2015 NCAAF Betting Previews

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2015 Charlotte College Football Betting Preview Schedule and Odds





The road will be long and sometimes look impossible for Charlotte this year. The 49ers are making the transition to FBS play after going 5-6 in FCS last season. Nothing about that sounds good for this team, although they will return 19 starters. Their over/under is set at 2.5 wins , with the under coming in at -260. Their odds to win Conference USA are at +50000 and they open the season as 4-point underdogs at Georgia State, a team that went 1-11 last year playing in the Sun Belt.

The starting quarterback spot hasn't been decided yet, but there is at least two experienced guys fighting for the spot. Matt Johnson is the two-year starter after tossing for 13 TDs and 8 INTs in eight games last year before getting hurt. Lee McNeill played plenty in a backup role, finishing with 6 TDs and 3 INTs. The main name on this offense is running back Kalif Phillips, who averaged 6.3 yards per carry for 1,436 yards and 20 touchdowns last season. His offensive line is almost all intact as well with four starters returning. At receiver, Austin Duke (79 receptions, 1,373 yards, 9 TDs) and Trent Bostick (33 receptions) will hold down the top two spots again.

Charlotte scored plenty in 2014 in FCS play at 38.8 points per game. While they obviously won't be able to reach those levels again, it's at least an experienced group that knows how to score that could keep them hanging around in more than one game this year. Unfortunately, their defense may have a bigger problem. They allowed 31.6 points per game, including four games of 47 points or more. Eight starters return, but that's not saying much.

The 49ers brought in coordinator Matt Wallerstedt to help make the transition, who comes over from Texas Tech. The defense dealt with a few major injuries last year, which didn't help, but they should be getting those guys back. One of those is senior end Devon Johnson, who isn't considered a returning starter because of injury. The defense lost a couple of their leading tacklers from a year ago, but bring back the likes of Johnson, Nick Cook and Caleb Clayton-Molby from injury. There's plenty of experience in this group, but again, that's at an FCS level.

Charlotte started playing football in 2013, which is a main reason they have a lot of returning starters and most of them are juniors. The offense has a chance to be decent, but the defense could be in for a long year. Their opening two games against Georgia State and Presbyterian stand out as a possibilities for wins, as do C-USA meetings against Southern Miss and UTSA. If you're crazy enough, those are the games to look at if you think the over is possible. Don't count on it, though.




2015 Charlotte Football Schedule

Sept. 4 at Georgia State
Sept. 12 vs. Presbyterian
Sept. 19 at Middle Tennessee
Sept. 26 vs. Florida Atlantic
Oct. 2 vs. Temple
Oct. 17 at Old Dominion
Oct. 24 vs. Southern Miss
Oct. 31 vs. Marshall
Nov. 7 at Florida International
Nov. 14 vs. UTSA
Nov. 21 at Kentucky
Nov. 28 at Rice

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2015 Louisiana Tech College Football Betting Preview Schedule and Odds





Louisiana Tech had a solid turnaround in 2014 reaching the C-USA title game and finishing at 9-5, five more wins than 2013. Once again, the Bulldogs should be at the top of the West division as they have the second-best odds to win the conference this year at +280. Their over/under is set at eight wins.

The main difference for this year's team will be at quarterback. Cody Sokol came in and tossed 30 touchdowns last year, but he's gone. Florida transfer Jeff Driskel is the favorite to start, although he didn't run away with the job in the spring as 2013's starter Ryan Higgins is still there. Higgins threw for just 6 TDs and 13 INTs as a starter, though. No matter who the starter is, he will have plenty of options to work with.

Kenneth Dixon returns in the backfield after totaling 1,684 yards and 28 touchdowns through rushing and receiving. Even if the passing game isn't as good, the running game could be used more often. But the Bulldogs have top options at receiver as well with Trent Taylor (834 yards, 9 TDs), Carlos Henderson (19.6 yards per catch) and Paul Turner (42 receptions). The offensive line also returns three starters from 2014's group and should be a top unit again. While there is a question at quarterback, this offense should still be one of the best in the conference.

Lousiana Tech's defense led the nation with 42 takeaways last year, but reaching that number again is probably unlikely. Still, with six starters coming back, this group should be solid. The line has a couple stud seniors with Vontarrius Dora and Vernon Butler, and the same can be said about the secondary that returns three starters. Safeties Xavier Woods and Kentrell Brice probably form the best unit in the conference and both could be all-conference performers. The question for this defense will be at linebacker where no starter returns. However, all three expected starters are seniors, so that's another boost.

