Who will reign supreme in Conference USA's West division?
When it comes to determining the class of Conference USA it seems that you only need to look at Houston. The Houston Cougars will have a bit of unfinished business on their minds this season after coming up short in the Conference USA championship game. With a stacked offense back in full gear, can anyone topple Houston from the Conference USA West division pedestal?
Before you dismiss the rest of the competition take a closer look at an emerging SMU program and do not sell short Tulsa, who has a brutal road schedule. Can UTEP make a surprising run?
Below I have listed my Conference USA West division predictions. Here are my Conference USA East predictions. Read through my brief thoughts and let me know what you think below in the comments section.
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Houston - The Cougars look to be the top team in Conference USA, and for good reason. Having Case Keenum behind center and the best offensive weapons at his disposal through the air and on the ground and a beast of an offensive line protecting him, Keenum and the Houston offense should once again be tough to beat. East Carolina found a way to slow them down in 2009, but this team looks poised for a good run in 2010.
SMU - If Houston is going to be the team to beat, SMU may have the best chance to do it. June Jones' squad returns eight offensive starters and will get Houston at home for homecoming this season. The defense has improved in each of Jones' first two seasons at SMU and the offense's scoring production has increased. Coming off their first bowl victory in 25 years there is a high level of optimism at SMU, and it is well deserved. Could 2010 be a magical season for the Mustangs?
Tulsa - The Golden Hurricane will return nine returning starters on offense, including leading rusher and passer G.J. Kinne. As a junior Kinne will look to lead Tulsa's offense on the road in big games at SMU and Houston in addition to a season opener at East Carolina and a late October trip to Notre Dame. The schedule clearly pays Tulsa no favors but they still could be a division contender, especially if they can take a win at SMU or Houston. But it will not be easy.
UTEP - The Miners' defensive scoring average has decreased each of the past three seasons, but they still average a little over 30 points per game. If UTEP is to make a somewhat surprising run in the division they will do so with veteran leadership. Each projected starter on the offense is at least a junior.
Rice - Nothing comes easy for Rice, and 2010 should once again be more of the same. The Owls went 2-10 last season and this year Rice will hope to base their success on experience. Rice will return nine starters on both sides of the ball but the schedule will once again be a tough task. A season opener against Texas in Reliant Stadium could turn ugly quickly but home games against Northwestern and Baylor could see a better result. Rice gets SMU, Houston, UAB, and East Carolina at home this season.
Tulane - The Green Wave look to be in store for another rough season. With only four defensive starters returning to the team in 2010 it will be a difficult task to improve on a defensive scoring average of 36.7 points per game. Before getting four straight home games toward the end of the season Tulane will have to play at Rutgers, Houston, Tulsa and UTEP. They also play Mississippi from the SEC at home early on.
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