College Football 2008 Preview: Conference USA

1. University of Central Florida

Slowly but surely, coach George O'Leary is building a powerhouse in central Florida. UCF have the most dominant defensive unit in the conference, if not, in the nation. The team that led C-USA with 24 interceptions returns nine full-time starters. On offense is where the work is. If this unit can settle on a QB (Joe Weatherford and Michael Greco are the leading candidates), they should rule the East division.

2. Memphis

The Tigers just need to find a QB, junior Arkelon Hall leads the pack. If he settles in, the Tigers would have one of the most potent offensive units in the league. The offensive line has the potential to be the best in the conference and the wide receiver corps is experience and explosive. The defensive is suspects but have playmakers on almost every position. This team could surprise and win the East just as well as it could plummet to its bottom. Nevertheless, the talent is there for an upper conference placement as well as a possible Bowl bid.

3. East Carolina

Skip Holtz has re-built the Pirate offense. QBs Patrick Pinkney and Rob Kass provide the team with the best quarterback tandem in the league. If a replacement for first rounder RB Chris Johnson could be found, the offense figures to scope a ton of points. The defense, with nine returning starters, should be solid. This team is a real dark horse to win, not only the division but the whole conference.

4. Marshall

Marshall's biggest need is to find a quality QB. As of today, freshman Mark Cann and sophomore Brian Anderson are battling for the job. If the coaching staff can find consistency in their selection, this team could move up the division ladder. The defense needs more talent, but this is an up and coming team. They would not make a Bowl game this year, but watch out for 2009.

5. Southern Mississippi

The team is breaking a new coaching staff. New head man, Larry Fedora, inherit a team with lack of talent, especially on the offensive side. The team is planning to implement a version of the spread offense. For the team to be successful, they need to find a QB fast. Austin Davis, a 6'-2" freshman had the edge for the spot, but he is inexperience and will need time to develop. In the meantime, RB Damoin Fletcher will have to carry the offense once again. On the defensive side, the Conference Defensive Player of the Year, LB Gerald McRath; lead an explosive unit. It would not happen this year, but this team is building for a long run at the C-USA championship.

6. UAB

This is an enigmatic team. They return 18 starters, but are low on depth. On offense, new QB Joe Webb, a big drop-back passer, is poise to have a breakthrough season. The defensive side is where the problems are. The 2007 edition finished last in the nation in total defense and the unit did not pickup many potential playmakers, thus ensuring another last place finish.

1. Tulsa

Coach Todd Graham's team needs to replace record-setter QB Paul Smith. Senior David Johnson has the edge over talented sophomore Clark Harrell for the QB spot. The O-line is solid and the WR corps can be explosive. On defense, three LBs needs to be replaced. All this said this team has enough talent to win the West. In fact, Tulsa has the look of a perennial championship contender.

2. UTEP

The UTEPs have one of the best kept secrets in the nation in QB Trevor Vittatoe. They need to replace their top two RBs and WRs. The offensive line is nothing special but can hold its own against its weak West division foes. The defense that struggle in 2007 is poise for a comeback. This is a surprising team. The future is bright and in this division, anything is possible.

3. Houston

New coach Kevin Smith inherits a program with talent. The offense is set around QB Case Keenum, but they need a receiver to step up fast. The RBs are average, but the offensive line is solid, if not spectacular. Eight starters return from a defensive unit that was once of the Conference's best. This team has enough talent to win the whole conference, but there's something about this unit that always disappoints. This team should go bowling this season.

4. Tulane

Bob Toledo needs to win soon. To his credit, he and his caching staff did a commendable job in 2007, but more is expected. First of all, the team needs to find a QB. Sophomore QB Kevin Moore has the inside track to the job. The area of more need is the RB spot. Andre Anderson has the inevitable task of replacing Matt Forte. If he can be half as productive as Forte was, the offense should be fine. The defense is solid but would not dominate anyone. A fourth place finish seems like the best the team can hope for, at least for this season.

5. SMU

June Jones brings excitement to a once moribund team. That's probably all he can bring this season. The offense has many holes to fill. The QB situation is murky, the WRs are inexperience and the running backs are average. The defensive unit, which finishes among the worse in the nation, has few playmakers. All the signs points to a last place finish, but June Jones will try to avoid this, so a fifth place finish is not out of the question.

6. Rice

The Owls have a potent offense lead by QB Chase Clement. The receiver corps is experience and the RBs are capable. The offensive line needs re-tolling. This team will score many points. The thing is that the defensive will allow more. The defense is depleted of playmakers. Last season they were not able to put pressure on opposing passers, their secondary was mediocre and the linebacker corps lacked speed. Things did not improve in the off-season. A last place finish is all but certain.