I’m going to preview the Crimson Tide below, as well as list my predictions on this team.  If you want to know how this conference plays out as a whole, then take a look at my 2010 SEC football predictions article.  By looking at the college football odds, Alabama is almost a shoe-in to reach the SEC Championship game this year.

Offense:

Alabama put up 32.1 points per game and 403.0 total yards per contest last season.  With eight returning starters on offense, there’s no reason to think they can’t match and exceed those numbers.  QB Greg McElroy is the real deal, RB Mark Ingram won the Heisman Trophy last year, and at wide receiver Julio Jones and Marquise Maze each get overlooked because this is a run-first offense.  Ingram rushed for 1,658 yards and 17 touchdowns a year ago, and his backup Trent Richardson chipped in 751 yards and 8 scores in 2009.

The offensive line returns 14-game starters in C William Vlachos, RG Barrett Jones and LT James Carpenter.  McElroy has never lost as a starter, throwing for 2,508 yards and 17 touchdowns last year.  But Alabama will rely heavily on their running game once again after rushing for 215.1 yards in 2009.  But look for them to open up the playbook a little with Jones and Maze on the outside.

Defense:

If Alabama can get back to the national title game, it will be because of their defense.  The offense is in good hands, but it will be hard for the Crimson Tide to match their ‘09 numbers after allowing 11.7 points per game and 244.1 total yards per contest.  LB Dant’a Hightower and SS Mark Barron are the lone returning starters, but Saban likes the talent he has coming in.

Alabama does have some experience along the defensive line with DT’s Josh Chapman and Luther Davis, who filled in nicely behind starter Terrence Cody.  Also, DE’s Marcell Dareus and Cortney Upshaw both played in every game a year ago.  Hightower figures to be the best player on this side of the ball as he moves to middle linebacker to replace Rolando McClain.  Baron led all SEC players with 7 interceptions last year, so he’s a good one to have back.

SEC Prediction: 1st West Division – Not only do I have the Crimson Tide winning the West, I also have them winning the SEC and getting back to the National Title game where they will also prove victorious.  Saban has proven he can recruit and he’s a defensive mastermind, so I cannot see this Alabama defense dropping off too much.  Plus, even if they do take a small dip in production, the offense can pick them up with all the key pieces they have returning.  This team is loaded again in 2010, and Saban will keep them hungry and motivated so don’t expect a letdown.

Related posts:

1. 2010 College Football Predictions: Alabama
2. 2010 SEC Football Predictions
3. LSU Football Predictions 2010

Iowa State’s offense was built on the run last season averaging 180 yards on the ground compared to just 185 yards through the air.  A balanced attack can always be effective, but the passing numbers must increase in 2010 if the Clones want to make some noise.  QB Austen Arnaud had his fair share of highlights last season, but also went through quite a few disappointments.  While the win over Nebraska was huge for the team, Arnaud was not a part of it and watched backup Jerome Tiller lead the way.  After reclaiming his starting spot, AA contributed over 2500 yards of total offense and 22 touchdowns.  13 interceptions were a few too many.  Alexander Robinson, better known as A-Rob, has been a rock in the ISU backfield for the past two years.  He has cemented his status as one of the best backs in the Big 12 following a near 1200 yard season rushing.  His nine total tds were second on the team and he is versatile enough to be a factor in the passing game also.  State might be missing a legitimate number one target at receiver, but Jake Williams and Darius Danks have enough experience to settle into that role.  The two combined for 64 catches and over 700 yards a season ago.  Coaches believed the offensive line was a major reason why the Cyclones won seven games last year.  LT Kelechi Osemele is an All Big 12 performer that will anchor a unit that allowed just 16 sacks in 2009.

