Independent Teams Season Preview

For many years the Independents consisted of just Army, Navy, and Notre Dame.  But with conference realignment we have some additions.  Idaho, New Mexico, and Old Dominion join independent status while they transition to the Sun Belt and Conference USA receptively.

Here is a look at how each team will do this upcoming season!

Army Black Knights (2-10)
Several years back Army made to switch to the triple option and hoped that they could match some of the success Navy was having.  Instead the Black Knights have continued to struggle.  They won six games in 2010 and made it to the Armed Forces Bowl, but have only won five games since.  As for this season they return 15 starters and get winnable games against Morgan State, LaTech, Temple, and Eastern Michigan.  Get those and steal a few more and we could see a good season.  I just see it though.

BYU Cougars (6-6)
When BYU went Independent they had grand plans of becoming a team that could contend for BCS bids and become a National Brand.  Instead they just stayed in neutral.  Last year they went 8-4 but did so beating up on WAC schools.  This year their schedule is a big step up and it's going to cost them.  They need QB Taysom Hill to step up big time to go along with stud LB Kyle Van Noy and a good Cougar defense.

Idaho Vandals (1-11)
Not too long ago it looked like Idaho might become a player in the WAC.  Rob Akey lead them to a come from behind victory in the Humanitarian Bowl and they had an NFL caliber QB in Nate Enderle.  Instead they really took a turn for the worse with winning three games the past two seasons.  Akey was fired and pairing it up with no conference, nobody wanted the job.  They finally settle on Paul Petrino and he'll bring a high powered offensive background to Moscow.  But unlike Louisville and Arkansas, Petrino won't have top end talent.

Navy Midshipmen (5-7)
Besides Notre Dame it's Navy that might be the most well known Independent.  Part of it is their triple option offense, another is them making bowl games, but it's also because they've been able to play good teams tough and even pull a few upsets.  But this year should be tougher.  Their schedule is pretty tough with games at San Jose State, Toledo, and Duke that may seem easy but are far from winnable games.  Navy could get to six wins, but it's going to be hard.

New Mexico State Aggies (2-10)
When your coach leaves abruptly to be a position coach in the NFL that tells you a lot about the future of the program.  It's gonna be tough.  The Aggies only won 10 games over Walker's four year stretch and it doesn't look like Doug Martin's tenure is going to start very strong either.  Offensively the return their leading rusher and receiver but have a QB who only attempted 13 passes.  Defensively the return seven starters and their top four tacklers.  So don't be surprised if they sneak a win or two, but that's about it.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish (9-3)
Even though they got blown out in the National Title game, the Irish were poised to be a factor again.  Then returning QB Everett Golson was booted out of school which really brings up questions about the offense.  Tommy Rees did start some games last year, but was mediocre.  With the defense consisting of two elite players in Tuitt and Nix they can keep the Irish in the race.  But if they can't get production out of the QB spot, they'll lose those close games they won last year.

Old Dominion Monarchs (8-4)
Don't let my prediction of eight wins fool you.  Old Dominion will rack up their wins against their FCS opponents while they struggle against the FBS teams.  The Monarchs bring back 15 starters, but their main focus will be building for their debut in Conference USA.

Players to Watch
Stephon Tuitt DE Notre Dame

Kyle Van Noy LB BYU

Cody Hoffman WR BYU

Louis Nix DT Notre Dame

Taylor Heincke QB Old Dominion

Keenan Reynolds QB Navy