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CollegeFootballNews.com

2019 College Football Early Predictions, Schedules For All 130 Teams

The schedules and March predictions for all 130 college football teams, including the realistic best and worst case records and quick analysis.

Contact @ColFootballNews

ACC ATLANTIC

– ACC Weekly Schedule Analysis, Top Ten Games
– Buy College Football Tickets

Boston College Eagles

The Eagles have a brutal back half of the season with four road games in the final five around a home game against Florida State – and all are losable. Even with that, and with the opener against Virginia Tech, the should be able to get to at least six wins.

2018 Record: 7-5
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 6-6

Aug. 31 Virginia Tech
Sept. 7 Richmond
Sept. 13 Kansas
Sept. 21 at Rutgers
Sept. 28 Wake Forest
Oct. 5 at Louisville
Oct. 12 OPEN DATE
Oct. 19 NC State
Oct. 26 at Clemson
Nov. 2 at Syracuse
Nov. 9 Florida State
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 at Notre Dame
Nov. 30 at Pitt
– Full Schedule Analysis

Clemson Tigers

The Tigers are going to be amazing again, but is there going to be any sort of a hangover? Will it take a little while to gear up again after losing an all-timer of a defensive line? Not really. There will likely be a miss along the way – watch out for that Texas A&M showdown or that trip to Syracuse – but it’ll take a massive upset to get these guys twice.

2018 Record: 15-0
Realistic Best Case Record: 12-0
Realistic Worst Case Record: 9-3
2019 Prediction, March Version: 11-1

Aug. 29 Georgia Tech
Sept. 7 Texas A&M
Sept. 14 at Syracuse
Sept. 21 Charlotte
Sept. 28 at North Carolina
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 Florida State
Oct. 19 at Louisville
Oct. 26 Boston College
Nov. 2 Wofford
Nov. 9 at NC State
Nov. 16 Wake Forest
Nov. 23 OPEN DATE
Nov. 30 at South Carolina
– Full Schedule Analysis

Florida State Seminoles

There will be a bounce-back in Year Two under Willie Taggart – but not enough of one for FSU. With road games at Virginia, Clemson, Boston College and Florida, and home games against NC State and Miami, and the neutral site day against Boise State, it’s a nasty slate.

2018 Record: 5-7
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 7-5

Aug. 31 Boise State (in Jacksonville)
Sept. 7 ULM
Sept. 14 at Virginia
Sept. 21 Louisville
Sept. 28 NC State
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 at Clemson
Oct. 19 at Wake Forest
Oct. 26 Syracuse
Nov. 2 Miami
Nov. 9 at Boston College
Nov. 16 Alabama State
Nov. 23 OPEN DATE
Nov. 30 at Florida
– Full Schedule Analysis

Louisville Cardinals

Expect a fast turnaround under Scott Satterfield after last year’s disaster, but where are the easy wins? The Cardinals will beat Eastern Kentucky and Western Kentucky, and … nine of the other games are against teams that went bowling, and the date with Florida State is on the road. They’ll still improve enough to push for six wins.

2018 Record: 2-10
Realistic Best Case Record: 7-5
Realistic Worst Case Record: 4-8
2019 Prediction, March Version: 5-7

Sept. 2 Notre Dame
Sept. 7 Eastern Kentucky
Sept. 14 at WKU
Sept. 21 at Florida State
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 Boston College
Oct. 12 at Wake Forest
Oct. 19 Clemson
Oct. 26 Virginia
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 at Miami
Nov. 16 at NC State
Nov. 23 Syracuse
Nov. 30 at Kentucky
– Full Schedule Analysis

NC State Wolfpack

The Wolfpack will beat East Carolina and Western Carolina to start things out, and they’ll beat Ball State, but can they come up with a win or three on the road at West Virginia, Florida State, Boston College, Wake Forest and Georgia Tech? Absolutely, but figure just enough misfires to keep this from being a huge year.

2018 Record: 9-4
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 6-6
2019 Prediction, March Version: 8-4

Aug. 31 East Carolina
Sept. 7 Western Carolina
Sept. 14 at West Virginia
Sept. 21 Ball State
Sept. 28 at Florida State
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 10 Syracuse
Oct. 19 at Boston College
Oct. 26 OPEN DATE
Nov. 2 at Wake Forest
Nov. 9 Clemson
Nov. 16 Louisville
Nov. 21 at Georgia Tech
Nov. 30 North Carolina
– Full Schedule Analysis

Syracuse Orange

Outside of the Clemson game early on, it’s not a bad first half of the schedule as long as the Orange can get by the road games at Liberty and Maryland – both will be dangerous under new head coaches. There are just enough road games over the second half of the year to be a problem – assume Florida State and Louisville to be a whole lot better.

2018 Record: 10-3
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 7-5

Aug. 31 at Liberty
Sept. 7 at Maryland
Sept. 14 Clemson
Sept. 21 Western Michigan
Sept. 28 Holy Cross
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 10 at NC State
Oct. 19 Pitt
Oct. 26 at Florida Sate
Nov. 2 Boston College
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 at Duke
Nov. 23 at Louisville
Nov. 30 Wake Forest
– Full Schedule Analysis

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Wake Forest will go all Wake Forest and overachieve at least once to find a way to six wins. The home games against Utah State, North Carolina, Louisville and Duke are hardly sure things, and with road games at Virginia Tech, Clemson and Syracuse in November, it’s going to be a battle.

2018 Record: 7-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 4-8
2019 Prediction, March Version: 6-6

Aug. 30 Utah State
Sept. 7 at Rice
Sept. 12 North Carolina
Sept. 21 Elon
Sept. 28 at Boston College
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 Louisville
Oct. 19 Florida State
Oct. 26 OPEN DATE
Nov. 2 NC State
Nov. 9 at Virginia Tech
Nov. 16 at Clemson
Nov. 23 Duke
Nov. 30 at Syracuse
– Full Schedule Analysis

ACC COASTAL

– ACC Weekly Schedule Analysis, Top Ten Games
– Buy College Football Tickets

Duke Blue Devils

The Blue Devils get to start out against Alabama, but the road games overall aren’t all that bad. The Virginia Tech and Virginia games will be a problem, but it’s the home dates that will be the issue with Notre Dame, Syracuse and Miami all in November. It’ll be a hard run to get to six wins.

2018 Record: 8-5
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 4-8
2019 Prediction, March Version: 6-6

Aug. 31 Alabama (in Atlanta)
Sept. 7 North Carolina A&T
Sept. 14 at Middle Tennessee
Sept. 21 OPEN DATE
Sept. 27 at Virginia Tech
Oct. 5 Pitt
Oct. 12 Georgia Tech
Oct. 19 at Virginia
Oct. 26 at North Carolina
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 Notre Dame
Nov. 16 Syracuse
Nov. 23 at Wake Forest
Nov. 30 Miami
– Full Schedule Analysis

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

One of college football’s biggest wild cards, just how much of a pivot will there be and how long will it take under new head man Geoff Collins? Starting at Clemson won’t be fun, ending against Georgia will be an issue, and going to Miami stinks. There just aren’t enough sure-thing wins.

2018 Record: 7-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 6-6

Aug. 29 at Clemson
Sept. 7 USF
Sept. 14 Citadel
Sept. 21 OPEN DATE
Sept. 28 at Temple
Oct. 5 North Carolina
Oct. 12 at Duke
Oct. 19 at Miami
Oct. 26 OPEN DATE
Nov. 2 Pitt
Nov. 9 at Virginia
Nov. 16 Virginia Tech
Nov. 21 NC State
Nov. 30 Georgia
– Full Schedule Analysis

Miami Hurricanes

It’s all about the quarterback play. If that comes through, the Canes should have a massive season under new head man Manny Diaz – the team should be far more effective and more energized. But the offense has to work against Florida to start the season (it won’t) and has to kick it in over the back half with four of the last five games on the road. Even so, the schedule is very, very helpful.

2018 Record: 7-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 10-2
Realistic Worst Case Record: 7-5
2019 Prediction, March Version: 9-3

Aug. 24 Florida (in Orlando)
Sept. 7 at North Carolina
Sept. 14 Bethune-Cookman
Sept. 21 Central Michigan
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 Virginia Tech
Oct. 11 Virginia
Oct. 19 Georgia Tech
Oct. 26 at Pitt
Nov. 2 at Florida State
Nov. 9 Louisville
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 at FIU
Nov. 30 at Duke
– Full Schedule Analysis

North Carolina Tar Heels

It’s not like Mack Brown is bringing 2005 Texas talent along with him. The Tar Heels should be a whole lot better, but where are the sure-thing wins? 11 of the 12 games are against teams that went bowling, and and 0-7 start before the Duke game is hardly a crazy suggestion. The team will be experienced and better enough to get to at least four wins, though.

2018 Record: 2-9
Realistic Best Case Record: 7-5
Realistic Worst Case Record: 3-9
2019 Prediction, March Version: 4-8

Aug. 31 South Carolina (in Charlotte)
Sept. 7 Miami
Sept. 12 at Wake Forest
Sept. 21 Appalachian State
Sept. 28 Clemson
Oct. 5 at Georgia Tech
Oct. 12 OPEN DATE
Oct. 19 at Virginia Tech
Oct. 26 Duke
Nov. 2 Virginia
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 14 at Pitt
Nov. 23 Mercer
Nov. 30 at NC State
– Full Schedule Analysis

Pitt Panthers

There are way too many 50/50 games and too many things that have to go right to get to six wins. Delaware is the only likely sure-thing win, and then … Playing UCF at home? Uh oh. Ohio is sneaky-dangerous, going to Duke is hardly a sure thing, and facing Boston College is up in the air. Throw those in with the likely road losses at Penn State and Virginia Tech, and it’s going to be a grind of a year.

2018 Record: 7-7
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 6-6

Aug. 31 Virginia
Sept. 7 Ohio
Sept. 14 at Penn State
Sept. 21 UCF
Sept. 28 Delaware
Oct. 5 at Duke
Oct. 12 OPEN DATE
Oct. 18 at Syracuse
Oct. 26 Miami
Nov. 2 at Georgia Tech
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 14 North Carolina
Nov. 23 at Virginia Tech
Nov. 30 Boston College
– Full Schedule Analysis

Virginia Cavaliers

It’s a wonderful Virginia team returning under Bronco Mendenhall, and best of all, where are the sure-thing losses? At Notre Dame? Okay. At Miami? That’s coming off an off-week. There should be a loss here to – maybe – Pitt on the road, or to Virginia Tech (as always), but there’s a lot to like.

2018 Record: 6-7
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 6-6
2019 Prediction, March Version: 8-4

Aug. 31 at Pitt
Sept. 6 William & Mary
Sept. 14 Florida State
Sept. 21 Old Dominion
Sept. 28 at Notre Dame
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 11 at Miami
Oct. 19 Duke
Oct. 26 at Louisville
Nov. 2 at North Carolina
Nov. 9 Georgia Tech
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 Liberty
Nov. 29 Virginia Tech
– Full Schedule Analysis

Virginia Tech Hokies

Let’s just assume Virginia Tech will figure out how to tackle again. Road games at Boston College, Miami, Notre Dame, Georgia Tech and Virginia – the Hokies really will someday lose again to the Cavs, winning every showdown since 2003 – are just enough to keep the season from blowing up, but overall it’s a very, very manageable slate.

2018 Record: 6-7
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 6-6
2019 Prediction, March Version: 9-3

Aug. 31 at Boston College
Sept. 7 Old Dominion
Sept. 14 Furman
Sept. 21 OPEN DATE
Sept. 27 Duke
Oct. 5 at Miami
Oct. 12 Rhode Island
Oct. 19 North Carolina
Oct. 26 OPEN DATE
Nov. 2 at Notre Dame
Nov. 9 Wake Forest
Nov. 16 at Georgia Tech
Nov. 23 Pitt
Nov. 29 at Virginia
– Full Schedule Analysis

Next: American Athletic

AMERICAN ATHLETIC EAST

– AAC Weekly Schedule Analysis, Top Ten Games
– Buy College Football Tickets

Cincinnati Bearcats

Even with the Bearcat continuing to roll under Luke Fickell, there are too many losable games. UCLA will be better, and going to Ohio State is a problem – that’s just to kick things off. Assume issues along the way with UCF, at Houston, at Marshall, at Memphis, and at USF to deal with, too.

2018 Record: 11-2
Realistic Best Case Record: 10-2
Realistic Worst Case Record: 6-6
2019 Prediction, March Version: 8-4

Aug. 29 UCLA
Sept. 7 at Ohio State
Sept. 14 Miami University
Sept. 21 OPEN DATE
Sept. 28 at Marshall
Oct. 4 UCF
Oct. 12 at Houston
Oct. 19 Tulsa
Oct. 26 OPEN DATE
Nov. 2 at East Carolina
Nov. 9 UConn
Nov. 16 at USF
Nov. 23 Temple
Nov. 29 at Memphis
– Full Schedule Analysis

Connecticut Huskies

Just how much better can UConn improve? ANYTHING on defense will be a plus, but it’ll still take several upsets to get close to six wins. Wagner, at UMass and East Carolina are the three games that have to be must wins, and there should be a few other good fights along the way.

2018 Record: 1-11
Realistic Best Case Record: 7-5
Realistic Worst Case Record: 2-10
2019 Prediction, March Version: 4-8

Aug. 29 Wagner
Sept. 7 Illinois
Sept. 14 OPEN DATE
Sept. 21 at Indiana
Sept. 28 at UCF
Oct. 5 USF
Oct. 12 at Tulane
Oct. 19 Houston
Oct. 26 at UMass
Nov. 1 Navy
Nov. 9 at Cincinnati
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 East Carolina
Nov. 30 at Temple
– Full Schedule Analysis

East Carolina Pirates

New head coach Mike Houston should be able to turn things around a little bit, but it’ll still take a while to get where the program should go. Assume at least five losses, but there are seven games against teams that didn’t go bowling.

