Alabama-Birmingham
Last Year
Coach Neil Callaway has slowly increased his win total each season to 5-7 (4-4 CUSA) last year. His gameplan was to ride a fantastic offense which revolved around one player, Joe Webb, and it generally worked. The Blazers ranked 7th in rushing and 22nd nationally in total yardage which would have accounted for more wins but for a defense that was awful. They were a mediocre 60th against the run, but were plum last in the FBS against the pass, allowing 311.5 ypg. They did manage a +9 turnover margin, but that was more to do with the team turning the ball over just 13 times. The team started badly before winning 3 of their last 5 games but it cost them their bowl eligibility. How long more will the powers-that-be accept one-game improvements?
Offense
Joe Webb completed 59.8% of his passes for 2299 yards, 21 TDs against 8 interceptions, as well as rushing for 1427 yards and 11 TDs. Unfortunately he'll be playing for the Minnesota Vikings next season, and Callaway will have to spread the ball around more. This might not be such a bad idea as 7 starters return. Sophomore David Isabelle is the favorite to take Webb's spot after backing him up in '09. He only threw 14 passes last season, but ran 288 yards and 1 TD on just 32 carries. There is a good mix of talent behind him, but junior Bryan Ellis will probably be the primary reserve. The running backs didn't see much of the ball in '09, but that should change this year. Justin Brooks (45-211-1) and Daniel Borne (50-188-1) led the backs in carries last season, but may lose out to a pair of JUCOs in Pat Shed, who had an outstanding spring, and Chad Winbush, who was one of the better JUCO transfers. Regardless of who wins the job, there should be plenty of carries to go round with the inexperience at QB. There is some decent talent at this position, and they should have a strong line to run behind with 4 returnees. Matt McCants and Greg Calhoun (moving from RT) will man the left side at tackle and guard respectively, while sophomore Chris Hubbard and Caleb Thomas will man the right. The new Center will be JUCO Darion Smith. There are former starters in reserve and this unit will be a strength next year. Frantrell Forrest (34-558-9) and Roddell Carter (14-225-1) return at receiver, and will be joined this season by Nick Adams (15-277-1). TE Jeffrey Anderson (26-398-5) is on the Mackey Award watch list and will be backed up by sophomore Sam Accursio. If the QB can make some plays, this offense has to potential to be explosive again this season.
Defense
6 starters return from last season's unit, though there's no guarantee they'll start again this season. The run defense was pretty solid for the most part and DT Elliott Henigan (47 tkls, 5.5 tfls, 4 sacks, 1 PBU) was a big part of that. He'll be joined this season by senior DJ Reese (24 tkls, 2.5 tfls, 1 PBU), who's started 27 games in his career but only 2 last season. Bryant Turner (23 tkls, 5 tfls, 6 sacks, 1 PBU) returns at one End with one (or all) of seniors Tim Davis (18 tkls, 4.5 for loss, 1 sack), Derek Slaughter (33 tkls, 3 tfls, 3.5 sacks) or sophomore Daniel White (43 tkls, 2.5 tfls, 2.5 sacks), who started at DE last season. They all have starting experience and regardless of who starts, this will be an experienced unit in 2010 and should be even stronger against the run. An improved pass rush would help though after only managing 19 sacks last year. OLB Lamanski Ware (71 tkls, 3.5 tfls) is the sole returning starter in the Linebacking corps, and he may lose his spot to senior Keon Harris (33 tkls, 2.5 tfls) who has plenty of starting experience. Joining him on the outside will be senior Darrion Wilson (14 tkls, 2 tfls) who started 1 game last year. Sophomore Marvin Burdette (43 tkls, 1 tfl, .5 sack), who started two games in '09, will man the middle. There is some experienced depth and this unit should improve further this season. The secondary was the weakest unit on the team last season and really can't get any worse. Surprisingly though, they may have the best Safety corps in the league. FS Hiram Atwater (89 tkls, 2 tfls, 3 PBUs, 1 INT) and JUCO SS Jamie Bender will be capably backed up by Chase Daniel (30 tkls, 2 PBUs, 3 INTs), who has started 12 games in two years, and Elliott McGaskin (31 tkls, .5 tfl, .5 sack, 1 PBU, 1 INT). In fact, either of these two could push for a starting job in fall camp. Terrell Springs (68 tkls, 1.5 tfls, 10 PBUs, 1 INT) returns at Corner after having his moments last season, while the other spot will be manned by junior Marquis Coleman (26 tkls, .5 tfl, 4 PBUs, 3 INTs), although he'll be pushed by incoming JUCO TJ Ballou in camp.
