No conference underwent more changes this year than the American, which saw three of its top four teams depart for the Big 12 and welcomed in six newcomers to become a 14-school entity. Two of those were the participants in last year’s Conference USA title game, which could make for a competitive season in this league.
At the same time, Tulane’s still out there after a Cotton Bowl victory over USC and SMU seems poised to jump into the league’s top tier. Here are a few questions to work out in this new-look league.
Can UTSA Handle the Step Up in Class?
The Roadrunners have been the class of Conference USA for the past two seasons, losing just once in their past 18 league games. But they’ve been facing the likes of UAB, Rice, Louisiana Tech and Middle Tennessee, not exactly a murderer’s row of opponents. When they’ve left C-USA for bowl season, they’ve struggled, losing all four of their bowl appearances.
The Roadrunners are experienced, with 16 starters back, but they face a brutal road schedule with Florida Atlantic, Tulane and North Texas in league play and Houston and Tennessee in non-conference games. This team will likely be a top-half squad, but it might be too much to expect a third straight league crown.
Can SMU Take Care of The Football?
The biggest knock against the Mustangs the past few seasons has been talented, but flawed. That was the offense under Tanner Mordecai to a T, as SMU lost the turnover battle in each of the past two seasons and lost six of its past nine games decided by one score or less.
Preston Stone takes over this year under center, and if he can avoid sloppy mistakes, the Mustangs should quickly ascend. SMU went 1-5 when it lost the turnover battle last year (and the one was over FCS opponent Lamar), so taking care of the football alone should turn some close losses into wins.
Is Tom Herman the Right Man For Florida Atlantic?
Coaches go to Boca Raton to either resurrect their careers or finish them off. Herman looks like he’s going to be the former. Herman got a raw deal at Texas, getting fired despite a 32-18 mark in four seasons in Austin. He should be able to get right back on the horse at Florida Atlantic, which fired Willie Taggart after three five-win seasons.
With 10 starters back on defense, his old quarterback Casey Thompson under center and a team that’s more experienced and understands how to handle close games, there’s a good chance Herman has FAU where it thinks it belongs: ending the year in a bowl game.