Tomorrow the jerseys in blue will play their final game representing the MWC conference beginning their transition to independence. Say goodbye to the MTN and hello ESPN. With it brings new challenges, schedules and opportunities. This season we saw how important a schedule can be as team north rode theirs at one point to a top ten ranking. What will the cougs encounter in their initial schedule of independence? That remains to be seen but it will certainly be met one game at a time. Here's a brief look ahead.
9/3 at Ole Miss (4-8)
Led by Houston Nutt the rebels will be looking to bounce back. Solid chance the cougs will likely hear the name Brandon Bolden often who rushed for 14 TDs and 976 yards. Despite a subpar season Ole Miss featured the 19th best rush offense. Will the jerseys in blue be able to stuff the run? They historically haven't fared well against SEC opponents (1-3) but this is a solid opportunity. Former legend Archie Manning's #18 jersey number is also the speed limit on the University of Mississippi campus. However, Sir Jake likely won't be cruising at 18mph as he'll likely be chomping at the bits since the rebels are ranked 95th against the pass. Excellent opportunity to start our independence off on the right foot.
9/10 at Texas (5-7)
In 2008 ESPN ranked the longhorns as the 7th most prestigious college football program since 1936. Yet 2010 was definately an absolute shocker sinking of a Titanic season for longhorn fans and its program. Texas was ranked 8th nationally against the pass loses its two starting corners Curtis Brown and Chykie Brown. The cougs must find a way to move the chains using the trio of DiLuigi, Juice and Kariya (not necessarily in that order) while trying to find a way to stop the longhorns 250 pound battering ram of Cody Johnson. The jerseys in blue likely won't be beaten through the air as QB Garrett Gilbert threw 10 TDs and 17 INTs. Definately not eye opener stats at all. One road trip well worth making with a good chance of knocking off a traditional powerhouse.
9/17 Utah (10-2)
Its the holy war thats too often been not so holy. Traditionally close and no love lost here. Team up north now in the PAC10 could be looking to bounce back from previous week matchup against USC. Yet, this one is in LES and cougs will be lookin for some payback (yes the knee was down). The jerseys in blue could potentially have some major momentum assuming they've already taken care of business. Wynn has been sketchy as best. Team up north also has no proven RBs in the stable with serious division one gametime experience. This time the cougs will have plenty of talent returning and experience under its belt to be enough in the difference department.
9/23 UCF (10-3)
The program that originally rolled out its football program in 1979 at division III level has come a long ways. This could be a formidable opponent for the cougs having recently won the Liberty Bowl over Georgia. On the season the knights from UCF were led by freshman quarterback Jeff Godfrey who threw for over 2000 yards 13 TDs with a 68.4 completion ratio. Godfrey showed he was not afraid to take off on the run rushing for 542 yards. UCF had the 9th best rushing team averaging 192 yards a contest. Its backfield is led by senior Ronnie Weaver who had 11 TDs and 890 yards. Somehow the cougs must have another TOP (time of possession) game like it had against San Diego State.
9/30 Utah State (4-8)
Gone is one of the top signal callers in Aggie history Diondre Borel. Back is dangerous RB Robert Turbin and LB Bobby Wagner who had 133 tackles. Yes 133. Aggie coach Gary Anderson is a difference maker but simply lacks enough weapons to replicate lasts season victory over the cougs. It won't happen again. Especially at home.
10/8 San Jose State (1-12)
The spartans did face a brutal schedule and encountered countless injuries. They finished with 115th overall in defense and had the 117th worst rushing offense. That won't win many games. This home game for the cougs should by all means be padding some stats and extend the depth chart. If the cougs aren't up by a sizable margin by halftime something is seriously wrong.
10/15 at Oregon St (5-7)
Once James Rodgers went down the team never really recovered as they lost 5 of their last 7 games. He clearly qualifies for a medical redshirt but will he be back? Or will his brother Jacquizz? The elusive Jacquizz rushed for 1194 yards despite teams often focusing on tryin to contain him. Both could be gone and out of the mix. What remains is that this matchup could prove to be one of the cougs tougher events despite what players suit up. Regardless, OSU coach Mike Riley will have his students athletes amped up and ready to play.
10/22 Idaho State (1-10)
Unfortunately the bengals haven't been football relevant in years. Nothing really here to see. Last season their only win came over Montana Western. Sorry its nothing personal but this ones really over before it kicks off. Look for even the waterboys to get some playing time by halftime.
11/5 at Louisiana Tech (5-7)
Sonny Dyke's bulldogs can move the chains having former TN Vol transfer Lennen Creer who ground out 1181 yards and 10 TDs. Tim Molton should be back at full health after a torn ACL and has the potential to be among the WACs best wide receivers. Louisiana Tech will put up a fight but the cougs have too many weapons and experience.
11/12 Idaho (6-7)
Lots of work remains in front of Robb Akey's coaching staff for the vandals to improve. Idaho struggled in the trenches and the run game suffered ranking 116th in the nation. They can definately throw the ball but likely since the vandals often are playing from behind. Could be in for a long day if your a vandal fan. If its any consolation the snack bar is always open.
11/19 New Mexico St (2-10)
Former cougar assistant and current NM State coach DeWayne Walker just simply doesn't have enough weapons and tools to work with. The aggies last bowl appearance was in 1960. Unfortunately for Walker it won't be anytime soon either. Even the cougs practice squad could get some solid potential reps here.
12/3 at Hawaii (103)
A few years removed from the June Jones era the rainbows are still pass happy as ever which ran the nations top passing offense averaging 378 yards. Although, quarterback Bryant Moniz loses his top two targets. The jerseys in blue could find themselves in a shootout.
Photo Credit/Mark J Rebilas
11/5 at Louisiana Tech (5-7)
Sonny Dyke's bulldogs can move the chains having former TN Vol transfer Lennen Creer who ground out 1181 yards and 10 TDs. Tim Molton should be back at full health after a torn ACL and has the potential to be among the WACs best wide receivers. Louisiana Tech will put up a fight but the cougs have too many weapons and experience.
11/12 Idaho (6-7)
Lots of work remains in front of Robb Akey's coaching staff for the vandals to improve. Idaho struggled in the trenches and the run game suffered ranking 116th in the nation. They can definately throw the ball but likely since the vandals often are playing from behind. Could be in for a long day if your a vandal fan. If its any consolation the snack bar is always open.
11/19 New Mexico St (2-10)
Former cougar assistant and current NM State coach DeWayne Walker just simply doesn't have enough weapons and tools to work with. The aggies last bowl appearance was in 1960. Unfortunately for Walker it won't be anytime soon either. Even the cougs practice squad could get some solid potential reps here.
12/3 at Hawaii (103)
A few years removed from the June Jones era the rainbows are still pass happy as ever which ran the nations top passing offense averaging 378 yards. Although, quarterback Bryant Moniz loses his top two targets. The jerseys in blue could find themselves in a shootout.
Photo Credit/Mark J Rebilas
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