Bowlin' with the Big Boys

[golfnut69]

Per CFN.... and no mention of... well U know.....The Hudster'... but several AAC schools

http://cfn.scout.com/2/1579807.html

[GreenLantern]

Lot of Tulane opponents on this list of 10.

[ajcalhoun]

Lot of Tulane opponents on this list of 10.

12. Navy
They’ll Bowl With the Big Boys Because … they’ll be led by one of the country’s most accomplished quarterbacks. Keenan Reynolds is a senior with a slew of wins and academy records on his resume. He’s the type of leader who can elevate to higher ground a program that’s won at least eight games in 11 of the last 12 years. In their American debut, the Mids don’t have to face Cincinnati or UCF, a real plus.
They’ll Bowl in Anonymity Because … the D is going to have problems with decent opponents on the schedule. Unlike the potent triple-option attack, the Navy defense is ordinary, a particular concern against the likes of Notre Dame, Tulsa and Houston outside of Annapolis. Wins over the Irish are extremely rare, yet that’s likely what it’ll take o even get into this discussion.
Statement Opportunities : at Notre Dame (Oct. 10)

11. UCF
They’ll Bowl With the Big Boys Because … in an American Athletic Conference light on nasty defenses, the Knights will be among the best in the league. Yeah, the back seven has holes to fill, but the line is outstanding and George O’Leary always populates his roster with gifted athletes. Plus, many of this year’s upperclassmen and staffers know what it takes to win a conference crown—and a Fiesta Bowl—having stunned Baylor just two seasons ago.
They’ll Bowl in Anonymity Because … there are too many question marks to even match last season’s nine wins. UCF suffered a slew of roster body blows, particularly at wide receiver and in the secondary. The Knights will rebuild, but may not be fully functional until 2016. And while trips to Stanford and South Carolina provide exposure, they could also unmask the weaknesses of a team that’s ordinary beyond the D-line.
Statement Opportunities : at Stanford (Sept. 12), at South Carolina (Sept. 26)

10. Memphis
They’ll Bowl With the Big Boys Because … they’re one of the fastest rising teams out of the Group of Five, and they return their budding coach and young quarterback. After shockingly winning 10 games last season, capped by a bowl upset of BYU, the Tigers will stay on course, because Justin Fuente is still on the payroll and QB Paxton Lynch is only at the halfway point of his career.
They’ll Bowl in Anonymity Because … the defense is due for a letdown. The D in Memphis was vastly underrated the past few years, and instrumental in the program’s ascent. Not only have eight key starters run out of eligibility, but the unit’s architect, coordinator Barry Odom, took the same position at Mizzou. Without the same stinginess from the defense, matching last year’s success will be a challenge for the Tigers.
Statement Opportunities : vs. Ole Miss (Oct. 17)


4. Houston
They’ll Bowl With the Big Boys Because … they once again have a coach commensurate with the talent. The Cougars had a higher ceiling than the 8-5 mark of the last two seasons, which is why former Ohio State assistant Tom Herman was hired to supplant underachieving Tony Levine. Herman inherits a starting quarterback, Greg Ward Jr., and one of the American’s best offensive and defensive backfields.
They’ll Bowl in Anonymity Because … the front seven is in transition, both in terms of personnel and alignment, as Houston shifts to a 3-4. The secondary is terrific, but if the line and the linebackers aren’t set by the Week 2 trip to Louisville, dreams of a major bowl game could be dashed before they can materialize. Herman has a great future, but new staffs usually need time to gel.
Statement Opportunities : at Louisville (Sept. 12)

3. Cincinnati
They’ll Bowl With the Big Boys Because … the offense is Power Five-caliber. Second-year QB Gunner Kiel is the conductor of a high-powered attack returning last season’s leading rusher, Mike Boone, and top seven receivers. No deficit will be too big this fall, because this team can score with anyone on the schedule, especially if Kiel stays healthy and takes another step forward in his evolution.
They’ll Bowl in Anonymity Because … the defense remains a serious liability. When the Bearcats had a chance to make national noise in 2014, they surrendered 50 points to Ohio State and 55 to Miami. And the current edition will be every bit as vulnerable, particularly up the middle. Shootouts are fun, but you’re bound to get picked off if you participate in too many of them.
Statement Opportunities : vs. Miami (Oct. 1), at BYU (Oct. 16)

[DfromCT]

Western Michigan's coach is going to make some bigger name University very happy in 2016 and moving forward. PJ Fleck is a name to remember, for sure.

I think it's laughable that they say Navy will run into a juggernaut at Tulsa. I don't expect our D to fare any better against Navy than we did against GaTech, though.

[cajunfanatico]

Per CFN.... and no mention of... well U know.....The Hudster'... but several AAC schools

http://cfn.scout.com/2/1579807.html

Pretty cool that you found it noteworthy that we're not on the list. Cheers!

Good luck tonight Wave!!!!!