Special Teams
Kicker Josh Zahn made 14/21 FGs last season, but missed 3 FGs under 40 yards and needs to improve for the coming year. Trey Ragland (42.8 gross, 36.0 net) returns at Punter after a decent season. Forrest (21.9) was okay returning kicks but needs to be more explosive. Nick Adams will return punts. The kick coverage unit allowed 2 TD returns and the punt coverage was average at best. This unit as a whole could stand to improve drastically in 2010.
Next Season
How do the Blazers manage life after Joe Webb? The team has plenty of experience and talent all across the board to improve and make that elusive bowl game. The defense will have to make a major improvement, especially as the offense will probably suffer some dropoff. The OOC schedule brings Florida Atlantic and Troy to Birmingham then trips to Tennessee and Mississippi State. A 2-2 record is probably the best to hope for although the two SEC teams have their own issues which could leave them vulnerable. Troy makes life tough for nearly every team too. The conference schedule brings trips to SMU and Rice, and a home game against UTEP. These are not the teams to play when you struggle covering the pass. The East is wide open this year with each team suffering key losses, so a title run is possible. A fast start is a must though.
Central Florida
Last Year
Coach George O'Leary has done a good job since his brief misadventure with Notre Dame, going 57-64 (with a 0-11 start) and playing in 3 bowl games (1-2 record). He's recruited well in Florida and has built strong defensive teams. Last season was no different, with an 8-5 (6-2 CUSA) record and a defense that ranked 4th in the FBS against the run and came up with 38 sacks and 28 turnovers. The pass defense was 113th though, but that had a lot to do with starting 2 freshmen in the pass-happy CUSA. The offense was mediocre, 67th in scoring and 87th in total yards, with QB struggles and an offensive line that allowed 33 sacks and struggled to make room for runners being the major cause. Not a bad season, and a bowl (St Petersburg) is always nice, but this team expects conference titles.
Offense
Rob Calabrese (54.3% comp, 260 yards, 3 TDs) will attempt to win the starting job for the 3rd consecutive season after failing to hang on to it for the last two. Last season he gave way to Brett Hodges, who threw for 2438 yards and 17 TDs. He's moved on, so it's Calabrese's job to lose again. If he doesn't perform the team could be in trouble, as his primary reserve is freshman Jeffrey Godfrey. Last year's leading rusher, Brynn Harvey (261-1109-14) is back this year, although he will miss the start of the season due to injury. FB Brendan Kelly (11-47-0), a tough inside runner and excellent blocker, will step in for the first couple of games and probably move back to FB when Harvey returns. He'll still get carries though. Jonathon Davis (64-310-4) is a big play threat and will see more carries than last season. Sophomore Billy Giovanetti (1-2-0) will replace Kelly at FB. 4 of last season's inconsistent line returns, and the hope is they've learnt from their experience. Tackle Nick Pieschel and Guard Cliff McCray return on the left with Jah Reid and Theo Goins on the right. The new starter will be sophomore Center Jordan Rae. He's replacing a four year starter too. There is some experienced depth, but if the injury bug strikes this could be a problem area. Kamar Aiken (36-610-9) returns at WR and is a solid player. Sophomore Quincy McDuffie (8-126-1) will join him this season. Last year's starter AJ Guyton (44-572-1) and senior Jamar Newsome provide excellent third and fourth options. Adam Nissley (10-159-0) is an outstanding blocker and capable receiver at TE. Ricky Kay (15-171-2) will be their H-Back in 2-TE formations. This could be an effective offense with better line play and stability at QB.
