CFN rankings 119-80

[HFvictory]

There's one very important distinction in the CFN preseason rankings: these are based on how good the teams are going into the season and NOT how they're going to finish. Some teams have easier schedules than others, some get tougher road games and some will need a little bit of time to jell meaning they might be better than their final record might indicate. Going into the year, these are how good the teams appear to be from No. 1 through 119.

119. Temple Temple Preview
Predicted Finish: 0-12 2005 Predicted Finish: 1-10 2005 Record: 0-11
Like all new coaching staffs and new eras, Al Golden and his young group comes in bringing a new energy with big ideas and bigger dreams. Give Golden this; he's not afraid to take on a challenge. His first goal is the change the mindset of Temple football taking this city college that has no interest in football and coming up with something to get excited about before becoming a full blown member of the MAC. Winning a few games would be a big first step.
Relative Strengths: wide receivers, offensive line Relative Weaknesses: defensive line, special teams

118. Florida Atlantic Florida Atlantic Preview
Predicted Finish: 1-11 2005 Predicted Finish: 0-11 2005 Record: 2-9
The 2007 Owls will have experience and depth to burn just about everywhere. The 2006 Owls have to find some semblance of a pass rush after generating six sacks. They have to get a more consistent passing game going despite losing the top two receivers and leader Danny Embick at quarterback. They have to navigate their way through a brutal first half of the season with a defensive front seven that's among the smallest in the country, an offensive line with little depth, and special teams that were a nightmare last season and are in total disarray going into this year.
Relative Strengths: secondary, running back Relative Weaknesses: special teams, defensive line

117. Buffalo Buffalo Preview
Predicted Finish: 2-10 2005 Predicted Finish: 3-8 2005 Record: 1-10
Built to be a good defensive program under former head coach Jim Hofher, the Bulls have never been able to do much offensively averaging a mere 15.3 points per game over the last seven seasons. There are plenty of young prospects for new head man Turner Gill to work with led by a decent group of quarterbacks, a good backfield with four nice options, and tight end Chad Upshaw leading a promising receiving corps. The offensive line is big and bigger, and now it needs to use its bulk to shove someone around.
Relative Strengths: secondary, linebackers Relative Weaknesses: offensive line, special teams

116. New Mexico State New Mexico State Preview
Predicted Finish: 3-9 2005 Predicted Finish: 2-10 2005 Record: 0-12
Things can't be worse than last year, and they won't be with enough experienced players to expect better overall production and a quarterback in Chase Holbrook who should be far, far more efficient than Royal Gill and Joey Vincent were last year. It's also a plus to play in the WAC where immediate results can come right away with just a little bit of better overall play.
Relative Strengths: wide receivers, running backs Relative Weaknesses: secondary, defensive line

115. UL Monroe UL Monroe Preview
Predicted Finish: 2-10 2005 Predicted Finish: 6-5 2005 Record: 5-6
This is the fourth year under head coach Charlie Weatherbie and it's a transition season. It's going to be at least a year before the Warhawks will field the strongest team over the last several years, so Weatherbie and his staff will have a tricky task of blending the young backups with the decent veterans. With only six senior starters, every game has to be about improving with an eye towards the future.
Relative Strengths: secondary, offensive line Relative Weaknesses: defensive line, linebackers

114. San Jose State San Jose State Preview
Predicted Finish: 2-10 2005 Predicted Finish: 1-10 2005 Record: 3-8
In the WAC, you have to be prepared to get involved in some firefights, and the Spartans are better equipped. The offense should be appreciably better with one of the best lines the program has had in several years along with a solid backfield with several good options. The quarterback situation will work itself out and the receiving corps shouldn't be too bad after a little bit of time. The defense, well, the offense should be better.
Relative Strengths: offensive line, special teams Relative Weaknesses: linebackers, secondary

113. FIU FIU Preview
Predicted Finish: 5-7 2005 Predicted Finish: 3-8 2005 Record: 5-6
Things are on the upswing after a strong finish to the 2005 season. Quarterback Josh Padrick should grow into the role as the league's best quarterback and needs to carry the offense on his back using his experience and live arm to make the attack more productive. The defense will be a work in progress, but it has two sure-thing All-Sun Belt stars to work with in linebacker Keyonvis Bouie and defensive end Antwan Barnes.
Relative Strengths: quarterback, linebackers Relative Weaknesses: special teams, offensive line