La. Tech has another tough non-conference schedule this year facing Kansas State and Mississippi State on the road. They had a similar route last year and made it to eight wins in the regular season. Playing in the West, the Bulldogs don't have an overly tough C-USA schedule either. Of course, they have to travel to Western Kentucky in the second week of the year, but other than that, nothing pops out in the schedule. But like last year, nothing is ever a certainty, after they lost at Old Dominion late last year. Road games at Rice and UTEP will not be walkovers by any means.

The Bulldogs will be good again with a decent amount of talent returning on both ends. While they have the best shot at reaching the C-USA title game again, winning the conference may end up depending on quarterback Jeff Driskel, if he can put his struggles at Florida behind him.




2015 Louisiana Tech Football Schedule

Sept. 5 vs. Southern
Sept. 10 at Western Kentucky
Sept. 19 at Kansas State
Sept. 26 vs. Florida International
Oct. 3 vs. LA-Lafayette
Oct. 10 at UTSA
Oct. 17 at Mississippi State
Oct. 24 vs. Middle Tennessee
Oct. 30 at Rice
Nov. 7 vs. North Texas
Nov. 21 at UTEP
Nov. 27 vs. Southern Miss

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2015 Florida International College Football Betting Preview Schedule and Odds





Florida International was just 4-8 last year, but with a solid defense and improved offense, is expected to boost that win total. The Golden Panthers have an over/under of 6 wins, although the under was sitting at -195 in July.

FIU scored 23 points per game last year, but should improve that total with starting quarterback Alex McGough in his second season. McGough was okay as a freshman, completing 50.4% of his passes for 14 TDs and 10 INTs, and they're hoping for some improvement this year. The Golden Panthers pounded the ground game in 2014, but averaged just 3.1 yards per carry, although that number increased as the season went on and it was hurt by McGough and his 97 carries for 92 yards (sacks included).

The running game gets Anthon Samuel (582 yards, 5 TDs) back for his senior season and he really came on towards the end of 2014. Alex Gardner (582 yards) and Napoleon Maxwell (55 carries) also return to the mix, so expect a lot of running yet again. The receiving game doesn't have much outside of stud tight end Jonnu Smith (61 receptions, 710 yards, 8 TDs). Clinton Taylor (9 receptions) and sophomore Thomas Owens are expected to be starters. The offensive line returns three starters and look ready for another busy season.

FIU had good numbers on the defensive side in 2014, and that's a bit surprising considering how aggressive they are. They return eight starters, so not much of a drop-off is to be expected. The line gets back sackers Michael Wakefield (eight sacks) and Denzell Perine (6.5 sacks), who once again should have solid seasons. The linebacker core is also set with three returning starters including senior Davison Colimon. And then in the secondary, especially at corner, the Golden Panthers have plenty to work with including Richard Leonard, who had six interceptions last year.

The hope for FIU is for a bowl game this year after one win in 2013 and four last year. Reaching that will require more consistency from the offense, in both phases of the game.

FIU's schedule is manageable, but probably a bit tougher than a season ago, especially in C-USA play. They open with two road games at UCF and Indiana, which won't go well, especially after FIU lost to an FCS school in their 2014 opener. Conference road games include Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee and Marshall, three of the best teams in the C-USA. The Golden Panthers also get Western Kentucky in the season finale. Due to that schedule, it's hard to see this team surpassing six wins, even if there is improvement. To make matters worse, they don't get a bye week, with their final game coming early on Nov. 21.




2015 Florida International Football Schedule

Sept. 3 at UCF
Sept. 12 at Indiana
Sept. 19 vs. NC Central
Sept. 26 at Louisiana Tech
Oct. 3 at Massachusetts
Oct. 10 vs. UTEP
Oct. 17 at Middle Tennessee
Oct. 24 vs. Old Dominion
Oct. 31 at Florida Atlantic
Nov. 7 vs. Charlotte
Nov. 14 at Marshall
Nov. 21 vs. Western Kentucky

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2015 Florida Atlantic College Football Betting Preview Schedule and Odds





Florida Atlantic struggled with a tough schedule in 2014 and finished with just three wins. After upsetting Western Kentucky halfway through the season, they closed the year with five straight losses. The Owls are expected to improve their win total with an easier schedule and have an over/under sitting at 5 wins.

The Owls scored just 24 points per game last year, but passed that point total in their final four games (all losses). There is hope for improvement as quarterback Jaquez Johnson is entering his senior season and he finished with 17 passing TDs to go with 513 rushing yards and seven more TDs. Expect Johnson to have an even bigger role in this year's offense. Also in the running game, Jay Warren (571 yards) and Greg Howell will form a one-two punch. FAU had success on the ground last year (4.4 yards per carry), but it didn't really turn into points. In addition, the offensive line is stocked with four starters returning, plus UCF transfer Kelly Parfitt comes into the opening at right tackle.