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The defensive side of the ball has some major question marks that need to be answered.  Who will take the place of LB Jesse Smith’s leadership and also 135 tackles?  Will safety David Sims get out of the doghouse after using an unauthorized credit card to make a small purchase?  No linebacker on this squad is going to even scratch the surface of the type of production Smith showed on a weekly basis.  They have two sophomores projected as starters and junior college transfer Matt Tau-fo-ou has had his run-ins with the law also.  David Sims was the top returning tackler and had a team high five interceptions.  He is currently suspended for the season opener against Northern Illinois pending review of his case.  They will need all hands on deck in the second game at rival Iowa.  DE Rashawn Parker will be a welcome addition back to the team after missing all but four games of his junior season due to a leg injury.  His speed rush is something that the Clones were missing last year while totaling only 16 sacks as a team.  Defensive coordinator Wally Burnham plans to install a 4-2-5 defense that will put less pressure on the inexperienced linebacker core.

Iowa State’s schedule is ranked the toughest in the country for good reason.  Not only do they face a preseason top ten team (Iowa) and one lurking just outside the top 25 (Utah) in their non conference slate, but the middle of October is a joke for the Cyclones.  It doesn’t get much harder than heading to Oklahoma and Texas on two consecutive Saturdays.  To reach a bowl game ISU will have to get 7 wins as one of their opponents is Division 1-A Northern Iowa.  I think they take a step back this season with a respectable 5 wins.

Related posts:

1. 2010 College Football Predictions: Iowa
2. Free Football Picks: Iowa State at Texas A&M
3. 2010 College Football Predictions: Michigan State

The Pac 10 boasts some of the top quarterbacks in the nation with the likes of Matt Barkley, Jake Locker, and Andrew Luck.  Arizona’s Nick Foles has to be named in that list also after a 2500 yard 19 touchdown performance as a sophomore in only nine full games as the starter.  The Michigan State transfer has all the tools to be a prototypical NFL QB and has plenty of talent surrounding him.  Nic Grigsby is a gifted running back that saw his numbers decrease in 2009 mainly due to injury.  He rushed for 1153 yards as a sophomore, but managed only 567 yards last season.  If the Wildcats get his production from two years ago the Pac 10 defenses are in for a long season.  Former offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes took his spread offense to Louisiana Tech.  Arizona runs the spread offense and it flourished under Dykes averaging over 28 points/game the past three seasons.  The passing game spreads the ball around to multiple receivers and relies on spacing to create openings.  WR Juron Criner had a team high nine touchdown receptions and was second with 45 catches.  Delashaun Dean should fill the void left by Terrell Turner and become the number two option.  It will be interesting to see if the offense maintains the level of production from the past two seasons with two new offensive coordinators in 10’.

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Mike Stoops will have to use his defensive background to instruct a group that returns just four starters and lacks experience.  This side of the ball will also be led by new coordinators and could take some time to make the transition.  Mike’s brother Mark Stoops left to take the same position at Florida State.  The front four should be a strength with DE Ricky Elmore leading the way.  The senior sack artist recorded 10.5 last year and will be keyed on by opposing offensive lines.  Ohio State transfer Willie Mobley should move into a starting slot at DT.  The secondary is anchored by lockdown CB Trevin Wade.  His five interceptions in 09’ led the team as he teamed with Devin Ross to form one of the more dynamic coverage units in the Pac 10.  Big things are expected from FS Adam Hall after seeing considerable action as a true freshman.  Passing will be difficult on this Wildcats defense, but inexperience at linebacker could cause concerns with rushing defense.

Arizona should start the season 2-0 before hosting potential top ten Iowa on Sept 18th. The Wildcats will try to avenge a 10 point loss to the Hawkeyes a year ago.  They start the season on the road at Toledo looking to break a string of losing eight consecutive road openers. Their first two conference games will be at home vs. Cal and Oregon State and five out of their nine Pac 10 dates are played in Arizona.  The schedule sets up nicely, but the conference is wide open and should be extremely competitive.  I believe U of A matches last season’s win total of 8 and heads to another nice bowl game

Related posts:

1. PAC 10 Football Predictions 2010
2. 2010 Arizona State Football Predictions
3. 2010 UCLA College Football Preview

Check below to find out much more about the Tigers along with my predictions on how they’ll fare in the SEC West this season. Beating the college football odds in this conference will be much easier once you check out our 2010 SEC football predictions to find out which teams are the strongest heading into the season.

