5 Conference USA storylines to watch in 2013

[Harry]

Which newcomer will make the biggest splash in 2013?

The Buzz: Only three of the six new additions – Middle Tennessee State, Louisiana Tech and UTSA – had winning records in 2012. Middle Tennessee State is coming off an 8-4 season its since 2009, but the Blue Raiders, who have only had three winning seasons in the past 10 years, return 18 starters and make a strong case to be the best of the newcomers. UTSA returns 20 starters from a team that finished 8-4, but the Roadrunners were 4-4 last season against FBS opponents with wins against teams that were a combined 8-41 overall. Louisiana Tech is coming off its best season since 1997 when it went 9-3. The Bulldogs were even ranked at one point in 2012, but success comes at a price and coach Sonny Dykes left to take the Cal job. Skip Holtz was hired after being fired from USF and takes over a program that returns only eight starters from 2012 and will need to adapt to his coaching style.

Is Tulsa the team to beat this season?

The Buzz: If there has been at least one constant in Conference USA over the last decade, it’s the play of Tulsa. The Golden Hurricanes have played in four of the league’s last eight conference championships and have won all of them including last season. Over the past decade, the program has enjoyed moderate success with a record of 72-34. This year’s team is no exception bolstered by the return of quarterback Cody Green and running backs Trey Watts and Ja’Terian Douglas. The duo rushed for more than 2,000 yards on the ground and 10 touchdowns. The defense lost some pop with the departures of DeAndre Brown and Dexter McCoil, but linebacker Shawn Jackson should be a force in the middle. Three of Tulsa’s first four games are winnable and the rest of the schedule looks easy. It will be tough not to see them repeat in their final season in the league.

Read more: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/blogs/college-gridiron-365/os-5-conference-usa-stories-to-watch-20130410,0,5777901.post

[VideoEagle]

The WAC-16 didn't break up over money but over teams wanting to play traditional rivals who were close to home every year. Going to 16 actually reduces the travel and increases the regional rivalries.

[wardly]

I assume the American Athletic Conference is considered to be a new association under NCAA guidelines. Does anyone know if they get automatic bids for basketball,baseball,etc?

[oldguystudent]

wardly, on 13 Apr 2013 - 10:49, said:

I assume the American Athletic Conference is considered to be a new association under NCAA guidelines. Does anyone know if they get automatic bids for basketball,baseball,etc?

How did it work with the Mountain West? I would assume it would be along those lines, only more lenient, because they could all claim they thought they were joining an established conference.