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FULL Week 1 CFN Sunbelt Previews
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RamblinRedWolf44 Offline
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FULL Week 1 CFN Sunbelt Previews
Just for convience I already added the ones already written (App state/michigan and Troy/UAB) and they're at the bottom

http://cfn.scout.com/2/1438634.html

Wake Forest (0-0) at Louisiana-Monroe (0-0) Aug. 28, 7:00, ESPNU

Here's The Deal: For the first time since 2000, someone other than Jim Grobe will be leading Wake Forest out of the tunnel. The Demon Deacons, which have finished below .500 the past five seasons, are moving in a different direction with Dave Clawson at the helm. Louisiana-Monroe is determined to cop one of the Sun Belt’s 2014 bowl berths after just missing the postseason last year. The Warhawks are a veteran team adapting to backfield changes.

Why Wake Forest Might Win: Not only will this be ULM’s first game after instrumental QB Kolton Browning’s graduation, but it’ll come versus a terrific secondary. The Deacons are home to one of the ACC’s sneaky-good pass defenses, spearheaded by S Ryan Janvion and next-level corners Kevin Johnson and Merrill Noel.

Why Louisiana-Monroe Might Win: The D, headed by linemen Joey Gautney and Gerrand Johnson, could be the Sun Belt’s top unit. And that should be enough to shut down a transitioning Wake Forest attack that is completely dry on proven skill position players.

Who To Watch Out For: Malone Stadium will be the site of an intriguing battle of newcomer quarterbacks. The Warhawks are giving the ball to well-travelled Pete Thomas, who’s also started games for Colorado State and NC State. Clawson has anointed true freshman John Wolford as his triggerman for the foreseeable future.

What’s Going To Happen: After beating Wake Forest last September, Louisiana-Monroe is poised to make it two straight. The Warhawks are not only home, but they’ve got more stability on the roster and on the sideline.

Prediction: Louisiana-Monroe 27 … Wake Forest 20
Line: Wake Forest -2.5; O/U: 45.5
Must Watch Factor: 5 Every. Simpsons. Ever. (Up until Part 1 of “Who Shot Mr. Burns?”) – 1 Every. Simpsons. Ever. (Everything after Part 2 of “Who Shot Mr. Burns?") … 1.5





Abilene Christian (0-0) at Georgia State (0-0) Aug. 27, 7:00 ESPNU

Here's The Deal: It’s not exactly LSU vs. Wisconsin or Texas A&M vs. South Carolina, but your 2014 college football season starts out in the Georgia Dome as Georgia State tries to find something positive right away after a rough 0-12 start to life in the FBS world. The Panthers have experience and a bit of hope after improving as the 2013 season went on, but they’re dealing with a decent Abilene Christian program that went 6-5 last season despite playing seven of its final eight games on the road. Of course, it’s a new year and a new team, but the Wildcats pushed New Mexico State hard in a 34-29 loss late last season – the Panthers face the Aggies to open up the Sun Belt campaign next week.

Why Abilene Christian Might Win: Defense. Georgia State has to adjust to live without its one true offensive weapon – WR Albert Wilson – while ACU comes into the year with a strong-looking, veteran D that was outstanding at getting into the backfield. Last year’s Wildcat defense generated 43 sacks, while this year’s team has the secondary and the pressure up front to keep the GSU passing game under wraps.

Why Georgia State Might Win: The ACU offense isn’t going to be a machine right away. Last year’s Wildcats jacked up the stats early putting up 84 against Concordia-Selma and poured it on in the six wins, but almost everyone from the high-powered passing game has to be replaced including record-setting quarterback John David Baker. If the Panther pass rush that was non-existent at times last year wanted to kick this season off strong, this would be the time with ACU replacing three starters up front.