The passing game will be a little harder to improve with a lot of new names at receiver. Jenon Stoshak (37 receptions) will likely be the leader with Kalib Woods (16 receptions) and Derek Moise (10 receptions) also having bigger roles.

Defensively, the Owls return five starters from a group that allowed 34.4 points per game. However, the players they lost from last year's group were all standouts including multiple guys that went to the NFL. The line has the most talent returning with seniors Robinson Eugene and Trevon Coley leading the way. Linebacker is a bare position with Robert Relf and Nate Ozdemir having the most experience. Secondary may be the weakest unit with only one starter returning. Senior corner Cre'von LeBlanc will have to lead the group along with Sharrod Neasman who served as the nickel last season.

Florida Atlantic have an easier schedule than a year ago as they don't have to travel to Nebraska and Alabama to start the season. Hosting the Hurricanes should get their adrenaline pumping at home, but getting a win from that game is unlikely. The Owls have to host Rice and Marshall in back-to-back October games and then in November have another tough slate: at Western Kentucky, vs. Mid Tennessee and at Florida.

Johnson has a lot on his shoulders at quarterback for this team. Reaching five wins will be tough, especially with another questionable defense and new faces at receiver. The Owls will have to ride the running game and hope Johnson can have a couple breakout performances to get wins where they are unlikely.




2015 Florida Atlantic Football Schedule

Sept. 5 at Tulsa
Sept. 11 vs. Miami (FL)
Sept. 19 vs. Buffalo
Sept. 26 at Charlotte
Oct. 10 vs. Rice
Oct. 17 vs. Marshall
Oct. 24 at UTEP
Oct. 31 vs. Florida International
Nov. 7 at Western Kentucky
Nov. 14 vs. Middle Tennessee
Nov. 21 at Florida
Nov. 28 at Old Dominion

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2015 Old Dominion College Football Betting Preview Schedule and Odds





Old Dominion battled in almost every game last year, due in large part to a high-scoring offense. That led to a 6-6 record, but no bowl game. With a new quarterback, the Monarchs are projected at 4.5 wins , but the over is at -185. Their schedule is similar to last season, but everything could come down to how the new quarterback plays.

Redshirt freshman Shuler Bentley won the job in preseason and ran a similar spread offense in high school, but filling four-year starter Taylor Heinicke's spot will be far from easy. It's likely Old Dominion will take a more run-eccentric approach with a new quarterback. Running back Ray Lawry (947 yards, 7.1 ypc, 16 TDs) really came on late in 2014 and is expected to get a heavy workload. Lawry was the Conference USA Rookie of the Year last year. He'll run behind a stout offensive line that returns five guys with starting experience, has plenty of depth and a couple all-conference candidates.

The passing game should be solid again, although depending on a freshman will come with some hiccups. Bentley will at least have some solid receivers to work with in Zach Pascal (59 receptions, 743 yards, 7 TDs) and David Washington (599 yards, 4 TDs). The Monarchs stayed in most games last year with a solid offense and that'll need to continue if they want six wins again.

The defense is another story for ODU as they allowed 38 points per game in 2014 and a main reason the offense had to score a ton. The Monarchs gave up at least 40 points in seven of their first nine games if that says anything. A problem for this team is that they are one of the youngest in the nation and that shows up on the defensive end, even with six returning starters.

They struggled in all areas last year from creating turnovers to getting to the opposing QB. Improvement was noticed in the final few games, but that's not saying much. Their standout player is linebacker T.J. Ricks, who is actually a former walk-on. The line returns a few starters, but the secondary may see the most improvement with two seniors slated to start and UAB transfer Devon Brown at cornerback.

ODU doesn't have an overwhelming schedule, which should help a lot in them surpassing four wins and reaching last year's mark from their first FBS season. In non-conference play, the Monarchs get the bonus of only having to travel in one game, and that comes at lowly Eastern Michigan. While they have to travel to Marshall in their first C-USA game, everything else is favorable for the Monarchs, especially as they draw Southern Miss, UTSA and UTEP in crossover play.

The Monarchs are young, have a new quarterback and will likely have a bad defense again, but a nice schedule mixed with a solid running game should produce some wins. Although, that doesn't mean they'll be reaching a bowl game this season.




2015 Old Dominion Football Schedule

Sept. 5 at Eastern Michigan
Sept. 12 vs. Norfolk State
Sept. 19 vs. NC State
Sept. 26 vs. Appalachian State
Oct. 3 at Marshall
Oct. 17 vs. Charlotte
Oct. 24 at Florida International
Oct. 31 vs. Western Kentucky
Nov. 7 at UTSA
Nov. 14 vs. UTEP
Nov. 21 at Southern Miss
Nov. 28 vs. Florida Atlantic

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2015 North Texas College Football Betting Preview Schedule and Odds





North Texas took a step back last year finishing at 4-8, but that was to be expected with a new quarterback. Now with even more starters gone entering 2015, the Mean Green have some work to do, although will have some experience at QB. Their over/under is still only at 5 wins (sportsbook.ag), with the under at -185.