Defense
They have seven returning starters from last season's top ranked defense in CUSA, including both Ends. Bruce Miller (61 tkls, 5 tfls, 13 sacks, 3 PBUs) was CUSA's Defensive Player of the Year and could be an All-American this season. He'll be joined on the other side by David Williams (27 tkls, 5 tfls, 1 sack) who could improve his stats with extra attention paid to Miller. Both tackles are new, but senior Wes Tunuufi Sauvao (4 tkls, 1 tfl, 1 sack) is experienced, while freshman EJ Dunston enrolled in time for spring camp and has impressed. There is good depth at End, but the team is thin at Tackle. A strong Linebacker corps is lead by returning OLB Derrick Hallman (85 tkls, 5.5 tfls, 2 PBUs, 1 INT). On the opposite side is the solid Lawrence Young (78 tkls, 10 tfls, 1 sack, 3 PBUs, 1 INT). The middle will be manned by former starter, senior Chance Henderson, who missed the season due to injury. They have decent reserve strength too. The secondary returns 3 starters. Josh Robinson (69 tkls, 1 tfl, 8 PBUs, 6 INTs) started as a freshman and showed some big play ability amongst the usual rookie mistakes. He should be much improved this season. Emery Allen takes over the other spot after taking a medical redshirt last season. Last year's starter, Justin Boddie (58 tkls, 3 tfls, 1 sack, 4 PBUs, 1 INT) will be a decent backup and Nickelback. Kemal Ishmael (70 tkls, 1 tfl, 1 PBU, 1 INT) also started as a freshman last season and will be better. The new SS will be senior Darrin Baldwin (32 tkls, 2 tfls, 7 PBUs), who started five games last season. There is some depth and this has the makings of a good secondary.
Special Teams
Both specialists return from last season, but both need to improve. Kicker Nick Cattoi made 14 of 20 FGs but missed 4 from under 40 yards. Punter Blake Clingan averaged only 37.3 per punt, but had a net of 35.5 and has outstanding placement. McDuffie was excellent returning kicks, averaging 24.2 ypr and 1 TD. He'll be joined by Baldwin (8-218-0). Guyton (10.8 ypr) will return punts after doing a solid job last season. The kick coverage allowed 2 TDs, but an average return of just 18.7. This suggests occasional lapses but rock solid otherwise. The punt coverage benefited from Clingan's punting and was outstanding (2.3 ypr). The group is solid as is, but there is some room for improvement.
Next Season
The OOC schedule is a bit easier than last season (Texas and Miami, Fl), with home games against South Dakota and North Carolina State followed by trips to Buffalo and Kansas State. They get an away trip to Houston from the West division but are also home to Rice and away at Tulane, far easy foes. In their own division, East Carolina has been gutted by graduation, and Southern Miss come to Orlando, but Marshall are improving and an away game could trip up the Knights. George O'Leary hasn't had consecutive winning seasons since taking over in 2004, but that's bound to change this season as UCF should win their division. Even though they may not win CUSA (Houston are very strong), a 10 win season and another bowl game is a strong possibility.
East Carolina
Last Year
Head coach Skip Holtz did such a good job here. He took over a team that won three games in two years and in five years went to four consecutive bowl games (1-3 record) and won the last two CUSA titles. He did it with solid defenses and steady but unspectacular offenses. The most telling statistic of the last four years of his reign is a +37 turnover margin. Last season they went 9-5(7-1 CUSA), beat Houston in the title game and lost an overtime battle with Arkansas. Three of the other four losses were a result of a difficult OOC schedule – West Virginia, North Carolina and Virginia Tech – and the other was to resurgent SMU. Holtz has since left to coach South Florida and will be replaced by Texas Tech defensive co-ordinator and ECU alumnus Ruffin McNeil. He will bring Tech's aggressive offensive and defensive systems to Greenville.