Who To Watch Out For: 6-1, 230-pound GSU QB Nick Arbuckle was brought in to take over the reins, meaning last year’s starter, Ronnie Bell, was moved to receiver. Arbuckle, a JUCO transfer from Pierce College in California, was a terrific bomber at the lower level, stretching the field for 2,852 yards and 26 scores last year after chucking for 3,774 yards and 40 scores in 2012. He’s not going to run, but he’s a smart, tough passer who’ll spread the ball around and will push the ball down the field more than Bell did.

What’s Going To Happen: The ACU defense will keep the score down and the game tight, but Arbuckle will add more of a passing element to the mix and will spread it around just enough to give the program something it couldn’t find last year – a win.
Prediction: Georgia State 31 … Abilene Christian 27
Line: No Line
Must Watch Factor: (5 Every. Simpsons. Ever. (Up until Part 1 of “Who Shot Mr. Burns?” – 2 Every. Simpsons. Ever. (Everything after Part 2 of “Who Shot Mr. Burns?) … 1






Cal Poly (0-0) at New Mexico State (0-0) Aug. 28, 8:00 ESPN3

Here's The Deal: New Mexico State closed out last season with a win over Idaho, but its only other win came against a mediocre Abilene Christian team – Cal Poly was better. The Mustangs managed to come up with a solid 6-6 campaign thanks to the FCS’s No. 1 rushing attack averaging over 300 yards per game. With the NMSU’s Sun Belt season starting next week with a winnable game against Georgia State, a win over Cal Poly could equal last year’s win total by September 6th – but it won’t be easy.

Why Cal Poly Might Win: Has New Mexico State done anything to figure out how to stop the run? A complete and utter disaster last season, the Aggies allowed 45 rushing scores and close to 3,600 yards, while the Cal Poly attack ran at will led by Kristaan Ivory and his 1,113 rushing yards and six scores to go along with a team-leading 33 catches. One problem …

Why New Mexico State Might Win: Ivory is facing felony robbery charges stemming from an alleged incident happening on August 10th. Also being charged are corners Dominique Love and Cortland Fort, receiver Cameron Akins and running back Jake Brito. Losing Love and Fort shouldn’t be too much of a problem for the Mustangs, but Ivory and Brito were the two starting slotbacks. There are other options, but NMSU is catching a big break.

Who To Watch Out For: For the Aggies to have a shot, the linebackers have to be brilliant against the Cal Poly spread-option attack. That means the spotlight will be on 6-1, 212-pound Rodney Butler in the middle. He doesn’t have the bulk, but he’s a hitting machine who knows how to tackle in the open field. Very active, he has the talent and athleticism to always be around the ball – expect double-digit stops.

What’s Going To Happen: Despite the massive distraction, Cal Poly’s offense will still work. New Mexico’s defensive front is way too suspect, and despite the time spent this offense to prepare, it won’t matter. Cal Poly will run for at least 300 yards and control the game from the start.
Prediction: Cal Poly 38 … New Mexico State 17
Line: No Line
Must Watch Factor: (5 Every. Simpsons. Ever. (Up until Part 1 of “Who Shot Mr. Burns?” – 1 Every. Simpsons. Ever. (Everything after Part 2 of “




Georgia Southern (0-0) at NC State (0-0) Aug. 30, 12:30, TheACC.com


Here's The Deal: Now that NC State reached rock-bottom, the only way is up for the program and second-year coach Dave Doeren. The Pack disappointed in 2013, going winless in league play for the first time since 1959. But a new season brings optimism, as well as a solution at quarterback, former Florida transfer Jacoby Brissett. Georgia Southern defeated Brissett’s old Gator teammates last November in an epic shocker. The Eagles were an FCS squad led by Jeff Monken then. Today, they’re a Sun Belt member, with Willie Fritz in charge.

Why Georgia Southern Might Win: The Eagles carry a three-game winning streak into 2014, including the signature victory in the Swamp. And while they’ll need time to build a genuine FBS roster, they will run the ball with Irving Huggins, and attack a Pack team that has holes along both lines.

