2009 Miami-Ohio Redhawks
2008 Record: (2-10, 1-7)
Coach: Mike Haywood, 1st year (0-0 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Peter Vaas (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Carl Reese (1st year)
Returning Starters: 13 (8 offense, 5 defense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Daniel Raudabaugh)
Offense: The offense returns eight starters including senior quarberback Daniel Raudabaugh (6-4, 229), who threw for 1,960 yards with eight TDs and nine INTs. Backups Zac Dysert and Clay Belton could step up if Raudabaugh doesn’t improve. He has to impress new head coach Mike Haywood. Junior WR Chris Givens (6-2, 205) is back after grabbing 513 receiving yards. He’s big and physical and was dominant in the spring. Haywood is the former offensive coordinator at Notre Dame, who would like to establish more balance. The Redhawks finished 101st in the nation in rushing yards last season (108.1ypg). This season, junior TB Thomas Merriweather (5-10, 203) returns as the starter after rushing for 547 yards, but will also be pushed by J.R.. Taylor (427 yards). The problem here is a young offensive line, which returns starting LB Bob Gulley (6-4, 305), and very little experience after him.
Defense: The defense returns five starters from a unit that allowed 32.7ppg and 395.5 yards per game (88th in the nation). They’ll have a new defensive coordinator in Carl “Bull” Reese, who coached at LSU and Texas. The defensive line returns just one starter out of four and they lose All-MAC end Joe Coniglio (4 sacks). They do return junior DE Morris Council (2.5 sacks). At linebacker the Redhawks return just one starter in Caleb Bostic (40 tackles). They have to replace All-MAC linebackers in Joey Hudson and Clayton. The secondary is deep and the strongest part of the team with both starting corners returning.
Outlook: The Redhawks take on Kentucky in Cincinnati to start the season. They’ll also face Boise State on the road, Cincinnati at home and Northwestern on the road in their non-conference schedule. In the MAC, they’ll host Bowling Green and Buffalo. This is a team that needs to rebuild with a new coaching staff. Expect improvements in small doses.
2009 Temple Owls
2008 Record: (5-7, 4-4)
Coach: Al Golden, 4th year (10-26 at Temple)
Off. Coordinator: Matt Rhule (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Mark D’Onofrio (3rd year)
Returning Starters: 17, (7 offense, 8 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No
Offense: The Owls’ offense produced just 23.4ppg and 298.1 yards per game (107th in the nation). They lose qb Adam DiMichele, but feel they have two excellent options in junior Vaughn Charlton (6-4, 235) and sophomore Chester Stewart (6-3, 225). Charlton was the starter in 2007 when DiMichele suffered a season-ending leg injury. Charlton played in seven games, completing 78 of 137 passes for 808 yards and three touchdowns. Stewart started three games last season and threw for 524 yards and four TDs. At running back, they have several capable backs, including sophomore Joe Jones and senior Lamar McPherson. The wide receiver position is a strength, led by senior Jason Harper, who caught 33 passes for 571 yards. They return just two starters on the offensive line, including sophomore Wayne Tribue (6-4, 312), who moves from left guard to center.
Defense: The defense returns eight starters from a unit that allowed 23.1ppg and 388.0 yards per game (81st in the nation). The leader up front is senior Andre Neblett (6-2, 295), who had 36 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles, is an All-MAC selection. Senior DE Junior Galette (6-2, 246) is a strong pass rusher, who had 7.5 sacks last year and 16.5 career sacks. The linebackers are led by senior Alex Joseph (6-2, 243), a big hitter, who recorded 87 stops last year. In the secondary, FS Jaiquawn Jarrett (6-2, 195) led the team in tackles with 88 and three picks. They also add CB Anthony Ferla (5-10, 190), who missed last season due to injury.
Outlook: The Owls face Villanova and Army at home, with Penn State and Navy on the road. They also take on Buffalo at home, which can’t hurt. Temple is certainly on the upswing and they’ve appeared to find a home in the MAC, where they can be competitive with most of the programs.