Andrew McNulty won the QB job last year, but he still has a long way to go before getting this team to a bowl game. McNulty completed 54.7% of his passes for 6 TDs and 7 INTs in 10 games last season. He will at least be joined by returning players at running back and wide receiver. Antoinne Jimmerson (589 yards, 5 TDs) and Jeffrey Wilson will likely split time out of the backfield, with Wilson aiming for the starting spot as a sophomore. At receiver, Carlos Harris (869 yards, 3 TDs) will lead the group again, but he's also joined by Turney Smiley, Darvin Kidsy and tight end Marcus Smith (6 TDs).

The issue will be up front where North Texas lost four long-tenured offensive linemen. Kaydon Kirby is a solid center, but surrounding him are new faces, even if some of them are seniors. That said, there are reports that the offensive line isn't all that far behind where last year's group was. If that's the case, the pressure is on McNulty to improve on last year's 27.2 points per game.

The defensive side is a little more of a mess with only three starters coming back. In addition, the Mean Green have a new coordinator in Chris Cosh, who comes over from Buffalo's defensive line, but has tons of coordinating experience around the country. The middle of the defense will be a problem, with most of the experience in this group coming on the edges.

Chad Polk is back after injury and he's helped by Jarrian Roberts at end. Tackle Austin Orr and linebacker Fred Scott both need to build off last season. The secondary has a similar issue with corner Kenny Buyers being the only returning starter. Safety Kishawn McClain started a few games last year, but is only a sophomore. The defense brought in some transfers and a couple of them should be starters out of the gate like safety James Gray, who comes over from a Community College.

North Texas doesn't get any favors in its schedule, most notably in conference play. Even in non-conference games, the Mean Green have to travel to Iowa and Tennessee. However, they should still match 2014's mark of 2-2 in those games. Surpassing five total wins is unlikely though with possibly the toughest schedule in Conference USA. In crossover play, the Mean Green have to deal with Western Kentucky as well as road games at Marshall and Middle Tennessee. Those games are in addition to already facing Rice and Louisiana Tech in the West division. To get more wins, this team has to win games that they are favored in, meaning home matchups against UTSA and UTEP. Otherwise, North Texas could be in for a worse record than last season due to a tougher schedule.




2015 North Texas Football Schedule

Sept. 12 at SMU
Sept. 19 vs. Rice
Sept. 26 at Iowa
Oct. 3 at Southern Miss
Oct. 10 vs. Portland State
Oct. 15 vs. Western Kentucky
Oct. 24 at Marshall
Oct. 31 vs. UTSA
Nov. 7 at Louisiana Tech
Nov. 14 at Tennessee
Nov. 21 at Middle Tennessee
Nov. 28 vs. UTEP

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2015 Mid Tenn College Football Betting Preview Schedule and Odds





Middle Tennessee finished at 6-6 overall last year, yet still placed second in the East division with a 5-3 conference record. The Blue Raiders have 16 starters back, but are expected to finish third in the East and have the fifth-best odds to win the C-USA (+1400). Their over/under is set at seven wins (at sportsbook.ag), but in mid-July the under was at -210.

The offense was solid all around last year scoring 31.6 points per game and that should be the case again with Austin Grammer back at quarterback. Grammer finished with 23 total touchdowns (six rushing), while completing 65.4% of his passes. However, he also turned it over 17 times, 12 interceptions and five fumbles. As only a junior, he still has some improving to do. Most of his top receivers will be back to help in Ed'Marques Batties (45 receptions), Terry Pettis and Shane Tucker (25 receptions) out of the backfield. The running game is mostly intact as well with Jordan Parker (546 yards) and Tucker expected to split time.

There aren't any major problems along the line either with three starters returning, although a redshirt freshman is slotted to be the starting left tackle at the moment in Carlos Johnson.

Defensively, Middle Tennessee struggled in 2014, allowing 31.5 points per game, and that was a main reason they finished with only six wins. However, this year should be better with eight starters back and a lot of talent from last year's group.

Safety Kevin Byard is the best of them after being a first-team all-conference selection last season after having six interceptions. The other three members of the secondary are all seniors as well, and the same can be said about the linebackers where T.T. Barber leads the way. The line returns three starters, but none of those guys were standouts like Byard or Barber. The experience is there, and now it's about turning that into success.