2018 Record: 3-9
Realistic Best Case Record: 6-6
Realistic Worst Case Record: 2-10
2019 Prediction, March Version: 5-7

Aug. 31 at NC State
Sept. 7 Gardner-Webb
Sept. 14 at Navy
Sept. 21 William & Mary
Sept. 28 at Old Dominion
Oct. 3 Temple
Oct. 12 OPEN DATE
Oct. 19 at UCF
Oct. 26 USF
Nov. 2 Cincinnati
Nov. 9 at SMU
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 at UConn
Nov. 30 Tulsa
– Full Schedule Analysis

South Florida Bulls

Can Charlie Strong’s team come up with a stunner or two? With Wisconsin, at Georgia Tech, Cincinnati, Memphis and at UCF to deal with, assume at least three losses in that group, if not more, and assume another whiff or two along with way with Temple, BYU, at Navy, as a part of the mix, too.

2018 Record: 7-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 6-6
2019 Prediction, March Version: 7-5

Aug. 30 Wisconsin
Sept. 7 at Georgia Tech
Sept. 14 South Carolina State
Sept. 21 OPEN DATE
Sept. 28 SMU
Oct. 5 at UConn
Oct. 12 BYU
Oct. 19 at Navy
Oct. 26 at East Carolina
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 Temple
Nov. 16 Cincinnati
Nov. 23 Memphis
Nov. 29 at UCF
– Full Schedule Analysis

Temple Owls

New head coach Rod Carey has a good team to work with, but there are a whole lot of dangerous games to make it a fight to get to the eight wins of last year. Maryland, Georgia Tech, Memphis and UCF are all at home, but there should be at least two losses, probably three. However, road games against Buffalo, East Carolina, SMU and USF are all winnable.

2018 Record: 8-5
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 7-5

Aug. 31 Bucknell
Sept. 7 OPEN DATE
Sept. 14 Maryland
Sept. 21 at Buffalo
Sept. 28 Georgia Tech
Oct. 3 at East Carolina
Oct. 12 Memphis
Oct. 19 at SMU
Oct. 26 UCF
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 7 at USF
Nov. 16 Tulane
Nov. 23 at Cincinnati
Nov. 30 UConn
– Full Schedule Analysis

UCF Knights

Where’s the sure thing loss? The road game at Pitt is winnable for the Knights, and Stanford might just be gettable when it enters The Bounce House. However, assume a loss to one of the two Power Five programs, and a rough day against a Cincinnati on the road or Houston at home. Assume two losses, but … never underestimate this program.

2018 Record: 12-1
Realistic Best Case Record: 12-0
Realistic Worst Case Record: 8-4
2019 Prediction, March Version: 10-2

Aug. 29 Florida A&M
Sept. 7 at Florida Atlantic
Sept. 14 Stanford
Sept. 21 at Pitt
Sept. 28 UConn
Oct. 4 at Cincinnati
Oct. 12 OPEN DATE
Oct. 19 East Carolina
Oct. 26 at Temple
Nov. 2 Houston
Nov. 8 at Tulsa
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 at Tulane
Nov. 29 USF
– Full Schedule Analysis

AMERICAN ATHLETIC WEST

– AAC Weekly Schedule Analysis, Top Ten Games
– Buy College Football Tickets

Houston Cougars

Dana Holgorsen should have this thing humming right away, but it’ll still likely mean four losses with a road trip to Oklahoma, a visit from Washington State, and a road game at UCF. Nine wins are possible, though, with the rest of the schedule more than winnable.

2018 Record: 8-5
Realistic Best Case Record: 10-2
Realistic Worst Case Record: 7-5
2019 Prediction, March Version: 9-3

Aug. 31 at Oklahoma
Sept. 7 Prairie View A&M
Sept. 13 Washington State
Sept. 19 at Tulane
Sept. 28 at North Texas
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 Cincinnati
Oct. 19 at UConn
Oct. 24 SMU
Nov. 2 at UCF
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 Memphis
Nov. 23 at Tulsa
Nov. 30 Navy
– Full Schedule Analysis

Memphis Tigers

There are just enough tough games to make it a push to get to eight wins, but overall, the schedule isn’t that bad. The Tigers have to go on the road to face Temple, USF and Houston, open up the season against Ole Miss, and close against Cincinnati. There isn’t a game on the slate, though, that MU can’t win.

2018 Record: 8-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 6-6
2019 Prediction, March Version: 8-4

Aug. 31 Ole Miss
Sept. 7 Southern
Sept. 14 at South Alabama
Sept. 21 OPEN DATE
Sept. 26 Navy
Oct. 5 at ULM
Oct. 12 at Temple
Oct. 19 Tulane
Oct. 26 at Tulsa
Nov. 2 SMU
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 at Houston
Nov. 23 at USF
Nov. 29 Cincinnati
– Full Schedule Analysis

Navy Midshipmen

At some point the Midshipmen will turn it all around, but it’s not going to be easy after opening up the season against Holy Cross and East Carolina. Outside of the date at Notre Dame, there isn’t anything on the schedule they can’t win, but assume losses to the Irish, at Houston, and at Memphis as a base. The D has to be a whole lot better, though, to get to bowl eligibility.

2018 Record: 3-10
Realistic Best Case Record: 7-5
Realistic Worst Case Record: 3-9
2019 Prediction, March Version: 5-7

Aug. 31 Holy Cross
Sept. 7 OPEN DATE
Sept. 14 East Carolina
Sept. 21 OPEN DATE
Sept. 26 at Memphis
Oct. 5 Air Force
Oct. 12 at Tulsa
Oct. 19 USF
Oct. 26 Tulane
Nov. 1 at UConn
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 at Notre Dame
Nov. 23 SMU
Nov. 30 at Houston
Dec. 7 OPEN DATE
Dec. 14 Army (in Philadelphia)
– Full Schedule Analysis

SMU Mustangs

There’s a lot to like with the offense likely to be stronger and more effective with Texas transfer Shane Buechele running the show. Getting out to a hot start is a must with 50/50 games at Arkansas State and North Texas. Going to TCU, USF, Houston and Memphis should keep this from being a huge year, but winning six games shouldn’t be an issue.

2018 Record: 5-7
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 7-5

Aug. 31 at Arkansas State
Sept. 7 North Texas
Sept. 14 Texas State
Sept. 21 at TCU
Sept. 28 at USF
Oct. 5 Tulsa
Oct. 12 OPEN DATE
Oct. 19 Temple
Oct. 24 at Houston
Nov. 2 at Memphis
Nov. 9 East Carolina
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 at Navy
Nov. 30 Tulane
– Full Schedule Analysis

Tulane Green Wave

There isn’t a high ceiling for the season considering the games at Auburn, Memphis, Army and Temple, and with home games against FIU, Houston and UCF. However, there’s a high floor with enough easy games for a team that’s good enough to build off of last season to get to at least get to six wins.

2018 Record: 7-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 6-6

Aug. 29 FIU
Sept. 7 at Auburn
Sept. 14 Missouri State
Sept. 19 Houston
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 at Army
Oct. 12 UConn
Oct. 19 at Memphis
Oct. 26 at Navy
Nov. 2 Tulsa
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 at Temple
Nov. 23 UCF
Nov. 30 at SMU
– Full Schedule Analysis

Tulsa Golden Hurricane

Okay, okay, Tulsa will be better than this, but where are the wins? The San Jose State game is up in California, Wyoming is no pushover, Navy is going to be better, and East Carolina, Tulane and SMU are road games. Yeah, the final win count should be better than the three of last year, but again, how?

2018 Record: 3-9
Realistic Best Case Record: 6-6
Realistic Worst Case Record: 2-10
2019 Prediction, March Version: 3-9

Aug. 30 at Michigan State
Sept. 7 at San Jose State
Sept. 14 Oklahoma State
Sept. 21 Wyoming
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 at SMU
Oct. 12 Navy
Oct. 19 at Cincinnati
Oct. 26 Memphis
Nov. 2 at Tulane
Nov. 8 UCF
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 Houston
Nov. 30 at East Carolina
– Full Schedule Analysis

Next: Big Ten

BIG TEN EAST

– Big Ten Weekly Schedule Analysis, Top Ten Games

Indiana Hoosiers

For yet another year, the chance to get to six wins is likely going to come down to the regular season finale against Purdue. Along the way, there should be wins over Ball State, Eastern Illinois, UConn and Rutgers for a nice base of four wins, but where’s No. 5 and 6? The Hoosiers will be underdogs against everyone else.

2018 Record: 5-7
Realistic Best Case Record: 7-5
Realistic Worst Case Record: 4-8
2019 Prediction, March Version: 5-7

Aug. 31 Ball State (in Indy)
Sept. 7 Eastern Illinois
Sept. 14 Ohio State
Sept. 21 UConn
Sept. 28 at Michigan State
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 Rutgers
Oct. 19 at Maryland
Oct. 26 at Nebraska
Nov. 2 Northwestern
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 at Penn State
Nov. 23 Michigan
Nov. 30 at Purdue
– Full Schedule Analysis

Maryland Terrapins

The team should be solid, Josh Jackson comes in from Virginia Tech to potentially take over at quarterback, and … Mike Locksley is the head coach. Do you believe that he’s ready to make Maryland a winner? Find the sure-thing wins on the slate after the opener against Howard – and that includes the trip to Rutgers. The Terps should get to six wins, but it’s not going to be easy.

2018 Record: 5-7
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 4-8
2019 Prediction, March Version: 6-6

Aug. 31 Howard
Sept. 7 Syracuse
Sept. 14 at Temple
Sept. 21 OPEN DATE
Sept. 27 Penn State
Oct. 5 at Rutgers
Oct. 12 at Purdue
Oct. 19 Indiana
Oct. 26 at Minnesota
Nov. 2 Michigan
Nov. 9 at Ohio State
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 Nebraska
Nov. 30 at Michigan State
– Full Schedule Analysis

Michigan Wolverines

It’s not an easy schedule by any means with road games at Wisconsin and Penn State, but Notre Dame is a home game and Ohio State has to come to Ann Arbor. There are landmines, though, with Army not a pushover, Iowa dangerous, and the Michigan State game to deal with, but the team should be good enough and strong enough to find a way to ten wins again.

2018 Record: 10-3
Realistic Best Case Record: 11-1
Realistic Worst Case Record: 8-4
2019 Prediction, March Version: 10-2

Aug. 31 Middle Tennessee
Sept. 7 Army
Sept. 14 OPEN DATE
Sept. 21 at Wisconsin
Sept. 28 Rutgers
Oct. 5 Iowa
Oct. 12 at Illinois
Oct. 19 at Penn State
Oct. 26 Notre Dame
Nov. 2 at Maryland
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 Michigan State
Nov. 23 at Indiana
Nov. 30 Ohio State
– Full Schedule Analysis

Michigan State Spartans

Absolutely 100% guarantee – the Michigan State offense will be better. The defense is loaded and will be fantastic in what should be a bounce-back year for the program. However, going to Northwestern, Ohio State, Wisconsin and Michigan is a massive problem, and Arizona State and Penn State are coming to East Lansing. The Spartans will be good enough to get through all this with three losses.

2018 Record: 7-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 10-2
Realistic Worst Case Record: 6-6
2019 Prediction, March Version: 9-3

Aug. 30 Tulsa
Sept. 7 Western Michigan
Sept. 14 Arizona State
Sept. 21 at Northwestern
Sept. 28 Indiana
Oct. 5 at Ohio State
Oct. 12 at Wisconsin
Oct. 19 OPEN DATE
Oct. 26 Penn State
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 Illinois
Nov. 16 at Michigan
Nov. 23 at Rutgers
Nov. 30 Maryland
– Full Schedule Analysis

Ohio State Buckeyes

Of course there’s going to be an adjustment under new head man Ryan Day, but where are the losses with this schedule? There will be a miss somewhere – like, at Nebraska, or even, yes, at Michigan – but it’ll take a big upset or a huge breakdown to lose more than two games. Wisconsin, Michigan State and Penn State are all good, but they all have to go to Columbus.

2018 Record: 13-1
Realistic Best Case Record: 12-0
Realistic Worst Case Record: 9-3
2019 Prediction, March Version: 11-1

Aug. 31 Florida Atlantic
Sept. 7 Cincinnati
Sept. 14 at Indiana
Sept. 21 Miami Univ.
Sept. 28 at Nebraska
Oct. 5 Michigan State
Oct. 12 OPEN DATE
Oct. 18 at Northwestern
Oct. 26 Wisconsin
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 Maryland
Nov. 16 at Rutgers
Nov. 23 Penn State
Nov. 30 at Michigan
– Full Schedule Analysis

Penn State Nittany Lions

Even with an adjustment period and with a few tweaks to be made on both sides of the ball, the Nittany Lions should be able to hit the nine wins of last season. A 5-0 start is more than possible before having to go to Iowa, but the Michigan game is at home. Ohio State and Michigan State? Those are on the road, but win one of those and 10-2 – at least – is possible.

2018 Record: 9-4
Realistic Best Case Record: 10-2
Realistic Worst Case Record: 8-4
2019 Prediction, March Version: 9-3

Aug. 31 Idaho
Sept. 7 Buffalo
Sept. 14 Pitt
Sept. 21 OPEN DATE
Sept. 27 at Maryland
Oct. 5 Purdue
Oct. 12 at Iowa
Oct. 19 Michigan
Oct. 26 at Michigan State
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 at Minnesota
Nov. 16 Indiana
Nov. 23 at Ohio State
Nov. 30 Rutgers
– Full Schedule Analysis

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

At SOME point, Rutgers is going to find its way to a few wins. It’ll beat UMass and Liberty at home, and there will be an upset along the way in conference play. But where? At home against Minnesota? On the road against Illinois? At Indiana, or against Maryland? There will be at least one other win to get to at least three victories.

2018 Record: 1-11
Realistic Best Case Record: 5-7
Realistic Worst Case Record: 2-10
2019 Prediction, March Version: 3-9

Aug. 30 UMass
Sept. 7 at Iowa
Sept. 14 OPEN DATE
Sept. 21 Boston College
Sept. 28 at Michigan
Oct. 5 Maryland
Oct. 12 at Indiana
Oct. 19 Minnesota
Oct. 26 Liberty
Nov. 2 at Illinois
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 Ohio State
Nov. 23 Michigan State
Nov. 30 at Penn State
– Full Schedule Analysis

BIG TEN WEST

– Big Ten Weekly Schedule Analysis, Top Ten Games

Illinois Fighting Illini

Will Illinois ever turn the corner under Lovie Smith? It should be 3-0 without breathing too hard, but the key will be the home game against Nebraska. Win that, and then it’s time to have some fun. However, with with a good early base of wins, and with a home date against Rutgers, it’s tough to find the two other wins needed to get to six – but they’ll come.

