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1. East Carolina
1999: 9-3 overall; 4-2 C-USA (Lost Mobile Alabama Bowl)
Returning starters: 16 (10 offense; 6 defense)
Outlook:
Last season’s conference runner-up is in prime position to take the C-USA crown in 2000. Junior QB David Garrard returns and will continue to confuse opposing defenses with both his arm and legs. Last season Garrard finished 3rd in C-USA in pass efficiency, tossing for nearly 2,400-yards, while also rushing for 493. He finished 21st in the nation for total offense. Also returning is senior back Jamie Wilson, who averaged 5.5-yards a carry in 1999. The Pirates should improve their NCAA ranking of 32nd in total offense. Garrard is only 683-yards shy of surpassing current New Orleans Saint quarterback Jeff Blake for second on ECU’s all-time passing list.
Defensively, the Pirates will need to find replacements for two-thirds of its linebackers and three-fourths of its secondary. It has the ability to fill the slots with players who all saw considerable game action last season, so there shouldn’t be much of a drop-off. East Carolina also signed two junior college linebackers who participated in spring drills to help bolster depth in that area. Anchoring the defense will be junior linebacker Pernell Griffin. Last season Griffin led the team with 121 tackles, including four sacks. He also recorded two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
The good:
East Carolina has a schedule that is perfectly designed to boost the Pirates right into the national spotlight and they should do it. A home game against 1999 National Runner-up Virginia Tech in the second week of the season will be broadcast to a national audience for a Thursday night game. Beat the Hokies and the Pirates will be on their way for a possible BCS bowl.
The bad:
Little preparation time for a Thursday night games against Virginia Tech and at Louisville.
The HUGE game:
November 24: The season finale at Southern Miss should determine the conference champion. A victory could also mean a possible BCS bowl.
Game-by-game prediction:
DATE OPPONENT PREDICTION Sept. 2 at Duke (1-0 overall; 0-0 C-USA) Sept. 7 Virginia Tech (2-0; 0-0) Sept. 16 Tulane* (3-0; 1-0) Sept. 23 Syracuse (4-0; 1-0) Oct. 7 at Memphis* (5-0; 2-0) Oct. 14 Army* (6-0; 3-0) Oct. 19 at Louisville* (6-1; 3-1) Oct. 28 UAB* (7-1; 4-1) Nov. 11 Houston* (8-1; 5-1) Nov. 18 at West Virginia (9-1; 5-1) Nov. 24 at Southern Miss* (10-1; 6-1) *C-USA game
2. Southern Miss
1999: 9-3; 6-0 (Won Liberty Bowl)
Returning starters: 15 (8 offense; 7 defense)
Outlook:
Southern Miss has won or shared the Conference USA title every year since the league’s inception in 1995, so why should 2000 be any different? Heck, Southern Miss is 22-2 in C-USA play since it began. It may not be if the Golden Eagles offense has anything to do about it. Returning for head coach Jeff Bower on offense is QB Jeff Kelly, who finished first in C-USA last year in passing efficiency. Also back is senior running back Derrick Nix. Nix ran for over 1,000-yards last year and with all but one of last years starting offensive line returning, he should improve on that number. However, gone are receivers Todd Pinkston and Sherrod Gideon, both second team All-C-USA last year.
Bower will need to find someone to fill the shoes of first team All-C-USA players, defensive end Adalius Thomas and linebacker T. J. Slaughter. He will have fellow first teamers, defensive end Cedric Scott and rover Leo Barnes returning to anchor an always stingy Golden Eagle defense. The team finished 8th in the NCAA in total defense last season. They surrendered less than 300-yards an outing, including just 91.5-yards on the ground. Don’t expect this team to give up much more than that this year.
The good:
While defense always gets the headlines for Southern Miss, the offense will give opponents just as many headaches this year. If they get it going early, Southern Miss could have a Top 15 season.
The bad:
They have to get it going early. Once again the schedule in murderous, with only four home games. They open the season with three straight road games; at Tennessee, at Alabama and at Oklahoma State.
The HUGE game:
November 24: The Golden Eagles have all ready circled the date. It's their opportunity to defend its C-USA crown.