2009 Ball State Cardinals
2008 Record: (12-2, 8-0)
Coach: Stan Parrish, 1st year (0-1 at Ball State, 57-42-3 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Eddie Faulkner (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Doug Graber (1st year)
Returning Starters: 12 (4 offense, 7 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No
Offense: The Cardinals are coming off a dream season, but going undefeated in the MAC means you usually lose your coach. Brady Hoke left after the MAC Championship game (42-24 loss to Buffalo) to take over at San Diego State. Offensive coordinator Stan Parrish took over for the GMAC Bowl (45-13 loss to Tulsa) and returns as the new head coach in the first full season. This year, Parrish has to replace star QB Nate Davis, who left early for the NFL. Freshman Kelly Page (6-3, 206) appears to have the edge after winning the job in the spring. At running back, they do return junior MiQuale Lewis (5-6, 184), who led the team with 1,736 ayrds and 22 TDs. They also return sophomore WR Briggs Orsbon (6-0, 189), who caught 68 passes for 813 yards last season. The key will be find four new starters on te line as the Cardinals return just one starter in junior LG Michael Switzer (6-5, 278).
Defense: The defense returns seven starters from a unit that allowed 20.5ppg (29th in the nation) and 368.2 yards per game (69th in the nation). With a new coach comes a new coordinator as Parrish hired Doug Graber to coach the defense. Graber will lean on his front line, which returns all four starters. Junior DE Robert Eddins (6-3, 224) leads the way with 45 tackles, 6.5 for loss and four sacks in 2008. The lineabckers return just one starter and that’s junior Davyd Jones (6-1, 210), who recorded 85 tackles and 12 for loss last year. In the secondary, they lose both corners and return both safeties. Senior FS Alex Knipp (6-0, 194) is back after leading the team with 96 tackles and 3.5 for loss. Sophomore SS Sean Baker (6-1, 204) added 94 tackles and six picks.
Outlook: The Cardinals face North Texas and New Hampshire to start the season at home. After that they face Army and Auburn on the road, so it’s not inconceivable that they could start 3-1. They also host Central Michigan and Bowling Green (they skip Buffalo) and face Western Michigan on the road to end the season. This is a team that should take a few steps back after losing Nate Davis, one of the best players in the MAC. This means they will have to rely on their running game.
2009 Central Michigan Chippewas
2008 Record: (9-4, 6-2)
Coach: Butch Jones 3rd year (21-7 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Mike Bajakian (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Tim Banks (3rd year)
Returning Starters: 18 (6 offense, 10 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Dan LeFevour)
Offense: Central Michigan has played in the Motor City Bowl in three straight seasons and they have a great chance to return. That’s because senior quarterback Dan LeFevour returns after tossing for 2,784 yards with 21 touchdowns and just six INTs. He also rushed for 592 yards and six scores. He’s a big-time pro prospect as well and returns all three starters at wide out (which can’t hurt the numbers). Senior Bryan Anderson (6-5, 213) is a big target, who caught 63 passes for 865 yards and six TDs. Junior Antonio Brown was the possession receiver who caught 93 balls for 998 yards and seven TDs. At running back, the Chippewas need to replace Ontario Sneed. Sophomore Byron Schroeder (5-9, 212) will be the key back, after rushing for 209 yards in a backup role. Up front, the Chippewas are led by junior center Collin Miller (6-3, 287), but they have to replace three positions including All-MAC tackles Andrew Hartlin and Greg Wojt. Sophomore Rocky Weaver (6-6, 253) moves over from tight end to start at right tackle.
Defense: The defense brings back 10 starters from a defense that allowed 30.2ppg (89th in the nation) and 423.7 yards per game (104th in the nation). Last season, they just outscored opponents, but allowing 111 points in their last three games (all 3 losses) had to wake up coordinator Tim Banks and his defense. They do return senior DE Frank Zombo (6-4, 260) and junior DT Sean Murnane (6-1, 258), both of whom were All-MAC selections. Zombo led the team with nine sacks last year. Junior linebacker Nick Bellore (6-1, 245) returns to the weakside spot after a tremendous sophomore season, which included 148 tackles, 5.5 for loss and two forced fumbles. They gave up over 287 yards per game in the air so the secondary is a concern. They return all four starters and five with starting experience including senior CB Josh Gordy (47 tackles, six pass breakups).
Outlook: Central Michigan faces Arizona and Michigan State on the road to start the season. They also host Alcorn State (1-AA) and Boston College on the road. In conference, they face Western Michigan, Buffalo and Bowling Green on the road. Not a favorable schedule to get back to the Motor City Bowl, but that usually doesn’t matter when you have LeFevour under center.