Why NC State Might Win: It’ll be an auspicious debut for Brissett, who’s had a solid offseason, and will be facing a revamped Georgia Southern front seven. The reinstatement of RB Shadrach Thornton and the rehabilitation of WR Bryan Underwood provides State with a solid foundation at the skill positions.
Who To Watch Out For: This has to be the year the Pack D-line finally approaches its potential. That’s the hope around Raleigh. The unit is an ideal mix of veterans, like DE Art Norman and DT T.Y. McGill, and exciting rookies Kentavius Street and B.J. Hill.

What’s Going To Happen: Brissett is a difference-maker in Doeren’s offense. And it’ll show immediately. While the newcomer lights a fire under the Pack offense, Georgia Southern will sputter adjusting to Fritz’s new-look spread-option.
Prediction: NC State 40 … Georgia Southern 17
Line: NC State -22.5; O/U: 53.5
Must Watch Factor: 5 Every. Simpsons. Ever. (Up until Part 1 of “Who Shot Mr. Burns?”) – 1 Every. Simpsons. Ever. (Everything after Part 2 of “Who Shot Mr. Burns?") … 1.5




Montana State (0-0) at Arkansas State (0-0) Aug. 30, 7:00 ESPN3

Here's The Deal: Can Blake Anderson be the next great Arkansas State head coach? While it’ll be easy to look ahead to the chance at a big, splashy win over Tennessee next week, Montana State is no pushover. The Bobcats won seven games last season and almost pulled off an upset over SMU. With four home games to follow, MSU has a chance to get off to a hot start with a good performance, while Arkansas State will try to come up with its tenth-straight win in a home opener.

Why Montana State Might Win: Even with some key replacements at major spots, the Bobcat offense should be able to keep up the pace. This should once again be a balanced and efficient attack that could take advantage of a reloading ASU defensive front. This is a smart, disciplined team that won’t beat itself – penalties were a major problem for Arkansas State last year.

Why Arkansas State Might Win: Can Montana State get its passing game going? It was a battle for the starting quarterback job up until mid-August when Dakota Prukop was finally named the main man. The ASU pass defense was a positive last season, and now it should be a brick wall with all four starters back. If the Red Wolves can keep the MSU running game in check, they should be able to get the D off the field without a problem.

Who To Watch Out For: It’s still an audition for the Arkansas State quarterback situation. Fredi Knighten is the main man going into the year, but he needs to be solid and effective throwing the ball. Running isn’t a problem – he’s a dangerous, quick option who’ll make things happen on the move – but he needs to be able to hit the home run now and then. With Tennessee up next, if he isn’t great, this could be an interesting week of practice.

What’s Going To Happen: Montana State is good and will provide a fight, but the ASU offense will shine in Anderson’s first game. Knighten will be excellent and the passing game will work. The difference will be the Red Wolf pass defense that’ll come up with just enough big plays to pull off the home win – but it’ll be a fight.
Prediction: Arkansas State 31 … Montana State 27
Line: No Line
Must Watch Factor: (5 Every. Simpsons. Ever. (Up until Part 1 of “Who Shot Mr. Burns?” – 1 Every. Simpsons. Ever. (Everything after Part 2 of “Who Shot Mr. Burns?) … 1.5




Southern (0-0) at Louisiana-Lafayette (0-0) Aug. 30, 7:00 ESPN3

Here's The Deal: It’s just a short two hour drive between the two schools, and at the very least, it’s going to be a fun regional battle. The two last met in 2009 – a 42-19 Ragin’ Cajun win – but Southern should be dangerous coming off a 9-4 season winning seven of its last eight games. The defense tightened up in a big way after a rough first three games, but playing ULL isn’t like facing Clark Atlanta. The Ragin’ Cajuns stay in the region facing Louisiana Tech next week.