Game-by-game prediction:
DATE OPPONENT PREDICTION Sept. 2 at Tennessee (0-1; 0-0) Sept. 16 at Alabama (0-2; 0-0) Sept. 23 at Oklahoma State (1-2; 0-0) Sept. 30 Memphis* (2-2; 1-0) Oct. 7 South Florida (3-2; 1-0) Oct. 14 at Tulane* (4-2; 2-0) Oct. 28 at Houston* (5-2; 3-0) Nov. 4 Louisville* (6-2; 4-0) Nov. 11 at UAB* (7-2; 5-0) Nov. 18 at Cincinnati* (8-2; 6-0) Nov. 24 East Carolina* (8-3; 6-1) *C-USA game
3. Louisville
1999: 7-5; 4-2 (Lost Humanitarian Bowl)
Returning starters: 13 (5 offense; 8 defense)
Outlook:
John L. Smith enters his third year as head coach for the Louisville Cardinals and for the first time he will need to find answers for the offensive side of the ball. In his two previous seasons, Smith had the luxury of quarterback Chris Redman, now with the Baltimore Ravens, and two 1,000-yard rushers. He has also lost two of his top three receivers. However, with the loss of Redman, Smith appears to have a quarterback in place that will be more suited for his style of offense. Sophomore Dave Ragone appears to be the one to replace Redman. Ragone will resemble Redman a lot with his arm, but unlike last years Johnny Unitas winner, this guy is a threat to run. The young QB will have a nice pair of receivers to help him become comfortable throwing the ball. The NCAA’s leading pass catcher the past two seasons, Arnold Jackson, returns for one more year and will be joined by speedy Zek Parker.
Defensively, this Louisville squad appears to have its best unit in years. The Cardinals return nearly everyone and have added defensive tackle Derrick Kennedy to bolster the line. Kennedy, a former high school All-American, was a starter in 1998. Senior end Donovan Arp was injured during spring practice and a late return may hamper the line. Arp, Michael Josiah and Matt Sexton combined for 19 sacks in 1999. The secondary, which finished 63rd against the pass last year, should be much improved.
The good:
Seven home games. With a team using a number of inexperienced players on offense, playing in front of the home crowd should help their confidence.
The bad:
No experienced running back. If the Cardinals can’t develop a running game then the season could take a turn for the worse.
The HUGE game:
October 19: A Thursday night game against sure to be ranked East Carolina at home on national television. This game could determine the Cardinals season.
Game-by-game predictions:
DATE OPPONENT PREDICTION Sept. 2 Kentucky (1-0; 0-0) Sept. 9 Grambling (2-0; 0-0) Sept. 23 at Florida State (2-1; 0-0) Sept. 30 Connecticut (3-1; 0-0) Oct. 7 at UAB* (4-1; 1-0) Oct. 14 Cincinnati* (5-1; 2-0) Oct. 19 East Carolina* (6-1; 3-0) Oct. 28 Tulane* (7-1; 4-0) Nov. 4 at Southern Miss* (7-2; 4-1) Nov. 11 Army* (8-2; 5-1) Nov. 18 at Houston* (8-3; 5-2) *C-USA game
4. Cincinnati
1999: 3-8; 0-6
Returning starters: 18 (10 offense; 8 defense)
Outlook:
Last season the Bearcats average margin of defeat was only 8.4, which included losses against Ohio State, Southern Miss and East Carolina, all on the road. This season, with nearly everyone returning, Cincinnati should turn the corner on the majority of those games. Behind record-setting senior QB Deontey Kenner, Cincinnati fans should see the team set a new school total offense record for the third consecutive season. Kenner threw for nearly 2,500-yards last fall, completing 55% of his throws. He’ll have his pick of receivers to throw to. Antonio Chatman, Jason Collins-Baker and C-USA co-Freshman of the Year LaDaris Vann all return. Those three combined for half of Cincinnati’s receiving yards in 1999.
Cincinnati’s defensive front could rival the unit at Southern Miss as the toughest in the league in 2000. All of last season’s defensive line and linebackers are returning starters.
The biggest question mark for this team may be its secondary. The Bearcats return only one starter, senior DeJuan Gossett. Cincinnati finished 1999-ranked 61st against the pass and must at least finish in that neighborhood to get them in position for a bowl game.
The good:
East Carolina isn't on the schedule and Southern Miss will visit Cincinnati. The Bearcats C-USA schedule is quite favorable for a good run this year. East Carolina, which defeated Cincinnati 48-34 last fall, won’t face the Bearcats this year and last season’s league champion, Southern Miss will travel to Cincinnati for the Bearcats season finale.
The bad:
The Bearcats must travel to Wisconsin this year and the Badgers will have revenge on their mind. Cincinnati spoiled Wisconsin’s hopes of national title last year when the upset the Badgers 17-12 at Nippert Stadium. The Wisconsin game begins a series of three straight games on the road that could make or break this team.