Offense
The offense was hit hard by graduation and juniors declaring for the draft. Patrick Pinkney was a reliable QB and a key member of their title teams, but unfortunately he's graduated. Replacing him will most likely be sophomore Brad Wornick, a former walk-on and the favorite coming out of spring camp. Rio Johnson and last year's backup Josh Jordan will battle for the primary reserve spot. An X-factor is JUCO and former Boston College QB who will be available for fall camp. The starting RB will be senior Jonathon Williams (14-42-0), while redshirt freshman Michael Dobson will see plenty of carries too. There could be a dropoff in the running attack this year, as Williams is injury prone and Dobson is unproven. 3 starters return on the offensive line, but they will be changing their blocking systems which may have a negative impact. LT Willie Smith, LG Cory Dowless, who's moves from RG and RG DJ Scott, who moves from RT all return. The new Center will be junior Will Towery, who's played in just 3 games in 2 years, and the Right Tackle will be redshirt freshman Grant Harner. This could be a great line if they gel early. The new quick passing attack could help the line, and the Pirates are deep at receiver. The only returning starter is Dwayne Harris (83-978-7), but Darryl Freeney (48-718-3) played regularly and was 2nd on the team in receiving. He missed spring camp but it assumed he will win a spot in fall camp. The other receivers will be two of sophomore Dayon Arrington, junior Michael Bowman (2-11-0), sophomore Andrew Bodenheimer (6-87-0) or junior Joe Womack (12-141-0). The backs will see plenty of receptions in this offense too. This year will be a work in progress.
Defense
Only two of last year's starters return and none of them are in the front seven. The probable starters in the middle of the line this season will be junior NT Antonio Allison (6 tackles), who missed most of last season, senior DT Josh Smith (26 tkls, .5 tfl, 4 sacks) who is the most experienced lineman. At End will be redshirt freshman Matt Milner and sophomore Marke Powell, (12 tkls) who only weighs 198 lbs. Sophomore Michael Brooks (24 tkls, 2 tfls, 1.5 sacks, 1 PBU) missed spring camp due to injury but should push for playing time after playing regularly last season. There is little experience in reserve. The linebackers are in the same boat with senior WLB Dustin Lineback (29 tkls, 1 tfl, .5 sack, 1 INT) the most experienced with 3 starts in two years. The MLB will be junior Steve Spence (15 tkls, .5 tfl, 2 sacks) and senior Wes Pittman (9 tkls), a former walk-on who has played primarily on special teams will be the SLB. This unit is also thin in reserve. One plus is the return of both corners from last season. Emanuel Davis (69tkls, 4 for loss, 12 PBUs, 2 INTs) is an excellent cover corner and not afraid to come up in run support. Travis Simmons (52 tkls, 2 PBUs, 1 INT) is a solid complement on the other side. The new SS will be JUCO Bradley Jacobs and the FS will be junior Derek Blacknall (16 tkls), who has started two games in two years. The secondary could be better than last year's (258.0 ypg), especially if McNeill's blitzing pressure packages can harry opposing QBs.
Special Teams
Even the primary specialists from last year have left the team. Junior Ben Ryan played in four games last year, making all 10 of his PATs but missing both FGs. He has a strong leg should be okay this season. Punter has yet to be decided with redshirt freshman Matt Millisor and senior Nathan Przestrzelski battling it out into fall camp. Neither has punted in a NCAA game. Harris is an outstanding KR, averaging 27.0 per return and scoring 3 TDs. Simmons is capable returning punts (12.6 avg last season). Kick coverage was solid but punt coverage could stand to improve. This should be a fine unit if the new faces come through.
Next Season
Coaching changes when the previous coach is successful can be problematic if there is a change in personality. Both coaches were popular, so the hope is McNeill can carry on where Holtz left off. Holtz picked a good time to leave with 28 graduating seniors leaving the cupboard very bare. ECU has a tough OOC schedule with trips to Virginia Tech and North Carolina and home games with North Carolina State and Navy. They also pick up offensive powers Tulsa and SMU from the West. This player turnover has created too many question marks for McNeill to be expected to win another CUS title. 3 or 4 wins will probably be more like it.