2009 Eastern Michigan Eagles
2008 Record: (3-9, 2-6)
Coach: Ron English, 1st year (0-0 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Ken Karcher (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Eric Lewis (1st year)
Returning Starters: 18 (8 offense, 8 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Andy Schmitt)
Offense: The Eagles face some major challenges under new coach Ron English. But they do return senior QB Andy Schmitt (6-4, 238), who threw for 2,644 yards with 15 TDs and five rushing TDs. He is joined by senior RB Terrence Blevins (6-1, 238), a bruiser, who rushed for 575 yards and 12 TDs. He got support from Dwayne Priest, who added 474 yards and five TDs. The top returning receiver is also back in Jacory Stone (6-0, 201), who caught 88 passes for 943 yards and two TDs. Junior TE Josh LeDuc (6-3, 230) showed promise last season after catching 32 passes for 446 yards and four touchdowns. The offensive line loses All-MAC tackle T.J. Lang, but returns four other starters including Eric Davis (6-2, 280), a junior who has started since his freshman season.
Defense: The defense returns eight starters from a unit that allowed 35.6ppg and 408.6 yards per game (95th in the nation). This will be English’s biggest concern his first season. Sophomore DE Brad Ohrman (6-4, 244) came up big as a freshman with 42 tackles, 11 for loss and six sacks. They also have a strong though undersized tackle in senior Brandon Downs (6-1, 246), who had 30 tackles and 2.5 TFLs last year. At linebacker, they return all but one starter including senior Jermaine Jenkins (6-2, 207), who had 64 tackles, seven for loss and two sacks as well as two interceptions. Junior SS Ryan Downard (6-1, 201) adds 28 tackles and two picks in 2007.
Outlook: The Eagles start off by facing Army, a good home opponent for any new coach. After that, it becomes difficult with back-to-back roadies against Northwestern and Michigan. They also face Ball State and Western Michigan at home, with Central Michigan on the road. Later in the season, they take on Arkansas on the road. This will be a tough opening season for English, but look for some improvements in the running game and on defense.
2009 Northern Illinois Huskies
2008 Record: (6-7, 5-3)
Coach: Jerry Kill, 2nd year (6-7 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Matt Limegrover (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Tracy Claeys (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 10 (6 offense, 3 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Chandler Harnish)
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Offense: The Huskies return six starters from a unit that averaged 24.2ppg. They also bring back sophomore quarterback Chandler Harnish (6-2, 210), who threw for 1,528 yards with eight touchdowns and nine picks as a freshman. He also led the team in rushing with 539 yards. Speedy sophomore RB Me’co Brown (5-7, 180) returns after rushing for 510 yards and two scores last year. The receiving corps returns junior Landon Cox (16 receptions) and not much else in terms of experience. Up front, sophomore LT Trevor Olson (6-6, 290) anchors a line that returns three starters.
Defense: The defense brings back three starters from a unit that allowed just 18ppg (14th in the nation) and 298.5 yards per game (17th). They lost significant talent including DE Larry English, the 16th overall pick in the NFL Draft. Senior DE Brandon Bice (6-4, 250) will see much more attention now, after recording 6.5 sacks last season after earning third-team All-MAC honors. Junior DT Mike Krause (6-4, 270) anchors the middle as last season he registered 20 tackles, including three for loss. At linebacker, they lose all but one starter-senior Cory Hanson (6-2, 225)-who recorded 37 tackles and six for loss last year. The secondary returns just one starter, but he’s a good one. Senior FS David Bryant, a former tailback and linebacker, was the team’s leading tackler with 83.
Outlook: The Huskies face Wisconsin on the road to start the season. They also face Western Illinois and Idaho at home, along with Purdue on the road. They also host Western Michigan and Ball State, but end the season on the road at Central Michigan. Expect the defense to regress after returning just three starters. The offense features some great potential and could be better their youngsters mature.