2018 Record: 4-8
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 3-9
2019 Prediction, March Version: 6-6

Aug. 31 Akron
Sept. 7 at UConn
Sept. 14 Eastern Michigan
Sept. 21 Nebraska
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 at Minnesota
Oct. 12 Michigan
Oct. 19 Wisconsin
Oct. 26 at Purdue
Nov. 2 Rutgers
Nov. 9 at Michigan State
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 at Iowa
Nov. 30 Northwestern
– Full Schedule Analysis

Iowa Hawkeyes

It’s a good Hawkeye team, but it’s another one that should need to battle to get to eight wins. The road game at Iowa State isn’t a breeze, and going to Michigan, Northwestern, Wisconsin and Nebraska is a problem. Throw in the home games against Penn State, Purdue and Minnesota, and hitting the eight-win mark would be great.

2018 Record: 9-4
Realistic Best Case Record: 10-2
Realistic Worst Case Record: 6-6
2019 Prediction, March Version: 8-4

Aug. 31 Miami Univ.
Sept. 7 Rutgers
Sept. 14 at Iowa State
Sept. 21 OPEN DATE
Sept. 28 Middle Tennessee
Oct. 5 at Michigan
Oct. 12 Penn State
Oct. 19 Purdue
Oct. 26 at Northwestern
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 at Wisconsin
Nov. 16 Minnesota
Nov. 23 Illinois
Nov. 29 at Nebraska
– Full Schedule Analysis

Minnesota Golden Gophers

At Fresno State. That’s going to be the marking point to see just where Minnesota is at in Year Three of the PJ Fleck thing. Georgia Southern won’t be a layup – that option offense is dangerous – and going to Purdue will be rough, but in a perfect world, if everything breaks right, 8-0 isn’t an insane dream before dealing with Penn State. The Nittany Lions come to the TCF Bank, and so does Wisconsin.

2018 Record: 7-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 7-5

Aug. 31 South Dakota State
Sept. 7 at Fresno State
Sept. 14 Georgia Southern
Sept. 21 OPEN DATE
Sept. 28 at Purdue
Oct. 5 Illinois
Oct. 12 Nebraska
Oct. 19 at Rutgers
Oct. 26 Maryland
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 Penn State
Nov. 16 at Iowa
Nov. 23 at Northwestern
Nov. 30 Wisconsin
– Full Schedule Analysis

Nebraska Cornhuskers

Scott Frost is making the program a whole lot better, but slow the roll just a wee bit on what it’s about to be this season. Going bowling is a sure-thing, but the Huskers might be a year away from going to the Big Ten Championship. Going to Colorado isn’t a layup, but the road trips overall – Illinois, Minnesota, Purdue, Maryland – are about as light as it gets. Ohio State, Northwestern, Wisconsin and Iowa had to come to Lincoln.

2018 Record: 4-8
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 7-5

Aug. 31 South Alabama
Sept. 7 at Colorado
Sept. 14 Northern Illinois
Sept. 21 at Illinois
Sept. 28 Ohio State
Oct. 5 Northwestern
Oct. 12 at Minnesota
Oct. 19 OPEN DATE
Oct. 26 Indiana
Nov. 2 at Purdue
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 Wisconsin
Nov. 23 at Maryland
Nov. 30 Iowa
– Full Schedule Analysis

Northwestern Wildcats

Northwestern should be even better than last year when it went to the Big Ten Championship, but the schedule is a whole lot tougher. Starting out at Stanford isn’t a positive, and this year, Michigan State, at Wisconsin, and at Nebraska are all going to be issues. Throw in the Ohio State and Iowa games, and a 1-6 start isn’t totally off the table. The slate eases up late, though.

2018 Record: 9-5
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 7-5

Aug. 31 at Stanford
Sept. 7 OPEN DATE
Sept. 14 UNLV
Sept. 21 Michigan State
Sept. 28 at Wisconsin
Oct. 5 at Nebraska
Oct. 12 OPEN DATE
Oct. 18 Ohio State
Oct. 26 Iowa
Nov. 2 at Indiana
Nov. 9 Purdue
Nov. 16 UMass
Nov. 23 Minnesota
Nov. 30 at Illinois
– Full Schedule Analysis

Purdue Boilermakers

It’s a sneaky-tough schedule without any sure-thing wins and too many dangerous dates. The Boilermakers have to go to Nevada, host Vanderbilt and TCU, and go to Penn State, Iowa, Northwestern and Wisconsin. With a bit of building up to do, just getting to six wins would be great. Once again, it all might come down to the regular season finale against Indiana.

2018 Record: 6-7
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 6-6

Aug. 31 at Nevada
Sept. 7 Vanderbilt
Sept. 14 TCU
Sept. 21 OPEN DATE
Sept. 28 Minnesota
Oct. 5 at Penn State
Oct. 12 Maryland
Oct. 19 at Iowa
Oct. 26 Illinois
Nov. 2 Nebraska
Nov. 9 at Northwestern
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 at Wisconsin
Nov. 30 Indiana
– Full Schedule Analysis

Wisconsin Badgers

There are going to be a whole slew of concerns early on. The O line loses four starters, and a new quarterback has to take over for Alex Hornibrook, but the defense should be great and that Jonathan Taylor guy is still in the backfield. The road games at Ohio State, Nebraska and Minnesota are stumbling blocks, and Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern and Iowa at home will be rough, but the program should rebuild and be just good enough to get to nine wins.

2018 Record: 8-5
Realistic Best Case Record: 10-2
Realistic Worst Case Record: 6-6
2019 Prediction, March Version: 9-3

Aug. 31 at USF
Sept. 7 Central Michigan
Sept. 14 OPEN DATE
Sept. 21 Michigan
Sept. 28 Northwestern
Oct. 5 Kent State
Oct. 12 Michigan State
Oct. 19 at Illinois
Oct. 26 at Ohio State
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 Iowa
Nov. 16 at Nebraska
Nov. 23 Purdue
Nov. 30 at Minnesota
– Full Schedule Analysis

Next: Big 12

BIG 12

– Big 12 Weekly Schedule Analysis, Top Ten Games

Baylor Bears

After what should be a great start, what can the Bears do against the Big 12 big boys? They should be 3-0 going into the conference opener against Iowa State, and in all, five of the first six games are against teams that didn’t go bowling. Oklahoma and Texas have to come to Waco, and all things considered, road games at TCU and Oklahoma State aren’t all that awful.

2018 Record: 7-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 7-5

Aug. 31 Stephen F. Austin
Sept. 7 UTSA
Sept. 14 OPEN DATE
Sept. 21 at Rice
Sept. 28 Iowa State
Oct. 5 at Kansas State
Oct. 12 Texas Tech
Oct. 19 at Oklahoma State
Oct. 26 OPEN DATE
Oct. 31 West Virginia
Nov. 9 at TCU
Nov. 16 Oklahoma
Nov. 23 Texas
Nov. 30 at Kansas
– Full Schedule Analysis

Iowa State Cyclones

It’s time to start giving head coach Matt Campbell the benefit of the doubt. There’s a week off before hosting Iowa, and TCU, Oklahoma State and Texas have to come to Ames. However, road games at Baylor, West Virginia and Oklahoma are just a part of the problem. Even so, the team is good enough to fight to eight wins if everything goes right.

2018 Record: 8-5
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 6-6
2019 Prediction, March Version: 8-4

Aug. 31 Northern Iowa
Sept. 7 OPEN DATE
Sept. 14 Iowa
Sept. 21 ULM
Sept. 28 at Baylor
Oct. 5 TCU
Oct. 12 at West Virginia
Oct. 19 at Texas Tech
Oct. 26 Oklahoma State
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 at Oklahoma
Nov. 16 Texas
Nov. 23 Kansas
Nov. 30 at Kansas State
– Full Schedule Analysis

Kansas Jayhawks

Les Miles is probably going to be good enough to win at least four games in his first season in Lawrence … but how? The Jayhawks will start out 2-0 against Indiana State and Coastal Carolina, but it’ll take a few big upsets – like at home against Texas Tech or against Kansas State – to get to the four mark.

2018 Record: 3-9
Realistic Best Case Record: 6-6
Realistic Worst Case Record: 2-10
2019 Prediction, March Version: 4-8

Aug. 31 Indiana State
Sept. 7 Coastal Carolina
Sept. 13 at Boston College
Sept. 21 West Virginia
Sept. 28 at TCU
Oct. 5 Oklahoma
Oct. 12 OPEN DATE
Oct. 19 at Texas
Oct. 26 Texas Tech
Nov. 2 Kansas State
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 at Oklahoma State
Nov. 23 at Iowa State
Nov. 30 Baylor
– Full Schedule Analysis

Kansas State Wildcats

Chris Klieman should be the Big 12’s biggest X factor. There’s just enough experience at K-State to turn a mediocre, underachieving 2018 season into a good 2019. The Wildcats will start 2-0, and have to get by teams like Baylor, West Virginia and Iowa State at home and Kansas and Texas Tech on the road. An upset somewhere – like at home against TCU – would be nice.

2018 Record: 5-7
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 6-6

Aug. 31 Nicholls
Sept. 7 Bowling Green
Sept. 14 at Mississippi State
Sept. 21 OPEN DATE
Sept. 28 at Oklahoma State
Oct. 5 Baylor
Oct. 12 OPEN DATE
Oct. 17 TCU
Oct. 26 Oklahoma
Nov. 2 at Kansas
Nov. 9 at Texas
Nov. 16 West Virginia
Nov. 23 at Texas Tech
Nov. 30 Iowa State
– Full Schedule Analysis

Oklahoma Sooners

At some point, Oklahoma has to lose two regular season games again, right? Watch out for the road game at UCLA early on, to go along with the Texas game, and … where’s that sure-thing second loss? Where’s that sure-thing first loss? The other games at Kansas, Kansas State, Baylor, and up the road to Stillwater to face Oklahoma State just aren’t that bad.

2018 Record: 12-2
Realistic Best Case Record: 12-0
Realistic Worst Case Record: 8-4
2019 Prediction, March Version: 11-1

Aug. 31 Houston
Sept. 7 South Dakota
Sept. 14 at UCLA
Sept. 21 OPEN DATE
Sept. 28 Texas Tech
Oct. 5 at Kansas
Oct. 12 Texas (in Dallas)
Oct. 19 West Virginia
Oct. 26 at Kansas State
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 Iowa State
Nov. 16 at Baylor
Nov. 23 TCU
Nov. 30 at Oklahoma State
– Full Schedule Analysis

Oklahoma State Cowboys

Oklahoma State has a way of bouncing back quickly from disappointing seasons, and this year should be something excellent with a whole lot of good parts back. With road games at Oregon State and Tulsa to go along with McNeese State, OSU should start out 3-0 before going to Texas. The Oklahoma game is at home, and so are the dates against TCU and Baylor. Watch out for a push for ten wins.

2018 Record: 7-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 10-2
Realistic Worst Case Record: 6-6
2019 Prediction, March Version: 9-3

Aug. 30 at Oregon State
Sept. 7 McNeese State
Sept. 14 at Tulsa
Sept. 21 at Texas
Sept. 28 Kansas State
Oct. 5 at Texas Tech
Oct. 12 OPEN DATE
Oct. 19 Baylor
Oct. 26 at Iowa State
Nov. 2 TCU
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 Kansas
Nov. 23 at West Virginia
Nov. 30 Oklahoma
– Full Schedule Analysis

Texas Longhorns

Lost in all of the excitement and all of what will be preseason hype is all the rebuilding to be done on the lines and in the defensive backfield. However, this will be one fun team to watch. The LSU game will be the litmus test to see just how good this season can be, but that’s not it. West Virginia, TCU, Iowa State, Baylor and Oklahoma – those are all away from Austin. Expect two losses, and the question is whether or not the Longhorns can avoid a third.

2018 Record: 10-4
Realistic Best Case Record: 11-1
Realistic Worst Case Record: 8-4
2019 Prediction, March Version: 9-3

Aug. 31 Louisiana Tech
Sept. 7 LSU
Sept. 14 Rice (in Houston)
Sept. 21 Oklahoma State
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 at West Virginia
Oct. 12 Oklahoma (in Dallas)
Oct. 19 Kansas
Oct. 26 at TCU
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 Kansas State
Nov. 16 at Iowa State
Nov. 23 at Baylor
Nov. 30 Texas Tech
– Full Schedule Analysis

TCU Horned Frogs

Just assume that TCU took a year off – this year’s version should bounce back into one of the Big 12’s stars. Beat Purdue in West Lafayette, and it’ll be a 4-0 start before going to Iowa State and Kansas State. The Texas game is at home, but the Horned Frogs have to go to Norman to face Oklahoma. The O still won’t be good enough to get to ten wins, but it’ll be better. The D will pick up the slack for the rest.

2018 Record: 7-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 10-2
Realistic Worst Case Record: 6-6
2019 Prediction, March Version: 9-3

Aug. 31 Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Sept. 7 OPEN DATE
Sept. 14 at Purdue
Sept. 21 SMU
Sept. 28 Kansas
Oct. 5 at Iowa State
Oct. 12 OPEN DATE
Oct. 17 at Kansas State
Oct. 26 Texas
Nov. 2 at Oklahoma State
Nov. 9 Baylor
Nov. 16 at Texas Tech
Nov. 23 at Oklahoma
Nov. 29 West Virginia
– Full Schedule Analysis

Texas Tech Red Raiders

New head man Matt Wells should have just enough talent back to get bowling, and just enough missing to do much more. Starting out 2-0 is no problem, but the trips to Arizona and Oklahoma will likely even things out. Those, along with road trips to Baylor, West Virginia and Texas, will make it tough to get past that six win mark.

2018 Record: 5-7
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 6-6

Aug. 31 Montana State
Sept. 7 UTEP
Sept. 14 at Arizona
Sept. 21 OPEN DATE
Sept. 28 at Oklahoma
Oct. 5 Oklahoma State
Oct. 12 at Baylor
Oct. 19 Iowa State
Oct. 26 at Kansas
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 at West Virginia
Nov. 16 TCU
Nov. 23 Kansas State
Nov. 30 at Texas
– Full Schedule Analysis

West Virginia Mountaineers

West Virginia will be one of the more interesting Big 12 calls. There’s a whole lot to like, but the schedule is an issue with a trip to Missouri and a home date against a solid NC State. Even the opener against James Madison isn’t a sure thing. Texas and Oklahoma State have to come to Morgantown, but the Mountaineers have to go to Oklahoma, Baylor and TCU. Getting past seven wins will be a push.