Offense:

Miles wants to get back to pounding the rock with more consistency after the Tigers averaged just 122.8 rushing yards per game last season. Carrying the bulk of the load in the running game will be RB Stevan Ridley, who was forced into action in the final two games last season. But he’ll have plenty of help from Richard Murphy, who is returning from injury. The electric freshman Michael Ford rushed for more than 200 yards in nine games as a senior in high school, and he is their RB of the future.

QB Jordan Jefferson is back to lead the offense after throwing for 17 touchdowns to 7 interceptions as a sophomore. He is a nice talent, but he doesn’t have many proven playmakers to get the ball to in the passing game. WR Terrence Tolliver had 53 receptions for 735 yards last season, but he’s their only proven returnee at wideout. Both starting tackles are back along the offensive line, but the interior will be all new.

Defense:

LSU stayed in ball games last season thanks to a defense that allowed just 16.2 PPG. But only 4 starters return, and the Tigers must replace five of their front seven. Senior DT Lazarius Levingston is a stud, and DT Drake Nevis brings some experience. Sophomore end Sam Montgomery could be the best of the bunch, and the team has praised him throughout spring ball. LB Kelvin Sheppard led the team with 110 tackles a year ago and he’ll be counted upon heavily to help out an inexperienced linebacking corps.

Also back is junior CB Patrick Peterson, who scored two touchdowns last season, one on an interception return and another on a blocked field goal return. He held Alabama’s Julio Jones to three catches, while also holding Georgia’s A.J. Green to just four grabs. Teams will throw away from him this season, putting sophomore Morris Claiborne in a tough spot opposite Peterson. Junior SS Brandon Taylor started nine games last year, and FS Jai Eugene will have to adapt quickly to his new position.

SEC Prediction: 3rd in the West – Both Alabama and Arkansas have many more playmakers on offense than LSU. The Tigers must find a way to put up more points this season after scoring just 24.9 PPG a year ago, and it’s not looking promising. The defense has a lot of talent despite only four returning starters, but the Tigers will be hard-pressed to match the 16.2 PPG they gave up a year ago. I have LSU finishing behind both the Crimson Tide and the Razorbacks in the West this season.

Related posts:

1. 2010 College Football Predictions: LSU
2. Alabama College Football Predictions 2010
3. WAC Football Predictions 2010

Take a look at my overall 2010 college football predictions article to find out which teams have the best shot at a national title this year. It also shows which teams have the best chance to beat the college football odds come season’s end.

Sun Belt Predictions:

1.) Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders – QB Dwight Dasher is back after throwing for 2,789 yards and 23 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,153 more along with 13 scores. He is one of the few returning starting quarterbacks in this conference from an offense that put up 32.0 PPG last year. 4 offensive linemen and most of their playmakers are back as well, so the offense should pick up right where it left off. The defense will be solid with 6 starters back from a unit that gave up 23.7 PPG a year ago. The Blue Raiders get Troy at home on October 5th as well.

2.) Troy Trojans – Only 5 starters return on offense, and they lose Sun Belt Player of the Year in QB Levi Brown. The defense is an even bigger concern from a unit that gave up 29.8 PPG in 2009 with only 3 starters returning. Larry Blakeney has proven he can recruit, and there will be some talent here, just not enough to overcome MTSU.

3.) Louisiana Rajin’ Cajuns – QB Chris Masson is back and the offense should be improved after scoring 22.2 PPG a year ago. The biggest improvement will come from a defense that allowed 30.3 PPG with 7 starters returning. This team went 4-4 in the Sun Belt last year and a 5-3 mark this season will be good enough for third.