2009 Toledo Rockets
2008 Record: (3-9, 2-6)
Coach: Tim Beckman, 1st year (0-0 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Matt Campbell (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Mike Ward (1st year) and Paul Nichols (1st year)
Returning Starters: 20 (9 offense, 9 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Aaron Opelt)
Offense: The Rockets bring in new coach Tim Beckman who is hoping to improve a moribund offense and a leaky defense. At least they return senior QB Aaron Opelt (6-2, 225), who threw for 2,176 yards with 12 TDs in an injury-plagued season. They also return senior RB DaJuane Collins (5-10, 211), who averaged 5.5 yards per carry with five TDs (700 yards). Sophomore Morgan Williams (5-11, 195), who ran for 1,010 yards despite being hampered by. They return two of the four starting receivers including two-time All-MAC selection Stephen Williams (6-5, 199), who had 781 yards in receiving. He has 144 catches and 15 TDs in his last two seasons. UP front, Toledo returns four starters led by seniors Jared DeWalt (6-4, 318) and senior Buster Garrett (6-3, 286).
Defense: The defense returns nine starters from a unit that allowed 31.4ppg and 381.4 yards per game. Beckman’s defensive background should help in revitalizing this unit. They return three of the four starters on the defensive line. While that’s a good thing, now they need production from those players. The Rockets finished with just 10 sacks in 2008 and that’s because the line was not generating a pass rush. At linebacker, junior Archie Donald returns from their 4-2-5 scheme. He led the team in tackles with 199 last year and is the leader of the defense. The secondary returns four of the five starters including senior S Barry Church (6-2, 219). Church could graduate as a four-time All-MAC selection and is on the Bronco Nagurski and Jim Thorpe lists. He has great size and range.
Outlook: The Rockets face Purdue on the road and then host Colorado at home. They also take on Ohio State in Cleveland and face Florida International on the road. In conference, they host Western Michigan and take on Central Michigan, Ball State and Bowling Green on the road. This is a tough schedule for a new coach that needs to rebuild most of his defense.
2009 Western Michigan Broncos
2008 Record: (9-4, 6-2)
Coach: Bill Cubit, 5th year (29-20 at Western Michigan, 63-38-1 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Bill Cubit (5th year)
Def. Coordinator: Steve Morrison (5th year)
Returning Starters: 12 (7 offense, 3 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Tim Hiller)
Offense: The Broncos return seven starters from a unit that averaged 28.6ppg and 411.5 yds/game (28th in the nation). Senior QB Tim Hiller (6-5, 228) is back after tossing for 3,725 yards last season. He has a great understanding of the offense and should shatter just about every team and MAC passing record barring injury. Senior Brandon West (1,026 yards) is back along with sophomore Aaron Winchester. At receiver, they return third-team All-MAC selection Juan Nunez, who caught 57 passes for 701 yards and seven touchdowns. The offensive line returns four of five starters including junior LG Phillip Swanson (6-4, 307), an All-MAC performer.
Defense: The defense returns just three starters and obviously this is the biggest concern. They allowed 395.3 yards per game last season so this is a unit that needs to improve. The line returns just one player, but junior DE Justin Braska (6-4, 234) is an impact lineman, who had 6.5 sacks last year to go along with 52 tackle and 10 tackles for loss. The linebackers should be a strength as first-team All-MAC selection Austin Pritchard (6-4, 233) is back after recording 86 tackles last year and 12.5 tackles for loss. Sophomore Mitch Zajac (6-1, 220) is back after starting five games last year with 29 tackles. The secondary lost three All-MAC performers so they basically are in rebuilding mode.
Outlook: The Broncos open with Michigan and Indiana on the road, before they take on Hofstra (1-AA) and Michigan State (Nov. 7). They take on rival Central Michigan and Buffalo at home, while facing Northern Illinois on the road. This is a pretty tough schedule for a team that should score plenty of points, but will also give up many.
Mountain West Conference
2009 Air Force Falcons
2008 Record: (8-5, 5-3)
Coach: Troy Calhoun, 3rd year (17-9 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Clay Hendrix (3rd year) and Blane Morgan (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Tim DeRuyter (3rd year)
Returning Starters: 13 (6 offense, 7 defense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Tim Jefferson)
Offense: The Falcons return Tim Jefferson, a sophomore quarterback who took over midway though last season to lead Air Force to two road wins and five straight victories. Jefferson threw for 655 yards and five touchdowns, which isn’t saying much in this conference. But it was good enough to earn MVC Freshman of the Year honors. But his return should keep the team competitive. Sophomore Asher Clark (5-8, 185) is back at running back, after rushing for 588 yards last season. The receivers have to block in this offense, though one would assume that Air Force finishes better than 117th in the nation in pass offense. Air Force returns three of five linemen including four-year starting left guard Nick Charles (6-4, 285)-a second-team All-MWC pick last season.