2018 Record: 8-4
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 6-6
2019 Prediction, March Version: 7-5

Aug. 31 James Madison
Sept. 7 at Missouri
Sept. 14 NC State
Sept. 21 at Kansas
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 Texas
Oct. 12 Iowa State
Oct. 19 at Oklahoma
Oct. 26 OPEN DATE
Oct. 31 at Baylor
Nov. 9 Texas Tech
Nov. 16 at Kansas State
Nov. 23 Oklahoma State
Nov. 29 at TCU
– Full Schedule Analysis

Next: C-USA

CONFERENCE USA EAST

– C-USA Weekly Schedule Analysis, Top Ten Games

Charlotte 49ers

New head man Will Healy has a nice team returning, but it won’t be easy to get over that five-win mark to bowl eligibility. Outside of the trips to Clemson and Appalachian State, the road games aren’t all that bad, traveling to FIU, WKU, UTEP and Old Dominion. There’s enough here to get to five wins, but that sixth? It’ll take a big upset or two.

2018 Record: 5-7
Realistic Best Case Record: 7-5
Realistic Worst Case Record: 3-9
2019 Prediction, March Version: 5-7

Aug. 31 Gardner-Webb
Sept. 7 at Appalachian State
Sept. 14 UMass
Sept. 21 at Clemson
Sept. 28 Florida Atlantic
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 at FIU
Oct. 19 at WKU
Oct. 26 North Texas
Nov. 2 Middle Tennessee
Nov. 9 at UTEP
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 Marshall
Nov. 30 at Old Dominion
– Full Schedule Analysis

Florida Atlantic Owls

Expect the Owls to be somewhere in between Lane Kiffin’s amazing first year and last season’s disappointment. There’s some reworking to do, but after the openers against Ohio State and UCF, everything else is winnable. The road games after going to Columbus? Ball State, Charlotte, Old Dominion, WKU, UTSA – none of them went bowling last season. There will be a few hiccups, but not enough.

2018 Record: 5-7
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 6-6
2019 Prediction, March Version: 8-4

Aug. 31 at Ohio State
Sept. 7 UCF
Sept. 14 at Ball State
Sept. 21 Wagner
Sept. 28 at Charlotte
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 Middle Tennessee
Oct. 19 Marshall
Oct. 26 at Old Dominion
Nov. 2 at WKU
Nov. 9 FIU
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 at UTSA
Nov. 30 Southern Miss
– Full Schedule Analysis

Florida International Golden Panthers

It’s a quirky-rough slate with road games against Tulane, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee, Florida Atlantic and Marshall that are all manageable, but … they’re not ease. Throw in the home game against Miami, and it won’t be too easy to get past the eight wins of last regular season.

2018 Record: 9-4
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 6-6
2019 Prediction, March Version: 8-4

Aug 29 at Tulane
Sept. 7 WKU
Sept. 14 New Hampshire
Sept. 21 at Louisiana Tech
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 UMass
Oct. 12 Charlotte
Oct. 19 UTEP
Oct. 26 at Middle Tennessee
Nov. 2 Old Dominion
Nov. 9 at Florida Atlantic
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 Miami
Nov. 30 at Marshall
– Full Schedule Analysis

Marshall Thundering Herd

There’s a bunch of reworking to do, but the Herd should be able to power through to flirt with ten wins. Going to Boise State is the only almost-certain loss. Can the Herd handle going to Florida Atlantic? How about the trip to Middle Tennessee? There will be a few misfires along the way, but it’s a good enough slate for a good enough team to flirt with ten wins.

2018 Record: 9-4
Realistic Best Case Record: 10-2
Realistic Worst Case Record: 7-5
2019 Prediction, March Version: 9-3

Aug. 31 VMI
Sept. 7 at Boise State
Sept. 14 Ohio
Sept. 21 OPEN DATE
Sept. 28 Cincinnati
Oct. 5 at Middle Tennessee
Oct. 12 Old Dominion
Oct. 19 at Florida Atlantic
Oct. 26 WKU
Nov. 2 at Rice
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 Louisiana Tech
Nov. 23 at Charlotte
Nov. 30 FIU
– Full Schedule Analysis

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

There’s a whole lot not to like. The Blue Raiders have to go to Michigan and Iowa, and they host Duke. In conference, they have to go on the road to play Florida Atlantic and North Texas. If Charlotte and WKU are better, there’s a big problem. Marshall and FIU aren’t layups, either.

2018 Record: 8-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 6-6

Aug. 31 at Michigan
Sept. 7 Tennessee State
Sept. 14 Duke
Sept. 21 OPEN DATE
Sept. 28 at Iowa
Oct. 5 Marshall
Oct. 12 at Florida Atlantic
Oct. 19 at North Texas
Oct. 26 FIU
Nov. 2 at Charlotte
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 Rice
Nov. 23 Old Dominion
Nov. 30 at WKU
– Full Schedule Analysis

Old Dominion Monarchs

ODU will be a sleeper team that should be pesky enough to pick off a few of the Conference USA big boys along the way. There won’t be wins over Virginia Tech or Virginia, and going to Marshall, UAB, FIU and Middle Tennessee will make a winning season tough. But the Monarchs should be good enough to come up with enough stunners to get to five wins.

2018 Record: 4-8
Realistic Best Case Record: 7-5
Realistic Worst Case Record: 3-9
2019 Prediction, March Version: 5-7

Aug. 31 Norfolk State
Sept. 7 at Virginia Tech
Sept. 14 OPEN DATE
Sept. 21 at Virginia
Sept. 28 East Carolina
Oct. 5 WKU
Oct. 12 at Marshall
Oct. 19 at UAB
Oct. 26 Florida Atlantic
Nov. 2 at FIU
Nov. 9 UTSA
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 at Middle Tennessee
Nov. 30 Charlotte
– Full Schedule Analysis

WKU Hilltoppers

This will be a much, much better team that Tyson Helton is taking over, but where are the wins? Central Arkansas is one, Charlotte at home should be another, and … ? Again, the improvements will be there, and they should be enough to get two wins better, but that’s shoehorning in a prediction considering the sure-thing victories aren’t there.

2018 Record: 3-9
Realistic Best Case Record: 7-5
Realistic Worst Case Record: 3-9
2019 Prediction, March Version: 5-7

Aug. 31 Central Arkansas
Sept. 7 at FIU
Sept. 14 Louisville (in Nashville)
Sept. 21 OPEN DATE
Sept. 28 UAB
Oct. 5 at Old Dominion
Oct. 12 Army
Oct. 19 Charlotte
Oct. 26 at Marshall
Nov. 2 Florida Atlantic
Nov. 9 at Arkansas
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 at Southern Miss
Nov. 30 Middle Tennessee
– Full Schedule Analysis

CONFERENCE USA WEST

– C-USA Weekly Schedule Analysis, Top Ten Games

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

Even with the replacements on the defensive front, the Bulldogs should be terrific with an improved offense. There should be a loss at Texas go kick things off, and going to Marshall and UAB will be rough. The rest of the schedule is very, very manageable.

2018 Record: 8-5
Realistic Best Case Record: 10-2
Realistic Worst Case Record: 7-5
2019 Prediction, March Version: 9-3

Aug. 31 at Texas
Sept. 7 Grambling
Sept. 14 at Bowling Green
Sept. 21 FIU
Sept. 28 at Rice
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 UMass
Oct. 19 Southern Miss
Oct. 26 at UTEP
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 North Texas
Nov. 16 at Marshall
Nov. 23 at UAB
Nov. 30 UTSA
– Full Schedule Analysis

North Texas Mean Green

The Mean Green will still be fantastic offensively, but the defense is a huge concern again. The schedule is a bigger problem than it might appear to be, with road games at SMU, Cal, Southern Miss and Louisiana Tech to be annoying, and home dates against UAB and Houston that should be fights. Even so, UNT should get to at least seven wins.

2018 Record: 9-4
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 6-6
2019 Prediction, March Version: 7-5

Aug. 31 Abilene Christian
Sept. 7 at SMU
Sept. 14 at California
Sept. 21 UTSA
Sept. 28 Houston
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 at Southern Miss
Oct. 19 Middle Tennessee
Oct. 26 at Charlotte
Nov. 2 UTEP
Nov. 9 at Louisiana Tech
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 at Rice
Nov. 30 UAB
– Full Schedule Analysis

Rice Owls

Find one win on this schedule. UTSA? That’s on the road. UTEP? It’s in El Paso. The non-conference schedule? At Army, Wake Forest, Texas, Baylor. The Owls should be able to somehow come away with two wins when a few teams are totally unfocused, but that’s forcing a better record than it’ll probably be.

2018 Record: 2-11
Realistic Best Case Record: 5-7
Realistic Worst Case Record: 0-12
2019 Prediction, March Version: 2-10

Aug. 30 at Army
Sept. 7 Wake Forest
Sept. 14 Texas
Sept. 21 Baylor
Sept. 28 Louisiana Tech
Oct.5 at UAB
Oct. 12 OPEN DATE
Oct. 19 at UTSA
Oct. 26 Southern Miss
Nov. 2 Marshall
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 at Middle Tennessee
Nov. 23 North Texas
Nov. 30 at UTEP
– Full Schedule Analysis

Southern Miss Golden Eagles

The three-game September road run of Mississippi State, Troy and Alabama will put the Golden Eagles in a hole early on, and going to Florida Atlantic and Louisiana Tech in the second half of the slate doesn’t help. The team is good enough to fight through the fray for six wins, but it won’t be easy.

2018 Record: 6-5
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 6-6

Aug. 31 Alcorn State
Sept. 7 at Mississippi State
Sept. 14 at Troy
Sept. 21 at Alabama
Sept. 28 UTEP
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 North Texas
Oct. 19 at Louisiana Tech
Oct. 26 at Rice
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 UAB
Nov. 16 at UTSA
Nov. 23 WKU
Nov. 30 at Florida Atlantic
– Full Schedule Analysis

UAB Blazers

UAB has been able to shock and amaze over the last few seasons, but this year’s version has to rebuild. The schedule, though, should help a bit. The Blazers don’t play a 2018 bowl team over the first ten games, but they do have to go to Tennessee and Southern Miss before closing out with Louisiana Tech and at North Texas. Some of the bad teams on the slate should be a whole lot better, but UAB should be able to handle it.

2018 Record: 11-3
Realistic Best Case Record: 10-2
Realistic Worst Case Record: 6-6
2019 Prediction, March Version: 8-4

Aug. 29 Alabama State
Sept. 7 at Akron
Sept. 14 OPEN DATE
Sept. 21 South Alabama
Sept. 28 at WKU
Oct. 5 Rice
Oct. 12 at UTSA
Oct. 19 Old Dominion
Oct. 26 OPEN DATE
Nov. 2 at Tennessee
Nov. 9 at Southern Miss
Nov. 16 UTEP
Nov. 23 Louisiana Tech
Nov. 30 at North Texas
– Full Schedule Analysis

UTEP Miners

Is THIS the year UTEP finally comes up with enough wins to break through and starts to get its head above water again? Maybe. Houston Baptist, UTSA, and Rice. All three teams come to El Paso, and all three are winnable. But those teams see the Miners as a beatable team, too.

2018 Record: 1-11
Realistic Best Case Record: 5-7
Realistic Worst Case Record: 1-11
2019 Prediction, March Version: 3-9

Aug. 31 Houston Baptist
Sept. 7 at Texas Tech
Sept. 14 OPEN DATE
Sept. 21 Nevada
Sept. 28 at Southern Miss
Oct. 5 UTSA
Oct. 12 OPEN DATE
Oct. 19 at FIU
Oct. 26 Louisiana Tech
Nov. 2 at North Texas
Nov. 9 Charlotte
Nov. 16 at UAB
Nov. 23 at New Mexico State
Nov. 30 Rice
– Full Schedule Analysis

UTSA Roadrunners

The Roadrunners should be a whole lot better than they were last year, but there aren’t a slew of sure wins on the slate. They’ll beat Incarnate Word, but that won’t be a breeze. Rice is a home game, but UTEP is on the road, and the November finishing kick will be rough. It’ll take a few stunning upsets to get to six wins.

2018 Record: 3-9
Realistic Best Case Record: 6-6
Realistic Worst Case Record: 2-10
2019 Prediction, March Version: 4-8

Aug. 31 Incarnate Word
Sept. 7 at Baylor
Sept. 14 Army
Sept. 21 at North Texas
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 at UTEP
Oct. 12 UAB
Oct. 19 Rice
Oct. 26 OPEN DATE
Nov. 2 at Texas A&M
Nov. 9 at Old Dominion
Nov. 16 Southern Miss
Nov. 23 Florida Atlantic
Nov. 30 at Louisiana Tech
– Full Schedule Analysis

Next: Independents

INDEPENDENTS

Army Black Knights

Start with this; there’s a chance the Army thing doesn’t work quite as well as it had over the last few years. As great as the program is right now, sometimes it just doesn’t work (see Navy and Air Force lately). With that said, other than the trip to Michigan – not a sure thing for the Wolverines if they can’t hit the curve – where’t eat other loss? Tulane and Hawaii are the only other games against teams that went bowling.

2018 Record: 11-2
Realistic Best Case Record: 12-1
Realistic Worst Case Record: 8-5
2019 Prediction, March Version: 10-3

Aug. 30 Rice
Sept. 7 at Michigan
Sept. 14 at UTSA
Sept. 21 Morgan State
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 Tulane
Oct. 12 at WKU
Oct. 19 at Georgia State
Oct. 26 San Jose State
Nov. 2 at Air Force
Nov. 9 UMass
Nov. 16 VMI
Nov. 23 OPEN DATE
Nov. 30 at Hawaii
Dec. 7 OPEN DATE
Dec. 14 Navy (in Philadelphia)
– Full Schedule Analysis

BYU Cougars

Yeah, so no one could see the win over Wisconsin coming last year, but it’s still asking a lot to do much with a schedule that sees Utah, at Tennessee, USC, Washington, Boise State, at Utah State, and at San Diego State. And at Toledo, and at USF. The Cougars will be good enough to win some of those, but not enough.