4.) Florida Atlantic Owls – FAU gave up 33.8 PPG last year, and the defense must improve with 8 starters back. The defense should be fine with so much returning experience, but the offense is in shambles with only 3 starters back. The Owls must replace their entire offensive line.

5.) Arkansas State Red Wolves – All five starting offensive linemen return, but that’s all the Red Wolves have to work with on offense. And they desperately need new skill players to step up after averaging just 22.7 PPG last year. Only 5 starters are back defensively as well, giving Arkansas State just 10 returning starters to work with which won’t be enough for them to compete with the top tier of the Sun Belt.

6.) Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks – RB Frank Goodin returns after rushing for 1,126 yards and 13 touchdowns, so the offense is in good hands with him. QB Kolton Browning is an elite talent, but the defense is a concern with only 4 returning starters.

7.) North Texas Mean Green – 9 starters return to an offense that put up some big numbers last season, including 40 points against Florida Atlantic and 68 points vs. Western Kentucky. The Mean Green will put up plenty of points on the board, but the defense gave up 35.6 PPG last year and if they cannot improve the stop unit, then they won’t be very competitive this season either. 7 starters return on defense.

8.) Florida International Golden Panthers – The offense only put up 22.9 PPG last year, and once again the offensive line is in shambles and the QB position is a major question mark. Not to mention, the defense is hurting with only 3 starters back. The Panthers defense yielded 35.3 PPG last season.

9.) Western Kentucky Hilltoppers – It cannot get any worse after an 0-12 season, and with 16 starters back, the Hilltoppers should see some improvement. Plus, WKU came close to winning at the end of last year by concluding the ‘09 season with three straight losses by 6 points or less. It’s probably safe to say they will get a win or two this season, but not much more.

Related posts:

1. Sun Belt Conference Football Predictions 2010
2. WAC Football Predictions 2010
3. 2010 Big East Football Predictions

1. Temple Owls – Temple’s only loss in conference play a season ago came at Ohio in the last game of the regular season.  That loss cost the Owls a trip to the MAC championship game.  With Temple getting Ohio at home this season, I expect the Owls to avenge their loss to the Bobcats and to win the East.

2. Ohio Bobcats – I can’t complement Frank Solich enough on the job he has done at Ohio.  He has led the Bobcats to two MAC East championships in the last four years, and he helped snap a 39-year bowl drought.  Solich will have the Bobcats in the hunt for another MAC East title, but I have them coming up just short with a loss at Temple.

3. Kent State Golden Flashes – The last couple seasons, Kent State has been capable of beating just about anyone.  In fact, the Golden Flashes have defeated the MAC East champ each of the last two seasons.  The Flashes finished 4-4 in conference play in 2009, but they could have ended up better had it not been for early season injuries to some key players.  If healthy, I expect Kent State to break through and make its first bowl trip since 1972.

4. Buffalo Bulls -The Bulls finished just 3-5 in league play last season, but they could have easily been 6-2 when you consider that three of their losses came by three points or less.  Still, it’s hard to think much, if any, improvement will be on the way as the team must adjust to life without Turner Gill.

5. Akron Zips -Akron finished 3-9 a season ago, and its struggled will continue under new head coach Rob Ianello.  The offense is just too anemic, only averaging 19.3 ppg in 2009, and I don’t foresee much improvement in Ianello’s pro-style system.

6. Bowling Green Falcons – After losing two of the best players in the history of the program, QB Tyler Sheehan and WR Freddie Barnes, the offense won’t be able to keep the Falcons in games the way it did last year.

7. Miami Ohio Redhawks – The Redhawks fell to 3-21 the last two seasons following a 1-11 2009 seasons.  This record marks their worst two-year run in the last 20 years.  The Redhawks could find a way to get out of the MAC East basement, but it isn’t going much further than that.

MAC West Predictions
1. Northern Illinois Huskies – I really like what the Huskies bring to the table.  They run the football well, and they play great defense.  That’s the stuff championship teams are made of, and that’s why I like the Huskies to win the West.