Marshall
Last Year
The Thundering Herd went from MAC superpower to CUSA bottom feeder pretty swiftly, until last year when coach Mark Snyder finally got them over the hump, managing a 7-6 (4-4 CUSA) record and a bowl win over (ironically) MAC team Ohio. Unfortunately for Snyder, the powers-that-be had expected more and despite this relatively successful season, Snyder resigned. Doc Holliday, well familiar with the area from coaching at West Virginia, has replaced him. He has no head coaching experience, but has a good reputation as an assistant and recruiter. If he can't repeat past glories, how long before he goes too.
Offense
Brian Anderson (58% comp, 2646 yds, 14 TDs, 13 INTs) was the starter at QB last season and was steady at best. There's no guarantee he'll keep the job with redshirt freshman AJ Graham and Clemson transfer Willy Korn in the running for the job. Korn was a super-recruit in '07 but never lived up to expectations (like Clemson) due to injuries and inconsistency. Whoever wins the job has a couple of good running backs to share the load with. Sophomore Martin Ward (82-393-3) is favorite to start after coming second on the team in rushing last season. He had some good games when given the chance. Junior Terrell Edwards-Maye (58-217-3) was third on the team, but may lose out to super-fast sophomore Andre Booker (15-73-0). Paving the way will be a line which returns 3 starters from last year. LT Brandon Campbell, LG Ryan Tillman, and RG Chad Schofield will be joined by junior RT CJ Wood, who started in '08 as a freshman, and junior C John Bruhin, who missed last season through injury. There might be some re-shuffling, but this line has potential. Depth could be an issue though. The strength of the team will be the receivers, with last year's two starters and two who were slated to start before missing the season through injury. Holliday is bringing a spread offense with lots of passing, so there should be plenty of receptions to go round. Antavious Wilson (60-724-3) and Chuck Walker (33-350-3) are the returnees with Courtney Edmondson and Troy Evans, who were redshirted, and Aaron Dobson (15-362-4) likely to see plenty of game time. TE Lee Smith (23-335) is one of the best in CUSA and will be backed up by sophomore Jamie Hatten, who started a couple of games last year. If the line holds up and a QB emerges, this could be a potent offense.
Defense
The defense, which was the strong point last season, also has the potential to be pretty dynamic. Michael Janac (44 tkls, 1.5 tfls, 1.5 sacks) moves from End to one of the Tackle spots has all-conference potential and will be joined in the middle by junior Brandon Bulluck (8tkls, .5 sack) who has starting experience. Johnny Jones (9 tkls, .5 sacks, 1 PBU) and Delvin Johnson (5 tkls), who started last season before injury will provide excellent depth. Vinnie Curry (59 tkls, 5 tfls, 3.5 sacks) returns at one End with either senior DeMetrius Thompson (7 tkls, 1.5 sacks) or sophomore John Youboty (13 tkls, 2.5 sacks, 2 PBUs) taking the other. There is talent and experience in reserve. WLB Mario Harvey (117 tkls, 1.5 tfls, 7 sacks, 1 PBU) is good enough to possibly hear his name mentioned on All-American squads at the end of the season. He's joined again by the steadying presence of Kellen Harris (71 tkls, 5.5 tfls, .5 sack, 1 PBU) in the middle. The Strongside will be manned by sophomore Devin Arrington (10 tkls, .5 sack, 2 PBUs). There is some experience among the reserves. The secondary took a hit when CB DeQuan Bembry and TJ Drakeford were dismissed from the team, but the secondary still has potential. Ahmed Shakoor (36 tkls, 1 tfl, 11 PBUs) returns at the other spot and will be joined by senior DJ Wingate (2 tkls) who has previous starting experience. FS Omar Brown (73 tkls, .5 tfl, 10 PBUs, 2 INTs) is solid in the middle and will be joined by a new SS, either sophomore Donald Brown (6 tkls) or freshman Brian Robinson, one of their top recruits.
