Obviously, Notre Dame is the cream-of-the-crop here, but the Independents boast some talented teams each year. Last year, BYU and Navy were both bowl-eligible at 8-5, and although Army was 2-10, they were in a lot of close games. This year the Independents include Idaho, New Mexico State, and Old Dominion in addition to the normal four teams. (Notre Dame, Army, Navy, BYU) Could we see a champion from this group of schools? Most likely the answer is no, but that is why they play the games.
Notre Dame
After the embarrassing performance in the BCS Championship game, the Fighting Irish will look to rebound with another good season. Notre Dame should have a good season again, but with Manti Te’o in the NFL, they will need a leader to step up.
Players to Watch
QB Tommy Rees – It is now or never for Rees, as he needs to prove to the Irish fans and to the college football community that he is for real. Rees will take the reins as the starting quarterback and with lofty expectations. Will Rees lead the Irish to the title game? We will see.
RB George Atkinson III – Atkinson will likely see a lot more carries this year as opposed to last season. I believe he will win the starting job as the lead ball carrier, and if he can repeat his stunning seven yards per carry average, Notre Dame fans will put less stress on Rees.
NT Louis Nix III – Nix promises to be one of the elite nose tackles in the FBS this season and at sturdy 6’3 326 pounds, he will be one of the top picks in next year’s draft. Look for Nix to take the leadership role right away and attempt to lead the Fighting Irish to another promising season.
Key Games
The Irish have two tough road games this season, playing AT Michigan and Stanford. Should they win both of those games, there is no reason for them to have less than ten wins. Expect the Irish to make some noise at the end of the season in a BCS bowl.
Army
To no one’s surprise, Army led the nation in rushing yards per game last season at just under 370. But the Black Knights graduated quarterback Trent Steelman. For the rushing attack to continue, Army must have a new leader step up and take the throne.
Players to Watch
QB A.J. Schurr – As a freshman, Schurr only threw 18 passes and had 12 carries, so should he win the starting job for the Black Knights, he will need to develop on the fly. Expect the Army coaching staff to put him in the best position to ease him into the starting job.
RB Larry Dixon – Dixon will look to get the bulk of the carries this year for Army, and he will look to maintain his six yards per carry average to help the Black Knights.
RB Terry Baggett - Baggett will be a junior this season, and each time he touches the ball a big play could happen. Baggett had 138 yards on just 16 carries last year and could be the dark horse in Army’s backfield.
LB Geoffrey Bacon – Bacon is the star of Army’s defense after recording 136 total tackles last season. Look for Bacon to repeat this performance and try to lead the Black Knights to a winning season.
Key Games
In addition to the epic tradition of Army-Navy, the Black Knights have some very high profile games this year. On September 14th, Stanford travels in to West Point in what could be a statement game for Army. The Black Knights also face Boston College and Hawai’i on the road.
Navy
Navy has been the most successful military football program over the last decade, and it is likely to continue that way. With the catalyst of the Midshipmen’s offense returning, Navy should once again have a good season
Players to Watch
QB Keenan Reynolds – As a freshman, Reynolds took the reins as the next Navy quarterback, and he ran the option as best as any freshman could. Look for him to continue to progress and Navy once again will have a good option.
FB Noah Copeland – Copeland does the dirty work in the trenches for the Midshipmen, and is very good at it. Last year Copeland averaged over four and a half yards per carry, which is an impressive number for a fullback.
LB Jordan Drake – Drake did a little bit of everything last season for the Midshipmen, recording 49 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception. Now as an upperclassman, Drake will look to be a leader and help Navy to what promises to be a successful season.
Key Games
Navy has some interesting games this season. They should win their first five games vs. Indiana, Delaware, Western Kentucky, Air Force and Duke, but after that, four of the next seven games are against Pittsburgh, Notre Dame, Hawaii and San Jose State. If the Midshipmen play up to their potential, they should win eight or more games again.
