East
1. East Carolina 8-4 (7-1)
If the Pirates can keep its fighting spirit alive after a most likely 0-2 start (@ VT, WVU), the rest of the schedule sets up nicely for ECU to reach the C-USA Title game.
2. Memphis 8-4 (6-2)
With seventeen returning starters, including ten defensive starters, the pieces are in place for yet another bowl berth.
3. Marshall 6-6 (5-3)
If the Thundering Herd find a quarterback; Marshall could flirt with a .500 season.
4. Central Florida 5-7 (4-4)
Replacing skill positions all over the field, including do-everything RB Kevin Smith, will prevent the Golden Knights from doing any serious damage this season.
5. Southern Miss 5-7 (3-5)
Tailback Damion Fletcher is special, but with only nine other starters returning, the Golden Eagles are destined for mediocrity in 2008.
6. UAB 2-10 (1-7)
In 2007, the Blazers were 105th in Scoring Offense (19.6 ppg) and 105th in Scoring Defense (35.1 ppg). Expect much of the same in ’08.
West
1. Tulsa 9-3 (6-2)
The schedule sets up nicely, and the Golden Hurricanes could be 9-0 when they travel to Houston in mid-November; which should be for the C-USA West crown.
2. Houston 8-4 (5-3)
QB’s Case Keenum and Black Joseph return as the Cougars should not lose a step on the offensive side of the ball.
3. UTEP 7-5 (4-4)
Seven starters return on a defense that allowed over 37 pgg last year. Improve that stat, and the Miners could be bowling.
4. SMU 5-7 (4-4)
New head coach June Jones will get the Mustangs back to a respectable program; just not this year.
5. Rice 3-9 (1-7)
There isn’t a better one-two punch than QB Chase Clement and WR Jarett Dillard. Unfortunately, the Owls don’t have much else.
6. Tulane 2-10 (1-7)
A very tough schedule and only twelve returning starters will be too much for the Green Wave to handle.
C-USA Championship
East Carolina def. Tulsa 44-38