RICE

Rice has a chance to take a big step in their conference. Despite losing linebacker Blaze Alldredge to Missouri, their defense should be the outright strength of the team. Pulling off a big upset against a once undefeated and ranked Marshall (while picking off once unstoppable freshmen Grant Wells 5 times), makes it clear they’re going to get better from there. The kicking unit should be good this year too. Who and where will this offense come from and how will they get it out to their experienced receivers? Obviously, it starts at quarterback. Wiley Green is experienced but he start as transfers Luke McCaffrey and Jake Constantine come in to compete in a five-way quarterback competition. The positive may come from offensive coordinator Marques Tuiasosopo. He’ll stick with the pro style offense and try to have control of the field and the clock to leverage their chances. The Owls likely win three to four games but their defense will put them in a position to win more in C-USA play. If there’s a spark anywhere on offense, they’re bowling for the first time since 2014.

WESTERN KENTUCKY

Western Kentucky has been searching for better offensive consistency since 2016. Coach Tyson Helton may have found that solution through the transfer portal. Four came from Houston Baptist, including offensive coordinator Zach Kittley, who brought all his players along for the ride. Kittley was also mentioned for helping Texas Tech coach the now great quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Quarterback Bailey Zappe became the quarterback that ran a high-octane offense in the FCS during his three year career. He threw 15 touchdowns to only one interception last season, and he also threw 3,811 yards and 35 touchdowns in 2019. If him and Kittley are the solution to what this offense desperately needs, they’re a C-USA contender.

VIRGINIA

I pick Virginia for the second straight time from 2019 with similar scenarios. Their 2021 success starts with Virginia’s defense if everyone stays healthy. The offense will run through quarterback Brennan Armstrong and a stable of running backs, but there needs to be a go-to receiver that Armstrong can rely on. Their schedule presents a challenge, starting at North Carolina in Week 3. HOWEVER, the Cavaliers won the last four meetings. Just like 2019, if the Hoos want to control the Coastal early, upsetting North Carolina at Chapel Hill would be a great start to a Coastal division title run.

NC STATE

The Wolfpack is expected to finish behind Clemson. They return over 18 players on both sides and has the depth to compete. The offense runs through running backs Zonovan Knight and Ricky Persons Jr., and quarterback Devin Leary if he stays healthy. They return the bulk of their offensive line with left tackle Ikem Ekwonu gaining NFL attention and potential postseason awards. Defense should make significant progress with key players back, especially the back end. The linebacker corp is the strength and their leadership will go a long way, especially against tough competition if they stay healthy. NC State could run the tables for a division title, but that’s a very tall order for the city of Raleigh. They host a Trevor Lawrence-less and a Travis Etienne-less Clemson in Week 4. That game itself will speak volumes about the Wolfpack’s season.