112. Utah State Utah State Preview
Predicted Finish: 1-11 2005 Predicted Finish: 2-10 2005 Record: 3-8
With only one winning season since 1993, the Aggies don't have to do too much to have one of their best seasons in recent years. But with only a few seniors in the two-deep depth chart, this might be a stepping stone to 2007. The passing game should be better with the return of All-WAC candidates Kevin Robinson and Tony Pennyman at receiver and Leon Jackson III at quarterback. Robinson and Pennyman are two of the nation's better return men.
Relative Strengths: wide receiver, return game Relative Weaknesses: offensive line, defensive line


111. Army Army Preview
Predicted Finish: 4-8 2005 Predicted Finish: 3-8 2005 Record: 4-7
This year's team has some fantastic pieces to build around with the potential for its strongest, most efficient passing attack in years. All five starters return to the offensive line and everyone is back in the linebacking corps. The kicking game is sound, the receiving corps could be the strength of the team, and safety Caleb Campbell will once again be among the nation's most productive safeties. However, the weaknesses are major.
Relative Strengths: linebackers, special teams Relative Weaknesses: running backs, defensive line

110. Rice Rice Preview
Predicted Finish: 0-12 2005 Predicted Finish: 4-7 2005 Record: 1-10
For this year, it's all about just getting from phase one to phase two and getting the team in line with what Todd Graham and the new coaching staff wants to do. The previous regime made a passing nod to throwing it more when it tried to implement a bit of a spread offense in an effort to save a sinking ship, but Rice still finished dead last in the nation in passing. Graham has to make the square pegs fit into the round holes.
Relative Strengths: running backs, secondary Relative Weaknesses: defensive line, quarterback


109. North Texas North Texas Preview
Predicted Finish: 4-8 2005 Predicted Finish: 7-4 2005 Record: 2-9
After owning the Sun Belt for several years with trip after trip to the New Orleans Bowl, North Texas found out what it's like to be on the other side of things finishing dead-last in the conference. Considering the team was at or near the bottom in just about every major statistical category and loses only nine lettermen off of last year's team, there's reason to believe a turnaround can be just as quick as a fall from grace.
Relative Strengths: running backs, linebackers Relative Weaknesses: secondary, quarterback

108. Arkansas State North Texas Preview
Predicted Finish: 4-8 2005 Predicted Finish: 4-7 2005 Record: 6-6
Arkansas State has to try to become the new North Texas and be a yearly participant in the New Orleans Bowl. Head coach Steve Roberts has the program on the right track and he has the talent to be the best team in the league with a little bit of luck. ASU got a taste of success last year with its first non-losing season since 1995, and that could be just the beginning.
Relative Strengths: linebackers, secondary Relative Weaknesses: quarterback, defensive line

107. Idaho
Predicted Finish: 3-9 2005 Predicted Finish: 3-8 2005 Record: 2-9
It'll take a little while, but new head man Dennis Erickson has certainly generated plenty of excitement with his four and five wide receiver sets and sophisticated offense that should provide a consistency that hasn't been there in years. The return of QB Steven Wichman for his senior season provides a veteran to run the attack, and the running game should finally get going again with Jayson Bird coming back from a collarbone injury. But the big problem for Idaho has been defense allowing 39 points per game over the last two seasons.
Relative Strengths: quarterback, running backs Relative Weaknesses: defensive line, secondary

106. Troy Troy Preview
Predicted Finish: 4-8 2005 Predicted Finish: 6-5 2005 Record: 4-7
After looking like the potential dominator in the Sun Belt, Troy has to prove that last season's setback was a fluke. The conference is better from top to bottom, but if the offense can generate a bit more production, the Trojans could finally pull off a conference title. Troy will still be known for its defense. It'll be among the best in the Sun Belt despite some key losses and a big hope for several decent prospects to turn into stars, but the offense has to be far, far more prodductive.
Relative Strengths: special teams, defensive line Relative Weaknesses: quarterback, wide receivers

