MONDAY MORNING TRAINING CAMP UPDATE: ECU HEAD COACH RUFFIN MCNEILL MIC'D UP

ECU Head Coach  Ruffin McNeill was mic'd up on Sunday during the Pirates second day of Fall Camp. Click here(Coach McNeil Mic'd) to see and hear McNeil make the rounds with his players. I picked Coach McNeill as one of the most important G5 Coaches to the success of his program:G5 COACHES LINK. Stay tuned.

12 QUESTIONS FACING GANG OF 5 SCHOOLS ON THE EVE OF THE 2015 FOOTBALL SEASON

TULSA HOPES TO TURN THINGS AROUND THIS YEAR WITH NEW HEAD COACH PHILIP MONTGOMERY

G5 BLOG ORIGINAL CONTENT

HOW WILL THE AAC YOUNG GUNS PERFORM?

The AAC struggled last season in football. TULSA , SMU AND   HOUSTON fired their head coach's and AAC Commissioner Mike Aresco has made it clear to all of the  league's Presidents that now is the time to put up or shut up. Responding to the need to win and win now, TULSA, SMU and HOUSTON went out and hired a trio of competent, charismatic, and hard charging coaches. Phillip Montgomery (TULSA) Tom Herman ( HOUSTON) and Chad Morris(SMU) start this season with teams that have underperformed and struggled to attract talented players. These 3 coaches join Matt Rhule( TEMPLE) and Bob Diaco( UNCONN) and Justin Fuente (MEMPHIS) as talented up and coming leaders. The AAC is going to need all 6 of these Head Coaches to have success and to develop the AAC into the challenger league Mike Aresco wants it to be. It will be interesting to watch and see which of the 3 new Head Coaches will get out of the gate the fastest.

IS WINTER COMING FOR NORTH TEXAS ?

North Texas enjoyed a superb season in 2013, going 9-4 and earning their first winning season in over a decade. Last year however, felt like the Mean Green of old as North Texas struggled with a 4-8 record. This season is going to be a pivotal one for Head Coach Dan McCarney. McCarney is an old school leader who also happens to  really believe  that North Texas can be a top Gang of 5 school due to the  proximity of talented recruits and the  large North Texas alumni base.

The problem for McCarney , however, is that his recruiting record at North Texas has been less than stellar. Another bad year and not only is McCarney's job in jeopardy, but North Texas could be looking at another long drought of winning.(sports teams have an uncanny ability to repeat history, both  good and bad)

The news is not all bad for the Mean Green as they did  showcase  some quality talent at this years Spring Game. Still, if North Texas gets off to a slow start look for the North Texas  faithful  to begin to wonder if  Winter is Coming. ( for a  closer look at North Texas click here:NORTH TEXAS LINK)

WHO WILL LEAD BOISE STATE ?

I have not jumped on the Boise State band wagon this season because I do not believe  any team who is breaking in a new QB should be anointed pre season front runners in anything. How the  QB competition at Boise  unfolds this year will make or break the Broncos. The  front runners to take over from last years very solid Bronco QB Grant Hendrick, are Sophomores Ryan Finley and Tommy Stuart. Both Stuart and Finley saw action in the Boise State Spring game this past April. Neither Finley or Stuart looked commanding in the role. Finley however, is reportedly in the drivers seat to win the starting job. While Boise State has some of the best talent among any of the Gang of 5 schools, if Finley or Stuart fail to perform, Broncos fans will be in for a long blue season.(for a closer look at the MWC and Boise click here: MWC)

WILL SOUTHERN MISS MAKE IT TO A BOWL GAME THIS SEASON ?

Southern Miss has a long and proud history of winning. The Eagles recent fall from grace has been well documented.( Southern Miss looks for a return to normal link). Now , as Southern Miss Head Coach Todd Monken  prepares for his 3rd season at the helm things look like they may have finally turned the corner for the beleaguered Eagle program. Monken's squad returns the most important elements  from last  years offense including the talented Rb Ito Smith. The Eagles also have a slate of new transfers to work with including former Oklahoma defensive  tackle Quincey Russell.

If Southern Miss can get more production from the QB position this year and the defensive unit finds a way to gel, the Eagles have a good chance to make a Bowl game this year for the first time since 2011.

JUST ONE QUESTION FOR THE MAC

Can anyone else make MAC headlines this year besides NIU?

