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C-USA Football Roundup

The college football season is just a month away, and conferences across the country are hosting their media days. Rivals’ Conference USA publishers sat down this month for a roundtable discussion on several topics of note ahead of the 2021 football season.

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If the CFB Playoff had expanded to 12 for 2021, which C-USA team would have the best shot?

“If CFB Playoff was to expand to 12 for 2021, UAB would be the team in best position to make it. The Blazers have won C-USA 2 out of the last 3 years, and Bill Clark has established an identity within the program. Although Tyler Johnston III isn’t an all-conference caliber QB, the run game is very strong and the defense is as physical as it gets.” -Ben Carlisle, BleedTechBlue.com

“Probably UAB. Not only should UAB be very good again, but they have a huge out-of-conference game against Georgia on their schedule. While the chances of the Blazers upsetting UGA are extremely slim, that's the type of win coupled with an undefeated season that could help UAB leapfrog a team like Cincinnati or Boise.” -Chris McLaughlin, HerdNation.com

“I’ll roll with Marshall. They are breaking in a new coach, giving Charles Huff his first opportunity to be a head coach. Huff will have immediate success. Look for Marshall’s signal caller Grant Wells to flourish in the offense, having the green light to throw the rock around. Despite losing all everything linebacker Tavante Beckett, who was the Conference USA defensive player of the year, Marshall returns eight starters on the defensive side of the ball. I look for Marshall to drop one league game this season.” -Matt Dossett, GoMiddle.com

“I would have to go with Bill Clark and UAB. Clark has done a phenomenal job of not only keeping the program going, but winning championships during that process.” -Heath Hinton, BigGoldNation.com

“College football is very hard to predict in any conference, but one of the most consistent things in Conference USA is Bill Clark in his UAB Blazers. If I had to pick a team right now it would have to be them. If I had a runner up it would most likely be a team like FAU or Marshall.” -Javi Cardenas, BirdsUp.com

“I feel that UAB would be that team, just based on how successful they've been over the past few years. The Blazers have won three straight Conference USA West Division titles, are the defending league champions, and have a lot of talent on the roster for the 2021 season – highlighted by veteran quarterback Tyler Johnston III, who's thrown for over 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns during his UAB career.” -Tyler Mansfield, InsideHilltopperSports.com


Will UAB repeat as West Champ in 2021?

“UAB is the clear favorite to repeat, but UTSA and Louisiana Tech will give the Blazers all they can handle. Jeff Taylor has built a strong run game around Sincere McCormick and 11 starters are back on defense for the Roadrunners. Year in and year out Louisiana Tech & UAB always play a big part in deciding the West. The Bulldogs defeated the Blazers a season ago in 2 OT.” -Ben Carlisle, BleedTechBlue.com

“Short answer is yes. UTSA seems to be a bit of a media darling right now (for good reason) but UAB just returns too much, Bill Clark is the best coach in the conference by a decent margin and the excitement of opening up a new stadium should be enough for a 4th consecutive western division title for UAB.” -Chris McLaughlin, HerdNation.com

“I think UAB will repeat. Simply put, Bill Clark has the UAB program rolling and is definitely a force to be reckoned with in Conference USA. Look for tailback DeWayne McBride to flourish in the offense, coming in to replace Spencer Brown. I think that UTSA and Louisiana Tech are the two biggest challengers and formidable foes for UAB. I would probably have Tech ahead of UTSA in the pecking order. The thing is Louisiana Tech has to go to Birmingham to face UAB.” -Matt Dossett, GoMiddle.com

“UAB is in the best position to win the West. That being said, any team 2 through 6 could win it as well. The parity in the league is good from top to bottom.” -Heath Hinton, BigGoldNation.com

“They definitely should be the odds-on favorite to repeat as champions. UAB seems like the strongest team on paper right now, but there are some teams that might give them a run for their money. In the East a team like Marshall or FAU might have the talent to give them a good fight in the title game. In the West UTSA and La. Tech return a lot and might give the Blazers a hard time.” -Javi Cardenas, BirdsUp.com

“UAB was the C-USA West Division favorite, of course, and they'll be expected to have another strong season. However, when you look at the West Division, there's a team that may be just as good – if not, better – than UAB: UTSA. The Roadrunners have a pair of veteran studs on their roster in quarterback Frank Harris and running back Sincere McCormick, and they've combined for nearly 3,500 all-purpose yards in two seasons.” -Tyler Mansfield, InsideHilltopperSports.com


Which team will win the East Division in 2021?

