Over the next few weeks I'll post threads like this to explore how each C-USA program's schedule might play out. I think the best method is to start with the worst records from last season and move to the best.
Today, let's talk UTEP. The Miners new coach comes from the Bill Snyder coaching tree at K-State, and he appears to have a massive rebuild ahead of him. The new staff has brought in some transfers that could provide an immediate impact, and hopefully lead to some early success. Which games do you feel they will win, and which should they lose? What is the logic for your predictions?
Here is the schedule with my predictions. C-USA fans, I look forward to reading your thoughts.
W- Northern Arizona (FCS competition)
L- @ UNLV (possible MWC bowl team)
L- @ Tennessee (Too much SEC talent)
W- New Mexico State (week after NMS plays New Mexico)
L- @ UTSA (Tough road game for UTEP)
L- North Texas (Too much offense to stop)
L- @ LA Tech (Strong team and UTEP's on the road)
L- UAB (Clark is a great coach)
L- @ Rice (Close call, but Rice has the home field)
L- Middle Tennessee (Tough eastern opponent)
L- @ WKU (WKU should be down, but still better and at home)
L- Southern Miss (USM could have bowl eligibility on the line, that's bad for UTEP)
Not a great season, and I wish I could find more wins on this schedule, but certainly an improvement over 0-12. 2-2 in OOC's is good for C-USA.
I'll post the next team in a few days.