Defense: The defense returns seven starters from a unit that allowed 22.2ppg and 341.5 yards per game (50th in the nation). Junior MLB Ken Lamendola (6-2, 230) is the star of the defense, who ranked third in the MCW last season with 118 tackles. Up front, they lose Jake Paulson (9 sacks, 14.5 TFLs). Senior DT Ben Garland (6-5, 275) takes over the role, after recording 7.5 TFLs last year. In the secondary, they hope to return junior corner Reggie Rembert, who missed the spring due to a non-football issue. The secondary should be a strength, but they will only be as good as their pass rush.
Outlook: The schedule is pretty pedestrian, as they take on rivals Army at home and Navy on the road, along with Nicholls State at home and Minnesota on the road. Unfortunately, they also have to face BYU and Utah on the road. While they doesn’t look a top-three team, they could certainly make a minor bowl game and this might finally be the year they beat Navy on the road.
2009 BYU Cougars
2008 Record: (10-3, 6-2)
Coach: Bronco Mendenhall, 5th year, (38-13)
Off. Coordinator: Robert Anae (5th year)
Def. Coordinator: Jamie Hill (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 11 (4 offense, 7 defense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Max Hall)
Offense: The Cougars return quarterback Max Hall, who finished in the top 11 in most passing categories. He also threw for 35 touchdown passes to set a league record. Their biggest loss was of wide receive Austin Collie, who set the BYU career receiving record with a year of eligibility left. At running back, junior Harvey Unga (6-0, 239) returns after rushing for 1,000 yards for his second straight season. With Collie gone, Hall would look to All-America candidate (TE) Dennis Pitta, (6-5, 248), who caught 83 passes for 1,083 yards last season. They lose both starting receivers, but return McKay Jackson (5-11, 192), as sophomore returning from a Mormon mission in Japan. In 2006, he caught 28 passes for 574 yards as a freshman. They return just one starter from the offensive line and this is the big factor that separates them from Utah. Fortunately, they return sophomore left tackle Matt Reynolds (6-6, 320), to protect Hall’s blindside.
Defense: The defense returns seven starters from a unit that allowed 21.9ppg and 355.9 yds./game (59th in the nation). The Cougars, who play a 3-4 scheme, return senior DE Jan Jorgensen (6-3, 259), who holds the MWC sack record with 24. Jorgensen had just five sacks last year as he saw double teams in every game. At linebacker, senior Matt Bauman (6-1, 229) is back after leading the team with 108 tackles. They have an athletic group of linebackers and return all three starters up front. The issue is in the secondary, where they return just one starter. The safety position is the biggest concern, which is one reason why they moved corner Scott Johnson to free safety.
Outlook: The Cougars usually put up points on the board, but it will be difficult to match last year’s total of 34.2 with just four starters returning. They open with Oklahoma in Arlington, Texas, and then face Tulane on the road and Florida State as well as Utah State at home. It doesn’t get much tougher than that schedule and their biggest advantage is that they host Utah in the season finale. With Hall at the helm, the Cougars do have a legit shot at the MWC title.
2009 Colorado State Rams
2008 Record: (7-6, 4-4)
Coach: Steve Fairchild, 2nd year (7-6 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Greg Peterson (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Larry Kerr (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 12 (7 offense, 5 defense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No
Offense: The Rams took a huge step forward last year under Steve Fairchild, moving from 3-9 to 7-6 in his first season at the helm. The offense returns seven starters, but will feature a new quarterback. Senior Grant Stucker appears to be the successor to Billy Farris, who like Stucker, was a first-time starter last season. However, juco transfer Jon Eastman, freshman Nico Ranieri and Klay Kubiak, son of Houston Texas head coach Gary Kubiak, could all be in the mix. They also have an issue at running back as junior John Mosure appears to be the best of a committee of backs. At least they are deep at receiver where senior Rashaun Greer (6-1, 203), who led the team with 1,114 yards receiving and was a second-team All-MWC selection last year, is back to anchor a strong receiving unit. Sophomore T.J. Borcky (6-4, 197) moves from quarterback to wide receiver, but will also be used in the Wildcat formation. Up front, they return four of five starters on the line.