2018 Record: 7-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 4-8
2019 Prediction, March Version: 5-7

Aug. 29 Utah
Sept. 7 at Tennessee
Sept. 14 USC
Sept. 21 Washington
Sept. 28 at Toledo
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 at USF
Oct. 19 Boise State
Oct. 26 OPEN DATE
Nov. 2 at Utah State
Nov. 9 Liberty
Nov. 16 Idaho State
Nov. 23 at UMass
Nov. 30 at San Diego State
– Full Schedule Analysis

Liberty Flames

Hugh Freeze’s team has enough talent and experience to push past teams like Hampton, New Mexico, Maine, Buffalo, and then it’s about New Mexico State. The Flames play the Aggies twice, and they’re better, Throw in the date at UMass, and getting to at least six wins isn’t asking for the world.

2018 Record: 6-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 7-5
Realistic Worst Case Record: 4-8
2019 Prediction, March Version: 6-6

Aug. 31 Syracuse
Sept. 7 at Louisiana
Sept. 14 Buffalo
Sept. 21 Hampton
Sept. 28 New Mexico
Oct. 5 at New Mexico State
Oct. 12 OPEN DATE
Oct. 19 Maine
Oct. 26 at Rutgers
Nov. 2 at UMass
Nov. 9 at BYU
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 at Virginia
Nov. 30 New Mexico State
– Full Schedule Analysis

Massachusetts Minutemen

New head man Walt Bell inherits a team that wasn’t as strong as it was last year – and that team went 4-8. There are a few home games that should be in the mix for the Minutemen – Coastal Carolina, Akron, Southern Illinois, Liberty – but there are way too many sure losses to push for six wins.

2018 Record: 4-8
Realistic Best Case Record: 5-7
Realistic Worst Case Record: 2-10
2019 Prediction, March Version: 4-8

Aug. 30 at Rutgers
Sept. 7 Southern Illinois
Sept. 14 at Charlotte
Sept. 21 Coastal Carolina
Sept. 28 Akron
Oct. 5 at FIU
Oct. 12 at Louisiana Tech
Oct. 19 OPEN DATE
Oct. 26 UConn
Nov. 2 Liberty
Nov. 9 at Army
Nov. 16 at Northwestern
Nov. 23 BYU
Nov. 30 OPEN DATE
– Full Schedule Analysis

New Mexico State Aggies

There’s a whole lot of experience returning on defense, but the offense has to be a whole lot better after a clunker on a 3-9 season. The schedule doesn’t help with way too many sure-thing losses – at Washington State, at Alabama, San Diego State, Fresno State, at Ole Miss – but there a re a few 50/50 games to potentially push for at least five wins if the O gets going.

2018 Record: 3-9
Realistic Best Case Record: 5-7
Realistic Worst Case Record: 1-11
2019 Prediction, March Version: 2-10

Aug. 31 at Washington State
Sept. 7 at Alabama
Sept. 14 San Diego State
Sept. 21 at New Mexico
Sept. 28 Fresno State
Oct. 5 Liberty
Oct. 12 at Central Michigan
Oct. 19 OPEN DATE
Oct. 26 at Georgia Southern
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 at Ole Miss
Nov. 16 Incarnate Word
Nov. 23 UTEP
Nov. 30 at Liberty
– Full Schedule Analysis

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Part of the reason everything worked out well for the Irish was a schedule loaded with a whole slew of down teams. Florida State, USC, Stanford, Virginia Tech, Navy weren’t themselves, but give credit to the Irish for pushing through the solid teams to get to 12-0. This year, they should be good again, but going to Georgia, Michigan and Stanford will be a problem. USC and Virginia Tech are going to be better, too.

2018 Record: 12-1
Realistic Best Case Record: 11-1
Realistic Worst Case Record: 7-5
2019 Prediction, March Version: 9-3

Sept. 2 at Louisville
Sept. 7 OPEN DATE
Sept. 14 New Mexico
Sept. 21 at Georgia
Sept. 28 Virginia
Oct. 5 Bowling Green
Oct. 12 USC
Oct. 19 OPEN DATE
Oct. 26 at Michigan
Nov. 2 Virginia Tech
Nov. 9 at Duke
Nov. 16 Navy
Nov. 23 Boston College
Nov. 30 at Stanford
– Full Schedule Analysis

NEXT: MAC

MAC EAST

– MAC Weekly Schedule Analysis, Top Ten Games

Akron Zips

Can new head man Tom Arth do more with a team that loses just about everyone on defense and doesn’t have enough on offense? The sure-thing wins just aren’t there, and there are too many likely losses on the road. Even so, the Zips should be able to fight there way to four wins again.

2018 Record: 4-8
Realistic Best Case Record: 6-6
Realistic Worst Case Record: 3-9
2019 Prediction, March Version: 4-8

Aug. 31 at Illinois
Sept. 7 UAB
Sept. 14 at Central Michigan
Sept. 21 Troy
Sept. 28 at UMass
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 Kent State
Oct. 19 Buffalo
Oct. 26 at Northern Illinois
Nov. 2 at Bowling Green
Nov. 12 Eastern Michigan
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 20 at Miami Univ.
Nov. 26 Ohio
– Full Schedule Analysis

Bowling Green Falcons

Scot Loeffler should be able to crank up even more of an offense to go along with just enough improvement an D to hope for more. There will be a win over Morgan State, but it’ll take something quirky to push past the three victories of last year. They should, but it’ll be a long rebuilding season.

2018 Record: 3-9
Realistic Best Case Record: 5-7
Realistic Worst Case Record: 2-10
2019 Prediction, March Version: 4-8

Aug. 29 Morgan State
Sept. 7 at Kansas State
Sept. 14 Louisiana Tech
Sept. 21 at Kent State
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 at Notre Dame
Oct. 12 Toledo
Oct. 19 Central Michigan
Oct. 26 at Western Michigan
Nov. 2 Akron
Nov. 13 at Miami Univ.
Nov. 19 Ohio Nov. 23 OPEN DATE
Nov. 29 at Buffalo
– Full Schedule Analysis

Buffalo Bulls

Last year was the season. It was supposed to be the year when everything went right, and instead, it was a near miss on winning the MAC title. Now, QB Tyree Jackson is gone along with a slew of stars. The schedule isn’t bad outside of a date at Penn State, but UB should fall back to the pack a bit. That should still equal around seven wins, though.

2018 Record: 10-4
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 7-5

Aug. 29 Robert Morris
Sept. 7 at Penn State
Sept. 14 at Liberty
Sept. 21 Temple
Sept. 28 at Miami Univ.
Oct. 5 Ohio
Oct. 12 OPEN DATE
Oct. 19 at Akron
Oct. 26 Central Michigan
Nov. 2 at Eastern Michigan
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 14 at Kent State
Nov. 20 Toledo
Nov. 29 Bowling Green
– Full Schedule Analysis

Kent State Golden Flashes

The second year of Sean Lewis should be better. Just about everyone is back on offense, and the defensive back eight is loaded with veterans. But where are the wins? Kennesaw isn’t a gimme, and a few of the winnable games are on the road. Assume the offensive style and system will work enough for four wins.

2018 Record: 2-10
Realistic Best Case Record: 5-7
Realistic Worst Case Record: 2-10
2019 Prediction, March Version: 4-8

Aug. 29 at Arizona State
Sept. 7 Kennesaw
Sept. 14 at Auburn
Sept. 21 Bowling Green
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 at Wisconsin
Oct. 12 at Akron
Oct. 19 at Ohio
Oct. 26 Miami Univ.
Nov. 5 at Toledo
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 14 Buffalo
Nov. 23 Ball State
Nov. 29 at Eastern Michigan
– Full Schedule Analysis

Miami University RedHawks

The RedHawks have enough talent back to get more out of the offense and improve enough defensively to get bowling. It’ll be a tough start with likely September losses at Iowa, Cincinnati and Ohio State, and going to Western Michigan and Ohio is a problem. Everything else is winnable, and that Ohio game comes after a week off.

2018 Record: 6-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 4-8
2019 Prediction, March Version: 7-5

Aug. 31 at Iowa
Sept. 7 Tennessee Tech
Sept. 14 at Cincinnati
Sept. 21 at Ohio State
Sept. 28 Buffalo
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 at Western Michigan
Oct. 19 Northern Illinois
Oct. 26 at Kent State
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 6 at Ohio
Nov. 13 Bowling Green
Nov. 20 Akron
Nov. 29 at Ball State
– Full Schedule Analysis

Ohio Bobcats

The Bobcats might take a step back offensively, and the secondary leads a solid defense that should be just as good as last year’s version. The Power Five games? At Pitt – that’s it, and it’s winnable. Five of the last six games are against teams that didn’t go bowling to close out a slate that doesn’t have any one sure-thing loss.

2018 Record: 9-4
Realistic Best Case Record: 10-2
Realistic Worst Case Record: 6-6
2019 Prediction, March Version: 8-4

Aug. 31 Rhode Island
Sept. 7 at Pitt
Sept. 14 at Marshall
Sept. 21 Louisiana
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 at Buffalo
Oct. 12 Northern Illinois
Oct. 19 Kent State
Oct. 26 at Ball State
Nov. 6 Miami Univ.
Nov. 12 Western Michigan
Nov. 19 at Bowling Green
Nov. 23 OPEN DATE
Nov. 30 at Akron
– Full Schedule Analysis

MAC WEST

– MAC Weekly Schedule Analysis, Top Ten Games

Ball State Cardinals

There’s work to do in the backfield after losing QB Riley Neal (Vanderbilt) and RB James Gilbert (Kansas State) to transfer, but all five starters return up front, and ten starters are back defensively. However, there aren’t enough easy games. It’s going to take a few key home upsets to get to six wins, but the team should be just good enough to get close.

2018 Record: 4-8
Realistic Best Case Record: 6-6
Realistic Worst Case Record: 3-9
2019 Prediction, March Version: 5-7

Aug. 31 Indiana (in Indy)
Sept. 7 Fordham
Sept. 14 Florida Atlantic
Sept. 21 at NC State
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 at Northern Illinois
Oct. 12 at Eastern Michigan
Oct. 19 Toledo
Oct. 26 Ohio
Nov. 5 at Western Michigan
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 Central Michigan
Nov. 23 at Kent State
Nov. 29 Miami Univ.
– Full Schedule Analysis

Central Michigan Chippewas

The call is that new head man Jim McElwain will be good enough to make the team at least four wins better. Getting QB Quinten Dormady in from Houston helps for an offense loaded with veterans, but the defense loses several key parts. The Chippewas will beat Albany and New Mexico State, and there can’t be misses against Akron and at Ball State.

2018 Record: 1-11
Realistic Best Case Record: 7-5
Realistic Worst Case Record: 4-8
2019 Prediction, March Version: 5-7

Aug. 29 Albany
Sept. 7 at Wisconsin
Sept. 14 Akron
Sept. 21 at Miami, FL
Sept. 28 at Western Michigan
Oct. 5 Eastern Michigan
Oct. 12 New Mexico State
Oct. 19 at Bowling Green
Oct. 26 at Buffalo
Nov. 2 Northern Illinois
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 at Ball State
Nov. 23 OPEN DATE
Nov. 29 Toledo
– Full Schedule Analysis

Eastern Michigan Eagles

The defense has to all but start over up front and the O has to replace too much. Even so, the schedule isn’t all that bad with Central Connecticut State, Ball State and Kent State likely home wins, and with several winnable road games to get to six victories.

2018 Record: 7-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 3-9
2019 Prediction, March Version: 6-6

Aug. 31 at Coastal Carolina
Sept. 7 at Kentucky
Sept. 14 at Illinois
Sept. 21 Central Connecticut State
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 at Central Michigan
Oct. 12 Ball State
Oct. 19 Western Michigan
Oct. 26 at Toledo
Nov. 2 Buffalo
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 12 at Akron
Nov. 19 at Northern Illinois
Nov. 29 Kent State
– Full Schedule Analysis

Northern Illinois Huskies

New head man Thomas Hammock has some key parts to replace on the defensive front and at corner from the defending MAC champs, but the offense should be terrific. Going to Utah, Nebraska, Vanderbilt, Ohio and Toledo is rough, but the home slate isn’t all that bad.

2018 Record: 8-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 7-5

Aug. 31 Illinois State
Sept. 7 at Utah
Sept. 14 at Nebraska
Sept. 21 OPEN DATE
Sept. 28 at Vanderbilt
Oct. 5 Ball State
Oct. 12 at Ohio
Oct. 19 at Miami Univ.
Oct. 26 Akron
Nov. 2 at Central Michigan
Nov. 13 at Toledo
Nov. 19 Eastern Michigan
Nov. 23 OPEN DATE
Nov. 26 Western Michigan
– Full Schedule Analysis

Toledo Rockets

It’s a good team that should be in the mix for the MAC title. There will be a problem at Kentucky to start the season, but the Rockets should be able to hang at Colorado State and at home against BYU. There are just enough road games over the second half of the season to be a concern, but getting to eight wins is a modest goal.

2018 Record: 7-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 8-4

Aug. 31 at Kentucky
Sept. 7 OPEN DATE
Sept. 14 Murray State
Sept. 21 at Colorado State
Sept. 28 BYU
Oct. 5 Western Michigan
Oct. 12 at Bowling Green
Oct. 19 at Ball State
Oct. 26 Eastern Michigan
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 5 Kent State
Nov. 13 Northern Illinois
Nov. 20 at Buffalo
Nov. 29 at Central Michigan
– Full Schedule Analysis

Western Michigan Broncos

The Broncos are going to have to work for consistency with road games at Michigan State, Syracuse, Toledo, Eastern Michigan, Ohio and Northern Illinois sprinkled into the mix. However, they’ll be good enough to win a slew of those MAC games, and the home slate is a relative breeze.

2018 Record: 7-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 7-5

Aug. 31 Monmouth
Sept. 7 at Michigan State
Sept. 14 Georgia State
Sept. 21 at Syracuse
Sept. 28 Central Michigan
Oct. 5 at Toledo
Oct. 12 Miami Univ.
Oct. 19 at Eastern Michigan
Oct. 26 Bowling Green
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 5 Ball State
Nov. 12 at Ohio
Nov. 23 OPEN DATE
Nov. 26 at Northern Illinois
– Full Schedule Analysis

NEXT: Mountain West

MOUNTAIN WEST: MOUNTAIN

– Mountain West Weekly Schedule Analysis, Top Ten Games

Air Force Falcons

Always a wild-card team depending on how the new parts fill in, this year, there’s enough experience to think that a bowl game should be a lock. Going to Colorado and Boise State are likely losses, but everything else is winnable considering Fresno State and Utah State have to come to Colorado Springs.