The Blue Raiders made it to six wins in 2014, but weren't awarded a bowl game. Reaching a bowl this year should be a good possibility, but a couple tough non-conference road games will keep their win total down again as they travel to Alabama and Illinois. Middle Tennessee also gets the unfortunate schedule of having to travel to both Western Kentucky and Louisiana Tech, the probable two best teams in the conference. With Marshall on the schedule as well, this team can ill-afford to lose games against teams like FIU and UTEP again.

If Grammer can reduce his turnovers and improve just a bit in this offense, this team will be better. However, with a tougher schedule this season, that might not mean a better record for the Blue Raiders.






2015 Middle Tennessee Football Schedule

Sept. 5 vs. Jackson State
Sept. 12 at Alabama
Sept. 19 vs. Charlotte
Sept. 26 at Illinois
Oct. 3 vs. Vanderbilt
Oct. 10 at Western Kentucky
Oct. 17 vs. Florida International
Oct. 24 at Louisiana Tech
Nov. 7 vs. Marshall
Nov. 14 at Florida Atlantic
Nov. 21 vs. North Texas
Nov. 28 at UTSA

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2015 Marshall College Football Betting Preview Schedule and Odds





Marshall lost quarterback Rakeem Cato and yet is still projected to reach double-digit wins. The Thundering Herd's over/under is set at 10 wins (at sportsbook.ag), and they are favored to win Conference USA at +230. They went 13-1 last year with their only loss coming in the regular season finale at Western Kentucky, a 67-66 overtime game. How will this team do it with only 12 starters expected to return?

The Herd scored 45.6 points per game in 2014, but that was with four-year starter Cato leading the way with 48 total touchdowns. The new quarterback will be Michael Birdsong, who was given the job almost immediately in the spring. Birdsong is a junior, but does not have any game experience at the FBS level (played 14 games in FCS with James Madison). Fortunately, the offense will still have running back Devon Johnson (1,767 yards, 17 TDs) to move the sticks and ultimately keep them going.

Birdsong will have some help at receiver with sophomores Angelo Jean-Louis and Deon-Tay McManus, but losing Tommy Shuler (322 catches all-time) is also going to be a blow for the offense. The offensive line returns three starters, including all-conference man Clint Van Horn and shouldn't step back at all.

Marshall was also a solid team defensively last year allowing 21 points per game and a reason they had a chance at an undefeated season. However, only five starters return and this group won't be as talented.

The Thundering Herd will build around the pieces that remain in tackle Jarquez Samuel and linebacker D.J. Hunter. Other than that, the rest will all be new faces in the front seven, including a few transfers. The secondary is in a little better situation with every spot returning some kind of experience including A.J. Leggett and Taj Letman at safety.

With a manageable non-conference slate, there's no reason Marshall can't get to 10 wins again. They get Purdue in the opener and Birdsong's first game as the starter, but other than that, really only have some road games at mediocre MAC teams to be worried of. In C-USA play, Marshall has a fairly nice schedule, until they get to November road games at Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky. Other than that, it's mostly smooth sledding for this team.

The Herd's schedule is friendly, but with a new quarterback and plenty of talent gone on the defensive side, this isn't the same team as a year ago. They will once again contend for the conference title, but those late-season road tests may be too much for them to win another C-USA title.




2015 Marshall Football Schedule

Sept. 6 vs. Purdue
Sept. 12 at Ohio
Sept. 19 vs. Norfolk State
Sept. 26 at Kent State
Oct. 3 vs. Old Dominion
Oct. 9 vs. Southern Miss
Oct. 17 at Florida Atlantic
Oct. 24 vs. North Texas
Oct. 31 at Charlotte
Nov. 7 at Middle Tennessee
Nov. 14 vs. Florida International
Nov. 27 at Western Kentucky

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2015 Western Kentucky College Football Betting Preview Schedule and Odds





Western Kentucky had one of the best offenses in the country last season, yet finished 8-5 overall, 4-4 in Conference USA play and tied for third in their division. That was because the Hilltoppers also had one of the worst defenses in the country. This year, nothing much is expected to change and their over/under is set at 7.5 wins, and they have the third-best odds to with the C-USA at +305.

The Hilltoppers scored a whopping 44.4 points per game last year and they return pretty much all of the talent from that squad. Record-setting quarterback Brandon Doughty was granted another season of eligibility after throwing for 49 TDs, only 10 INTs and completing 67.9% of his passes. He's joined by stud running back Leon Allen (1,542 yards, 13 TDs) and most of 2014's top receivers, including Jared Dangerfield (825 yards, 11 TDs), Taywan Taylor (767 yards, 7 TDs) and Antwane Grant (509 yards, 6 TDs).