2. Toledo Rockets -Toledo should do a better job of not turning the football over this season.  That should instantly lower the 37.7 points per game the Rockets gave up a year ago, helping them win more football games as a result.

3. Central Michigan Chippewas – Losing head coach Butch Jones, QB Dan LeFevour, WR Antonio Brown and RB Bryan Schroeder will be too much for the Chipps to overcome.

4. Western Michigan Broncos -The Broncos lose QB Tim Hiller and RB Brandon West, and those key losses will keep them from being contenders in the West.

5. Ball State Cardinals – The Cards caught a break with the NCAA granting MiQuale Lewis a fifth year of eligibility, but this team still has a long way to go.  The Cards went just 2-10 in 2009, but there is reason to be optimistic with all they have coming back on both sides of the football.  Getting back to .500 isn’t out of the question.

6. Eastern Michigan Eagles – Year one did not treat Ron English well as his Eagles went 0-12 while finishing dead last in the conference in total offense and defense.  It’s going to take a ton of improvement for the Eagles to avoid the cellar, and I just don’t see it happening.

MAC Championship Game Prediction – Northern Illinois over Temple

If you are interested in seeing which schools I like to win all of college football’s other conferences, then be sure to check out my 2010 college football predictions.

Crush the college football odds this season with the help of World Champion handicapper Jimmy Boyd!

Related posts:

1. 2010 Mid-American Football Predictions
2. Free Football Picks: Miami Ohio at Temple
3. Sun Belt Conference Football Predictions 2010

1. Troy Trojans -Troy lost some key guys off last year’s team, with Sun Belt Player of the Year Levi Brown being the biggest loss, but the Trojans will still have an excellent opportunity to win their fifth straight Sun Belt title.  They will get stiff competition from Middle Tennessee State, but Troy has had little trouble with the Blue Raiders.  The Trojans have defeated MTSU each of the last four seasons during their title spree.  One of the best offensive lines in the league and playmakers like Jerrel  Jernigan and Shawn Southward should be enough to keep the Trojans at the top.

2. Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders -The Blue Raiders are the most likely team to end Troy’s run at the top, but they will have to beat the Trojans in order to do so.  They will get that opportunity at home on October 5, but keep in mind that they lost to Troy 7-31 last season.  QB Dwight Dasher is the preseason favorite to win Sun Belt Player of the Year honors after throwing for 2,789 yards and rushing for 1,154 yards.  In all, he tallied 36 touchdowns.  I thought MTSU would have given the Trojans a much better game last season, and that’s why I’m reluctant to think they can break through.  At the same time, I won’t be at all surprised if they win the league.

3. Florida Atlantic Owls – The Owls finished 5-3 in league play in 2009, and I really can’t see them doing any better this season.  The key to improvement will be the defensive side of the football.  The Owls allowed 33.8 points per game last year.  With eight starters back the defense should be somewhat improved, but likely not enough to enter the title hunt.

4. Arkansas State Red Wolves – Unlike Troy, who has proven its ability to reload under Larry Blakeney, Arkansas State will have trouble floating the losses of Corey Leonard and Reggie Arnold on the offensive side of the football.  The good news is last year’s No. 1 ranked defense should remain stout.

5. Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks -The Warhawks will lean on running back Frank Goodin and one of the league’s best running attacks, but they will still take a small step back after losing so much on the defensive side of the football.

6. Louisiana-Lafayette Rajin’ Cajuns -The Rajin’ Cajuns have been on the brink of landing in a bowl game in four of the last five years, but I don’t think this will be the season where it finally happens.  The Cajuns are one of the weaker offensive teams in the league, and I don’t see the offense taking the next step after losing two of the best offensive lineman in the conference.

7. North Texas Mean Green – The Mean Green have the potential to improve on last season’s 2-10 showing thanks to a potentially dangerous offense.  North Texas ranked fourth in the Sun Belt in scoring in 2009 (26.6 ppg) and even put up 68 and 40 points in a couple different games.  But a defense that allowed nearly 36 points per game last season will keep the Green from looking so mean in the bottom half of the league.