Why Southern Might Win: Can the passing attack keep up the pace? This was an efficient and dangerous air show last year that cranked up close to 3,600 yards with 30 touchdowns – the offense works. Can the ULL pass rush be any better and any more dangerous than it was last year? If not, the Southern offense could keep up the pace. There’s one big problem, though …

Why Louisiana-Lafayette Might Win: The key parts are missing. Star quarterback Dray Joseph aired it out for 30 scores and Lee Doss caught 78 passes for 1,172 yards and 11 scores – both are done. ULL has a defense loaded with veterans, especially in the secondary. The D should be able to handle itself and should be sharp right away. On the other side of the ball, the Ragin’ Cajuns should be able to run at will.

Who To Watch Out For: Trey Granier is ready to bust out. The LSU transfer is of the only big new parts of the Ragin’ Cajun defense, but Kevin Fouquier is right there in the hunt for time in the linebacking corps. Everything else is in place up front and in the secondary, so if the linebackers can shine right away, there won’t be many big concerns.

What’s Going To Happen: Southern will have a few nice moments, but there won’t be any issues for the loaded Cajuns. They’ll roll at will.
Prediction: Louisiana-Lafayette 50 … Southern 23
Line: No Line
Must Watch Factor: (5 Every. Simpsons. Ever. (Up until Part 1 of “Who Shot Mr. Burns?” – 1 Every. Simpsons. Ever. (Everything after Part 2 of “Who Shot Mr. Burns?) … 1




Arkansas-Pine Bluff (0-0) at Texas State (0-0) Aug. 30, 7:00 ESPN3

Here's The Deal: It’s scrimmage time for Texas State as it gets in a warm-up game before getting a week off to prepare for the Navy attack. The Bobcats should get rolling after ending last year on a three-game losing streak – can the Golden Lions put up any sort of a fight? They went 2-9 last year even with one of the better passing games in the FCS, but the defense couldn’t slow anyone down giving up 40 points or more eight times.

Why Arkansas-Pine Bluff Might Win: Bombs away. The Golden Lions have a dangerous weapon in QB Benjamin Anderson to work around. One of the best all-around quarterbacks in the FCS, he ran for 824 yards and nine scores and threw for 200 yards or more in each of his last nine games. He had to keep throwing to make up for the problems on defense, but he should produce against a secondary that has to replace two starters.

Why Texas State Might Win: The running game will roll at will. UAPB doesn’t have the
horses up front or the depth at linebacker to handle all of TXST’s weapons in the backfield. The Bobcats should be able to control the game and the clock from the start, and while the defense might need to come up with a few big replacements, getting to Anderson shouldn’t be a problem.

Who To Watch Out For: Can Tyler Jones throw? The TXST quarterback is experienced, but he wasn’t asked to get the passing attack going too often. The Bobcats can run – that’s not an issue in any way – but to get by the better teams later on down the line, the offense has to be a wee bit more balanced. This is a chance to give it a shot.

What’s Going To Happen: Anderson will be fun to watch, but Texas State will do whatever it wants to offensively. It’ll be a solid, easy win for Dennis Franchione’s bunch.
Prediction: Texas State 44 … Arkansas-Pine Bluff 17
Line: No Line
Must Watch Factor: (5 Every. Simpsons. Ever. (Up until Part 1 of “Who Shot Mr. Burns?” – 1 Every. Simpsons. Ever. (Everything after Part 2 of “Who Shot Mr. Burns?) … 1




Idaho (0-0) at Florida (0-0) Aug. 30, 3:30

Here's The Deal: How does a team desperate for more offensive punch look good right away? Schedule Idaho. It’s not like the Florida attack will give any glimpses of what it might become be beating up the poor Vandals, but if it doesn’t dominate and doesn’t put up some big numbers, the spotlight will be on the Eastern Michigan game next week to be much, much better. The Gators need to look the part, while Idaho simply has to find something to build off of. Paul Petrino’s team went 1-11 last year with one of the nation’s least-efficient offenses and worst defenses. There’s experience, but is there enough talent to make this interesting for a half? If it’s still a game going into the third quarter, it’ll be a big storyline.