2018 Record: 5-7
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 4-8
2019 Prediction, March Version: 6-6

Aug. 31 Colgate
Sept. 7 OPEN DATE
Sept. 14 at Colorado
Sept. 21 at Boise State
Sept. 28 San Jose State
Oct. 5 at Navy
Oct. 12 Fresno State
Oct. 19 at Hawaii
Oct. 26 Utah State
Nov. 2 Army
Nov. 9 at New Mexico
Nov. 16 at Colorado State
Nov. 23 OPEN DATE
Nov. 30 Wyoming
– Full Schedule Analysis

Boise State Broncos

It’s a terrific team returning as long as the offensive backfield gets settled right away. Playing Florida State in Jacksonville will be a tone-setter. Win that, and the New Year’s Six talk – and more – is on. Going to BYU and taking a trip to Utah State will be interesting, but it’ll take a few big upsets to beat the Broncos after the opener.

2018 Record: 10-3
Realistic Best Case Record: 11-1
Realistic Worst Case Record: 7-5
2019 Prediction, March Version: 10-2

Aug. 31 Florida State (in Jacksonville)
Sept. 7 Marshall
Sept. 14 Portland State
Sept. 21 Air Force
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 at UNLV
Oct. 12 Hawaii
Oct. 19 at BYU
Oct. 26 OPEN DATE
Nov. 2 at San Jose State
Nov. 9 Wyoming
Nov. 16 New Mexico
Nov. 23 at Utah State
Nov. 30 at Colorado State
– Full Schedule Analysis

Colorado State Rams

The Rams will rebound a bit from last year’s clunky disaster, but it’s going to be a rough start to get there. Colorado, Arkansas, Utah State and Fresno State are all away from Fort Collins. Home dates against Toledo, San Diego State and Boise State are hardly a breeze, either.

2018 Record: 3-9
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 3-9
2019 Prediction, March Version: 6-6

Aug. 30 Colorado (in Denver)
Sept. 7 Western Illinois
Sept. 14 at Arkansas
Sept. 21 Toledo
Sept. 28 at Utah State
Oct. 5 San Diego State
Oct. 12 at New Mexico
Oct. 19 OPEN DATE
Oct. 26 at Fresno State
Nov. 2 UNLV
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 Air Force
Nov. 23 at Wyoming
Nov. 30 Boise State
– Full Schedule Analysis

New Mexico Lobos

The injuries that hit the quarterbacks last year can’t come back, but the system is there to possibly break out and turn the Bob Davie era around. Other than the road games at Notre Dame and Boise State, the schedule isn’t all that horrible with six of the first seven games against teams that didn’t go bowling.

2018 Record: 3-9
Realistic Best Case Record: 7-5
Realistic Worst Case Record: 3-9
2019 Prediction, March Version: 5-7

Aug. 31 Sam Houston State
Sept. 7 OPEN DATE
Sept. 14 at Notre Dame
Sept. 21 New Mexico State
Sept. 28 at Liberty
Oct. 5 at San Jose State
Oct. 12 Colorado State
Oct. 19 at Wyoming
Oct. 26 Hawaii
Nov. 2 at Nevada
Nov. 9 Air Force
Nov. 16 at Boise State
Nov. 23 OPEN DATE
Nov. 30 Utah State
– Full Schedule Analysis

Utah State Aggies

Nah, Gary Andersen won’t be able to come up with last year’s Aggies were able to do, but that’s because the schedule is harder. There aren’t the same layups, but there are enough of them. Going to LSU, Wake Forest, San Diego State and Fresno State should be enough for at least three losses, and that doesn’t include home games against Nevada, Wyoming and Boise State.

2018 Record: 11-2
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 7-5

Aug. 30 at Wake Forest
Sept. 7 Stony Brook
Sept. 14 OPEN DATE
Sept. 21 at San Diego State
Sept. 28 Colorado State
Oct. 5 at LSU
Oct. 12 Nevada
Oct. 19 OPEN DATE
Oct. 26 at Air Force
Nov. 2 BYU
Nov. 9 at Fresno State
Nov. 16 Wyoming
Nov. 23 Boise State
Nov. 30 at New Mexico
– Full Schedule Analysis

Wyoming Cowboys

The experience is there for the offense to be a whole lot better – it can’t be any worse. Starting the year against Missouri won’t help, but the next three games are against teams that didn’t go bowling. With New Mexico, Colorado State and Idaho coming to Laramie, getting to a can’t-ignore-by-bowl-types seven win level is a must.

2018 Record: 6-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 6-6

Aug. 31 Missouri
Sept. 7 at Texas State
Sept. 14 Idaho
Sept. 21 at Tulsa
Sept. 28 UNLV
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 at San Diego State
Oct. 19 New Mexico
Oct. 26 Nevada
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 at Boise State
Nov. 16 at Utah State
Nov. 23 Colorado State
Nov. 30 at Air Force
– Full Schedule Analysis

MOUNTAIN WEST: WEST

– Mountain West Weekly Schedule Analysis, Top Ten Games

Fresno State Bulldogs

Can the Bulldogs somehow get a split against USC and Minnesota to start the season? Do that, and everything else should be gravy. Going to San Diego State will likely be for the West division title, and everything else on the slate is more than winnable. Getting to double-digit wins again is a solid goal.

2018 Record: 12-2
Realistic Best Case Record: 10-2
Realistic Worst Case Record: 7-5
2019 Prediction, March Version: 9-3

Aug. 31 at USC
Sept. 7 Minnesota
Sept. 14 OPEN DATE
Sept. 21 Sacramento State
Sept. 28 at New Mexico State
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 at Air Force
Oct. 19 UNLV
Oct. 26 Colorado State
Nov. 2 at Hawaii
Nov. 9 Utah State
Nov. 16 at San Diego State
Nov. 23 Nevada
Nov. 30 at San Jose State
– Full Schedule Analysis

Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors

The team should be just okay, but there’s always the amazing home field advantage to help the cause. The Rainbow Warriors have to at least split the Power Five home games against Arizona and Oregon State, and getting Fresno State and San Diego State in Honolulu is a massive plus. There are enough sure wins to get close to bowl eligibility, but it might come down to the regular season finale against Army.

2018 Record: 8-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-5
Realistic Worst Case Record: 4-9
2019 Prediction, March Version: 6-7

Aug. 24 Arizona
Aug. 31 OPEN DATE
Sept. 7 Oregon State
Sept. 14 at Washington
Sept. 21 Central Arkansas
Sept. 28 at Nevada
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 at Boise State
Oct. 19 Air Force
Oct. 26 at New Mexico
Nov. 2 Fresno State
Nov. 9 San Jose State
Nov. 16 at UNLV
Nov. 23 San Diego State
Nov. 30 Army
– Full Schedule Analysis

Nevada Wolf Pack

The Wolf Pack quietly had a strong second season under Jay Norvell, but it might be a fight to improve on it too much with six starters gone on defense. The O, though, should keep on going. Getting to six wins should be a bit of a fight with Purdue, at Oregon, at San Diego State, at Utah State, and at Fresno State to deal with. Even with all five of those as possible losses, everything else is winnable.

2018 Record: 8-5
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 4-8
2019 Prediction, March Version: 6-6

Aug. 31 Purdue
Sept. 7 at Oregon
Sept. 14 Weber State
Sept. 21 at UTEP
Sept. 28 Hawaii
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 San Jose State
Oct. 19 at Utah State
Oct. 26 at Wyoming
Nov. 2 New Mexico
Nov. 9 at San Diego State
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 at Fresno State
Nov. 30 UNLV
– Full Schedule Analysis

San Diego State Aztecs

The Aztecs have to deal with UCLA on the road, but that’s about it for the tough away dates. Utah State, Nevada, and Fresno State all have to come to San Diego, and seven of the first eight games are all against teams that didn’t go bowling. They should be favored in at least ten games.

2018 Record: 7-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 10-2
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 9-3

Aug. 31 Weber State
Sept. 7 at UCLA
Sept. 14 at New Mexico State
Sept. 21 Utah State
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 at Colorado State
Oct. 12 Wyoming
Oct. 19 at San Jose State
Oct. 26 at UNLV
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 Nevada
Nov. 16 Fresno State
Nov. 23 at Hawaii
Nov. 30 BYU
– Full Schedule Analysis

San Jose State Spartans

There’s enough returning experience to expect more on offense, but the defense will still be an issue. After starting with Northern Colorado, where are the other wins? Home games against Tulsa and New Mexico might be the two big shots with the rest of the dates in San Jose a big problem.

2018 Record: 1-11
Realistic Best Case Record: 5-7
Realistic Worst Case Record: 1-11
2019 Prediction, March Version: 3-9

Aug. 29 Northern Colorado
Sept. 7 Tulsa
Sept. 14 OPEN DATE
Sept. 21 at Arkansas
Sept. 28 at Air Force
Oct. 5 New Mexico
Oct. 12 at Nevada
Oct. 19 San Diego State
Oct. 26 at Army
Nov. 2 Boise State
Nov. 9 at Hawaii
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 at UNLV
Nov. 30 Fresno State
– Full Schedule Analysis

UNLV Rebels

No, this is the year UNLV should be good under Tony Sanchez. You’ve heard that before, but this year there’s no excuse, at least offensively. The schedule should bring six wins if the Rebels can get by home games against Arkansas State and Hawaii, but it’ll take a few key road wins – like Colorado State and Nevada – to get bowl eligible.

2018 Record: 4-8
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 4-8
2019 Prediction, March Version: 6-6

Aug. 31 Southern Utah
Sept. 7 Arkansas State
Sept. 14 at Northwestern
Sept. 21 OPEN DATE
Sept. 28 at Wyoming
Oct. 5 Boise State
Oct. 12 at Vanderbilt
Oct. 19 at Fresno State
Oct. 26 San Diego State
Nov. 2 at Colorado State
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 Hawaii
Nov. 23 San Jose State
Nov. 30 at Nevada
– Full Schedule Analysis

Next: Pac-12

PAC-12 NORTH

– Pac-12 Weekly Schedule Analysis, Top Ten Games

California Golden Bears

Justin Wilcox has created too good a team to tumble down after breaking through last season, but the offense has to be better. There can’t be any misfires, like at home against North Texas and in Pac-12 games against Arizona State, Oregon State and Washington State. The Golden Bears will get to six wins, but it won’t be easy in an improved Pac-12.

2018 Record: 7-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 6-6

Aug. 31 UC Davis
Sept. 7 at Washington
Sept. 14 North Texas
Sept. 21 at Ole Miss
Sept. 27 Arizona State
Oct. 5 at Oregon
Oct. 12 OPEN DATE
Oct. 19 Oregon State
Oct. 26 at Utah
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 Washington State
Nov. 16 USC
Nov. 23 at Stanford
Nov. 30 at UCLA
– Full Schedule Analysis

Oregon Ducks

The Ducks are loaded with talent and experience, but there are just enough losable games to keep from this being the massive season many will expect. Starting out against Auburn will be the big early key, and games at Stanford, Washington and USC are likely enough to come just short of a ten-win regular season.

2018 Record: 9-4
Realistic Best Case Record: 11-1
Realistic Worst Case Record: 8-4
2019 Prediction, March Version: 9-3

Aug. 31 Auburn (in Arlington)
Sept. 7 Nevada
Sept. 14 Montana
Sept. 21 at Stanford
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 California
Oct. 11 Colorado
Oct. 19 at Washington
Oct. 26 Washington State
Nov. 2 at USC
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 Arizona
Nov. 23 at Arizona State
Nov. 30 Oregon State
– Full Schedule Analysis

Oregon State Beavers

The Beavers should be better in Jonathan Smith’s second season, but after Cal Poly, where are the wins? At Hawaii? Arizona State? At Oregon? It’s going to take a few massive upsets to get a few wins, but they’ll happen. Someone in the Pac-12 will get tagged on the wrong day.

2018 Record: 2-10
Realistic Best Case Record: 6-6
Realistic Worst Case Record: 2-10
2019 Prediction, March Version: 3-9

Aug. 30 Oklahoma State
Sept. 7 at Hawaii
Sept. 14 Cal Poly
Sept. 21 OPEN DATE
Sept. 28 Stanford
Oct. 5 at UCLA
Oct. 12 Utah
Oct. 19 at California
Oct. 26 OPEN DATE
Nov. 2 at Arizona
Nov. 8 Washington
Nov. 16 Arizona State
Nov. 23 at Washington State
Nov. 30 at Oregon
– Full Schedule Analysis

Stanford Cardinal

There are too many key replacements needed to be made on both sides of the ball for this to be a College Football Playoff season, and the schedule isn’t going to help, either. Look at those first four games … Northwestern, at USC, at UCF, Oregon. With Washington coming up a few weeks later, and Notre Dame at the end, it’s a brutal slate. However, almost all of the tough games after September 14th are at home.

2018 Record: 9-4
Realistic Best Case Record: 10-2
Realistic Worst Case Record: 6-6
2019 Prediction, March Version: 8-4

Aug. 31 Northwestern
Sept. 7 at USC
Sept. 14 at UCF
Sept. 21 Oregon
Sept. 28 at Oregon State
Oct. 5 Washington
Oct. 12 OPEN DATE
Oct. 17 UCLA
Oct. 26 Arizona
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 at Colorado
Nov. 16 at Washington State
Nov. 23 California
Nov. 30 Notre Dame
– Full Schedule Analysis

Washington Huskies

The bad: Way too many starters are gone on defense. The good: there’s a month to figure it out. Cal isn’t a layup, and going to BYU will take some work, but overall, it’s not a bad first four weeks before hosting USC and going to Stanford. The Oregon, Utah and Washington State games are at home, but there are just enough tough 50/50 games to expect a few losses.

