2021 CFN Conference USA Preseason Rankings: West
1. UAB Blazers
Quick Take: It’s a bit of a push to call this the best UAB team yet under Bill Clark, but it’s not going to be all that far off if the skill guys can quickly rise up. The defending Conference USA champ is experienced and talented, but it might be an early grind with a whole lot of September tests.
UAB Preview | Schedule
2. UTSA Roadrunners
Quick Take: After a breakthrough bowl season, the Roadrunners can shoot for even more with a veteran team boasting a whole lot of good parts. RB Sincere McCormick is a star behind a good line, and the defensive back seven and special teams will be a rock.
UTSA Preview | Schedule
3. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
Quick Take: After a dud of a year when the offense stalled way too often, the Bulldogs at least return experienced. The defense will be the star, though, with the league’s best linebacking corps and a terrific safety tandem to anchor the secondary.
La Tech Preview | Schedule
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4. North Texas Mean Green
Quick Take: Can the offense rise up and overcome a rough – but slightly improved – defense? Throw in a sneaky-tough schedule without a whole lot of sure-thing wins, and this could be a rocky year. However, the O line is good and the scoring should come in bunches – every game should be fun.
UNT Preview | Schedule
5. Southern Miss Golden Eagles
Quick Take: One of the league’s biggest wild cards coming off a strange 3-7 season, the Golden Eagles might not be all that great, and there are major flaws – the lines have to be a whole lot better – but the record will be fantastic against a more-than-manageable slate.
USM Preview | Schedule
6. Rice Owls
Quick Take: If the Owls can finally get the offense to work, this is a bowl bound team that’s going to be a thorn in everyone’s side. There’s nothing scintillating about the Rice attack, but the defense, special teams, coaching and experience should be enough to be a problem.
Rice Preview | Schedule
7. UTEP Miners
Quick Take: Here’s the problem – most of Conference USA is loaded with experience and talent. There are a few winnable games, and the ground game should be okay, but the defense doesn’t have enough top-shelf parts.
UTEP Preview | Schedule
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