The HUGE game:
October 14: A visit to rival Louisville. A win could propel the Bearcats to a sure bowl invitation.
Game-by-game prediction:
DATE OPPONENT PREDICTION Sept. 2 Army* (1-0; 1-0) Sept. 9 Syracuse (1-1; 1-0) Sept. 16 at Wisconsin (1-2; 1-0) Sept. 23 at Indiana (2-2; 1-0) Sept. 30 at Tulane* (3-2; 2-0) Oct. 7 Houston* (4-2; 3-0) Oct. 14 at Louisville* (4-3; 3-1) Oct. 28 Miami (OH) (5-3; 3-1) Nov. 4 UAB* (6-3; 4-1) Nov. 11 at Memphis* (7-3; 5-1) Nov. 18 Southern Miss* (7-4; 5-2) *C-USA game
5. Houston
1999: 7-4; 3-3
Returning starters: 12 (6 offense; 4 defense)
Outlook:
Following the 1999 season, Houston brought in Dana Dimel as its new head coach. Dimel comes to Houston after compiling a 23-12 record in three seasons at the helm of the Wyoming program. He is one of 10 active head coaches with at least seven wins per season over the last three seasons. In short, he’s proven that he knows how to build a winner. He has a good nucleus in place as he takes over for the Cougars.
Returning on the offensive side of the ball are QB Jason McKinley, WR Orlando Iglesias and second team All-C-USA selection guard Josh Lovelady. Also back after sitting out last season is senior Jerrian James. James was a second team All-C-USA selection in 1998. Running back is a question mark for the new coach as very little experience returns.
Defense is what may keep the Cougars from climbing any higher in C-USA this fall. Dimel will need to replace all positions except four on a unit that finished 1999 as one of the best in the NCAA at 25th in total defense. To help out he signed a lot of junior college players to assist with depth and game experience. If the defense can come together as a unit, the Cougars may play themselves into a bowl game.
The good:
Dimel is a proven winner and that should help bring out more fans to the games. Could this be the guy to resurrect the Houston program?
The bad:
Only four home games. Who put together this schedule? At least they have Southern Miss and Louisville at home.
The HUGE game:
October 7: A win at Cincinnati could push the Cougars over the hump and into third place in C-USA.
Game-by-game prediction:
DATE OPPONENT PREDICTION Sept. 2 at Rice (1-0; 0-0) Sept. 9 at LSU (1-1; 0-0) Sept. 16 Army* (2-1; 1-0) Sept. 23 at Texas (2-2; 1-0) Sept. 30 at SMU (3-2; 1-0) Oct. 7 at Cincinnati* (3-3; 1-1) Oct. 21 at Memphis* (4-3; 2-1) Oct. 28 Southern Miss* (4-4; 2-2) Nov. 4 at Tulane* (5-4; 3-2) Nov. 11 at East Carolina* (5-5; 3-3) Nov. 18 Louisville* (6-5; 4-3) *C-USA game
6. Army
1999: 3-8; 1-5
Returning starters: 11 (5 offense; 6 defense)
Outlook:
The Cadets bring in new head coach Todd Berry. Berry comes to Army after four seasons as head coach of Illinois State, where he took a team from 3-8 in 1996 to its first conference championship in 49 years and a trip to the I-AA semifinals in 1999. Berry inherits a program that finished 5th in the nation in rushing last season. However, it’s top returning rusher, Michael Wallace, who ran for an Army record 269-yards against Louisville last fall, may miss the season due to disciplinary problems. If Wallace doesn’t return, QB Joe Gerena is the top returning rusher, followed by junior Alton McCallum, who was listed as the starter following spring drills. McCallum was impressive in limited duty last season, rushing for 258-yards on 48 carries for an average of 5.4 per run. The Cadets return the majority of their offensive line, so running the ball may not be a problem once again for Army.
What may make or break the team this season is its ability to throw the ball. That’s right, for the first time in ages, Army is expected to toss the ball around. Berry is known to have a very balanced offense. Last season at Illinois State, Berry guided a team that finished with the 25th ranked offense in I-AA, gaining over 430-yards an outing. Senior QB Joe Gerena will need to improve his game if the Cadets are to find any success doing so. Last fall he completed a dismal 40% of his tosses. Berry should help improve that passing attack, but will probably lean to the run as Army makes the transition to a more balanced offense.