“Western Kentucky. There are a lot of believers in both Marshall and FAU, but I love what Tyson Helton has done in Bowling Green. The Hilltoppers were very good on defense a season ago, so Helton went out and added Zach Kittley as his OC along with Houston Baptist transfer Bailey Zappe at QB. I think this is the year the Hilltoppers get back to their 2016 form.” -Ben Carlisle, BleedTechBlue.com

“Marshall. Defensive Coordinator Lance Guidry takes over a unit that only allowed 13 points per game last year and returns eight full-time starters. That unit should carry the Herd early through a relatively weak early-season schedule until quarterback Grant Wells gets his feet back underneath him. Marshall's game at FAU on November 6th very likely could decide the East.” -Chris McLaughlin, HerdNation.com

“I already mentioned it, but I’ll reiterate that Marshall will not only take the East crown, but also the whole enchilada, winning the league outright. If I had to pick a couple contenders I would go with FAU, and then WKU. Marshall has to go to FAU, but they host the Hilltoppers. Look for Marshall to cruise to a division title and get revenge, beating UAB for the Conference USA championship.” -Matt Dossett, GoMiddle.com

“I like Marshall. If FAU can improve on the offensive side of the ball, then they have the defense to win the East. Marshall does have a new HC, sometimes that transition takes time.” -Heath Hinton, BigGoldNation.com

“I am picking Willie Taggert and the FAU Owls this year in the East. They have recruited extremely well and they bring back a lot of super seniors. Marshall is breaking in a new coach which gives them a slight edge over the Heard in my opinion.” -JaviCardenas, BirdsUp.com

“To me, Marshall is the East Division favorite coming into the season. Although the Herd lost a pair of dominant players in running back Brenden Knox (887 yards and nine touchdowns) and defensive leader Tavante Beckett (90 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 4 fumble recoveries, 2.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles), and bring in a new head coach in Charles Huff, they have everything they need in order to capture the East title in 2021.” -Tyler Mansfield, InsideHilltopperSports.com


Who is the Conference's best candidate to compete for a Heisman?

“Sincere McCormick at UTSA. The Converse, TX native was second in the country with 1,467 yards rushing in 2020. McCormick also averaged over 22 touches per game. With UTSA expected to compete for a West Division championship in 2021, McCormick is going to be the guy that carries the Roadrunners offensively.” -Ben Carlisle, BleedTechBlue.com

“The easy answer is RB Sincere McCormick from UTSA. McCormick is the reigning CUA Offensive Player of the Year and should get a ton of touches in 2021. That said, we all know quarterback play is what really grabs the attention of Heisman voters, so a standout season from someone like Grant Wells or Bailey Zappe from WKU could get national pub.” -Chris McLaughlin, HerdNation.com

“In my mind, it comes down to Marshall signaler caller Grant Wells and UTSA tailback Sincere McCormick. If made to pull the trigger on one of those guys, I’d roll with McCormick. In 2020, he averaged 5.9 yards per carry and accumulated 1,467 yards rushing the ball. He is also a big play threat waiting to happen. McCormick busted a 69 yard run last season and had 11 rushing touchdowns. It does help that UTSA is, like Marshall, a contender in their division, which will draw more spotlight to McCormick if UTSA starts piling up wins.” -Matt Dossett, GoMiddle.com

“I am not sure there is a Heisman candidate in CUSA at this time. To be a candidate at the G5 level, you would need 3 years of outstanding play to even be considered.” -Heath Hinton, BigGoldNation.com

“It will always be tough for any G5 player to compete for a Heisman, but if I had to pick someone it would be UTSA running back Sincere McCormick. Was one of the leading rushers in the country last year. If UTSA is able to pull off some upsets early in the season it might give him enough national publicity to rocket him into the conversation.” -Javi Cardenas, BirdsUp.com

“It has to be UTSA running back Sincere McCormick – there's no one else that can even compete with him from C-USA. In two seasons in San Antonio, McCormick has rushed for 2,450 yards and 19 touchdowns – including 1,467 yards and 11 TDs last season. He's a speedy back who is virtually unstoppable to tackle. He can get going in a hurry and seems to never get tired or take a snap off.” -Tyler Mansfield, InsideHilltopperSports.com


Who will be Conference USA's breakout star in 2021?