This offense is built off spreading the wealth, as one can see in the receiving numbers, which makes it extra hard for defenses to focus on a certain area. The one issue for this team will be depth if injuries come about, especially on the offensive line. They return three starters, including left tackle Forrest Lamp, but besides that, there are some questions.

Defensively, there's even more questions after WKU gave up 39.9 points per game. There's a reason the Hilltoppers had multiple games where both teams pushed 50 points, including their final two of last season, an OT win at Marshall and a bowl win against Central Michigan (after nearly blowing a 49-14 lead).

The good news is that they return most of last year's talent and then bring in a couple of guys that played for UAB that should be starters immediately in tackle Jontavious Morris and linebacker T.J. McCollum. Sophomore ends Derik Overstreet and Tanner Reeves need to produce more of a pass rush, and that should be possible in their second year. Senior Nick Holt will lead the linebackers and the secondary is getting most of its players back with Marcus Ward and Branden Leston at safety. As long as these guys can stay healthy, improvement should be expected because they can't get much worse than they were.

The issue for Western Kentucky is a tough early-season schedule. They open with two of three road games at Vandy and Indiana and also host Louisiana Tech. The Hilltoppers lost 49-10 at La. Tech last season. Other than that, they have to travel to LSU in October, which will be another loss. The only good news about their schedule is that WKU gets to host Middle Tennessee and Marshall, two of the teams that took them to the wire last year.

The Hilltoppers have a decent shot at winning the East division, but due to their non-conference schedule, will have some tough sledding in reaching more than eight wins. Also, it can't be forgotten that this team lost to weaker ones like UAB and FAU last year due to a bad defense. Without improvement, this is a hard team to trust.




2015 Western Kentucky Football Schedule

Sept. 3 at Vanderbilt
Sept. 10 vs. Louisiana Tech
Sept. 19 at Indiana
Sept. 26 vs. Miami (OH)
Oct. 3 at Rice
Oct. 10 vs. Middle Tennessee
Oct. 15 at North Texas
Oct. 24 at LSU
Oct. 31 at Old Dominion
Nov. 7 vs. Florida Atlantic
Nov. 21 at Florida International
Nov. 27 vs. Marshall

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2015 Texas San Antonio College Football Betting Preview Schedule and Odds





Texas San Antonio had its sights set on bigger things last season with a lot of returning talent, but due to injuries, still finished with only four wins. The Roadrunners are now stuck with the least amount of returning starters in FBS and have an over/under of 2.5 wins. With so few players returning, not much is expected from these guys.

Quarterback will be up for grabs for possibly the entire season until someone takes hold of the position. Austin Robinson and Blake Bogenschutz are the ones competing and both got time last year. Unfortunately, the two combined for one touchdown and seven interceptions in their limited amount of work. Improving on that number will be at the forefront for this offense. UTSA will lean on all-around running back Jarveon Williams as much as possible, but he's also coming off an injury. Their top receiver might be tight end David Morgan II, who only started in six games last year due to injury. Wide receiver is a question mark with Aaron Grubb (23 receptions) and Kenny Bias (seven receptions) the top returners.

To go along with that, the offensive line isn't in a great position either. They'll have two seniors on the right side, led by guard William Cavanaugh, but the left side and center will be extremely young with three sophomores expected to start from that group. This is a team that scored 17.1 points per game last year and only returns two starters from that offense.

The defensive side has four returning starters, but that's not saying much. Three of those guys make up 62 of the 79 total starts from the two-deep roster. Meaning the 19 other players account for just 17 career starts. A positive is that the defense was solid last year, only allowing 25.9 points per game, which is pretty good for a team that had eight losses.

Linebacker Drew Douglas has the most experience of anyone and was third on the team in tackles last year. He'll be helped by a couple more seniors in the secondary in Bennett Okotcha and Mauricio Sanchez. There are some pieces to work with in addition to multiple transfers coming in. The line doesn't feature any returning starters, but there are three seniors expected to start.

The problem for UTSA once again is that its non-conference schedule is absolutely brutal. The Roadrunners almost knocked off Arizona last year, but that'll be harder to do this year. In addition, they get to face three other schools that are almost certainly losses. It's hard to point out wins for UTSA's C-USA schedule, considering they were shutout by UTEP last season. Their home schedule isn't all that kind either, with Old Dominion being UTSA's best shot at a win, to go with road trips at North Texas and Southern Miss (two teams they beat last year).

The Roadrunners have a tough schedule combined with an inexperienced team, which doesn't scream improvement. It'll be hard for this team to surpass three wins. In fact, it'll be hard for them to even reach three wins.