Defense: This unit allowed a whopping 30.2 ppg (89th in the nation) last season and 410.1 yards (96th in the nation). The Rams run a 4-3 defense, but they rely heavily on the linebackers, especially sophomore Mychal Sisson (5-11, 201), who recorded 105 tackles last season. This year, he’ll move to the outside after two-year starter Ricky Brewer was suspended for the 2009 season. Up front, they have to replace all four starters, so they are rebuilding. The secondary had issues last season, mainly due to injuries. All four starters return, including senior FS Klint Kubiak (6-0, 202), Gary’s older son, who is the leader along with sophomore Eijah-Blu Smith (5-11, 181), who moves over from corneback.
Outlook: CSU takes on their rival Colorado on the road to open, and then faces Weber State and Nevada at home. They face BYU and TCU on the road along with Utah at home. Unless they can find a quarterback, this will be a tough season though games against Idaho, Weber State, Nevada, Air Force, San Diego State and Wyoming at home, are certainly winnable and could be enough to put them over the top.
2009 New Mexico Lobos
2008 Record: (4-8, 2-6)
Coach: Mike Locksley, 1st year (0-0 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Darrell Dickey (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Doug Mallory (1st year)
Returning Starters: 11 (6 offense, 3 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Brad Gruner, Donovan Porterie)
Offense: Mike Locksley takes over a program that was basically going nowhere under Rocky Long. The former Ron Zook assistant at Florida and Illinois returns two potential starting quarterbacks in senior Donovan Porterie (6-3, 206) and sophomore Brad Gruner (6-2, 217). Gruner threw for 1,007 yards last season in eight starters, but Porterie, who missed the 2008 season with an ACL injury, is the odds-on favorite to start. That’s because he threw for 3,006 yards in 2007 and should be perfect to run the no-huddle, spread- option system if he’s healthy. Senior James Wright (5-11, 235) is a big back who ran for 348 yards last season and could handle the rushing attack, if he’s named starter. At receiver, all three top starters return, though nobody put up big numbers to the lack of effectiveness at quarterback. The offensive line is led by twoyear starting center Erik Cook (6-6, 312) and returns three starters.
Defense: The defense will be the biggest challenge for a former college safety (Towson), who has coached the offensive side of the ball most of his career. They return just three starters from a unit that allowed a respectable 22.8ppg (46th in the nation) and 335.8 yards per game (45th in the nation). They’ll have a new look in a 4-3 scheme replacing the old Lobo signature 3-3-5 defense. (Long has actually taken that defense to San Diego State, where’s he’s the defensive coordinator). They’ll blitz and attack more often, hoping to improve upon the 21 sacks they had last year. Senior Clint McPeek (6-1, 227) moves from the old “Lobo” position (linebacker-safety hybrid) to linebacker, after making 103 tackles and breaking up nine passes. The secondary has to replace both corners, but returns senior safeties Ian Clark and Frankie Soloman.
Outlook: The Lobos will be rebuilding this season, playing for a new coaching staff with a new system. They could have used an easier schedule, but instead, they have to face Texas A&M on the road to start the season. They also host Tulsa, New Mexico State and face Texas Tech on the road. Porterie should make this team very competitive, but give Locksley another year or two to get his recruits in and they will be a bowl team.
2009 San Diego State Aztecs
2008 Record: (2-10, 1-7)
Coach: Brady Hoke, 1st year (34-38 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Al Borges (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Rocky Long (1st year)
Returning Starters: 18 (9 offense, 7 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Ryan Lindley)
Offense: Brady Hoke takes over a program that finished 2-10 last year and hasn’t won a league title since 1986 (WAC). The cupboard is not bare for Hoke as the Aztecs return sophomore QB Ryan Lindley (6-3, 205), who threw for 2,653 yards and 16 TDs as a freshman. They also return senior WR DeMarco Sampson (6-2, 210), who was hampered by injuries in his career, but was a standout in the spring, catching six passes for 181 yards. The leading returning receiver, Vincent Brown (631 yards), also returns along with Jon Toledo. The running game has got to be overhauled. Senior Atiyyah Henderson and junior Brandon Sullivan combined for less than 700 yards last season. The offensive line returns three starters from a line that allowed 21 sacks last year.