8. Florida International Golden Panthers – FIU has struggled under coach Mario Cristobal.  In fact, it is only 9-27 during his three seasons at the controls.  There just isn’t going to be major improvement until the Golden Panthers can get a lot better defensively.  The Panthers ranked next to last nationally in total defense in 2009.

9. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers -The Hilltoppers finished 0-12 in their first season in the FBS, but there is excitement entering the 2010 season after the hiring of WKU great Willie Taggart as head coach.  The Hilltoppers showed great heart down the stretch in 2009, taking UL Monroe, FAU and Arkansas State right down to the wire.  The wins won’t start piling up this season, but the Hilltoppers should be a lot more competitive.

Make sure you also check out my 2010 college football predictions to see how I have all the other conferences shaping up.

Start beating the college football odds this season with the help of Jimmy Boyd’s expert picks!

Related posts:

1. 2010 Sun Belt Football Predictions
2. Mid-American Conference Football Predictions 2010
3. 2010 Middle Tennessee Football Predictions

2. UCF Knights -The Knights were one of only two C-USA teams to beat a high-octane Houston squad during the regular season in 2009, and they figure to be right in the mix for an East title if QB Rob Calabrese can do the job.  That might be a big if, though, considering he lost the starting job last season.

3. Marshall Thundering Herd – Marshall appears to be on the way back up.  Amazingly, the Thundering Herd are 118-19 all-time at Joan C. Edwards stadium.  That’s quite the home field advantage.  The Herd get six games at home in 2010, and that means they should have an excellent shot to go bowling again.

4. East Carolina Pirates – The Pirates have been the team to beat in C-USA the last couple years under coach Skip Holtz, but that will change in 2010 with Holtz moving on and 28 seniors also departing.

5. Memphis Tigers – The Tigers finished just 2-10 last season, including 1-7 in conference play.  We won’t see major improvement in 2010, but we could see some as an experienced offensive line should help the offense move the football down the field.  Plus, I really like the hire of Larry Porter.  He’s young, enthusiastic and excited about rebuilding this football team.

6. UAB Blazers -I just can’t see the Blazers making much noise without QB Joe Webb at the reigns.  He did it all for UAB, and I expect the offense to struggle without him.

Conference USA West Predictions
1. Houston Cougars – Led by QB Case Keenum, Houston boasts the most explosive offense in all of college football, ranking No. 1 in scoring (42.2 points per game), total yards (563.4 yards per game) and passing (433.7 yards per game).  The key to winning an overall C-USA title will be the defensive side of the football, and improvement is expected after hiring former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Brian Stewart.

2. SMU Mustangs – After lifting Hawaii to a BCS bowl game, coach June Jones moved on to SMU, and he has already made major strides there.  The Mustangs went 8-5 last season, after going just 1-11 in 2008, and they could have been 11-5 when you consider that they lost two games in overtime and another by just three points.  It was the biggest turnaround in the FBS, and I believe Jones will make sure the wins keep piling up.

3. UTEP Miners – UTEP broke a school mark for yardage in 2009, and I believe you’ll see the Miners post a few more wins this season, partly because of improvement and partly because of a favorable schedule.  There is a high probability that the Miners could get off to a 4-1 start.  Looking further down the schedule, they could get off to an even better start than that.

4. Tulsa Golden Hurricane -I wouldn’t be surprised if Tulsa bounced back in 2010, but I think it will take the Golden Hurricane another season.  They have a tough schedule with road games against Notre Dame, Oklahoma State, East Carolina, Houston and SMU.  Plus, their running game, which has been so vital to the success of the offense, wasn’t nearly as strong last season.

5. Rice Owls -Rice is another team that I feel is a year away from seriously contending for the West.  The Owls should be a lot more competitive this season with an improved offense, but a defense with plenty of holes will keep the wins from piling up.

