2009 Conference USA Preview

C-USA is not exactly a BCS conference, but it does have a couple of Giant Killers in Southern Miss, Tulsa and last years one hit wonder East Carolina who knocked off Virginia Tech and West Virginia. Yet this could still field a team in a BCS Bowl game, provided that one can go unbeaten, or a damn good one loss team. Having a conference championship game helps, but to be a contender, they may need to drop the Liberty Bowl or move it until on or after January 1 to help give them more of a high profile.



C-USA East


1. Southern Miss-Not only known for being a giant killer and Brett Favre's alma mater, the Golden Eagles enter Larry Fedora's 2nd season as HC, and have a lot of weapons returning-19, the most in the conference. The schedule also favors the Eagles with a late season showdown at East Carolina that could decide the East. The schedule only features 1 potential NC big timer in Kansas, so this could be the year the Golden Eagles make it to the big show-if they stay healthy.

2. East Carolina-Skip Holtz and his Pirates pulled a couple of big upsets, yet faltered down the stretch and found a way to win C-USA. The problems for the Pirates this season may be the defense-they are near last in yards allowed. The offense is in great shape however and it looks like shootouts are going to be plentiful this year.

3. UCF-George O'Leary's team flip flops more than a politician. One year they have a winning season, the next the basement. I'll take the winning season this year, they have a tough Defense and a young offense last year is more veteran this year. Odd numbered years favor the Knights, but with Southern and East Carolina in strong shape, the Knights don't go the Championship game this year.

4. Marhsall-Gone are the days that Chad Pennington hooked up with Randy Moss for big TD passes, and the Thundering Herd being one of the most impressive teams in Div I-A. But those days could soon come back. Mark Snyder is on a warm, if not hot seat this year, but with 16 startes back, the Thundering Herd could break out this season.

5. UAB-Neil Callaway enters year 3 with one of the most starter heavy teams in C-USA, returning all 11 on Offense and 7 on defense. The bad news, well they went 4-8 with this bunch a year ago. The good news is for Callaway year 3 in his offenses have put up big numbers (Georgia and Alabama are proof). This scrappy team could be at .500 or better this year.

6. Memphis-Tommy West may be out if things don't change quickly. While his offenses are exciting, the wins don't show up. The Tigers return 12 starters this year (7 on defense) and the limited offense experience is going to show. Don't be surprised if West is out before the end of the season.



C-USA West


1. Houston-This is year 2 of the Kevin Sumlin era, and the Cougars may just be hte best team you haven't heard of. Even though the defense returns a paltry 4 starters, but have 5 senior starters on that unit, and they are hungry. I am giving the Cougars the edge, despite road trips at UTEP and Tulsa, because this is a very talented team.

2. Tulsa-The Golden Hurricanes can trip up bigger powers than they are in any sport. This year Todd Graham has his hands full, as only 5 starters return on offense, while his defense should carry them this year with 8 back on that side. Big game is Sept 19 when they travel to Norman to face off against Oklahoma.

3. UTEP=Mike Price has done a great job transforming a losing program into a respectable one here in El Paso. 15 starters (8 on offense) coming back is good news for the Miners, but WR ?'s linger on the offense, while the defense has a couple of DB's converted to LB. I think they have the talent to win the division, but that's why they play the games.

4. Tulane-My first shock pick here, as universally Tulane is last. I have a bit more optimisim about the Green Wave because of HC Bob Toledo. He has done a great job recruiting, and has 13 starters, with 7 on offense that includes the QB and RB. The athletes are there for the Greenies, but they still have a way to go.

5. Rice-Often the but of jokes, this has had recent success. The Defense has to carry the Owls this season (9 back) while the offense has only 4 back on a team that went 10-3 last year. The Owls have a lot of growing up to do, but expect a contender in 2010.

6. SMU-June Jones is trying to get the program to the success of the 1980's without the NCAA probations that killed the program later in that decade. The problem last year is that SMU switched from an option oriented attack to the Run and Shoot, and that hurt this team. The defense was average, but being put in bad situations meant short field situations a plenty. While they will be more competitive, don't expect a miracle turnaround in 2009.


C-USA Championship Game


Southern Miss vs Houston

Southern Miss overall champion