105. MTSU MTSU Preview
Predicted Finish: 5-7 2005 Predicted Finish: 5-6 2005 Record: 4-7
It’s going to take a little while for new head coach Rick Stockstill and his coaching staff to figure out what they’re doing, but they have good pieces to work with led by QB Clint Marks. The defense won't be the killer it was last year after losing seven top starters, but it's not going to fall off the map with several good prospects ready to step in and linebacker J.K. Sabb and corner Bradley Robinson to build around. If the offense comes though with a better season, the D will be good enough to win the Sun Belt title with.
Relative Strengths: quarterback, running backs Relative Weaknesses: defensive line, offensive line

104. Ohio Ohio Preview
Predicted Finish: 2-10 2005 Predicted Finish: 3-8 2005 Record: 4-7
This isn't a good enough team to challenge for the MAC East title, but there should be plenty of improvement with 20 returning starters.. There's no question the running game will be among the best in the MAC thanks to the return of a huge, veteran line and potential all-star RB Kalvin McRae, but the passing game needs a lot of tinkering. Unfortunately, the schedule doesn’t work out well. This will be a better team than the final record will indicate. Nine starters return to a defense that got shoved all over the field against the run and bombed on by anyone who could throw a football overhand. The linebacking corps will be the strength with MLB Matt Muncy among the best in the country and Tyler Russ and Michael Graham strong returning starters on the outside.
Relative Strengths: running backs, linebackers Relative Weaknesses: defensive line, quarterback

103. Eastern Michigan Eastern Michigan Preview
Predicted Finish: 3-9 2005 Predicted Finish: 3-8 2005 Record: 4-7
The 2006 Eagles have a mix of major strengths and screaming concerns. Four starters return to an offensive line that welcomes JUCO transfer star Tom Schmeding, but the backfield is starting from near-scratch breaking in new quarterback Tyler Jones and a slew of small, quick backs. The linebacking corps has the potential to be sensational and Kevin Howe is one of the best defensive ends in the conference, but the secondary is going to be abysmal right off the bat.
Relative Strengths: wide receivers, linebackers Relative Weaknesses: secondary, running backs

102. Ball State Ball State Preview
Predicted Finish: 5-7 2005 Predicted Finish: 2-9 2005 Record: 4-7
For a program that hasn't had a winning season since 1996 and has only ten wins in the three-year Brady Hoke era, it's not exactly the time to get greedy and start shooting for the MAC title, but there's no reason this can't be one of the league's sleeper teams. Ten starters return on offense helped immensely by a line that should be night-and-day better now that tackles Andre Ramsey and Robert Brewster aren't true freshmen anymore. Joey Lynch has the potential to be one of the MAC's better quarterbacks with a good receiving corps to throw to. There's hope for improvement on defense with a good, deep linebacking corps returning and two excellent safeties in Erik Keys and Trey Lewis. The big problems are on the line and at corner.
Relative Strengths: quarterbacks, linebackers Relative Weaknesses: secondary, defensive line


101. UL Lafayette UL Lafayette Preview
Predicted Finish: 7-5 2005 Predicted Finish: 3-8 2005 Record: 6-5
The talent and experience is there for this to be the Sun Belt's best team, and now it has to show it can handle expectations. If nothing else, the ground attack will be worth the price of admission. However, this is a flawed team with a complete overhaul needed on the special teams and a passing game that only threw three touchdown passes last season.
Relative Strengths: running backs, quarterbacks Relative Weaknesses: offensive line, defensive line

100. Kent State Kent State Preview
Predicted Finish: 2-10 2005 Predicted Finish: 6-5 2005 Record: 1-10
After averaging eight points per game over the final five games, it's hard to believe the Golden Flash machine will instantly turn on. Even with several good newcomers, the running game still has to prove it can move the ball, QB Michael Machen has to prove he isn't a multi-interception game waiting to happen, and the linebacking corps needs time to jell. There might be talent to build around, but don’t expect miracles.
Relative Strengths: linebackers, running backs Relative Weaknesses: linebackers, wide receivers