“DeWayne McBride at UAB. McBride averaged 9.3 yards per carry on 47 carries in 2020. McBride will be the lead back in a UAB offense that is run oriented. McBride brings an impressive blend of size and speed to the running back position for the Blazers, and it wouldn’t shock me if he was the C-USA Offensive Player of the Year. He’s that talented.” -Ben Carlisle, BleedTechBlue.com

“I'll go with Bailey Zappe at WKU. His offensive coordinator (Zach Kittley) at Houston Baptist followed him to WKU so Zappe is set up for success from the start. I'm not sure how good WKU will be in terms of wins and losses but Zappe should put up monster numbers regardless. Last year in only four games Zappe threw for 1.800 yards and 15 touchdowns. That type of pace over a full season would put him at 5,400 yards and 45 touchdowns. Not bad.” -Chris McLaughlin, HerdNation.com

“Look for newcomer Bailey Hockman, the N.C. State transfer QB, to make some noise and post some gaudy statistics in 2021. Head Coach Rick Stockstill hasn’t tipped his hand on who the starter will be, but I think that Hockman will win the job. Despite having some up down performances last season, I think Hockman will thrive in the offense with MTSU’s new offensive coordinator, Brent Dearmon. Dearmon is a bright offensive mind who will give Hockman the opportunity to flourish in the Middle offense. The offense will be balanced, but still look for Hockman to gash defenses and put up points.” -Matt Dossett, GoMiddle.com

“Frank Gore Jr at Southern Miss. He has the name, but he also can play. He is on the Doak Walker Award List.” -Heath Hinton, BigGoldNation.com

“Quarterback Bailey Zappe is transferring into WKU from Houston Baptist along with half the Husky offense. Zappe and that offense is poised to put WKU back on the map in Conference USA.” -Javi Cardenas, BirdsUp.com

“Old Dominion quarterback Stone Smartt is a player that comes to mind. The Monarchs chose to opt-out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19, but Smartt was solid in 2019 – throwing for 1,006 yards and a touchdown – and I think he'll take a big step forward this year after having so much time to work on his game.” -Tyler Mansfield, InsideHilltopperSports.com


Which first-year head coach will have the most success?

“Charles Huff steps into his first head-coaching job with high expectations, which can be dangerous. The Thundering Herd were picked to win the East Division in the preseason. Getting Grant Wells back to playing confident football will be big for Marshall to meet those preseason expectations. Huff comes from a background at Alabama that should allow him to have some success right away and have the Thundering Herd in a bowl game.” -Ben Carlisle, BleedTechBlue.com

“Charles Huff. Doc Holliday was a controversial figure at Marshall but there is no arguing that Holliday left the program in good shape for former Alabama Associate Head Coach Charles Huff. Huff is young (he's only 38) and has never been a head coach at any level, but Marshall is loaded with talent and is the pre-season favorite to win the east. Most first-year coaches don't walk into situations like that.” -Chris McLaughlin, HerdNation.com

“I think that Huff at Marshall will have more success in year one. Again, I expect Marshall to have an extremely successful season. I have Southern Miss fourth in their division behind UTSA (3rd), Louisiana Tech (2nd), and UAB (1st). I do think that long term Will Hall, USM’s new coach, will have success. I think that he will be able to recruit well and cherry pick recruits in the state of Mississippi.” -Matt Dossett, GoMiddle.com

“That is a tough one. I will say Will Hall. At Marshall they are expecting the Herd to win the East. At USM Coach Hall and the team will be under less stress and this season's outcome will show that.” -Heath Hinton, BigGoldNation.com

“I think Charles Huff and Marshall is the easy pick here. The Thundering Herd is full of talent right now. If he pushes the right buttons the Herd will be contenders in Conference USA for years to come.” -Javi Cardenas, BirdsUp.com

“I think Charles Huff at Marshall will have a very successful first season. He inherited a team that was nationally ranked throughout the 2020 season and a roster that includes quarterback Grant Wells. If Huff's coaching style fits well with the Herd and all works out, then the new head coach could be holding up a C-USA championship trophy at the end of the year.” -Tyler Mansfield, InsideHilltopperSports.com


Which second-year head coach will show the most improvement?