Idaho
Idaho won just one game last season, but the Vandals hope that the program will be rejuvenated with the recent move. Idaho struggled mightily on defense last year, but with a young team, they hope to progress and restore the program to prestige.
Players to Watch
WR Najee Lovett – Lovett was recently named to Phil Steele’s preseason All-Independent team, and for good reason. One of the bright spots for Idaho last season was Lovett, and his six receiving touchdowns. Lovett will look to progress yet again this season.
CB Solomon Dixon – Another Vandal to earn Phil Steele’s attention is Dixon, who had three interceptions and six passes defensed last season. Dixon will have to be the leader on defense this season and hope to turn the Vandals around.
Key Games
Idaho has a few chances to make a statement on their program this season, one being AT Florida State. Idaho needs to put on a decent showing to earn respect in the college football community. Another big game is against Mississippi on October 26th in Oxford.
BYU
The Cougars of Brigham Young are poised to make another run at a bowl game this season as they return two running backs and one of the best defenders in the country, Kyle Van Noy.
Players to Watch
LB Kyle Van Noy – Van Noy promises to be one of the top draft picks in 2014, and this season most will see why. Last year Van Noy totaled 13 sacks playing opposite of first round pick Ezekiel Ansah, and should do so again this season.
RB Jamaal Williams – Williams scored 13 times last season and totaled over 1100 yards of offense. Look for Williams to do the same this season and benefit from a bigger workload. Williams could surprise people and be a NFL draft pick next year.
Key Games
The Cougars have a tough schedule this season, and if they are able to win a decent amount of games, BYU could definitely be ranked in the top 25. This season the schedule includes the likes of Texas, Utah, Georgia Tech, Boise State, Wisconsin and Notre Dame. Should the Cougars win eight or nine games, a top 25 ranking will be in its future.
New Mexico State
Like Idaho, New Mexico State only won one game last season, but with a young team, the Aggies look to rebound and start to bring the program back to relevancy.
Players to Watch
WR Austin Franklin - Franklin was named to the 2013 Biletnikoff watch list, which highlights the possibilities for the winner of the best wide receiver in college football. Last season Franklin was a yardage machine. Totaling over 1600 all-purpose yardage and scoring nine touchdowns.
LB Trashaun Nixon – Nixon earned second team All-WAC last season as a junior, and it was well earned. Nixon totaled 96 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, three sacks. And four passes defensed. Nixon will try to lead the Aggies defense to a winning season.
Key Games
New Mexico State also has a tough schedule this season. The Aggies face off against the Texas Longhorns to start the season, and then face Minnesota, UCLA, New Mexico, and Boston College during the year as well. If the Aggies can get to .500, it will be a huge step in the right direction.
Old Dominion
The ODU Monarchs made the jump from the FCS to the FBS in the offseason, and look to put a good first impression this season. With a preseason All-American quarterback at the helm; the Monarchs should have a successful first season in the FBS.
Players to Watch
QB Taylor Heinicke – Heinicke is the reigning FCS Player of the Year, and a first team All-American. Beyond Sports Network recently listed him as a preseason All-American for this year as well. The other names on that list are Derek Carr, A.J. McCarron, Johnny Manziel and Tahj Boyd. So Heinicke is in good company. Last season Heinicke threw for over 5000 yards and 44 touchdowns. But the amazing part is he also rushed for 470 yards and 11 touchdowns. Should he be able to do this against FBS competition, he may be in the Heisman talk later in the season.
LB Caleb Taylor – Taylor will be the heart of the Monarchs defense this season. Last year Taylor registered 87 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss. If Taylor can play at the same level in the FBS, the Monarchs will be successful this season.
Key Games
In ODU’s first season in the FBS, the schedule is always going to look weak, but the Monarchs are coming from the FCS. ODU has three nationally televised games this season versus East Carolina, Maryland, and the home finale against Charlotte. Should the Monarchs win five games, it will be a much easier transition to FBS than what most anticipated.
Awards
Player of the Year: LB Kyle Van Noy, BYU
Coach of the Year: Bobby Wilder, ODU Monarchs