WILL THE PIRATES FINALLY OVER PERFORM  VS UNDER PERFORM ?

ECU has a great fan base and football tradition. Head Coach Ruffin McNeil is a valuable commodity to the Pirate program. Entering his 6th year however, the Pirates have failed to win a conference championship and finish the year ranked. With a defensive unit lead by the ubber talented Zeke Bigger and an Offensive line that returns all 5 starters from last year, this could be the year that ECU finishes the season as strongly as it starts it. Life in Greenville is not all rosy however, as the Pirates have to replace QB Shane Carden. Look for red shirt Sophomore Kurt Benkurt( highly recruited player from Florida) to take over the  QB reigns from Carden. (  link:ECU fan base)

HOW WILL BYU RESPOND TO  BRUTAL SCHEDULE ?

BYU Qb Taysom Hill has recovered from last years season ending injury just in time to face a slate of talented teams on the BYU schedule this year.  With games against Nebraska, Boise, UCLA, Michigan State, Cincy and ECU,  BYU is either going to have one its best seasons ever or limp to the finish line. Look on the bright sight Cougar fans,  playing Memphis in a Bowl game this year is highly unlikely.

HOW BAD WILL  UNC-CHARLOTTE LOOK IN THIER INAUGURAL CONFERENCE USA SEASON ?

Look for  the 49er's to struggle early and often as they begin play in  their  inaugural Conference USA season. Life is about to get ugly for Charlotte fans who have been watching the  49er's play football against sub par teams over the last couple of years.  Make no mistake, Charlotte is no ODU, Georgia Southern or App State. They simply have not been a football program long enough to have the  cache that these recent FBS programs do. Charlotte grocery stories will need to stock up on brown paper bags this year as 49er fans will be looking for appropriate mid year game attire.  Get the popcorn and grimace faces ready. (Charlotte a program to watch link)

ULL FOOTBALL: SEE THE QUESTION FOR ECU THIS SEASON AND REPEAT

CAN GUNNER KIEL LEAD THE BEARCATS TO THE ACCESS BOWL THIS YEAR ?

Gunner Kiel's unorthodox journey has led him to the Cincinnati Bearcats where the former Notre Dame QB finally looks at home. Kiel is one of the best Qb's in College football and the Bearcats have great speed at almost every position on the filed, especially at the WR and Rb. If Gunner can lead Cincy to the ACCESS Bowl this year, Kiel could prove many of  his critics wrong. Winning is the best revenge an athlete can have. Kiel would have this if he can lead Cincy to the most important Gang of 5 football game.

WILL UTEP CONTINUE TO IMPROVE ?

I have always  rooted for the UTEP Miners. The Miners have learned to compete with much fewer resources than their Texas FBS football counterparts  There is also much to like about the Miners Head Coach, Sean Kugler. Kugler has UTEP headed in the right direction. He also  returns all 5 starting lineman from last seasons Bowl team, a plus for any squad. Just how  much the Miners will  improve from last years team however, is a big unknown. If Kugler can get the Miners to a Bowl game again this season , UTEP could be on the road to many years of competitive and even Championship football.

WILL TROY WIN MORE THAN 3 GAMES THIS YEAR ?

When fans think about the  Sun Belt Conference the Troy Trojans immediately come to mind. Last year the Trojans were bad, really bad. After limping to the end of season with  a dismal 3-9 record, the Trojans will be  looking to rebound this year. Troy, winners of 5 Sun Belt Championships, will be breaking in a new head coach this season in Neal Brown. Brown replaces long time Troy Head Coach Larry Blakeney. Just how many games Troy wins this year will be dependent on how well and how fast Brown can groom enough talent to compete with the likes of Ga Southern, App State, ULL and Ark State.

LIGHTNING ROUND:

CAN MEMPHIS HEAD COACH KEEP THE PARTY GOING  ?

Justin Fuente  is proving to be an excellent coach , motivator and tactician. Can he continue however, to keep the Memphis Tigers on the winning path?

WILL THE MARSHALL VS WKU GAME BE THE BEST G5 GAME TO WATCH THIS SEASON ?

Last year's Marshall-WKU game was a  highly entertaining affair. The show down between the two Conference USA teams this season looks to be just as entering and important.  The Marshall vs WKU match is set this year for Friday Nov 27 at High Noon on Fox tv.