99. Bowling Green Bowling Green Preview
Predicted Finish: 7-5 2005 Predicted Finish: 8-3 2005 Record: 6-5
This might be a rebuilding year after a disappointing 2005, but the Falcons play in the easier of the two MAC divisions and could find its way into the MAC title mix. The most scrutiny will be at quarterback, where Anthony Turner is the next in line after Omar Jacobs and the ultra-productive Josh Harris. A sophomore, he'll have to play like a veteran with a nearly-new receiving corps to throw to and a brand, spanking new backfield to work with.
Relative Strengths: wide receivers, offensive line Relative Weaknesses: linebackers, running backs

98. Tulane Tulane Preview
Predicted Finish: 3-9 2005 Predicted Finish: 7-4 2005 Record: 2-9
As bad as last season was on the field with an average of only 321 yards per game and allowing 31.6 points per outing, there's hope for a big turnaround. Quarterback Lester Ricard has next-level talent and an experienced receiving corps to work with, Matt Forte is a great back who should be productive with more touches, and the defensive line has the potential to be night-and-day better with good size and plenty of experience. After dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina last year, there will be a true home field advantage again with games scheduled to be played in the Superdome starting September 30th.
Relative Strengths: quarterbacks, wide receivers Relative Weaknesses: linebackers, secondary

97. Western Michigan Western Michigan Preview
Predicted Finish: 5-7 2005 Predicted Finish: 2-9 2005 Record: 7-4
18 starters return to a team that saw its starting quarterbacks go down with injuries like Spinal Tap went through drummers, and struggled with a pass defense that was just this close to being the worst in America despite having the MAC's best pass rush to help out generating pressure. Last year's problems should turn into this season's positives with a stronger, more experienced secondary and two great quarterback options in Ryan Cubit, the head coach's son, and Tim Hiller, once he returns from a knee injury.
Relative Strengths: quarterbacks, special teams Relative Weaknesses: secondary, running backs

96. Air Force Air Force Preview
Predicted Finish: 4-8 2005 Predicted Finish: 6-5 2005 Record: 4-7
The defense has to stop giving up so many game-changing big plays, the turnover margin (Air Force finished 95th in the nation) has to become a positive, and the offense has to be much sharper. Quarterback Shaun Carney is well on his way to being the greatest passer in the Fisher DeBerry era, but he has to get the ground game back to the point where it can hang 300 yards a game on anyone. It only hit the 300-yard mark once last year. Talent-wise, this isn't DeBerry's best team, but there aren't any problems he hasn't dealt with before. If Carney can take the next step up in his ability to run the attack, and if some reliable receivers and game-breaking running backs can emerge, and if Bobby Giannini and the veteran secondary can slow down the better passing teams just a little bit, then a winning season is more than possible.
Relative Strengths: quarterbacks, running backs Relative Weaknesses: wide receivers, defensive line

95. Central Michigan Central Michigan Preview
Predicted Finish: 5-7 2005 Predicted Finish: 2-9 2005 Record: 6-5
It's all there for the Chippewas to have a fantastic season and even hope for their first bowl bid since 1994 while shooting for back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 1990 and 1991. However, there's reason to worry about a porous secondary that isn't going to be any better, and the loss of steady QB Kent Smith isn't going to help the offense, but everything else is in place from four returning starters on a rock of an offensive line to an improved receiving corps to one of the MAC's best linebacking corps.
Relative Strengths: running backs, wide receivers Relative Weaknesses: secondary, quarterbacks

94. UNLV UNLV Preview
Predicted Finish: 3-9 2005 Predicted Finish: 5-6 2005 Record: 2-9
Head coach Mike Sanford's Rebel Shotgun Spread offense never took flight last year because the pieces weren't in place. Now the offensive line is experienced, the receiving corps is deep, there are several good running back options to push Erick Jackson, and the quarterbacks are a strength with Rocky Hinds and Shane Steichen each good enough to put up big numbers. The defense has to hold up its end of the bargain after allowing 30 points or more in eight games. Things are pointed in the right direction for UNLV, but is the program ready to rock this season, or will it take another year for everything to jell? Watch out for this to be a dangerous, exciting team all year long.
Relative Strengths: quarterbacks, running backs Relative Weaknesses: defensive line, linebackers

