2008 Conference USA Football


August 15, 2008 | Posted By Larry Cook

With 12 teams in the Conference USA, it’s usually tough for the Average Joe to predict how the season’s going to play out.  That’s why you need a trusted expert like Larry Cook and the team at Info Plays to decipher through the conference to make the most accurate predictions around.  That’s precisely what the Info Plays team will do with their 2008 Conference USA football predictions below.  Both East and West picks are given.

East Division:

1.)  Memphis

Memphis returns an experienced offensive line, superb wide receivers and new defensive coordinator Tim Walton will be making an impact in his first year.  The Tigers are looking for the right QB to step up and they must shake the inconsistency in their kicking game.  But Memphis will find a winning QB and their defense and running game will be better than expected to win the East Division.

2.)  UCF

George O’Leary is building a solid foundation and he returns nine starters on defense.  Replacing RB Kevin Smith will be tough, especially with a new QB and a rebuilt offensive line.  The defense will keep the Knights in the race.  It just doesn’t appear that UCF will have the skill players to beat out Memphis in the end.

3.)  East Carolina

The defense returns nine starters and a QB that gained valuable experience in ‘07.  But East Carolina must also replace their starting running back, Chris Johnson, and develop weapons in the passing game.  ECU is basically in the same boat as UCF with a one of the best defenses in the conference, but no playmakers to really make their offense go.

4.)  Southern Miss

RB Damion Fletcher and MLB Gerald McRath are among the Conference USA’s best.  New coach Larry Fedora lacks an experienced QB to lead his spread offense, though.  Opponents will need to get USM while they can, as this year’s struggles will be temporary.

5.)  Marshall

DE Albert McClellan returns from his 2007 injury and the Herd have plenty of playmakers in the passing game.  Now Marshall just has to find a QB to throw the ball to those playmakers, and find depth with inexperience across the board.  The Herd are still adjusting to a new offensive coordinator and depending on too many young players to get the job done. 

6.)  UAB

The Blazers have 18 returning starters and added 11 junior college transfers to the mix for the 2008 season.  Depth and experience is still though despite those numbers, and the running game is a concern on both sides of the line.  UAB will be better behind QB Joe Webb and young WR’s, but another sixth-place finish in inevitable.

West Division:

1.)  Tulsa

Tulsa has a strong foundation with nine returning starters on offense and championship experience.  It’s not easy replacing record-setting QB Paul Smith and three starting linebackers.  But Tulsa has been building depth, talent and momentum.  It remains the team to beat in the West Division.

2.)  Houston

Experience on defense and at quarterback gives Houston a shot.  All-league OT SirVincent Rogers returns from injury as well.  The Cougars lost their most talented skill players and must adapt to a new scheme.  The defense can keep Houston in the title chase, but skill players must emerge for the Cougars to win it.

3.)  UTEP

Eight returning starters on defense and an element for success on offense will have UTEP in most games.  The Miners allowed 37 points per game last season and had to try something different, so they’ll be switching to a 3-3-5 scheme this year.  UTEP might still have to win by shootout, which is a tough road to travel every week.

4.)  Tulane

Seventeen starters return from a team that made progress in ‘07.  But Tulane must replace 2,000-yard rusher Matt Forte and their passing game still has a lot to prove.  The numbers are improving, but overall progress might not show because of a very daunting road schedule.

5.)  SMU

There is plenty of excitement at SMU with the hiring of June Jones and talent returning at receiver.  QB Justin Willis was suspended during the spring and the defense is loaded with questions.  Jones could win big in the future, but the Mustangs face a steep challenge in the present.

6.)  Rice

The Owls have an explosive, experienced offense led by QB Chase Clement and WR Jarett Dillard.  But Rice lost their two best linemen from C-USA’s worst defense, and now have major pass-rush concerns.  The Owls can put up points quickly, but they can’t just outscore all of their opponents.

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