2015 UTSA Football Schedule

Sept. 3 at Arizona
Sept. 12 vs. Kansas State
Sept. 19 at Oklahoma State
Sept. 26 vs. Colorado State
Oct. 3 at UTEP
Oct. 10 vs. Louisiana Tech
Oct. 17 at Southern Miss
Oct. 31 at North Texas
Nov. 7 vs. Old Dominion
Nov. 14 at Charlotte
Nov. 21 vs. Rice
Nov. 28 vs. Middle Tennessee

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Re: 2015 NCAAF Betting Previews

2015 UTEP College Football Betting Preview Schedule and Odds





Texas-El Paso had a nice 2014 season, going 7-6 with a bowl berth, which came a year after only two wins. The Miners have taken up the character of head coach Sean Kugler, former NFL offensive line coach, who is entering his third season with the team. Their over/under is in the same area at 6 wins, but with an easier conference schedule, they could improve on that.

This team is all ground-and-pound and there's no hiding it. While they'll have a new quarterback this year with a lot of new targets, their starter last year only attempted 286 passes for 12 touchdowns. Mack Leftwich is expected to step in at QB after playing in four games two years ago. The top receiver will likely be Autrey Golden, who led the team with 31 receptions in 2014 as a running back. Fellow running back Aaron Jones was second on the team with 30 receptions and Tyler Batson is set to be a starting WR after only one reception last season.

None of that is a huge deal because they couldn't really pass last year either. They're going to run Aaron Jones (1,321 yards, 11 TDs) and company into the ground. Joining him is backup Nate Jeffery (114 carries), fullback Darrin Laufasa and a big offensive line that returns four starters from last year's group. UTEP's strategy is based off of running the ball a ton and keeping opposing offenses off the field. If the passing game is somehow decent in 2015, that'll only be a bonus.

The Miners weren't terrible on defense last year, but again, a lot of that had to do with seeing a small amount of plays en route to allowing just 28.1 points per game. They return five starters to this side of the ball with three of them being on the line.

Roy Robertson-Harrison is the guy to watch out for on the end along with Nick Usher. Outside of that, linebacker Alvin Jones looked solid in his freshman campaign and should only improve in his second year in UTEP's 4-2-5 scheme. The problem this season will come in the secondary where only one starter returns in safety Devin Cockrell. They had a solid pass defense last year, but that probably won't be the case again.

The Miners over/under is lower than their win total from last year because of new faces on defense and possibly an even worse passing game. However, despite starting the season with three straight road games (first two at Arkansas and Texas Tech), their Conference-USA schedule looks a bit nicer. In 2014, UTEP's three conference losses were road games at La. Tech, WKU and Rice, three of the best teams. Now, instead of drawing WKU in crossover play, get FIU and FAU. In addition, the Miners will host La. Tech and Rice, with their road games coming at four teams that are projected to be worse than them.

UTEP will have a top rushing attack once again, and that might be all they need to reach four conference wins. For the Miners to miss six wins, would be a major disappointment.




2015 UTEP Football Schedule

Sept. 5 at Arkansas
Sept. 12 at Texas Tech
Sept. 19 at New Mexico State
Sept. 26 vs. Incarnate Word
Oct. 3 vs. UTSA
Oct. 10 at Florida International
Oct. 24 vs. Florida Atlantic
Oct. 31 at Southern Miss
Nov. 6 vs. Rice
Nov. 14 at Old Dominion
Nov. 21 vs. Louisiana Tech
Nov. 28 at North Texas

[NYK]

Re: 2015 NCAAF Betting Previews

2015 Southern Miss College Football Betting Preview Schedule and Odds





Southern Mississippi is looking to get back to relevancy, but it won't be easy, especially with only 11 starters returning in all. The Golden Eagles will have some pieces to work with, but need vast improvements on both sides of the field to reach six wins. Their over/under (at 5dimes) is sitting at 4.5 wins. That's some improvement after they finished just 3-9 last year.

The major news for this team is at the quarterback position where the starting gig is still up for grabs. Nick Mullens is the incumbent, but he led the offense to just 19 points per game in 2014. And that's where TCU transfer Tyler Matthews comes in. The two battled throughout the spring, but neither really separated themselves from the other and the competition will go into fall camp. Head coach Todd Monken even said that the team could give both of the QBs time since both proved their abilities in the spring.

The receiving corps will have plenty of talent for the quarterback to work with including Michael Thomas (592 yards, 5 TDs) and DJ Thompson to go with a couple JUCO transfer tight ends that are expected to step right in. The running game continues to struggle for Southern Miss, as they gained less than 100 yards per game last year as a team. Ito Smith (536 yards) returns to the backfield along with Tez Parks, but there are a couple other options pending on academic and injury issues. The offensive line should help things out a bit, especially with the running game as four starters return.