2018 Record: 10-4
Realistic Best Case Record: 10-2
Realistic Worst Case Record: 7-5
2019 Prediction, March Version: 9-3

Aug. 31 Eastern Washington
Sept. 7 California
Sept. 14 Hawaii
Sept. 21 at BYU
Sept. 28 USC
Oct. 5 at Stanford
Oct. 12 at Arizona
Oct. 19 Oregon
Oct. 26 OPEN DATE
Nov. 2 Utah
Nov. 8 at Oregon State
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 at Colorado
Nov. 29 Washington State
– Full Schedule Analysis

Washington State Cougars

This won’t be the season the Cougars had last season, but the defense returns solid and everything is there to keep on rolling on offense if Eastern Washington transfer Gage Gubrud is the real deal. The first part of the schedule shouldn’t be much of an issue – needing to get by UCLA at home – but road games at Utah, Arizona State, Oregon, Cal, and Washington are just enough to expect a record drop, even if the team is better in some ways.

2018 Record: 11-2
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 7-5

Aug. 31 New Mexico State
Sept. 7 Northern Colorado
Sept. 13 Houston
Sept. 21 UCLA
Sept. 28 at Utah
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 at Arizona State
Oct. 19 Colorado
Oct. 26 at Oregon
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 at California
Nov. 16 Stanford
Nov. 23 Oregon State
Nov. 29 at Washington
– Full Schedule Analysis

PAC-12 SOUTH

– Pac-12 Weekly Schedule Analysis, Top Ten Games

Arizona Wildcats

The Wildcats have to beat Hawaii on the road to kick things off. They biffed the opener against BYU last season, and that can’t happen again. Northern Arizona is a win, and Texas Tech and UCLA have to be home wins to build up a base of victories. Five road games in the last eight are bad, and home games against Washington and Utah won’t help.

2018 Record: 5-7
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 7-5

Aug. 24 at Hawaii
Aug. 31 OPEN DATE
Sept. 7 Northern Arizona
Sept. 14 Texas Tech
Sept. 21 OPEN DATE
Sept. 28 UCLA
Oct. 5 at Colorado
Oct. 12 Washington
Oct. 19 at USC
Oct. 26 at Stanford
Nov. 2 Oregon State
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 at Oregon
Nov. 23 Utah
Nov. 29 at Arizona State
– Full Schedule Analysis

Arizona State Sun Devils

After a decent first season, Year Two under Herm Edwards should get off to a hot start with Kent State, Sacramento State, and Colorado in the first four games. It’s a tougher schedule than it looks, but four of the last five games are against teams that didn’t go bowling. However, Oregon and USC are part of that finishing kick.

2018 Record: 7-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 8-4

Aug. 29 Kent State
Sept. 6 Sacramento State
Sept. 14 at Michigan State
Sept. 21 Colorado
Sept. 27 at California
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 Washington State
Oct. 19 at Utah
Oct. 26 at UCLA
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 USC
Nov. 16 at Oregon State
Nov. 23 Oregon
Nov. 29 Arizona
– Full Schedule Analysis

Colorado Buffaloes

Mel Tucker has a veteran team to take over, but there’s no room for any misfires at home. The Buffs have to beat Nebraska, can’t lose to Arizona, Stanford, and could use an upset over USC or Washington. None of the road games are two-foot putts, meaning it’ll be a battle just to get close to the six-win mark.

2018 Record: 5-7
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 4-8
2019 Prediction, March Version: 5-7

Aug. 30 Colorado St (in Denver)
Sept. 7 Nebraska
Sept. 14 Air Force
Sept. 21 at Arizona State
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 Arizona
Oct. 11 at Oregon
Oct. 19 at Washington State
Oct. 25 USC
Nov. 2 at UCLA
Nov. 9 Stanford
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 Washington
Nov. 30 at Utah
– Full Schedule Analysis

UCLA Bruins

Get ready for the Chip Kelly era to kick in. There’s experience, and he’s getting in the players who do what he wants and needs. The key is getting off to a good start, and that means a win at Cincinnati to kick things off, and then follow it up with a win over San Diego State. Out of Oklahoma, at Stanford, at Utah and at USC there should be at least three losses, but if there are two or fewer, eight to nine wins are possible.

2018 Record: 3-9
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 4-8
2019 Prediction, March Version: 8-4

Aug. 31 at Cincinnati
Sept. 7 San Diego State
Sept. 14 Oklahoma
Sept. 21 at Washington State
Sept. 28 at Arizona
Oct. 5 Oregon State
Oct. 12 OPEN DATE
Oct. 17 at Stanford
Oct. 26 Arizona State
Nov. 2 Colorado
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 at Utah
Nov. 23 at USC
Nov. 30 California
– Full Schedule Analysis

USC Trojans

Let’s just assume USC gets out of bed and becomes USC again. Starting with Fresh State, Stanford, Utah and Washington all in September is tough, but the first three of those are in LA. That’s followed up by a trip to Notre Dame, but there’s a week off to get ready. Can the Trojans get through this with just three losses? They’d better.

2018 Record: 5-7
Realistic Best Case Record: 10-2
Realistic Worst Case Record: 6-6
2019 Prediction, March Version: 9-3

Aug. 31 Fresno State
Sept. 7 Stanford
Sept. 14 at BYU
Sept. 20 Utah
Sept. 28 at Washington
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 at Notre Dame
Oct. 19 Arizona
Oct. 25 at Colorado
Nov. 2 Oregon
Nov. 9 at Arizona State
Nov. 16 at California
Nov. 23 UCLA
Nov. 30 OPEN DATE
– Full Schedule Analysis

Utah Utes

The Utes should be even better with a healthy backfield returning to go along with a slew of good veterans returning from the Pac-12 South championship team. If they can beat BYU in Provo to kick things off, they’re going to be 3-0 before going to USC and dealing with Washington State. Going to Washington is a concern, but that’s about it – there are more than enough winnable games for this team to honestly push for ten wins.

2018 Record: 9-5
Realistic Best Case Record: 10-2
Realistic Worst Case Record: 6-6
2019 Prediction, March Version: 8-4

Aug. 29 at BYU
Sept. 7 Northern Illinois
Sept. 14 Idaho State
Sept. 20 at USC
Sept. 28 Washington State
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 at Oregon State
Oct. 19 Arizona State
Oct. 26 California
Nov. 2 at Washington
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 UCLA
Nov. 23 at Arizona
Nov. 30 Colorado
– Full Schedule Analysis

NEXT: SEC

SEC EAST

– SEC Weekly Schedule Analysis, Top Ten Games

Florida Gators

The excitement is back for a program that had a great first season under Dan Mullen, and now comes back even stronger. They had better be considering the schedule is loaded with landmines. The showdown in Orlando against Miami will be the big first test, and now, the Kentucky game matters. The Gators aren’t at home between October 5th to November 9th, going to LSU, South Carolina and dealing with Georgia.

2018 Record: 10-3
Realistic Best Case Record: 10-2
Realistic Worst Case Record: 7-5
2019 Prediction, March Version: 8-4

Aug. 24 Miami (in Orlando)
Sept. 7 UT Martin
Sept. 14 at Kentucky
Sept. 21 Tennessee
Sept. 28 Towson
Oct. 5 Auburn
Oct. 12 at LSU
Oct. 19 at South Carolina
Oct. 26 OPEN DATE
Nov. 2 Georgia (in Jacksonville)
Nov. 9 Vanderbilt
Nov. 16 at Missouri
Nov. 23 OPEN DATE
Nov. 30 Florida State
– Full Schedule Analysis

Georgia Bulldogs

Unlike Florida, who has a whole slew of nasty 50/50 games, Georgia’s are almost all at home or at a neutral site. Notre Dame, South Carolina, Texas A&M – all tough, and all in Athens. The road game at Auburn is a problem, and the Gators are going to be tough in Jacksonville, but this is a slate perfect to get to the SEC Championship for a third straight season.

2018 Record: 11-3
Realistic Best Case Record: 12-0
Realistic Worst Case Record: 8-4
2019 Prediction, March Version: 11-1

Aug. 31 at Vanderbilt
Sept. 7 Murray State
Sept. 14 Arkansas State
Sept. 21 Notre Dame
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 at Tennessee
Oct. 12 South Carolina
Oct. 19 Kentucky
Oct. 26 OPEN DATE
Nov. 2 Florida (in Jacksonville)
Nov. 9 Missouri
Nov. 16 at Auburn
Nov. 23 Texas A&M
Nov. 30 at Georgia Tech
– Full Schedule Analysis

Kentucky Wildcats

2018 wasn’t an aberration, but Kentucky will come back down to earth a wee bit with road games at Georgia, Mississippi State and South Carolina. Can the Cats beat Florida at home? Outside of the date in Athens, that’s the biggest showdown. Yes, eight of the first ten games are against teams that went bowling, but they’re mostly manageable.

2018 Record: 10-3
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 6-6
2019 Prediction, March Version: 8-4

Aug. 31 Toledo
Sept. 7 Eastern Michigan
Sept. 14 Florida
Sept. 21 at Mississippi State
Sept. 28 at South Carolina
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 Arkansas
Oct. 19 at Georgia
Oct. 26 Missouri
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 Tennessee
Nov. 16 at Vanderbilt
Nov. 23 UT Martin
Nov. 30 Louisville
– Full Schedule Analysis

Missouri Tigers

The schedule is good enough to have a really, really strong season. QB Kelly Bryant and the overall talent is in place to do big things as long as the defensive tackles can come through. After going to Wyoming to kick things off, the next road game isn’t until October 19th at Vanderbilt. There will be a loss at Georgia, and Florida will be a fight, but everything else is on the table.

2018 Record: 8-5
Realistic Best Case Record: 10-2
Realistic Worst Case Record: 6-6
2019 Prediction, March Version: 8-4

Aug. 31 at Wyoming
Sept. 7 West Virginia
Sept. 14 SE Missouri State
Sept. 21 South Carolina
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 Troy
Oct. 12 Ole Miss
Oct. 19 at Vanderbilt
Oct. 26 at Kentucky
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 at Georgia
Nov. 16 Florida
Nov. 23 Tennessee
Nov. 30 at Arkansas (in Little Rock)
– Full Schedule Analysis

South Carolina Gamecocks

South Carolina will be a really, really good football team with a really, really brutal schedule that’s going to nearly impossible to navigate. Even North Carolina under Mack Brown is going to be dangerous, but that should be a win, and so will the game against Charleston Southern. And then where’s another win? Vanderbilt? Okay. Kentucky? Probably. Appalachian State? Sure. The Gamecocks will get to six wins, but even some of the home games – Alabama, Florida, Clemson – are brutal.

2018 Record: 7-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 6-6

Aug. 31 North Carolina (in Charlotte)
Sept. 7 Charleston Southern
Sept. 14 Alabama
Sept. 21 at Missouri
Sept. 28 Kentucky
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 at Georgia
Oct. 19 Florida
Oct. 26 at Tennessee
Nov. 2 Vanderbilt
Nov. 9 Appalachian State
Nov. 16 at Texas A&M
Nov. 23 OPEN DATE
Nov. 30 Clemson
– Full Schedule Analysis

Tennessee Volunteers

The Vols need to figure out the defensive front and have come up with a more consistent offense, but the wins are going to be there. They’ll almost certainly start 3-0 before going to Florida, and UAB and Vanderbilt should be Ws if all going according to plan. They’ll be good enough to pull off a slight stunner or two – at Missouri and South Carolina should work – to get bowl eligible.

2018 Record: 5-7
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 7-5

Aug. 31 Georgia State
Sept. 7 BYU
Sept. 14 UT Chattanooga
Sept. 21 at Florida
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 Georgia
Oct. 12 Mississippi State
Oct. 19 at Alabama
Oct. 26 South Carolina
Nov. 2 UAB
Nov. 9 at Kentucky
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 at Missouri
Nov. 30 Vanderbilt
– Full Schedule Analysis

Vanderbilt Commodores

After a terrific season with a surprising run to a bowl game, the Commodores are still going to be solid. But it’ll be a whole lot more difficult to get to six wins this time around. Georgia, at Purdue, LSU, at Ole Miss, Missouri, at South Carolina, at Florida, Kentucky, at Tennessee. Vandy should be able to win its three other games, but out of those nine, can it get three other victories? It’ll have to – and not whiff against Northern Illinois or UNLV.

2018 Record: 6-7
Realistic Best Case Record: 7-5
Realistic Worst Case Record: 4-8
2019 Prediction, March Version: 5-7

Aug. 31 Georgia
Sept. 7 at Purdue
Sept. 14 OPEN DATE
Sept. 21 LSU
Sept. 28 Northern Illinois
Oct. 5 at Ole Miss
Oct. 12 UNLV
Oct. 19 Missouri
Oct. 26 OPEN DATE
Nov. 2 at South Carolina
Nov. 9 at Florida
Nov. 16 Kentucky
Nov. 23 East Tennessee State
Nov. 30 at Tennessee
– Full Schedule Analysis

SEC WEST

– SEC Weekly Schedule Analysis, Top Ten Games

Alabama Crimson Tide

Yeah, there’s a shot that if everything works out, South Carolina rises up at home and takes down the Tide. Texas A&M can absolutely beat Bama in College Station, LSU is dangerous, Mississippi State is scary in Starkville, and going to Auburn to play the Iron Bowl is going to Auburn to play the Iron Bowl. Alabama will lose one of those games. It won’t lose two.

2018 Record: 14-1
Realistic Best Case Record: 12-0
Realistic Worst Case Record: 9-3
2019 Prediction, March Version: 11-1

Aug. 31 Duke (in Atlanta)
Sept. 7 New Mexico State
Sept. 14 at South Carolina
Sept. 21 Southern Miss
Sept. 28 Ole Miss
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 at Texas A&M
Oct. 19 Tennessee
Oct. 26 Arkansas
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 LSU
Nov. 16 at Mississippi State
Nov. 23 Western Carolina
Nov. 30 at Auburn
– Full Schedule Analysis

Arkansas Razorbacks

Chad Morris is rebuilding the program, starting with bringing in two transfer quarterbacks – Ben Hicks (SMU) and Nick Starkel (Texas A&M) – to upgrade the position. And the Hogs have the wins there on the schedule to get a whole lot better. Portland State, Colorado State – they’ll win this time around – WKU and San Jose State will provide a base of four victories. Can they get two more? Yeah, but where? It’ll take two upsets.

