Conference USA preseason conference outlook

By J.R. Hopwood  |   Friday, July 29, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

College Football
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Conference USA lost a huge part of its power when Louisville bolted to the Big East. Now the conference is fairly weak and there are 4 teams that should easily be the top 2 in each division.

Conference USA East
1. The UAB Blazers have an electric QB in Darrell Hackney and have a good core group of rushers back, plus an experienced O-line always helps.

2. The Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles return strong armed QB Dustin Almond as well as some solid O-Line talent. The D returns only 6 though and may be a small weakness.

3. Memphis Tigers' star running back DeAngelo Williams returns for his senior year, but will be running behind and inexperienced O-line and with an inexperienced QB.

4. The East Carolina Pirates have some experience back, especially on D, but the real question will be how this team responds to the new schemes from new head coach Skip Holtz.

5. The UCF Golden Knights would like to get some W's this year, and returning QB Moffett will look to improve his offensive numbers.

6. The Marshall Thundering Herd have lost a lot of experience returning only 6 starters. A new coach and a young squad equal more losses than wins.

Conference USA West
1. The Houston Cougars return star QB Kevin Kolb and several other key players (RB Evans and WR Marshall to name a few). This team could easily win the conference if they stay healthy.

2. UTEP QB Jordan Palmer is solid, so the offense should be improved. However, the defense returns only 5 and will be less experienced this season.

3. The Tulane Green Wave have 17 starters back, but does need to fill some holes. They return the top rushers and return some good talent on D.

4. Tulsa's leading rusher Parrish returns after his 1064 yard season last year. The offensive numbers may be down with an inexperienced QB, but defensively they look to be improved.

5. The SMU Mustangs return 18 starters, so they will have experience. The 113th ranked defense last year will look to improve.

6. Rice Owls tend to reload at RB and should again, after losing their top rusher. But their defensive numbers may slip a bit due to experience.
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