2008 Woodie Awards
THE UPS AND DOWNS OF C-USA
THE DAILY CAMPUS 2007 CONFERENCE USA FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Jordan Hofeditz, Sports Editor, jhofedit@smu.edu
Issue date: 8/29/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 2 next >
There may not be a more even conference in college football than Conference USA, especially in the West Division. The Mustangs are one of six teams competing to represent the west in the C-USA Championship.
At one point late last season SMU, Houston and Tulsa each had legitimate shots to win the division. SMU defeated Tulsa, but was unable to beat Houston, who also defeated Tulsa and gave Houston its berth in the championship game.
In the two seasons that the Mustangs have been members of C-USA the team selected to win the division in the preseason was not the team to play in the championship game. And both times SMU spoiled the favorite.
In 2005 the UTEP Miners were selected to win the west, but lost to the Mustangs in the final game of the season, making Tulsa champions. Last season Tulsa was the preseason favorite, but with losses to Houston and SMU, the Golden Hurricanes were unable to hold this position again.
Houston
The Cougars will be looking to repeat the season they had last year, but will be missing one key ingredient: veteran quarterback Kevin Kolb. Kolb had been a starter since 2003 when he lit up C-USA as a freshman.
But Houston will still be a dangerous opponent, especially in the running game with Antony Alridge. Alridge broke the C-USA record for yards per carry average by over two yards.
The biggest game of the season will be in Tulsa early in November. The Cougars will need an upset if they hope to have a chance at regaining the title.
Rice
With football savior Todd Graham no longer leading the way the Owls might experience a slight slip, but don't expect it to last for long. The early season transition could be the toughest for Rice, especially with opponents including Baylor, Texas Tech and Texas before entering C-USA play against conference favorite Southern Miss.
Don't expect the Owls to jump to greatness, but don't be surprised by another bowl appearance either.
SMU
At one point late last season SMU, Houston and Tulsa each had legitimate shots to win the division. SMU defeated Tulsa, but was unable to beat Houston, who also defeated Tulsa and gave Houston its berth in the championship game.
In the two seasons that the Mustangs have been members of C-USA the team selected to win the division in the preseason was not the team to play in the championship game. And both times SMU spoiled the favorite.
In 2005 the UTEP Miners were selected to win the west, but lost to the Mustangs in the final game of the season, making Tulsa champions. Last season Tulsa was the preseason favorite, but with losses to Houston and SMU, the Golden Hurricanes were unable to hold this position again.
Houston
The Cougars will be looking to repeat the season they had last year, but will be missing one key ingredient: veteran quarterback Kevin Kolb. Kolb had been a starter since 2003 when he lit up C-USA as a freshman.
But Houston will still be a dangerous opponent, especially in the running game with Antony Alridge. Alridge broke the C-USA record for yards per carry average by over two yards.
The biggest game of the season will be in Tulsa early in November. The Cougars will need an upset if they hope to have a chance at regaining the title.
Rice
With football savior Todd Graham no longer leading the way the Owls might experience a slight slip, but don't expect it to last for long. The early season transition could be the toughest for Rice, especially with opponents including Baylor, Texas Tech and Texas before entering C-USA play against conference favorite Southern Miss.
Don't expect the Owls to jump to greatness, but don't be surprised by another bowl appearance either.
SMU
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
TM
posted 8/30/07 @ 10:49 AM EST
Your Rice preview is all wrong. You say that they are led by "football savior" Todd Graham. Graham is obviously coaching at Tulsa now and you eevn talk about his arrival in their preview. (Continued…)
Post a Comment