2018 Record: 2-10
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 3-9
2019 Prediction, March Version: 6-6

Aug. 31 Portland State
Sept. 7 at Ole Miss
Sept. 14 Colorado State
Sept. 21 San Jose State
Sept. 28 Texas A&M (in Arlington)
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 at Kentucky
Oct. 19 Auburn
Oct. 26 at Alabama
Nov. 2 Mississippi State
Nov. 9 WKU
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 at LSU
Nov. 30 Missouri (in Little Rock)
– Full Schedule Analysis

Auburn Tigers

The O should be fantastic, and the D will be terrific with a little bit of time – and it won’t have that time. Oregon kicks off the season, and the trips to Texas A&M, Florida and LSU are scary. Even with no road games in November, AU still has to face Georgia and Alabama. It’ll take something special to get to nine wins or more with this slate, but the Tigers will be good enough to get to eight.

2018 Record: 8-5
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 7-5
2019 Prediction, March Version: 8-4

Aug. 31 Oregon (in Dallas)
Sept. 7 Tulane
Sept. 14 Kent State
Sept. 21 at Texas A&M
Sept. 28 Mississippi State
Oct. 5 at Florida
Oct. 12 OPEN DATE
Oct. 19 at Arkansas
Oct. 26 at LSU
Nov. 2 Ole Miss
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 Georgia
Nov. 23 Samford
Nov. 30 Alabama
– Full Schedule Analysis

LSU Tigers

The Tigers were underappreciated going into last season, and they came through with a massive year. Now they’ll likely be overloved a bit, but … they’ll still be fantastic. The schedule has two brutal road dates at Texas and Alabama. Somehow, they have to split those – the eyes of that win are upon Austin – to absorb a likely loss at home to Florida, Auburn, or Texas A&M. Throw in the date at Mississippi State, and getting to nine wins would be imrpessive.

2018 Record: 10-3
Realistic Best Case Record: 11-1
Realistic Worst Case Record: 7-5
2019 Prediction, March Version: 9-3

Aug. 31 Georgia Southern
Sept. 7 at Texas
Sept. 14 Northwestern State
Sept. 21 at Vanderbilt
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 Utah State
Oct. 12 Florida
Oct. 19 at Mississippi State
Oct. 26 Auburn
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 at Alabama
Nov. 16 at Ole Miss
Nov. 23 Arkansas
Nov. 30 Texas A&M
– Full Schedule Analysis

Ole Miss Rebels

The Rebels lost an NFL-caliber group of receivers, along with QB Jordan Ta’amu and three starters up front. But the defense should be better, and head coach Matt Luke has assembled a fantastic coaching staff. Now he needs to get to six wins to take the program bowling. Figure on losses at Alabama and at least two in the three games against Missouri, Auburn and Mississippi State on the road. Also bake in potential defeats at home against LSU and Texas A&M. Even so, the Rebels should be one victory better than 2019.

2018 Record: 5-7
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 4-8
2019 Prediction, March Version: 6-6

Aug. 31 at Memphis
Sept. 7 Arkansas
Sept. 14 SE Louisiana
Sept. 21 California
Sept. 28 at Alabama
Oct. 5 Vanderbilt
Oct. 12 at Missouri
Oct. 19 Texas A&M
Oct. 26 OPEN DATE
Nov. 2 at Auburn
Nov. 9 New Mexico State
Nov. 16 LSU
Nov. 23 OPEN DATE
Nov. 28 at Mississippi State
– Full Schedule Analysis

Mississippi State Bulldogs

Joe Moorhead has a nice team returning with a great-looking offense to go along with a strong enough defensive back seven to overcome the massive losses on the line. The schedule isn’t all that bad considering the SEC West slate, mostly because all three non-conference games are winnable. There’s no Georgia or Florida from the East, and Alabama and LSU have to come to Stark Vegas.

2018 Record: 8-5
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 6-6
2019 Prediction, March Version: 8-4

Aug. 31 Louisiana (in New Orleans)
Sept. 7 Southern Miss
Sept. 14 Kansas State
Sept. 21 Kentucky
Sept. 28 at Auburn
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 at Tennessee
Oct. 19 LSU
Oct. 26 at Texas A&M
Nov. 2 at Arkansas
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 Alabama
Nov. 23 Abilene Christian
Nov. 28 Ole Miss
– Full Schedule Analysis

Texas A&M Aggies

Jimbo Fisher’s team is good enough to come up with a whopper of a season, but there are four mega-issues – at Clemson, Alabama, at Georgia, at LSU. The Aggies will be good enough to win one of those, maybe two, but not three or four. On the plus side, they should be able to get by Auburn, Mississippi State and South Carolina at home to get to nine wins.

2018 Record: 9-4
Realistic Best Case Record: 10-2
Realistic Worst Case Record: 6-6
2019 Prediction, March Version: 9-3

Aug. 31 Texas State
Sept. 7 at Clemson
Sept. 14 Lamar
Sept. 21 Auburn
Sept. 28 Arkansas (in Arlington)
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 Alabama
Oct. 19 at Ole Miss
Oct. 26 Mississippi State
Nov. 2 UTSA
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 South Carolina
Nov. 23 at Georgia
Nov. 30 at LSU
– Full Schedule Analysis

Next: Sun Belt

SUN BELT EAST

Appalachian State Mountaineers

New head coach Eliah Drinkwitz inherits a loaded offense that’s full of experience, and a defense that gets seven starters back. Where are the certain losses? At South Carolina might be one, and going to North Carolina could be another, but the road date at Troy and home game against Georgia Southern will be scary, but flirting with ten wins is reasonable.

2018 Record: 11-2
Realistic Best Case Record: 10-2
Realistic Worst Case Record: 7-5
2019 Prediction, March Version: 9-3

Aug. 31 East Tennessee State
Sept. 7 Charlotte
Sept. 14 OPEN DATE
Sept. 21 at North Carolina
Sept. 28 Coastal Carolina
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 9 at Louisiana
Oct. 19 ULM
Oct. 26 at South Alabama
Oct. 31 Georgia Southern
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 at South Carolina
Nov. 16 at Georgia State
Nov. 23 Texas State
Nov. 30 at Troy
– Full Schedule Analysis

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

New head coach Jamey Chadwell has a team loaded with experience, but can he get to six wins? There are a slew of dangerous 50/50 games, and too many almost certain losses – at Appalachian State, at Georgia Southern, at Arkansas State, at Kansas – with little room for error. It’ll be tough to get to six wins.

2018 Record: 5-7
Realistic Best Case Record: 7-5
Realistic Worst Case Record: 4-8
2019 Prediction, March Version: 5-7

Aug. 31 Eastern Michigan
Sept. 7 at Kansas
Sept. 14 Norfolk State
Sept. 21 at UMass
Sept. 28 at Appalachian State
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 12 Georgia State
Oct. 19 at Georgia Southern
Oct. 26 OPEN DATE
Nov. 2 Troy
Nov. 7 Louisiana
Nov. 16 at Arkansas State
Nov. 23 at ULM
Nov. 30 Texas State
– Full Schedule Analysis

Georgia Southern Eagles

It’s a strong team returning with the great option offense style, but there won’t be the ten wins of last year. With road games at LSU, Minnesota, Appalachian State, Troy, and Arkansas State, the word you’re looking for is yeeeeeeesh. The Eagles will win at least one of those, but there can’t be any misfires against the rest of the slate.

2018 Record: 10-3
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 4-8
2019 Prediction, March Version: 7-5

Aug. 31 at LSU
Sept. 7 Maine
Sept. 14 at Minnesota
Sept. 21 OPEN DATE
Sept. 28 Louisiana
Oct. 3 at South Alabama
Oct. 12 OPEN DATE
Oct. 19 Coastal Carolina
Oct. 26 New Mexico State
Oct. 31 at Appalachian State
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 at Troy
Nov. 16 ULM
Nov. 23 at Arkansas State
Nov. 30 Georgia State
– Full Schedule Analysis

Georgia State Panthers

After a rocky season, the Panthers should be a whole lot better with a team loaded with veterans and experience, especially on offense. The points have to start coming, and the defense has to be a whole lot better, but where are the wins? Outside of Furman, all of the other likely winnable games, they aren’t sure things. Texas State, ULM and Coastal Carolina are in the Panther wheelhouse, but they’re on the road. Even so, they should be able to get to at least four wins, likely five.

2018 Record: 2-10
Realistic Best Case Record: 7-5
Realistic Worst Case Record: 3-9
2019 Prediction, March Version: 4-8

Aug. 31 at Tennessee
Sept. 7 Furman
Sept. 14 at Western Michigan
Sept. 21 at Texas State
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 Arkansas State
Oct. 12 at Coastal Carolina
Oct. 19 Army
Oct. 26 Troy
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 at ULM
Nov. 16 Appalachian State
Nov. 23 South Alabama
Nov. 30 at Georgia Southern
– Full Schedule Analysis

Troy Trojans

New head man Chip Lindsay inherits a nice team that has enough potential to be every bit as good as last year’s version. It helps with a schedule that should see a loss at Missouri – the Tigers get a week off to rest up – but has everything else going its way. Arkansas State, Georgia Southern, and Appalachian State are all at home.

2018 Record: 10-3
Realistic Best Case Record: 10-2
Realistic Worst Case Record: 7-5
2019 Prediction, March Version: 9-3

Aug. 31 Campbell
Sept. 7 OPEN DATE
Sept. 14 Southern Miss
Sept. 21 at Akron
Sept. 28 Arkansas State
Oct. 5 at Missouri
Oct. 12 OPEN DATE
Oct. 16 South Alabama
Oct. 26 at Georgia State
Nov. 2 at Coastal Carolina
Nov. 9 Georgia Southern
Nov. 16 at Texas State
Nov. 23 at Louisiana
Nov. 30 Appalachian State
– Full Schedule Analysis

SUN BELT WEST

Arkansas State Red Wolves

The Red Wolves weren’t able to get to the Sun Belt title game last season, but they’re going to be deep in the hunt. The non-conference schedule isn’t awful, but it’s asking a lot to get by SMU and at trip to UNLV – forget about the date at Georgia. The Sun Belt slate isn’t bad – missing Appalachian State and Troy – and getting Louisiana and Georgia Southern in Jonesboro.

2018 Record: 8-5
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 7-5

Aug. 31 SMU
Sept. 7 at UNLV
Sept. 14 at Georgia
Sept. 21 Southern Illinois
Sept. 28 at Troy
Oct. 5 at Georgia State
Oct. 12 OPEN DATE
Oct. 17 Louisiana
Oct. 26 Texas State
Nov. 2 at ULM
Nov. 9 OPEN DATE
Nov. 16 Coastal Carolina
Nov. 23 Georgia Southern
Nov. 30 at South Alabama
– Full Schedule Analysis

Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns

Billy Napier has a good enough team to get back to the Sun Belt title game, but the schedule isn’t going to help out. With road games at Ohio, Georgia Southern and Arkansas State, home dates against Appalachian State and Troy, and with the neutral site game against Mississippi State, it’ll be a fight to get to six wins. But they will.

2018 Record: 7-7
Realistic Best Case Record: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Record: 5-7
2019 Prediction, March Version: 7-5

Aug. 31 Mississippi State (in New Orleans)
Sept. 7 Liberty
Sept. 14 Texas Southern
Sept. 21 at Ohio
Sept. 28 at Georgia Southern
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 9 Appalachian State
Oct. 17 at Arkansas State
Oct. 26 OPEN DATE
Nov. 2 Texas State
Nov. 7 at Coastal Carolina
Nov. 16 at South Alabama
Nov. 23 Troy
Nov. 30 ULM
– Full Schedule Analysis

South Alabama Jaguars

The Jaguars should be better and stronger in Steve Campbell’s second season at the helm, especially on offense. But it could be a tough start with Jackson State the only sure-thing win until November. Even then, winning at Texas State is hardly certain. USA should be the underdog in at least nine games, but again, it should be improved enough to get to at least five wins.

2018 Record: 3-9
Realistic Best Case Record: 7-5
Realistic Worst Case Record: 3-9
2019 Prediction, March Version: 5-7

Aug. 31 at Nebraska
Sept. 7 Jackson State
Sept. 14 Memphis
Sept. 21 at UAB
Sept. 28 at ULM
Oct. 3 Georgia Southern
Oct. 12 OPEN DATE
Oct. 16 at Troy
Oct. 26 Appalachian State
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 at Texas State
Nov. 16 Louisiana
Nov. 23 at Georgia State
Nov. 30 Arkansas State
– Full Schedule Analysis

Texas State Bobcats

New head man Jake Spavital has a whole lot of work to do, but he has the veteran talent to change things around early on. What he doesn’t have is the schedule, with an almost certain 0-3 start to go along with four road games in the final six. But the Bobcats should be able to scratch and claw to four wins … somehow.

2018 Record: 3-9
Realistic Best Case Record: 5-7
Realistic Worst Case Record: 2-10
2019 Prediction, March Version: 4-8

Aug. 31 at Texas A&M
Sept. 7 Wyoming
Sept. 14 at SMU
Sept. 21 Georgia State
Sept. 28 Nicholls State
Oct. 5 OPEN DATE
Oct. 10 ULM
Oct. 19 OPEN DATE
Oct. 26 at Arkansas State
Nov. 2 at Louisiana
Nov. 9 South Alabama
Nov. 16 Troy
Nov. 23 at Appalachian State
Nov. 30 at Coastal Carolina
– Full Schedule Analysis

ULM Warhawks

The Warhawks came up with a fun season, but it wasn’t enough to shoehorn into one of the Sun Belt’s bowl slots. and now they get back QB Caleb Evans and all five starters up front, along with eight starters on defense. But with at Florida State, at Iowa State, at Appalachian State, at Georgia Southern, at Louisiana, AND Arkansas State and Memphis at home, good luck pushing for more than those six victories of last year.

2018 Record: 6-6
Realistic Best Case Record: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Record: 4-8
2019 Prediction, March Version: 5-7

Aug. 29 Grambling
Sept. 7 at Florida State
Sept. 14 OPEN DATE
Sept. 21 at Iowa State
Sept. 28 South Alabama
Oct. 5 Memphis
Oct. 10 at Texas State
Oct. 19 at Appalachian State
Oct. 26 OPEN DATE
Nov. 2 Arkansas State
Nov. 9 Georgia State
Nov. 16 at Georgia Southern
Nov. 23 Coastal Carolina
Nov. 30 at Louisiana
– Full Schedule Analysis

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