Southern Miss's defense wasn't much better last year allowing 35.4 points per game and they only return three starters from that group, which could be a good thing. The line could be the biggest issue as there wasn't much depth last year, but the coaches like what they see. Senior Michael Smith moved to the inside with Dylan Bradley and Xavier Thigpen stepping into spots on the end.

Senior linebacker Brian Anderson is the anchor in this group, but fellow LB D'Nerius Antoine could be the spark that this defense needs. The secondary is spotty as well with senior cornerback Kalen Reed leading the group.

Southern Miss has a couple tough games in non-conference play (Miss. State, Nebraska), but games against Austin Peay and Texas State should result in wins. The Golden Eagles don't have an extremely tough C-USA schedule either, but they do have road games at Marshall, Rice and Louisiana Tech. However, outside of those, this team should have a solid chance in all of their other conference games. That includes games against North Texas, UTSA and Charlotte.

The Golden Eagles should be better on the offensive end this year with a solid base to work from, as long as the QB situation works itself out. But, the defense could still be a problem, which will hold this team back from winning more than five games.




2015 Southern Miss Football Schedule

Sept. 5 vs. Mississippi State
Sept. 12 vs. Austin Peay
Sept. 19 at Texas State
Sept. 26 at Nebraska
Oct. 3 vs. North Texas
Oct. 9 at Marshall
Oct. 17 vs. UTSA
Oct. 24 at Charlotte
Oct. 31 vs. UTEP
Nov. 14 at Rice
Nov. 21 vs. Old Dominion
Nov. 28 at Louisiana Tech

[NYK]

Re: 2015 NCAAF Betting Previews

2015 Rice College Football Betting Preview Schedule and Odds





Rice had a successful 2014 finishing at 8-5, culminating with a big win over Fresno State in the Hawaii Bowl. The Owls were second in the C-USA's West division, but were outmatched in two late road games against top teams. They aren't expected to take too big of a fall this year and have an over/under of 7.5 wins, with the fourth-best odds to win the conference at +700.

Rice doesn't return much from last year, with only eight starters coming back on offense and defense combined. However, quarterback Driphus Jackson returns for his senior year and second season as the team's starting QB. He did exactly what was asked of him last year, throwing for 24 TDs and only 8 INTs to go with 401 yards on the ground. Jackson loses his favorite receivers from 2014 that combined for 15 of his touchdowns, which could be a factor. Dennis Parks (29 receptions, 389 yards, 1 TD) will look to fill the No. 1 wideout gap with Temi Alaka and Zach Wright (25 receptions) also becoming starters.

The good news for Jackson is that the backfield remains intact with both Jowan Davis (956 yards) and Darik Dillard (12 TDs) returning. The problem for them will be a fresh offensive line that only brings back two starters, with two of the expected 2015 starters being underclassmen. Rice wasn't over-the-top good last year, but Jackson continually did enough en route to eight wins. He'll need to do the same this season.

The Owls were average on the defensive end last year, controlling weaker teams, but then getting beat up easily by better teams like Marshall and La. Tech. With only three starters returning to the group, they could only hope for those results. Not only do they lack returning talent, but there will also be a lot of underclassmen, most notably in the secondary where multiple starting spots are still being sorted out.

Tackle Ross Winship, linebacker Alex Lyons and cornerback Ryan Pollard are the only returning starters, but at least there is one guy at every level. The line was a strong suit last year, but that may not be the case again. Senior tackle Stuart Mouchantaf will be important after missing last season due to injury.

Considering Rice only reached seven regular-season wins last year, reaching more than that with a lot of new faces is going to be difficult. Their non-conference schedule is similar to 2014's with road games at Texas and Baylor likely ending in losses. To surpass 7.5 wins, the Owls will need six C-USA wins. The reasoning for that over/under is likely based on a rather easy conference road slate. However, with a worse defense, road wins are never a certainty. This season, Rice gets to host Louisiana Tech, which is nice, but they did lose in that game 76-31 last year. Another boost is drawing Charlotte and FAU in crossover play.

Sure, the Owls have an easier conference schedule this season, but with a lot of underclassmen on both sides of the ball moving into starting spots, this probably isn't a team to bet the over on, even with Jackson at QB.




2015 Rice Football Schedule

Sept. 5 vs. Wagner
Sept. 12 at Texas
Sept. 19 at North Texas
Sept. 26 at Baylor
Oct. 3 vs. Western Kentucky
Oct. 10 at Florida Atlantic
Oct. 24 vs. Army
Oct. 30 vs. Louisiana Tech
Nov. 6 at UTEP
Nov. 14 vs. Southern Miss
Nov. 21 at UTSA
Nov. 28 vs. Charlotte