Why Idaho Might Win: It’s a new year with a new team and far more healthy bodies than there were at the end of last year, but the offense wasn’t exactly humming when Jeff Driskel and company were at close to full strength. If there’s any sputtering and coughing early on, Idaho has to take advantage. The offense line isn’t going to shove the talented Gator defensive front around, but center Mike Marboe leads a front five that returns all of its starters – it might be able to hold its own if absolutely needed. However …

Why Florida Might Win: Good luck against the Florida D line. Will experience translate into production for the Vandal offensive front? This is the same Idaho O line that almost got the quarterbacks killed. The pass protection was non-existent last year allowing a whopping 52 sacks on the season and 106 tackles for loss. Florida might still have question marks on offense, but the defense should be sound from the start and shouldn’t have any issues getting behind the line. Be shocked if the Vandal offense goes anywhere.

Who To Watch Out For: Okay, Mr. Driskel. Game on. After getting knocked out for the year early on with a broken leg, Driskel had to sit and watch the Florida offense go from bad to horrendous with no passing game and with nothing much happening down the field. New offensive coordinator Kurt Roper knows how to generate a passing offense, but can he get Driskel to make big plays and be a better, sharper passer? The Idaho secondary won’t be that much better after finishing second-to-last in the nation in passing yards allowed – this needs to be a big-time day for No. 6.

What’s Going To Happen: Watch out for a jacked up and angry Gator team to come up with something special defensively. The offense will still have its kinks to work out, but it’ll be brutally effective with the running game, and yes, there will be a big pass play of over 50 yards.
Prediction: Florida 52 … Idaho 6
Line: Florida -35 o/u: 51
Must Watch Factor: (5 Every. Simpsons. Ever. (Up until Part 1 of “Who Shot Mr. Burn






Troy (0-0) at UAB (0-0) Aug. 30, 12:00, Fox College Sports

Here's The Deal: One of these days, Troy and UAB, separated by 140 miles of I-65 highway, are destined to play in the same league. In the meantime, they’ll remain non-conference rivals that have played in each of the last five years. The Trojans are looking for their first winning season since 2010. The Blazers are playing their first game for head coach Bill Clark, who begins one of the FBS’ tougher reclamation projects.

Why Troy Might Win: The Trojans competed in a lot of games last year thanks to the play of the offense, a trend that’ll continue at Legion Field. The Blazers are inadequate on D, which means Troy backs Brandon Burks and Jordan Chunn will enjoy wide running lanes.

Why UAB Might Win: Not only was Troy brutal on defense last fall, but it’ll take time for the JUCO additions to get acclimated to the system. The Blazers will capitalize with an underrated collection of skill players that includes RB Jordan Howard and speedy WR Jamarcus Nelson.

Who To Watch Out For: Both programs are breaking in new quarterbacks this season, Brandon Silvers at Troy and either Washington State Cody Clements or Jeremiah Briscoe at UAB. As these newcomers go, so go their respective attacks in 2014.

What’s Going To Happen: It’s the dawn of a new day in Birmingham. The results will be new as well. UAB, playing inspired for Clark, will use its special teams edge to snap a three-game losing streak to Troy on a Ty Long field goal.
Prediction: UAB 33 … Troy 30
Line: UAB -1; O/U: 66



Appalachian State (0-0) at Michigan (0-0) Aug. 30, 12:00 ESPN2

Here's The Deal: No, this isn’t the same Appalachian State team. The Mountaineers are up in the world of the FCS now – can they repeat the magic of the 34-32 stunner to open up the 2007 season? That team ended up winning the FCS national championship, while that Michigan team turned out to be more than fine closing out the Lloyd Carr era with a Capital One Bowl over the Florida Tebows. The Michigan program is at a crossroads after a horrible finish to the 2013 season – losing four of its last five games closing out with a 31-14 clunker of a Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl. With Notre Dame coming up next, all the kinks need to be worked out. Appalachian State has it slightly easier next week against Campbell.