93. Louisiana Tech
Predicted Finish: 7-6 2005 Predicted Finish: 5-6 2005 Record: 7-4
Only two starters return on defense, there's a woeful lack of experience at quarterback, and there could stand to be far more explosion considering all the speed in the receiving corps and at running back. Even with the problems, this should still be an upper-division WAC team that needs to come up with more big wins.
Relative Strengths: wide receivers, special teams Relative Weaknesses: defensive line, quarterbacks

92. Miami University Miami University Preview
Predicted Finish: 6-6 2005 Predicted Finish: 9-2 2005 Record: 7-4
Only five starters return, but it's not like the cupboard is completely bare with good prospects returning to fill most of the holes with the biggest question at quarterback, where Mike Kokal, Jared Elliott and Daniel Raudabaugh will try to be next in line after Josh Betts and Ben Roethlisberger. Yes, the talent level will be there to be competitive, but can Miami get the momentum back after tremendous seasons in 2003 and 2004? Absolutely.
Relative Strengths: running backs, special teams Relative Weaknesses: linebackers, offensive line


91. SMU SMU Preview
Predicted Finish: 5-7 2005 Predicted Finish: 1-10 2005 Record: 5-6
There will be an interesting mix of fast, talented young players, a lot of inexperience, and good building blocks. Bobby Chase leads a deep and experienced receiving corps, DeMyron Martin is one of the league's best backs heading a very fast, very good backfield, and the starting five up front should be fine. However, there's no experience whatsoever at quarterback and absolutely no developed depth on the line. The offense might have been bad throughout last year, but the defense saved the day time and again keeping the team in several games. There are lots and lots of speed in the back seven, but little experience outside of safety Joe Studivant and linebacker Wilton McCray. The line will be fantastic with Adrian Haywood and Justin Rogers among the best in the conference.
Relative Strengths: running backs, defensive line Relative Weaknesses: secondary, offensive line

90. Akron Akron Preview
Predicted Finish: 7-5 2005 Predicted Finish: 5-6 2005 Record: 7-6
After winning the MAC title, J.D. Brookhart's crew wants to do even more, and it has the talent to do it with 16 returning starters led by what should be one of the MAC's best defenses. To get back to the championship game and earn another bowl bid, the Zips have to be far more consistent and get steadier play out of both sides of the ball. Considering where the defense was a few seasons ago, to even be considered among the best in the MAC shows how quickly Brookhart and his staff have turned things around. The offense could be another story, at least early on, needing to replace the top receivers along with 1,000-yard back Brett Biggs. However, quarterback Luke Getsy should be able to build on a great end to 2005 and be one of the MAC's best passers, while all five starters return to what should be a top offensive line.
Relative Strengths: quarterbacks, offensive line Relative Weaknesses: special teams, running backs

89. Duke
Predicted Finish: 2-10 2005 Predicted Finish: 3-8 2005 Record: 1-10
There are positive pieces in place to build around. The defensive line has the potential to have a huge season if 2005's star recruits Vince Oghobaase and Ayanga Okpokowuruk can use their talent to combine forces with steady veterans Eli Nichols and Casey Camero. John Talley is one of the nation's best cornerbacks, and there are nice receivers and running backs to get excited about. Of course, this is Duke, so the talent level isn't even in the ballpark compared to the rest of the ACC.
Relative Strengths: defensive line, running backs Relative Weaknesses: offensive line, linebackers

88. UAB UAB Preview
Predicted Finish: 4-8 2005 Predicted Finish: 8-3 2005 Record: 5-6
In a league where Tulsa and UCF can come from out of the blue to play for the championship, UAB certainly has to have hopes of getting a few big performances when needed and win the East. Only 12 starters return, but there's more than enough experience for the other spots and plenty of decent talent to get the job done if a few key players come through. The defense has a chance to be much better with five good linebackers to work around, an experienced secondary that doesn't need to do too much to improve on last year, and First Team All-Conference USA end Larry McSwain up front to be the focal point.
Relative Strengths: offensive line, running backs Relative Weaknesses: wide receivers, defensive line