Special Teams
Last year's kicker, Craig Ratanamorn, did an excellent job last season making all his PATs and 15 of 17 FGs. The man charged with replacing him is junior Tyler Warner, who kicked 3 of 5 FGs as a freshman, but none last year. He probably won't match Ratanamorn, but should be decent. Punter Kase Whitehead only averaged 39.2 ypp, with a net of 33.4, and needs to pick it up this season. Andre Booker only averaged 19.5 yards per kick return, but a superb 20.4 and a TD on punt returns. He has big play potential in both facets. Both coverage units need some work.
Next Season
Snyder was unfortunate to lose his job as he appears to have been building a good team here. They might be losing two of last year's stars (Albert McClellan and Darius Marshall), but the team has plenty returning in a division that is wide open. The season starts at Ohio State and then back in time for West Virginia, but then the Herd have a far more manageable trip to Bowling Green before returning to play last year's bowl opponent, Ohio. A 2-2 record would be a good springboard for the conference schedule which brings West division home visits from UTEP and Tulane, and an away trip to SMU. In the division they travel to chief rivals Southern Miss, but get UCF at home. It would not be a surprise for them to win the division, they actually have a shot. A bowl game is a good possibility too.
Memphis
Last Year
Ex-Coach Tommy West did a good job here, getting a dormant program to 5 bowl games in 6 seasons (2-3). Unfortunately, after a pair of 2-10 seasons in three years, management gave up on him, deciding to go in a different direction. Welcome Tiger alum Larry Porter, who was known as an excellent recruiter at LSU. Looking back at last season's 2-10 (1-7 CUSA), things weren't as bad as the record suggests. The offense was solid, although issues, such as injury and inconsistency at QB cost them. RB Curtis Steele ran for over 1200 yards and 15 TDs and MU all-time leading receiver Duke Calhoun finished with 68 receptions for 923 yards and 5 TDs. The defense, on the other hand, was appalling, finishing 116th in yards and 110th in scoring and only holding three teams to less than 400 yards. Porter has a tough job ahead of him.
Offense
Three different QBs started last season and two of them, Will Hudgens and Arkelon Hall, are gone. Tyler Bass (65.4% comp, 673 yds, 6 TDs against 4 INTs) started three games as a freshman and played reasonably well. He'll be back after shoulder surgery, but he'll have competition. Miami transfer Cannon Smith got most of the reps in the spring, but JUCO Andy Summerlin, who missed spring camp due to injury, and freshman Ryan Williams are in the running too. This battle won't be decided until the fall. Running back is equally unsettled with any one of seniors Lance Smith (46-170-1), Gregory Ray (4-16-0) or freshman Jerrell Rhodes, who was injured in spring training likely to start. Most likely a committee approach will be adopted. Steele will be a hard act to follow. One strong point will be four returning starters on from a line that helped the running game average 4.4 ypc and allowed just 17 sacks. Tackle Ronald Leary and Guard Joel McCleod will man the left, with RG Dominik Riley and C Brad Paul joining them. The new RT will by either junior Tommy Walker, who has previous starting experience, or sophomore Jamie McCoy. There is decent depth too. The new starting receivers will be Miami transfer junior Jermaine McKenzie, who is now eligible to play, sophomore Marcus Rucker (18-241-2) and either junior Cam Baker (20-149-0), who started 7 games last year, sophomore Curtis Johnson (8-72-0) or JUCO Dejarrius Adams. RB Marcus Hightower will move here too. There is plenty of big play talent in this group, but experience is an issue. Deven Onarheim (9-82-0) returns at Tight End and has the potential to excel.