SAN DIEGO STATE FOOTBALL

Is this the year San Diego makes a legit run at the MWC title?

TULANE FOOTBALL

How many games will Tulane lose this year before fans begin calling for new leadership at the top?

Stay tuned.

CHARLOTTE 49ERS BEGIN FIRST PRACTICE AS CONFERENCE USA'S NEWEST MEMBER

UNC-Charlotte begins Conf USA play this year in football. While the 49er's will most likely struggle this season in conference play, they certainly have an intriguing story to tell. Like ODU, their CUSA mate, Charlotte is located in a large city hungry for college football. Competition however, in the state of North Carolina is steep and it remains to be seen if the 49er program will ever gain the attention of talented recruits from the Tarheel state.  Here is an article on Charlotte's first August practice as a CUSA member:CHARLOTTE STARTS AUGUST PRACTICE AS NEW CUSA MEMBERS

HOUSTON COUGAR THOUGHTS POST AAC MEDIA DAY

Underdog Dynasty takes a quick look at the Houston Cougars post AAC Media Day:5-thoughts on Houston Following AAC Media Day Link

G5 SPORTS AND NEWS RANKINGS CONT: GANG OF 5 FOOTBALL 16-20

16. GEORGIA SOUTHERN: Eagle fans were rewarded with their school's jump to FBS Football last year when Georgia Southern won the Sun Belt Championship in their inaugural year of  conference play. The Eagles were lead by one of the best Olines in the Sun Belt and one of the best among the G5 schools. This year however, Head Coach Willie Fritz, will have to run his potent ground attack behind 4 new starters on the Oline. For a school this dependent on the triple option, replacing four new offensive linemen is going to be a challenge. Look for the Eagles to struggle for the first part of the season as the big guys up front learn to work with each other.

17.  MEMPHIS TIGERS: Memphis Tiger fans owe Head Coach Justin Fuentes a great deal of thanks for turning around a Memphis program down on its luck. Last year Fuentes lead the Tigers to a 10 win season including a victory over BYU in the Miami Bowl. Fuentes has built his team around character, hard work and skilled players. While 6'7 Paxton Lynch, the Tigers talented QB returns this year, Memphis and Fuentes have their work cut out for them as the best players on the Tiger Def are gone.  If we have learned one thing about Justin Fuentes however, is that he is a master of doing a lot with a little.

18. ULL: I wrote this earlier in the year about the Ragin Cajuns:
This year ULL is once again loaded on both sides of the ball with very good athletes and talented skill players. They also return 3 Oline players from last years 9 win team. Elijah McGuire, last years Sun Belt Player of the Year is also back for the Ragin Cajuns. McGuire is a legit NFL talent and has the skill set to create match up problems for every school ULL plays this year, including P5 School Kentucky. If ULL can get on a run and play to their potential then they  are capable of winning every game this year. Until , however,  ULL can prove they are capable winning the big and important games, however,  I am going to underestimate them vs over estimate them.( I stand ready to apologize to ULL fans if they prove me wrong this year)


19. LA TECH
20. SAN DIEGO STATE

BIG 10'S NEW SCHEDULING PHILOSOPHY COULD MEAN DRAMATIC AND LONG LASTING CHANGES FOR GANG OF 5 SCHOOLS

B10'S COMMISSIONER JIM DELANY

G5 blog original content


BIG 10 NEW SCHEDULING STRATEGY COULD TRANSLATE INTO  DRAMATIC AND  LONG LASTING CHANGES FOR GANG OF 5 SCHOOLS

Speaking to reporters in Chicago at yesterdays  Big 10 Media Day, Commissioner Jim Delany,  announced new and sweeping  changes to the current Big 10 scheduling philosophy. Staring in 2016  the Big 10 will no longer allow its football teams to schedule FCS opponents.(  by virtue of the rule change, potentially no Gang of 5 schools either)

Starting with the 2016 Football Season, all Big 10 schools will be forced to schedule and play only schools from the so called 5 Power Conferences. Delany made the decision in part he said, because he wants the Big 10 to play competition  that he believes  will enhance the reputation and prestige of the conference. Delany  also noted that he thinks that  fans and coaches of the Big 10 want  this for the league as well.  As Delany put it: "So I think better competition draws the fans more. I think if you asked players, they don’t like practice very often but they love games. They love big games. So I think it’s partly (for the) player and fan and television."

