due to a game of musical chairs behind center. Drew Hare was the projected starter and made it all of two games before being lost for the season. Ryan Graham took over for two starts before giving way to Anthony Maddie. The third quarterback made it through five starts and was lost for the season. Graham took over again for another two starts before quarterback #4 came into play. Daniel Santacaterina took over and led the Huskies to a season finale win over Kent State.

Now that we got through all that, the battle is between Graham and Santa. Graham has much more experience and I do not think he will be the starter to end the season, but I think he starts the season under center. Keep the name Marcus Childers in your mind as well for later in the season because it’s not NIU if one quarterback makes it through the year unscathed.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: Ryan Graham.

San Jose State:

• 2016 Quarterback: Kenny Potter/Josh Love
• 2017 Candidates: Josh Love (So.)/Montel Aaron (Fr.)

Honestly, not many people outside of the Mountain West Conference really paid much attention to the Spartans issues at quarterback in the offseason. Kenny Potter struggled to find his groove in 2016, but he is still better than either option this fall.

Josh Love was the backup and saw limited action in 2016. He did not impress that much when getting on the field, giving him a very small advantage heading into the fall.

It was tough at times, but the Spartans were able to redshirt highly touted Montel Aaron for this season. Head coach Brett Brennan inherits a 6-5 beast of a quarterback that looks ready to see significant playing time for the next four years. Aaron is a much more mobile and explosive quarterback that is not afraid to make mistakes. I believe that Love starts the season opener before giving way to the Montel Aaron era of SJSU football.  

• 2017 projected season opening starter: Josh Love.

Nevada:

• 2016 Quarterback: Tyler Stewart/Ty Gangi
• 2017 Candidates: David Cornwell (Jr.)/Ty Gangi (Jr.)

Last season was a weird one for the Wolfpack. They were not very good in going 5-7 but still had a chance to win three more games if a play or two went differently. Tyler Stewart was the man for the first 2/3 of the season, but struggled with injuries and finally succumbed for the year in game eight.

Ty Gangi took over and proved to be a more explosive option behind center, despite being less accurate than his predecessor. Gangi gives the coaching staff a more mobile quarterback option behind center, forcing defenses to play more man to man with no help over the top. If Gangi wins the job, he could become “Big Play Ty.”

The only thing keeping Nevada from giving the starting job to Gangi is yet another disgruntled former Alabama quarterback. David Cornwell was a former four-star quarterback that never got a chance to prove his worth in the SEC. He is a strong-armed signal caller that could thrive in an Air Raid offense. The offensive philosophy of new head coach Jay Norvell is the reason Cornwell will win the starting job.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: David Cornwell.

Louisiana:

• 2016 Quarterback: Anthony Jennings
• 2017 Candidates: Jordan Davis (Jr.)/Dion Ray (So.)

After looking impressive as a redshirt freshman in 2015 while seeing action in limited duty, Jordan Davis looked to many as a top candidate to start at quarterback for the Ragin’ Cajuns. Instead, the coaching staff brought in LSU graduate transfer Anthony Jennings and Davis slipped down the depth chart. Rather than a breakout 2016 season, he had a total of 44 yards of total offense for the year. He is the most experienced and ready to play quarterback on the roster.

Then you have the tricky case of Dion Ray. The sophomore found time in the Cajuns backfield and rushed for 119 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries while attempting only one pass. He is a talented player that deserves as many touches as possible, but will likely see more action in Wildcat formations as a run-only quarterback.

Also, do not count out JUCO transfer Andre Nunez as a dark horse candidate.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: Jordan Davis.

Georgia Southern:

• 2016 Quarterback: Kevin Ellison/Favian Upshaw/Seth Shuman
• 2017 Candidates: Seth Shuman (So.)/Shai Werts (R-Fr.)/Kado Brown (Jr.)/Jaalon Frazier (Fr.)

There are entrenched quarterbacks and quarterback battles all over the nation, but the Eagles are the only program in the nation with what can only be described as a quarterback royal rumble. Seth Shuman is the only quarterback on the roster with experience after his redshirt was inexplicably burnt last fall. He would seemingly be the favorite to win the position, but honestly, no one has much of a clue what will actually happen.

Former Army quarterback Kado Brown could be the top candidate outside of Shuman to earn starting reps.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: No idea.

Other possible battles: Old Dominion (Blake LaRussa/Drayton Arnold/Jordan Hoy), Western Michigan (Confusion with Tom Flacco leaving for Rutgers). 

Conference USA Week Five Review

Another week is in the books for the 2015 college football season with Conference USA going 5-7. Conference play kicked into gear with four CUSA game taking place. Let's take a look at the good, bad, and ugly of week five CUSA football action.

Conference USA Week Four Review

Another week is in the books for the 2015 college football season with Conference USA going 5-8 with two conference games taking place. Let's take a look at the good, bad, and ugly of week four CUSA football action.

Conference USA Week Four Preview

Week four of the college football season gets underway tonight with Cincinnati and Memphis getting a seat on the big stage. Conference USA action kicks into gear with 11 games scheduled for Saturday.

Conference USA Week Three Review

Another week is in the books for the 2015 college football season with Conference USA going 6-7 with two conference games (Rice-UNT, MTSU-Charlotte) taking place. Let's take a look at the good, bad, and ugly of week three Conference USA football action.

Conference USA Week Two Review

Another week is in the books for the 2015 college football season with Conference USA going 4-9 with only one conference game (WKU-La. Tech) taking place. Let's take a look at the good, bad, and ugly of week two Conference USA football.

Post Week Two Top 10 G5 Passers

Seven G5 passers have broken the 600 yards mark with BGSU passer Matt Johnson putting up 915 yards in two games. The MAC and Conference USA lead the way with three a piece of the top ten followed by the American 2, and Sun Belt 2. No one from the MWC or independents are in the top 10.

Top 10 G5 Passers: Week One

With a week full of games in the books, let's take a look at the top passers among Group of Five Conference programs.

CUSA Week One Preview

With all CUSA members except for North Texas kicking off the season this week, let's take a look at each matchup and who will win.

Conference USA Predictions

I have some ideas for how Conference USA will turn out this fall. I will most likely be wrong so bookmark this page to rub it in my face and laugh at me later.

Conference USA Players to Watch

There is lots of talent all over the board in Conference USA this year with some of the craziest offensive numbers as well as some of the better defensive players in the nation. Unsure of who to watch for in the conference this season, let's take a look and find out who should be noticed among CUSA this season.

Top CUSA Non-Conference Games

Conference USA has quite the slate of non-conference games in 2014 with matchups versus P5 programs dotting the landscape. Here is a look at ten of the biggest non-conference games involving Conference USA teams in my opinion. **These games are not listed in any particular order**

TOP NON-CONFERENCE GAMES:

2015 Conference USA Football Schedule

2015 Conference USA Football Schedule:

64 FBS to FBS transfers dot the CUSA landscape

Conference USA programs have been able to bring in players from other FBS programs on a regular basis to fill holes, give players second chances, and give players a chance to compete for playing time when that was not a possibility previously. 64 FBS to FBS transfers are currently on Conference USA team rosters with with five schools bringing in 5+ of those players.

Southern Mississippi's FBS non-conference record

Looking at each of the CUSA teams, the non-conference record versus current FBS teams is an excellent indicator for all-time success as a program. Next on the list is Southern Miss with a total of 214 FBS non-conference games. Some of the opponents may have been conference foes in the past but are now in different FBS conferences.