The defense should be much better. Army won’t give up 380-yards an outing this year as they did in 1999. Senior linebacker Lyle Weaver, a second team All-C-USA selection, became the first Cadet since 1992 to record back-to-back 100 tackle seasons. Weaver registered 112 stops in 1999, after making 118 tackles in 1998. Army also has three of four starters in the secondary returning, including senior Derrick McNally who lead the league in pass breakups last season. Zac Hurst, who led the Cadets with seven sacks, also returns.
The good:
The unexpected. Everyone in America knows that Army runs the ball. Not any more! This team will toss the pigskin around while still using its potent ground attack. This will create headaches for opposing coaches and put defenses back on their heels questioning what will come next.
The bad:
Army will play the meat of its C-USA slate on the road at Cincinnati, Houston, East Carolina and Louisville. All four will result in a loss. At least they don’t have to face off against Southern Miss this year.
The HUGE game:
September 2: If the Cadets can win the opener at Cincinnati it could give the new offense confidence for the remainder of the season.
Game-by-game prediction:
DATE OPPONENT PREDICTION Sept. 2 at Cincinnati* (0-1; 0-1) Sept. 9 Boston College (0-2; 0-1) Sept. 16 at Houston* (0-3; 0-2) Sept. 23 Memphis* (1-3; 1-2) Oct. 7 at New Mexico State (2-3; 1-2) Oct. 14 at East Carolina* (2-4; 1-3) Oct. 21 Tulane* (3-4; 2-3) Nov. 4 Air Force (3-5; 2-3) Nov. 11 at Louisville* (3-6; 2-4) Nov. 18 UAB* (4-6; 3-4) Dec. 2 vs. Navy (5-6; 3-4) *C-USA game
7. UAB
1999: 5-6; 4-2
Returning starters: 16 (8 offense; 8 defense)
Outlook:
UAB surprised everyone except themselves when they won four of six conference games in 1999. This time around they won’t be able to sneak up on anyone. Behind a very balanced attack, the Blazers gained over 3,000 total yards. To improve on last season, they will need to do much better. Having your starting quarterback and running back returning is a plus. QB Daniel Dixon was erratic last season throwing more interceptions (10) than touchdowns (7) and will have to improve on those numbers. RB Percy Coleman should get more opportunities this year. The senior ran for an impressive 5.6-yards per carry average last year and with the majority of his offensive line intact, he should approach 1,000-yards in 2000.
Opponents picked up over 370-yards a game last season, including 226-yards through the air. Last season first team All-C-USA member Rodregis Brooks led the Blazers and his early departure for the NFL has left very little experience back there. Free safety Adrian Singleton will be looked upon for leadership and should lineup against the opposing top receiver, but one man can’t do it all. The Blazers should improve their numbers against the run. With all of its defensive front, as well as linebackers returning, UAB will be able to stop the run better this fall.
The good:
The Blazers 2000 schedule builds up for a possible bowl season. If UAB’s 1999 season wasn’t a fluke, then this team could be 6-1 heading into its road game against East Carolina.
The bad:
The secondary is full of questions. Opposing quarterbacks may have a feast on the young unit.
The HUGE game:
October 7: When Louisville visits it will give the Blazers an opportunity to prove that they do belong it the upper half of the conference.
Game-by-game prediction:
DATE OPPONENT PREDICTION Sept. 7 Chattanooga (1-0; 0-0) Sept. 16 at Kansas*# (1-1; 0-1) Sept. 23 at LSU (1-2; 0-1) Sept. 30 LA-Lafayette (2-2; 0-1) Oct. 7 Louisville* (2-3; 0-2) Oct. 14 Memphis* (3-3; 1-2) Oct. 21 Middle Tennessee State (4-3; 1-2) Oct. 28 at East Carolina* (4-4; 1-3) Nov. 4 at Cincinnati* (4-5; 1-4) Nov. 11 Southern Miss* (4-6; 1-5) Nov. 18 at Army* (4-7; 1-6) *C-USA game #designated C-USA game
8. Memphis
1999: 5-6; 4-2
Returning starters: 14 (5 offense; 9 defense)
Outlook:
Memphis must improve on offense if they are to make any noise during the 2000 season. The Tigers finished 101st in total offense last year, gaining only 293-yards an outing. Head coach Rip Scherer will enter the fall practice schedule without a clear-cut starter at quarterback. Neil Suber and Travis Anglin both saw plenty of action at QB last fall, but both had their problems. Suber completed only 48% of his passes, while Anglin threw 10 interceptions, while only connecting for 5 touchdowns. Memphis will also need to find a running back. The Tigers most experienced runner is sophomore Jeff Sanders, who carried the ball only 59 times last year. Sanders was impressive enough to be named to the All-C-USA Freshman team in 1999.
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