Signs Point To Yes

In 2007 who would have ever predicted traditional powerhouse Michigan to be upset at home by Appalachian State? Would an individual have ever imagined the Fightin Irish in 2007 to have fallen so far? How about Stanford topping mighty USC on their own field? Each year collegiate football always has its unique upsets twists and turns. With the start of a new season it's time to throw out this year's somewhat bold predictions. This year those (after consulting the magic 8 ball) turns will include the following...

Home Winning Streak The BYU Cougars enter the season with a consecutive winning streak of 12 home games. In the 2008 season they will add 6 more consecutive wins to bring the total to 18. Preseason paper showed UCLA and Washington as the strongest threats to the current home streak. However, UCLA is now in a world of hurt at QB and down to their 3rd string already before an opening game snap. Unfortunately, Washington is having players drop like flies. Without ample protection, weapons to work with, or much of a defense the Huskies could have a long season in store. By November 22 the Cougs will be hoisting yet another MWC Conference title.

Coaching Staff Changes By seasons end two conference teams will be looking at personnel changes. On the hot seat is San Diego State the only MWC school not to play in the postseason since the conference's formation nine years ago. In Chuck Long's past two season's the Aztecs have only managed 6 league wins. Even worse is UNLV who has only managed two victories in four consecutive seasons. Coach Sanford (6-29 over 3 years) very well could be staring at yet another losing season. Good chance both schools could be looking at personnel changes (assistants and or coaching vacancies).

Kicking Woes Last year it was evident that there was a significant problem in the special teams. Mitch Payne absolutely struggled forcing the Cougs to often go for it more often than not. Although Mitch kicked three field goals in the victory over the yewts his season wasn't pretty performance wise. With a healthier Payne and being pushed by freshman High School All American Justin Sorensen, Payne will rebound and not suffer a sophomore slump.

Come Out Swinging In each of the last two years the Cougs have come out somewhat flat starting with a 1-2 record. There was a real possibility they could have been looking at BCS (even though slim) if that could have been different. Bronco is a quick learner and understands the value of correcting it. With the offense insanely stocked (10 returning starters), rebuilt defense look for the blue jerseys to open the season at 3-0 (Northern Iowa, at Washington and UCLA) in their quest for perfection.

Open The Playbook Having an immense wealth of offensive starters return will allow offensive coordinator Robert Anae to finally open up the playbook. Many have said the offense was too predictable. With the amount of experience, depth, options and firepower look for the playbook to be wide open in 2008. Four returning offensive linemen will allow Heisman Candidate Max Hall ample amount of time to make the reads and wisely chose his weapons. Good chance the Cougs will be among the national leaders in various offensive categories.

Yewts Consecutive Bowl Streak At first glance the school up north does have a somewhat impressive current bowl streak at 7. However, much of those are against mid level tier teams (Navy, Tulsa, Southern Mississippi, and Fresno State to name a few). Those are not exactly traditional collegiate powerhouses. However, the yewts will again field a strong team this year and make it to the Vegas Bowl (while the Cougs are BCS hunting) against a tougher opponent but will have their streak snapped in a close game.

Breakout Players With the loss of Manase Tonga from the backfield and the persistant nagging injuries with Vakapuna the Cougar fans will finally get a chance to see alot of freshman JJ Di Luigi on the field. Di Luigi will be an impact player and have a breakout year. This coming year is filled with numerous possible breakout players (Matt Reynolds, G Pittman, Jordan Pendleton, O'Neill Chambers, etc)just waiting to happen. With continued success look for the trend to continue.

What are your thoughts? Any other predictions you'd like to see? Would love to hear!