87. Memphis
Predicted Finish: 6-6 2005 Predicted Finish: 6-5 2005 Record: 7-5
A fourth straight bowl trip is a lock and there's nothing the team can't handle at this point, so that means there are big expectations. Memphis doesn't want to be one of those programs that got hot and then hit a plateau, it needs to show that the team was more than just DeAngelo Williams and show that this is a burgeoning power that's a few steps away from being something special. That step should be taken this year. All the QBs have big arms and are great at throwing the deep ball, so the attack should be more explosive with the tall, fast receiving corps ready to put up bigger numbers. All five starters return to the offensive line that will pave the way for a good season for shifty back Joseph Doss, who'll pick up the slack with Williams gone. The defense won't be a rock, but five starters return to the secondary and there are good athletes up front.
Relative Strengths: offensive line, running backs Relative Weaknesses: defensive line, linebackers

86. Wyoming
Predicted Finish: 3-9 2005 Predicted Finish: 5-6 2005 Record: 4-7
The team has an interesting mix of huge strengths and glaring weaknesses. The backfield is loaded with three great running backs, but the receiving corps is average at best and there's a four-way battle going on to figure out who the starting quarterback will be. The defensive line is one of the worst in the Mountain West, but the linebacking corps in the new 3-4 scheme should be excellent. John Wendling is one of the nation's better safeties, but corner will be a big question mark.
Relative Strengths: running backs, offensive line Relative Weaknesses: defensive line, secondary

85. New Mexico New Mexico Preview
Predicted Finish: 6-6 2005 Predicted Finish: 6-5 2005 Record: 6-5
2005 was a transition season replacing several defensive starters and changing the identity a bit on offense after being a one-dimensional ground attack. Things will change again, only this time for the better with the addition of former UCLA head coach Bob Toledo to run the offense and make it more effective and more explosive. Add Toledo's talents with a solid system that's already in place, and New Mexico might finally break through the ceiling and push for the Mountain West title. The defense took a step back last season and could have problems with its consistency early on with new faces up the middle up front and on the corners in the secondary.
Relative Strengths: offensive line, quarterbacks Relative Weaknesses: defensive line, wide receivers

84. Navy Navy Preview
Predicted Finish: 7-5 2005 Predicted Finish: 5-6 2005 Record: 8-4
18 starters return including four on an offensive line that should be strong, three in a hard-nosed linebacking corps, four in the secondary, and three in a backfield that should form a breathtaking combination of speed and power. There are a few concerns like replacing quarterback Lamar Owens and getting more production from the defense, but experience and good coaching should overcome most of the problems.
Relative Strengths: running backs, linebackers Relative Weaknesses: receivers, defensive line

83. Vanderbilt
Predicted Finish: 2-10 2005 Predicted Finish: 3-8 2005 Record: 5-6
There are several major positives to build around. The starting offensive line, especially tackles Brian Stamper and Chris Williams, should be excellent. Earl Bennett and the receiving corps will be strong, Cassen Jackson-Garrison is a veteran runner who'll have his moments, and the defense should be good up the middle with good tackles and safeties and an All-SEC talent in linebacker Jonathan Goff. Unfortunately, there are questions at starting quarterback, the running game won't be that great, and there's a big-time lack of playmakers on defense. In other words, there are too many holes to fill to have even the most remote of prayers to contend in the improved East.
Relative Strengths: offensive line, wide receivers Relative Weaknesses: defensive line, running back

82. Marshall Marshall Preview
Predicted Finish: 5-7 2005 Predicted Finish: 6-5 2005 Record: 4-7
21 starters return with the biggest boost in production likely to be on offense with quarterback Bernie Skinner and Jimmy Morris a year older and wiser after their first seasons in the new system. Four returning starters to the offensive line, the receiving corps is loaded with experience, and all-star back Ahmad Bradshaw will do everything to carry the attack when needed. Top linebacker recruit Josh Johnson and receiver Darius Passmore provide an instant upgrade to the overall talent level. Five road games in the first seven dates will be tough to overcome.
Relative Strengths: running backs, linebackers Relative Weaknesses: secondary, defensive line