Why Appalachian State Might Win: The defensive back eight is just quick enough to give Michigan’s offense a few problems. The front three has experience, but it’s not going to be the strength. ASU’s linebacking corps is very quick and very active, and the secondary didn’t get ripped up on a regular basis. Considering the Michigan receiving corps needs to come up with new playmakers, the Mountaineer defensive backfield should be able to hold its own.

Why Michigan Might Win: This isn’t an FCS-champion caliber ASU team like the old days. The overall talent level isn’t there and there isn’t any semblance of a pass rush. The Mountaineer 3-4 doesn’t get into the backfield – it shouldn’t be able to take advantage of the Wolverines’ biggest concern coming into the season. The O line will be under the microscope, but it should be able to do some shoving to roll the running game that struggled so much last season.

Who To Watch Out For: Appalachian State RB Marcus Cox. It was QB Armanti Edwards who became a legend after his performance in the 2007 win, and this time around it could be Cox who becomes the one who lives on in Michigan lore if he can get off to a hot start. Extremely quick and versatile, the 5-10, 185-pound sophomore proved he could handle the workload, carrying the ball 245 times for 1,250 yards and 15 scores, and he was terrific out of the backfield on midrange pass plays with 43 grabs for 559 yards and six touchdowns. Working behind a talented and veteran offensive line, he could be a difference-maker and help ASU control the clock and the game.

What’s Going To Happen: It’s not exactly going to be payback for 2007, but Michigan won’t have any problems. The offense will look like an explosive machine with Devin Gardner firmly establishing himself as the main man, and at least for one game, the running game will work.
Prediction: Michigan 52 … Appalachian State 13
Line: Michigan -35 o/u: 53.5
08-27-2014 09:24 AM
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EigenEagle Offline
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Post: #2
RE: FULL Week 1 CFN Sunbelt Previews
(08-27-2014 09:24 AM)RamblinRedWolf44 Wrote:  Why Georgia Southern Might Win: The Eagles carry a three-game winning streak into 2014, including the signature victory in the Swamp. And while they’ll need time to build a genuine FBS roster, they will run the ball with Irving Huggins, and attack a Pack team that has holes along both lines.

Why NC State Might Win: It’ll be an auspicious debut for Brissett, who’s had a solid offseason, and will be facing a revamped Georgia Southern front seven. The reinstatement of RB Shadrach Thornton and the rehabilitation of WR Bryan Underwood provides State with a solid foundation at the skill positions.
Who To Watch Out For: This has to be the year the Pack D-line finally approaches its potential. That’s the hope around Raleigh. The unit is an ideal mix of veterans, like DE Art Norman and DT T.Y. McGill, and exciting rookies Kentavius Street and B.J. Hill.

What’s Going To Happen: Brissett is a difference-maker in Doeren’s offense. And it’ll show immediately. While the newcomer lights a fire under the Pack offense, Georgia Southern will sputter adjusting to Fritz’s new-look spread-option.
Prediction: NC State 40 … Georgia Southern 17
Line: NC State -22.5; O/U: 53.5
Must Watch Factor: 5 Every. Simpsons. Ever. (Up until Part 1 of “Who Shot Mr. Burns?”) – 1 Every. Simpsons. Ever. (Everything after Part 2 of “Who Shot Mr. Burns?") … 1.5

Huggins hasn't been on the roster since early in the offseason. Guess you can't expect thorough research for these guys for all 100-some-odd FBS teams, though.
08-27-2014 09:49 AM
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boroeagle2 Offline
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Post: #3
RE: FULL Week 1 CFN Sunbelt Previews
Lame. dude doesn't even know who our starting RB is, or the fact that our speedy option players fit really well into our new coaches system. If we don't cover the spread (was 23.5, now 20.5) I'll make my tagline something App and or GSU related for a week.
(This post was last modified: 08-27-2014 09:53 AM by boroeagle2.)
08-27-2014 09:52 AM
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