LIBERTY FLAMES

In 2018, Liberty surprised the college football world after moving to the FBS level. Last year, they went above and beyond by winning 10 games while taking down two of three FBS opponents and defeating #12 Coastal Carolina in a drama-filled Cure Bowl game. The majority of starters on both sides return, including quarterback Malik Willis, to make another run at a 10-win season while battling for a spot in the New Year’s Six Bowl. They could start 9-0 before November before coach Hugh Freeze leads the Flames back to his old stomping ground in Ole Miss. If Liberty manages to defeat them, Louisiana, and Army, NY6 Bowl is guaranteed.

GEORGIA SOUTHERN

Georgia Southern has lived in the shadows of Appalachian State and Louisiana for awhile. The program improved and are more competitive in an uprising conference for the last three seasons. Despite losing to them last season, the Eagles didn’t make their lives easy. They lost by two points to Louisiana and eight points to Appalachian State. I also mention that the Eagles stayed with Coastal Carolina until the 4th quarter before allowing two touchdowns to lose the game. They retain backs Logan Wright and J.D. King, and their defense should be as good as last season. However, there’s a quarterback battle going on while projected starter Justin Tomlin serves his suspension. Aside from that, Georgia Southern could come away with one of those wins and finish one spot higher than fourth place in their division.

KENT STATE

Since coach Sean Lewis took over at Kent State, the team is suddenly rising. Whether it was quarterback Woody Barrett or NFL-prospect Dustin Crum that made it possible, Lewis gets the credit for their turnaround. They’re more competitive, more fierce, and more upbeat. They return their entire offensive line, led by Adam Gregoire, and most of their defensive roster. They’re indeed a MAC East contender after Ohio’s longtime coach Frank Solich retired, and former Buffalo coach Lance Leipold took the job at Kansas in the middle of the offseason. Their only obstacle would be against Miami (OH), 2019 MAC champs. They still can’t discount Buffalo and Ohio for the experience, but they have a chance to make a name for themselves again and even improve Crum’s NFL stock. Their only way to the MAC championship is through Buffalo, Ohio, and Miami, but they’ll need their run defense to make it possible.

WEST VIRGINIA

On one hand, the Mountaineers have to deal with the Big 12’s Big 4 (Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Iowa State) and TCU. On the other hand, they host three of them of the four in the back end of their schedule (Iowa State, Oklahoma State, and Texas). They also won the last three meetings against TCU. They have experience on both sides and managed to shore up positions that were once a void after players left for the draft and/or transferred. The backfield should be better after quarterback Jarret Doege had a full offseason while running back Leddie Brown is expected to improve. West Virginia’s defense should be one of the best in the Big 12 again if the transfers can get acclimated in time. West Virginia’s home is very difficult to play in and their defense will be the difference in that situation. First, they must handle business against Maryland and Virginia Tech. Then if they can manage their strength at home against three of the Big 12’s Big 4, they could become Big 12 title contenders.