Defense
Seven starters come back from last year's defense that couldn't stop anybody, but there is hope that the unit has improved and the spring camp scrimmage would lead one to believe it. Reshuffling seemed to be the key here, with former LB Winston Bowens (58 tkls, 3.5 tfls, 1 PBU) moving to DE. He'll be joined on the other side by Frank Trotter (36 tkls, 3.5 tfls), who moved from DT. The star of the line is Dontari Poe (27 tkls, 5 tfls, 2 sacks) who is poised to break out. The other tackle should be Charlie Bryant (8 tkls, 2 tfls), who started 6 games last year. Reserve strength is okay. Only one starting LB, Jamon Hughes (87 tkls, 5.5, 1 PBU) returns from last season. He'll man the middle again. Outside him will be former DE Dasmine Cathey (20tkls, .5 tfl, .5 sack) and ex-DB DeRon Furr (15tkls, 1PBU) or one of a number of other hopefuls. They have some players who'll provide solid depth if they don't win a starting job too. Former Florida State transfer Marcus Ball (42 tkls, .5 tfl, 2 PBUs, 2 INTs) started three games at SS and has pro-skills. He'll be joined at FS by redshirt freshman Derek Smith (4 tkls). Darius Davis (54 tkls, 2.5 tfls, 5 PBUs, 1 INT) moves from safety to corner which should suit him better. DA Griffin (42 tkls, 6 PBUs) should return at the other side after missing the last four games of the season due to injury, but he could be pushed by redshirt freshman Mohammed Seisay. This defense is still a work in progress.
Special Teams
There is a gaping hole here with last year's Kicker and Punter Matt Reagan graduating. The jobs will be split this season with sophomore Paulo Henriques taking over at Kicker after handling kickoffs last season and junior Josh Booker at Punter, although he has no experience at this level. Hightower and Curtis Johnson split the kick return job last year, although neither was spectacular, and will probably do it again this season. A new punt returner needs to be found, probably JUCO WR Billy Foster, although MU was one of the worst in the country in this area. Kick and punt coverage needs to be improved upon in 2010. This unit could be a problem going into the season.
Next Season
A new coach usually revitalises teams, and Porter has brought a strong sense of structure and discipline to the Tigers. They have experienced players coming back and some good talent coming in, but they may struggle again this season. Their OOC schedule entails trips to Mississippi State and Louisville and home games against Middle Tennessee and Tennessee, and while none of these are world beaters, they probably have too much for the Tigers. The conference schedule brings a visit to UTEP and home games against Tulsa and Houston from the West, and the East is particularly tricky this year. They will improve upon last year's schedule, but probably only to the tune of 3 or 4 wins.
Southern Mississippi
Last Year
Former Head Coach Jeff Bower did a solid job but was let go two years ago after a 7-6 record because the university felt the program was becoming stale. We now enter Larry Fedora's third season, both of which ended 7-6 (5-3 CUSA last year). The streak of nine consecutive bowl games was kept intact, although they got shredded by Dwight Dasher and Middle Tennessee. The Eagles are renowned for playing tough defense, but last year they struggled. The run defense wasn't bad, finishing 43rd, but the pass defense was 109th. Luckily, the offense was excellent, with a running and passing attack that were equally efficient. The season looked in trouble when starting QB Austin Davis was knocked out for the season in Week 5, but in stepped to Martevious Young to steer the ship. All-time leading rusher Damion Fletcher finished a fine career (5302 yards) with 1015 yards and 8 TDs.
