Div I-A Independents

Well this isn't a very big conference, or even a conference at all for that matter. All of these teams have a long history of playing one another, but Army skips Notre Dame once again this year. Ok, let's just get to the teams shall we...

Army- The Black Knights (Cadets, whatever) have an interesting situation on their hands when it comes to the offense; first off, they have two good returning QBs and a productive WR who might play mostly at slotback. Jameson Carter, the leading receiver from last year returns and could have 1,000 yard potential as a combined runner/receiver at SB. His speed will surely open up holes on the inside for the new FB who has the tough task of replacing Collin Mooney. Patrick Mealy and Ian Smith also return at SB and if the Knights can focus on not just using their FB, this team could put up numbers on the ground similar to the Cadets of Bob Sutton in the 90s. At WR, Carter and Damion Hunter could also do big things, but converted OT Ali Villanueva is a prospect who must mature quickly if he is to be used effectively. The OL will suffer thanks to heavy losses, but on defense, seven returning starters ensures at least modest efficiency. On the DL, Joshua McNary and Victor Ugenyi should improve upon last year's impressive numbers while any support from the rest of their fellow D-lineman could make for a strong pass rush. Stephen Anderson is a stud at LB, but the secondary is the strongest section of this defense. At CB, Jordan Trimble and Mario Hill did not have impressive numbers in terms of INTs, but that's because the number of high-octane passing attacks they faced was limited. At safety, Donovan Travis is a solid performer who should benefit from the line's effective pass rush. The schedule is not too hard, but six or seven wins is a big step for a team that had just three wins in 2008. Four wins seems to be most realistic, but they could surprise some teams.

Navy- Who knows if the Midshipmen will be able to replace SB Shun White or FB Eric Kettani, but assuming they can, since they always do, Navy will once again have a fine running attack to help them through a rough schedule. Ricky Dobbs should slide in nicely at QB, but he has no real threats offensively, including Mario Washington, a short WR who will have his work cut out for him. The SBs will be very hit-or-miss, but Bobby Doyle showed some potential in very limited action. The DL is very experienced and could produce some big numbers, but the pass rush will have to improve immensely for the defense to hang tough against the likes of Pitt (road), Air Force, SMU (road), Wake Forest, Notre Dame (road) and even Hawaii (road). Now, none of those teams are big-time offenses, but they have plenty of potential to blow out the Midshipmen if things go wrong early. Ram Vela may actually be Navy's best pass-rusher at LB but the secondary is in danger because the only position with any real depth is FS where Wyatt Middleton and Emmett Merchant patrol. Blake Carter has potential at CB and Kevin Edwards, with his good speed and great size (6'2" for a CB), could provide just enough coverage ability between the two of them. I really don't see Navy getting past four or five wins with a tough schedule, but they have been known to replace good RBs when they depart without harm. However, Temple, Air Force, and road games with Rice and SMU should ultimately determine their bowl eligibility.

Notre Dame- The Irish are a puzzling bunch. QB Jimmy Clausen is a promising player who showed a lot of potential last year, but he needs to cut down on his INTs big time. The RB situation is fine, but between Armando Allen, Robert Hughes and James Aldridge, one of them needs to emerge as the feature back. The ideal would be have two very productive TBs, much like the late 80s and early 90s during their heyday under Lou Holtz. Golden Tate and Michael Floyd are outstanding WRs, but that may just be because of Clausen's accuracy because Tate disappeared during a few games last season (Stanford, Navy, Washington and USC). Kyle Rudolph is also a productive TE and should improve upon '08s numbers. The OL is also outstanding, which could help one of the three RBs have their breakout season. The defense should be ok despite losing almost half of their starters, and ironically, the best defensive lineman is DT Ethan Johnson, who only had limited playing time. Brian Smith is a fine LB, but the key player to watch will be true freshman Manti Te'o, who is expected to be the next big thing. The secondary should do well with a lot of depth returning, but that's only if Darrin Walls steps into his CB role and produces right away. If not, I would hope Charlie Weis has the good sense to move Robert Blanton to starter. The schedule is pretty favorable, mostly because the Irish keep traditional rivals on their schedule who regularly have far less talent on their respective rosters (Michigan St., Purdue, Navy, Stanford). A home game with Nevada to open the season shouldn't be taken as an easy win, nor should a home game with BC or Washington. I think the Irish could get to eight or nine wins, but that's the max. I'll say eight, but six wouldn't be a surprise.

Ok, so the WAC will be coming up whenever I get the chance. Take care everyone.