CFN CUSA/National Preseason Projections

[Cadillac]

Having to play both Houston and Tulsa on the road in Odd years is really challenging. Given the strength of those teams, I generally look at splitting those two games as an overall "win". Adding Southern Miss to the road schedule puts additional pressure.

But as has been pointed out, we have a ton of experience and size on the O-line (plus bonus blocker Zach Line) and the Defensive Front Seven. I don't know if we've ever been this good up front since BPD. It should make for some exciting football that's for sure.

What has me really wondering is what we're supposed to do next year when most of that experience and size heads off to the sunset.

-CoS

[mrydel]

We have a good group of underclassmen that are going to be rotating on the offensive line. This is how you win, with depth. Remember in the hey days when we alternated offensive lines each quarter. Yes we have 5 OL seniors this year, but we have others that will be playing a lot and perhaps even starting as the season progresses. I am not worried about next year as ling as they keep recruiting good replacements.

[Stallion]

as long as you recruit the right talent, REDSHIRT and keep them in school this is exactly how it is supposed to be. Your Offensive Line should always predominately 4th and 5th year guys.

[Cadillac]

I absolutely agree that you want to build your lines with upperclassmen. No argument there. I just hate to see the entire line change in the course of one off-season. Hopefully the younger guys can get in and get some snaps this season.

Looking at 2012, I'm trying to figure out what the OL might look like. Working from the perspective that we want Upper classmen starting (and acknowledging that the Coaches won't be constrained by that requirement), and taking into account where the players have gotten playing time in the past, The best guesses I can put up for 2012 are:

LT: Ben Gottschalk (Jr)
LG: Bryan Collins (Sr)
OC: No idea
RG: Jordan Free
RT: Josh Emshoff (Jr)

I suppose I haven't seen enough from these guys (which makes sense because of the guys in front of them) to be that confident about them without just simply going on blind faith.

-CoS

[Stallion]

Tulsa's game with UCF in Orlando has been moved up to the Thursday after Tulsa plays SMU in Tulsa. That will be a crucial late season challenge for Tulsa. I guess we beat them up-we could cause then to lose twice in 5 days.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/T ... lsas305667

[ponyte]

Tulsa's game with UCF in Orlando has been moved up to the Thursday after Tulsa plays SMU in Tulsa. That will be a crucial late season challenge for Tulsa. I guess we beat them up-we could cause then to lose twice in 5 days.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/T ... lsas305667

I'm all for that.

[skyscraper]

The Golden Hurricane’s game at UCF will be moved up two days to Nov. 3 for TV purposes, according to sources. The Thursday night game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network (Cox Cable 249).

I hope we won't be moving home games to Thursday nights. Especially just for CBS Sports Network.