Offense
Only three starters return from last year's unit, but both QBs are back. Davis (69.2% comp, 1165 yds, 10 TDs, 2 INTs) will start again this season, but Young (57.4% comp, 1861 yds, 16 TDs, 3 INTs) has proven to be a more than capable reserve. With Fletcher and the 2nd leading rusher from last season gone, quality replacements need to be found. Senior VJ Floyd (17-62-0) didn't play much last season, but should start this season. His primary reserve will be sophomore Desmond Johnson (7-72-1), who only played on one game. Look out as well for dynamic sophomore Tracy Lampley (21-122-1) and redshirt freshman Kendrick Hardy, last year's top recruit. When a Fullback is required, redshirt freshman Bryan Johnson will get the call. There is plenty of talent here to replace last year's top two. It might mean little though with only one lineman returning, Center Cameron Zipp. Joining him on the left-hand side will be sophomores T Darius Barnes and G Joe Duhon, both of whom played in 4 games last season. On the right will be JUCO T Jason Weaver and senior G Alex Michael, who has played regularly as a reserve. There is some talent in reserve, but little experience. Injuries could be an issue. DeAndre Barnes came back to early from a broken leg last season yet still caught 47 passes for 785 yards and 9 TDs (95 long!). He's probably the highest profile recruit in recent Eagle history and will return to 100% this season. Joining him will be returning starter Quentin Pierce (25-247-2), and one of a number of talented players. Depth is talented but inexperienced. TE Jonathon Massey (7-62-2) will be back after starting nine games in 2009, but will be pushed by senior Johdrick Morris (8-131-1), who moves over from WR. Fletcher was a key member of the passing game last season, and the backs should continue that production this season. Watch for Lampley (10-101-1) here too.
Defense
The defense is in better shape than the offense with eight returning starters, including six of the front seven. Both tackles return and Anthony Gray (40 tkls, 5.5 tfls, 1.5 sacks, 1 PBU) and Terrance Pope (26tkls, 1.5 tfls, 1 sack) are solid in the middle. Cordarro Law (59 tkls, 7 tfls, 7.5 sacks, 2 PBUs) is the star of the line and returns in their "Rock" position. Junior Dedrick Jones (26 tkls, 2.5 tfls, 1 sack) will take the other End spot. The man he replaced, Roshaad Byrd (12 tkls, 2.5 tfls, 1 sack, 2 PBUs) is also back and provides excellent depth, assuming he doesn't win his old job back. All three Linebackers return, with Korey Williams (121 tkls, 3.5 tfls, 7.5 sacks, 4 PBUs) the pick of the bunch. OLBs Ronnie Thornton (114 tkls, 8.5 tfls, 2 sacks, 1 PBU) and Martez Smith (82 tkls, 6 tfls, 1.5 sacks, 2 PBUs, 2 INTs) are no slouches either and there is strength in depth. It will be no easy job running on this group this year. The secondary only returns two starters, but CB CJ Bailey (57 tkls, 13 PBUs) and SS Justin Wilson (67 tkls, 2 tfls, 4 PBUs, 2 INTs) are rock solid. Redshirt freshman Deron Wilson has impressed coaches enough to win the other Corner spot over experience Chico Hunter. Junior Kendrick Presley (15 tkls) takes the FS spot. This should be a better group than last year with solid depth. The defense, particularly against the pass, should be strong this year.
Special Teams
Justin Estes kicked 10 of 13 FGs but missed 5 PATs and lost his job to Daniel Hrapmann, who was favorite to win the job but was injured in camp. Hrapmann made 4 of 7 FGs, but missed 4 PATs, one of which was returned for 2 against ECU that potentially cost them the game. Hrapmann is favored again, but the kicking game needs to improve. Peter Boehme returns at punter. His gross was only 38.5 but he had a net of 36.4 and his placement was outstanding. Lampley was one of the top returners in the nation, averaging 27.6 and 1 TD on kicks, and 14.5 and a TD on punts. Apart from an 89 yard KR, coverage teams were mostly excellent.
Next Season
The Tigers have no illusions about this season. With East Carolina suffering massive graduations, Southern Miss is joint favorite with UCF to win the division. 9 returning starters and great depth on defense gives them a fighting chance. The offense has plenty of talent and the two quality QBs if the line gels early, but the lack of depth may ruin their chances. The OOC schedule is a mixed bag with tough games at South Carolina and home to Kansas, and a home game to Prairie View A&M in addition to a trip to Louisiana Tech. In conference, they get Houston at home and Tulane and Tulsa away from the West, but must travel to UCF. The only other division away game is struggling Memphis. Southern Miss should continue their bowl streak this season, but the lack of depth on offense might just cost them the division title.
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