6. Tulane Green Wave – Tulane has won only two conference games the last two seasons, and it’s hard to think major improvement is on the way when look at how young the defense is.  Tulane was the worst offensive team in the league last season in terms of scoring and the second worst defensive team in terms of points allowed.

Conference USA Title Game Prediction – Houston over Southern Miss

Start beating the college football odds on a consistent basis in 2010 with the help of Jimmy Boyd’s award-winning football picks!

If you’re interested in seeing which schools I’ve picked to win college football’s other conferences, be sure to check out my 2010 college football predictions.

Related posts:

1. 2010 Conference USA Football Predictions
2. Mid-American Conference Football Predictions 2010
3. Sun Belt Conference Football Predictions 2010

1. Boise State Broncos – Boise State has a chance to do the unthinkable this season.  I’m, of course, talking about playing for a national title.  If Boise State can take care of business against Virginia Tech and Oregon State early in the season, and run the table in the WAC as expected, the Broncos just might get that chance.  The Broncos finished a perfect 14-0 least season, capping off their perfect campaign with a win over TCU in the Fiesta Bowl, and they bring almost everyone back.

2. Nevada Wolf Pack – The Wolf Pack will try to spoil Boise State’s conference, and perhaps even national, title hopes when the two teams meet in Reno on November 26.  Led by QB Colin Kaepernick, the Wolf Pack figure to be one of the most explosive offensive teams in the country again.  Unfortunately, there defense, which ranked 96th nationally in 2009, figures to let them down against Boise State.

3. Fresno State Bulldogs – Losing the nation’s leading rusher Ryan Matthews will hurt, but the Bulldogs should still boast one of the better running attacks in the conference thanks to a strong offensive line which brings back all five starters.  We’ll really find out what the Bulldogs are made of when they take on Nevada and Boise State in back-to-back weeks in November.

4. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs – Losing running back Daniel Porter hurts, but I am confident in the spread attack that Sonny Dykes has installed.  The Bulldogs enjoy a great home field advantage.  They went 4-1 at home last season, and they will have the opportunity to best that mark with six home games in 2010.

5. Utah State Aggies – Idaho was a surprise team in the WAC last season.  The Vandals finished 8-5, capping off their season with a bowl win over Bowling Green.  The Aggies have the opportunity to be this year’s Idaho.  QB Diondre Borel leads an explosive offensive attack that averaged 439.3 yards of total offense last season.  In order to make a bowl game a reality, the defense will need to improve, but that is a real possibility with nine starters back on the stop unit.

6. Hawaii Warriors – Just a couple seasons removed from making a BCS bowl game, Hawaii is struggling under coach Greg McMacklin.  The offense couldn’t score last season, and those struggles figure to continue with all that must be replaced on the offensive line.

7. Idaho Vandals – The Vandals return all of their key skill guys, including QB Nathan Enderle, who is the best QB in the WAC that no one talks about, but a step back seems inevitable with the loss of four solid offensive lineman.

8. New Mexico State Aggies – The Aggies were the worst offensive team in the nation in 2009, scoring only 11.5 points per game and amassing only 229.3 yards per game.  They will have a chance to avoid the WAC cellar, though, as they get San Jose State at home.

9. San Jose State Spartans – Let the rebuilding process begin under new head coach Mike MacIntyre.  He has proven himself as an assistant, but he has never held a head coaching job.  Things are different as a head man.  There is a lot more pressure for one.  He’ll need to make sure he says all the right things as this should be a very trying season.

Make sure you check out my 2010 college football predictions to see how I have all the other conferences shaping up.

Beat the college football odds this season with the help of World Champion handicapper Jimmy Boyd!

Related posts:

1. WAC Football Predictions 2010
2. 2010 Idaho Football Predictions
3. 2010 New Mexico State Predictions

Can the Broncos win this conference again this season? Find out below with my 2010 WAC football predictions where I show you a preview of each team along with how they will finish in the final standings. I have also posted my 2010 college football predictions article which lists the top ten teams in the land. Be sure to check it out before trying to beat the NCAA football lines this season.

