2013 Independents

NOTRE DAME

DE Stephon Tuitt

QB Tommy Rees

What a crazy 12 months it has been for the nation's most storied program. First, Brian Kelly was still answering questions about the death of a student filming practice on a lift that fell over from a strong wind gust. Then he had to face media questions regarding an anticipated poor 2012 season. Football began and everything was right. Notre Dame was winning games and Manti Te'o was the media darling, playing in honor of his girlfriend that tragically passed away. After escaping an upset bid by Pittsburgh, it was clear that the Irish were riding some sort of magical season. Not to mention, Notre Dame was about to be a free agent as its contract with NBC was coming to an end. Like any player in his contract year that is worth a damn, ND was big-time, to say the least.

Finally, the season ended and the Irish proceeded to be blown out by Alabama. Te'o, it was found, never met his girlfriend. Oh wait, she literally never existed. And finally, starting QB Everette Golson was suspended for the 2013 season. Hopefully, football will cure everything once again.

Tommy Rees figures to start under center as he is very experienced and capable of winning a lot of games. The offensive line was exceptional last season and figures to be one of the nation's best units once again. They lose Mike Golic and Braxston Cave, both very good players, but return their anchor, Zack Martin at LT. The biggest loss on offense, aside from Golson, will be TE Tyler Eifert as he was the leading receiver last year. George Atkinson will enter camp as the starter, but don't be surprised if five-star recruit Greg Bryant eventually moves into the starting role. Either way, I expect the run game to be very productive, improving upon its impressive 4.87 yards per rush in 2012.

The defense is led by the line once again. The three man front may end up featuring two 1st team All-Americans in Louis Nix and Stephon Tuitt. Tuitt recorded 12 sacks as a true sophomore, which is impressive for any player, but especially a 3-4 DE. Te'o is gone, but the linebackers should still be very solid as they welcome the top high school linebacker in the country, Jaylon Smith. The secondary should improve this season as they welcome back Lo Wood who was out last season with an injury giving the Irish a very solid trio at CB.

Before Golson was suspended, I was in the majority that thought Notre Dame would be improved this season. However, now that Rees is the starter once again, I see the Irish playing at a very similar level that the 2012 team played at. I do expect about two or three losses this season with games at Michigan and Stanford, home games against BYU, USC, Oklahoma, and Michigan State, and a game in Arlington against a much-improved Arizona State team.

But who knows? If an undefeated season can happen with last year's team, it can certainly happen with this year's team. I like to stay away from bold predictions about this team.

BRIGHAM YOUNG

LB Kyle Van Noy

Last season had its ups and downs in Provo, Utah, as the BYU Cougars finsihed 8-5 with the poor taste of missed opportunity lingering. With its elite defense that finished 3rd in points allowed per game (behind only Alabama and Notre Dame), BYU was close to pulling off several big wins. Boise State won 7-6, #5 Notre Dame escaped with a 17-14 win. But worse perhaps for Cougar die-hards, was the Utah game that slipped away - here with a game tying FG attempt, it had to be the first time the fans have stormed the field on 3 consecutive plays! A bizarre ending to another classic Beehive Boot battle.

This season, BYU appears to have found a stable starting QB in Taysom Hill as Riley Nelson and James Lark are both moving on. Hill is a dual-threat and is certainly exciting to watch. Behind him is a talented duo of RB's in Jamaal Williams and the big hoss Michael Alisa. Further, the receiving core returns completely intact, giving Hill a full offseason to develop some chemistry and familiarity with his weapons.

The BYU defense - wow! They were an inspiring group to watch last year, giving 100% on every play, never letting down the high-energy high-emotion that Bronco Mendenhall stresses. Just 4 starters from the great 2012 unit return, but Mendenhall simply breeds elite defenses annually. It's a big help when your star player decides to return for his Senior season; All-American LB Kyle Van Noy returns and will be a force again. Van Noy single handedly took over the Poinsettia Bowl, blocking a punt, Fumble TD, and a #PickSix (VIDEO).

The schedule is brutal for BYU again this fall, filled with established BCS teams and some tough non-AQ squads. They host Texas, Utah, Georgia Tech, and Boise State with key roadtrips to Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Virginia, and Utah State. With offensive stability and "KVN," I'm calling for BYU to match last season's 8 wins (if not surpass).

ARMED FORCES

After 2 thrilling wins over their Armed Forces counterparts, Navy reclaimed the Commander-in-Chief Trophy, returning the iconic silver prize to Annapolis, where it has resided for most of the decade. After early season troubles, Navy put in Freshman QB Keenan Reynolds who excelled in Niumatalolo's option attack, winning 7 of 8 to end the season. However, in a gritty Army-Navy game, it was the Midshipmen defense that sealed the victory, forcing a fumble on Army's QB Trent Steelman in the final minute. The always interesting schedule features roadtrips to Indiana, Duke, and Notre Dame; Air Force, Pitt, and Hawai'i come to Annapolis. The only non-winnable game appears to be Notre Dame and this team will certainly be bowling again. Regardless, I see Navy winning the two that really matter.
2013 CIC Trophy pick: NAVY MIDSHIPMEN

Air Force went 6-7 last year and was swept by the other 2 Academies, a rarity in recent memory. We have them projected to finish 3rd in the Mountain Division of the MWC. 2012's 6 wins were the least in Troy Calhoun's 7 year tenure, and just 10 starters return. The rushing attack will thrive as usual, with a talented offensive line in spite of their (relatively) small size. I think Calhoun will rally the Falcons as Air Force will bounce back to beat Army and return to bowl season.

Despite returning 15 starters, Army will be almost unrecognizable without 4-year starter Trent Steelman under center. Emotions were flowing for Steelman who was so close to beating Navy, but was stripped of the ball in the closing minute. Steelman was a true warrior for the Black Knights, and actually cracked the Top 3 All-Time Rushing list for the school. Road Trips to Boston College, Air Force, and Hawaii should all be challenging (they actually beat the first 2 last year). Preseason Top 5 Stanford will visit West Point in late September. Even with the loss of its leader, I think Army will eclipse its 2-win mark.

IDAHO VANDALS

2012 Record: 1-11
Defense Returning Starters: 7
Offense Returning Starters: 3
Head Coach: Paul Petrino*

NEW MEXICO STATE AGGIES

2012 Record: 1-11
Defense Returning Starters: 7
Offense Returning Starters: 7
Head Coach: Doug Martin*

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