While Commissioner Delany did not specifically mention what the  new Big 10 schedule change might mean for Gang of 5 schools,  it seems clear  that the  new  mandate could potentially spell  bad news for the Gang of 5 Conferences.

In fact, many Gang of 5 Presidents and AD's have  been privately worried about the Power Conferences shutting their school's and teams out by refusing to schedule them. With the Big 10's surprise schedule change announcement , the  fears of many of those within the Gang of 5 leadership ranks has become more reality than speculation.

The greatest of these fears of course, is that the Big 10 is just the  beginning   of an overall Power 5 strategy to cut not only FCS schools out of the scheduling loop, but Gang of 5 schools as well. If this were  to happen it would not only change the landscape of college football forever,  it would also ensure that the divide between the Power 5 and Gang of 5 becomes a fait accompli.

GOING FORWARD

You can rest assure that each of the Gang of 5 League Commissions have been working the phones since yesterday trying to gage which,  if any the  other Power 5 Conferences, are interested in following the new Big 10 scheduling model. While I do not think the remaining Power Conference  Commissioners  have any immediate plans to to change their scheduling models, I do believe that many will be watching the Big 10 very closely over the course of the  next several years to gage how the no FCS mandate is working.

If the other P5 Conferences perceive  that the Big 10 has gained an edge in the the College Playoffs because of their schedule change, then we will see a rush by the remaining Power Conferences to do the same.

At that point all bets would be  off in terms of the viability of the Gang of 5 Conferences. At the very least, it seems likely that some G5 leagues might be granted scheduling rights whereby the Power conferences would  deem some G5 leagues more worthy than others. The MWC and the AAC, with their ESPN contacts and more recognizable brands would seem to  be the two conferences that might( might be the key word)  fair the best if such an arrangement were made.

However  the new Big 10 schedule change end up shaking out( Big 10 coaches by the way, appear to be unhappy with the  no FCS rule) Gang of 5 fans should be paying close attention to this new  development as it could mean both dramatic and long term changes for the Gang of 5 schools in  how they operate and/or survive.  Stay tuned.

G5 SPORTS AND NEWS TOP 15 (GANG OF 5 SCHOOLS)

CINCY BEARCATS ARE TOP OF THE G5 THIS SEASON

G5 Blog original content


With August Football Camp just around the corner  it's time to name the G5 Sports and News Top 15 . I will update rankings as the 2015 College Football Season gets underway. Stay tuned


TOP 15 

1. CINCINNATI 
2. BYU 
3. UTAH STATE 
4. BOISE STATE 
5. WESTERN KENTUCKY
6. APPALACHIAN STATE
7. TEMPLE
8. ARKANSAS STATE
9. UCF
10. MARSHALL
11. WESTERN MICHIGAN
12. NIU
13. NAVY
14. ECU
15 . COLORADO STATE



TOP 15 BREAKDOWN

1.  CINCINNATI BEARCATS: The Access Bowl is Cincy's to lose this year. With excellent weapons in QB Gunner Kiel, Senior Wr's Shaq Morrison and Mekale Mckay, Rb's Mike Boone and Hosey Williams, and 3 returning  OLine( Cincy Oline was hit hard last year with injuries) the Bearcats are simply loaded on Offense this season. While the Cincy Def will not be a top 10 unit this year, they do have enough talent to keep teams from scoring more than the Cincy Offense will.

2. BYU COUGARS: After a nasty brawl last year at the conclusion of  the Miami Bowl in which BYU and Memphis players fought  each other on National TV, the Cougars look to return to the gridiron with a renewed sense of purpose and energy. With the best fan base among the Gang of 5 schools and a seemingly endless supply of talented football players who want to play for BYU, the Cougars are loaded again this year at almost every position. With Senior QB Taysom Hill back this year for BYU and an Oline  that is one of the best among the G5 ,BYU is  at the top of the G5 food chain. The one caveat for BYU this year however,  has to be their brutal schedule. With games against Boise, Michigan, UCLA and Nebraska, BYU may be limping to the finish line at the end of the season.