“I’m going to go with Ricky Rahne at ODU. FAU and UTSA had solid seasons in 2020, while ODU didn’t play a snap. Rahnehas had a year to build the program up from where it was in 2019, and I think the Monarchs win 3-4 games in 2021.” -Ben Carlisle, BleedTechBlue.com

“I'll go with Willie Taggart. I loved the Taggart hire for FAU when he came aboard last year and I still think big things are in store for the Owls program sooner rather than later. FAU was hit hard by the injury bug in 2020 and could never really get things going offensively. If FAU can get their QB situation figured out they could be the team to beat in 2021.” -Chris McLaughlin, HerdNation.com

“I think that this one is a tossup between FAU and UTSA. I think that UTSA will finish third in their division, while FAU, will finish second. I do like what UTSA has to offer with stud tailback Sincere McCormick. I think that Florida Atlantic will have a successful season. It will be interesting see how the QB situation unfolds in fall camp heading into the season. There is going to be a quarterback battle between Michael Johnson Jr., Nick Tronti, and N’Kosi Perry.” -Matt Dossett, GoMiddle.com

“Jeff Traylor has done a fantastic job at UTSA. Do not besurprised if they make a run in the CUSA West.” -Heath Hinton, BigGoldNation.com

“Both Taggart (FAU) and Traylor (UTSA) are poised for big years. I think UTSA is on the cusp of contention in the conference, so if we are talking year-to-year improvement I would have to give it to Traylor and UTSA.” -Javi Cardenas, BirdsUp.com

“Willie Taggart has years of coaching experience under his belt and has been successful at numerous schools. He took over a FAU program that Lane Kiffin rose to prominence and was expected to keep the momentum going in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Owls to have numerous cancellations and kept them from ever getting into a consistent rhythm. I think Willie and FAU will have a solid season in 2021.” -Tyler Mansfield, InsideHilltopperSports.com


Which transfer will have the biggest impact this season?

“Austin Kendall at Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs were in a tough spot this off-season with starting QB Luke Anthony working his way back from injury. Skip Holtz and co. added Kendall to the program on July 6th. Kendall, a transfer from West Virginia, will be accompanied by Marcus Williams (App State) and Keyon Henry-Brooks (Vanderbilt) in the backfield to ease some of the pressure. Kendall has always possessed tons of talent, and the Bulldogs are hoping to see that talent on full display this fall.” -Ben Carlisle, BleedTechBlue.com

“Would be hypocritical of me to not pick Zappe here. There are a ton of good options to pick from outside of Zappe, however. C-USA is littered with P5 quarterback transfers. N'Kosi Perry or Michael Johnson at FAU have a real shot to make a huge impact, as do Bailey Hockman at MTSU; DJ Mack at ODU. Luke McCaffrey at Rice; and Trey Lowe or Tee Webb at Southern Miss.” -Chris McLaughlin, HerdNation.com

“Look for Middle Tennessee State’s new quarterback Bailey Hockman to come out guns a blazing for the MTSU. He will have a revamped offensive line that includes Georgia transfer Netori Johnson, and lineman Jamari Williams from Arizona. Based on the offensive system that is going to be utilized in Murfreesboro, I expect his stats to be in the neighborhood of 20-22 touchdown throws opposed to eight or nine interceptions.Look for Hockman to have the freedom to sling the rock around.” -Matt Dossett, GoMiddle.com

“One to watch out for is DaShawn Crawford. He transferred into Southern Miss from VA Tech. He was injured most of 2020. He is now playing about 30 minutes from where he grew up. He didn't have outstanding numbers at VA Tech, but he will be counted on with the recent transfer of Jacques Turner to Louisville.” -Heath Hinton, BigGoldNation.com

“Houston Baptist quarterback transfer Bailey Zappe will be the breakout start this year and the most impactful transfer in 2021.” -Javi Cardenas, BirdsUp.com

“Western Kentucky transfer quarterback Bailey Zappe is destined to come into Conference USA and put up big numbers in his first season with the Hilltoppers. In just four games in 2020 while at Houston Baptist, Zappe threw for nearly 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns with just one interception – and he's surpassed 10,000 total passing yards to rank fourth among FBS quarterbacks. Zappe has all the tools to be the real deal in C-USA.” -Tyler Mansfield, InsideHilltopperSports.com

FORUMS: UTSA Boulevard | Roadrunner Way

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