2010 WAC Predictions:

1.) Boise State – The Broncos have now won 56 straight WAC home games on the Blue Turf. Their home-field advantage cannot be denied. QB Kellen Moore is back along with 10 offensive and 10 defensive starters. Moore is 26-1 as a starter and has thrown for 64 touchdowns compared to 13 interceptions in his time at Boise. It’s hard to bet against this team with so much talent returning.

2.) Nevada – The Wolf Pack had the 6th ranked offense in the land last season at 38.2 PPG scored. 9 starters return to the offense and the Pistol attack should be just as potent this year. The defense has 6 starters back from a unit that gave up 409.3 YPG last season, and unfortunately it doesn’t appear to be any better in 2010. Nevada hosts Boise after losing to the Broncos on the road 33-44 last year, but I don’t think their defense will be up to par with the Broncos which is why they won’t win the WAC.

3.) Fresno State – The Bulldogs return plenty of talent with 8 offensive and 8 defensive starters back. Head coach Pat Hill loves to pound the rock, and though they’ll miss the nation’s leading rusher in Ryan Mathews, Fresno has all 5 offensive linemen returning. But like Nevada, their defense is in shambles after allowing 413.7 YPG a year ago.

4.) Louisiana Tech – The Bulldogs are in trouble without a sure thing at QB and with RB Daniel Porter gone. Whoever takes over at QB and RB will be playing behind a veteran offensive line with all 5 starters back, though. LA Tech should have an average defense with 6 starters back, but they lose key players along the defensive line. Sonny Dykes inherits a team that won’t finish better than fourth in the WAC.

5.) Utah State – QB Diondre Borel is one of the best players in this conference, and he takes care of the ball after throwing just 4 interceptions a year ago. He can do it all, plus he has junior college transfers in WR’s Matt Austin, Dontel Watkins and Xavier Martin to get the ball to as playmakers. The offense put up 29.1 PPG last season and 439.3 YPG and this unit should pick up right where they left off. 9 returning starters on defense is promising, but this unit gave up 34.0 PPG a year ago which did the Aggies in. Utah State could be the sleeper in the WAC if the stop unit can improve.

6.) Hawaii – The Warriors don’t bring back enough experience to be competitive in 2010. Only 4 offensive and 6 defensive starters return. Their pass-happy offense put up 337.0 PYPG a year ago, but it also cost them down in the red zone when they couldn’t run the ball, which led to a -11 turnover margin and just 22.8 PPG scored. The same problems will arise again this season for Hawaii.

7.) Idaho – The Vandals return most of their playmakers from an offense that scored 32.7 PPG a year ago. The problem is that they must replace 4 starting offensive linemen, and try to improve upon a defense that gave up 36.0 PPG. 10 starters return on defense, but unless each player makes significant improvements, the Vandals aren’t likely to stop anybody in 2010, either.

8.) New Mexico State – It’s a battle between the Aggies and SJSU Spartans for dibs on worst team in the conference. Since NMSU gets SJSU at home this season, I expect them to revenge their 13-10 road loss from a year ago. DeWayne Walker vows this team will be better, but the offense must put up more points after scoring 11.5 PPG a year ago. Managing 3 wins with that offense was a big accomplishment last year, but the Aggies 50-year bowl drought won’t end this season.

9.) San Jose State – New head coach Mike MacIntyre has his hands full in his first year on the job. The offense put up just 13.8 PPG, and though 9 starters return, it’s hard to see the Spartans improving much offensively this season. A defense that gave up 34.5 PPG can’t really get any worse, but it will be tested early with road games at Wisconsin and at Alabama. Their lone wins in ‘09 came against NMSU and Cal Poly, and I have a hard time seeing SJSU improving on their 2-win total from a year ago.

Related posts:

1. WAC Football Predictions 2010
2. 2010 Sun Belt Football Predictions
3. 2010 Big East Football Predictions