3. UTAH STATE AGGIES: Chuckie Keeton is the X factor for Utah State and if he can stay healthy this season look for him to lead Utah State to a MWC title. In front of Keeton is an experienced line that returns 4 of 5 starters. The Oline struggled some last season, but I expect that with  an extra year under their belts  the line will give Keeton the time he needs to make a plethora of  big plays with his feet and arm.Combine this with a solid Aggie Defense lead by 6'2, 230 OLB Nick Vigil and you have a Utah State team state that should be clicking on all cylinders this year

4. BOISE STATE BRONCOS: Boise State returns the majority of its best players from last years excellent squad.  Something that in most seasons would place them at the top of the MWC and Gang of 5 food chain.  The main issue for the Bronco's this year  is their need to replace  Grant Hedrick at  QB.  Hedrick( now playing in the CFL) ably lead 
last season's Bronco team to both a MWC title and Access Bowl win over Arizona State. If Boise did not have to break in a new QB, they would easily be my pick to win the MWC and repeat as Access Bowl Champs. They are loaded this year but the new Qb will have to prove he can lead the Broncos into Championship territory.

5. WESTERN KENTUCKY HILLTOPPERS: Not only does WKU have one of the best QB's in the country in  Brandon Doughty ,they also have the services of talented RB Leon Allen( Allen will need to stay out of trouble however, if he is to help Western Kentucky next season). In addition to Doughty and Allen, the Hilltoppers return the majority of its Defensive unit from last year. Western Kentucky struggled on defensive last season, but the return of so many players on that side of the ball will only help to improve this group.  Look for Western Kentucky to slice through their CUSA schedule in easy fashion in  2015 and be a dark horse contender for the Access Bowl as well.

6.APPALACHIAN STATE MOUTAINEERS: With 20 returning starters, an up and coming  QB(Taylor Lamb) with experience under his belt, a very good offensive line and  talent at the RB position( Junior Marcus Cox had 19 TD's last year) Appalachian State looks to be a force in the Sun Belt this year. Coach Scott Satterfield( APP STATE FINDS ITS SWAGGER LINK) is finding his voice and the App State players are responding very well to his winning philosophy. Look for App State to gain some national attention this year from College Football fans.

7. TEMPLE OWLS: While a number 6 ranking might seem to high for non Owl fans, for those who follow the Temple program it won't. With 11 starters returning from last years excellent defense , including all world LB Tyler Matakevich( one of the best LB last names ever) Head Coach Matt Rhule has all kinds of ways to reek havoc on  opposing AAC offenses this year. The OWl's also return a solid group of Rb's and veteran  WR's. I expect the OWL's ubber athletic Qb, PJ Walker, to finally put the pieces together and have an outstanding year. Temple is a solid number 6 as the College Football season begins.

8. ARKANSAS STATE RED WOLVES :Now that Coach Anderson is in his 2nd year as head coach of the Arkansas State Red Wolves look for him to continue to create a culture of winning at Ark State.  Red Wolves QB Fred Knighten returns for Senior year. While not the most talented  QB in College Football, he is steady and could prove to have a very nice Senior campaign. The Red Wolves also have some nice talent in RB Michael Gordon and last years leader in yards  6'2 WR  Tre Houston.  If the Oline can continue to give solid play and the Defense improve from last years very average effort, the Arkansas State Red Wolves could be making headlines this season. 

9.UCF KNIGHTS: Head Coach George O'Leary does not like to lose. Look for the Knights to rebound from last years season( no Access Bowl) and put together a UCF campaign that relies on smart offensive play calling  and a very good Defensive front 7. With   QB Justin Holman expected to win the starting job, and the Knights sporting a trio of good rb's, look for UCF to make a run at the AAC Conference title and be in the hunt for the Access Bowl this year.

10. MARSHALL THUNDERING HERD: Marshall fans experienced a roller coaster of emotions last season. While the Thunder Herd had one of the most dominate Gang of 5 teams last last year,  Marshall suffered from some credibility gaps at the hands of the College Football Playoff Committee. The Playoff committee believed the Herd schedule to be to weak to earn an Access Bowl invite. While Marshall losses quite a bit of talent from last years team, including its all century QB Rakeem Cato, the Herd  will still sport a  dangerous squad. Look for Marshall to   rely heavily on their very talented rb, Devon Johnson to run the ball early and often, especially as new QB, Michael Birdsong learns the Herd offense.. While I think WKU wins CUSA this year, don't be surprised if the Herd finds a way to beat the Hilltoppers and capture the CUSA title this year.

11. WESTERN MICHIGAN

12. NIU

13. NAVY

14. ECU

15. COLORADO STATE