81. UCF UCF Preview
Predicted Finish: 6-6 2005 Predicted Finish: 1-10 2005 Record: 8-5
UCF isn't a lock to win anything even with 19 starters returning. All the fantastic looking young players in the secondary got torched last year and must prove they can be consistent. All five starters return to the offensive line, but that group couldn't stop anyone's pass rush. And then there's the question of wins; did UCF actually beat anyone of note last year? Who cares? After two straight losing seasons and a wildly disappointing four-year stint in the MAC, there's no arguing against the school's best season since 1998. Now the question becomes whether or not the team hit a ceiling or if the program is about to enter the stratosphere. The coaching, the recruiting base, and the potential is there for a bright future. If last year was any indication, the future might be now.
Relative Strengths: running backs, secondary Relative Weaknesses: defensive line, receivers

80. Colorado State Colorado State Preview
Predicted Finish: 5-7 2005 Predicted Finish: 4-7 2005 Record: 6-6
The backfield has 225 pounders Kyle Bell and Gantrell Johnson to power the ground game behind an experienced offensive line, but it'll be tempting to keep chucking the ball around in the high-octane Mountain West. The defense has enough experience to be far better if all the past playing time actually turns into production and the kicking game should be one of the best in the league. In other words, the potential is there for a return to the glory days. Note the word potential.
Relative Strengths: running backs, secondary Relative Weaknesses: defensive line, linebackers

[LonghornFan68]

Too low.

[JesuitPony]

No way we lose to Duke in football. Basketball is another story.

[PK]

After blowing their prediction last year, they are really sticking their neck out this year:

91. SMU Preview
Predicted Finish: 5-7
2005 Predicted Finish: 1-10
2005 Record: 5-6

They say all the right things and talk like they know something about us...but I doubt it.

[PonyPride]

So going by the already-established four-game margin of error, that means we're going 9-3, right?

[PK]

So going by the already-established four-game margin of error, that means we're going 9-3, right?

Probably a typo...should read 7-5...you know how those things can happen.

[BUTitan]

Where's TCU? I thougt they were #gonna at least be in the top 119. Shows you what I know

[GoRedGoBlue]

According to this, we should AT LEAST go 5-7 (Rice, Tulane, UNT, ArkSt) all ranked well below us. So add SHSU, and that's 5 "W"s

"JUST" above us are Marshall (9 slots higher), UAB(3 slots higher) - we play both of these at home.

Now, on paper, I think all these rankings are right on...

If I had $1000 to bet on what teams are better than SMU in CUSA-West - I'd pick SMU about 4th - behind UTEP, Tulsa, Hou.

But, we did beat two of those teams, and play well against the best in the conference (TU) last year.

But, if this team is BETTER than last year, then we should AT LEAST go 4-4 in conference and 3-1 in OOC - thus, 7-5 or better.

Considering that UAB has to replace their QB just the same, and we hit them at home, perhaps that is a repeat win that otherwise might be a loss.

I have no idea about Marshall or Tulane, but the reviews are not so favorable for those teams either. The Tulane debacle last year might be a factor of just getting the wind blown out of our sails after the TCU Victory followed by the aTm thrashing and then playing our 'guest' Tulane who practiced at SMU all season (to this point).

Who knows....the proof is in the pudding this year.

Going into last season, there were 6 teams that we 'should not beat' - TCU, aTm, UAB, UTEP, Marshall and Houston (we beat 4 of them). Tulsa was clearly a dark horse.

This year, there is only 1 - Tech, but I'd still consider UTEP/Hou/Tulsa better on paper.

Having said that, after Tech, there is no other team that we CANNOT beat.

[Vitale]

We should beat Tulsa. Hell, we should have beaten them last year. No reason we shouldn't beat Tulsa, Rice, Tulane, Marshall, Sam Houston, Arkansas State and North Texas.
Woah, I think I just backed into a 7-5 prediction. Bowl time!

[SMU Football Blog]

Every publication I have seen has SMu 4th in CUSA West. Collegefootballnews.com is the only one that I have seen witha list that puts us behind every CUSA East team. I forgot which magazine it is, but one of them has us ahead of both UAB and Marshal and one spot nationally behind ECU. Another has us ahead of UAB; another ahead of Marshall; and another ahead of ECU. The only teams I would SMU has no business beating are Tulsa and Tech. Everybody else, SMU is better than by most people's rankings or SMU beat them last year. Obviously, SMU won't go 10-2, but there is little excuse for SMU not improving on last season's record.