Defense: The defense returns seven starters from a unit that allowed a whopping 37.2ppg (113th in the nation) and 460.8 yards per game (113th). The only way to go is up and bringing in former New Mexico head coach Rocky Long to coach the defense was a strong move (3-3-5 scheme). Senior LB Luke Laolagi (6-1, 230) leads the defense with 99 tackles and three forced fumbles in 2008. They have to get some pressure on the quarter as they recorded just 13 sacks last year, led by 3.5 from returning end B.J. Williams (6-3, 250). The secondary returns just one starter in CB Aaron Moore, and will have to employ three new safeties including the LOBO position.
Outlook: The Aztecs open at UCLA, but it gets easier after facing Southern Utah at home and Idaho on the road. They also have to face BYU and TCU at home, along with Utah on the road. It won’t matter as there are not many winnable games on the schedule unless they completely turn the defense around in one season, which is not realistic.
2009 TCU Horned Frogs
2008 Record: (11-2, 7-1)
Coach: Gary Patterson, 9th year (73-27)
Off. Coordinator: Jarrett Anderson (1st year) and Justin Fuente (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Dick Bumpas (6th year)
Returning Starters: 13, (6 offense, 5 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Andy Dalton)
Offense: The Horned Frogs return a very strong nucleus from an offense that averaged 33.6ppg and 421.3 yards per game (24th in the nation). Junior QB Andy Dalton (6-3, 215) is under center again, after throwing for 2,242 yards with just five interceptions. They also return top receiver in junior Jimmy Young (6-1, 200), who led the team with 988 yards receiving. Senior running back Ryan Christian was also very effective as a receiver, grabbing 30 receptions for 386 yards. They also return senior running back Joseph Turner, who ran for 577 yards. The offensive line returns three of five starters, including all-conference picks in tackles Marshall Newhouse (6-3, 317) and Marcus Cannon (6-5, 350).
Defense: Last year’s defense was one of the best in the nation, as they allowed just 47.1 yards per game, They Horned Frogs are led by senior DE Jerry Hughes (6-3, 257), who led the nation with 15 sacks and also forced six fumbles. However, he’s the only returning starter on the defensive line and will surely see his share of double teams. At linebacker, senior Daryl Washington (6-3, 228) is back after recording 63 tackles. He’s one of the best athletes on the team. But they lose All-MWC picks Jason Phillips and Robert Henson to the NFL. The secondary is led by All-MWC cornerbacks Rafael Priest and Nick Sanders.
Outlook: TCU won 11 games last season and doesn’t seem to get the national respect. They face Virginia and Clemson on the road along with home games against Texas State and SMU. They take on BYU on the road and Utah at home. The big issue will be replacing six starters on defense, including two of the three safeties.
2009 UNLV Rebels
2008 Record: (5-7, 2-6)
Coach: Mike Samford, 5th year (11-36)
Off. Coordinator: Todd Berry (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Dennis Therrell (3rd year)
Returning Starters: 15 (6 offense, 8 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Omar Clayton)
Offense: The Rebels won five games last season and while that may not sound like much, it was a building block for coach Mike Samford, who won two games his first two seasons. He also returns junior quarterback Omar Clayton (6-1, 200), who threw for 1,894 yards last season and is a perfect match for the spread offense. They also return senior WR Ryan Wolfe (6-2, 210), who led the team with 88 receptions for 1,040 receiving yards. At running back, they need to replace Frank Summers. They don’t have a standout at this point, which will leave the door open for freshman phenom Bradley Randle. The offensive line returns three starters including junior LT Matt Murphy (6-4, 300).
Defense: The Rebels return eight starters on defense from a unit that allowed 423.2 yards per game (103rd in the nation) and 32.6ppg. They return three of the four starters up front, so that’s a plus. At linebacker, they return senior Jason Beauchamp (6-3, 235), who led the conference in tackles with 127. The secondary is an issue, though Sanford completely overhauled the unit by adding eight new defensive backs including juco transfer Kenny Brown. There is very little experience other than junior CB Quinton Porter, who is recovering from shoulder surgery. Up front, they are led by junior DT Malo Taumua (6-1, 270), a stout run-stopper.
Outlook: Sanford is beginning to turn this thing around and a soft schedule doesn’t hurt. They open with Sacramento State at home, then face Oregon State and Hawaii at home. They also face rival Nevada on the road, along with TCU on the road and BYU and Utah, at home. This is a team that appears to be a year or two away from competing for a title. They could sneak in to get a minor bowl based on their soft schedule.