The Gridirons Great G5’s of 2014 (TOP 25) Introducing # 1

Gridiron Great G5 Top 25 – 2014

Thanks for Following.  We will have the NEW Pre-season Top 25 as voted on by the members of the AAC, CUSA, MWC, MAC and SBC board members in August.  Thanks for all the help.

1).   UCF (12– 1) AAC  Predicted  2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

2).   Fresno State (11 – 2) MWC  Predicted  2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

3).   Marshall (10 – 3) CUSA  Predicted  2014 Finish (12-0) Bowl eligible

4).   ECU (10 – 4) AAC,  Predicted  2014 Finish (10-4) Bowl eligible 

5).   NIU (12 – 2) MAC,  Predicted  2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible 

6).   Cincinnati (9 – 4) AAC,  Predicted  2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible 

7).   North Texas (9 – 4) CUSA,  Predicted  2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

8).   Utah State (9 – 5) MWC, Predicted  2014 Fini8sh (9-3) Bowl eligible

9)    Toledo (7-5) MAC,  Predicted  2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

10)  Louisiana-Lafayette (9 – 4) SBC Predicted 2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

11)  Rice (11 – 4) CUSA   Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

12)  San Diego State (8 – 5) MWC  Predicted 2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

13) Ball State (10 – 3) MAC Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

14)   Houston (8 – 5) AAC Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

15)   Middle Tennessee (8 – 5) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

16)   Navy (9 – 4) IND, Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl

17)   Western Kentucky (8 – 4) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (8-4) Bowl eligible

18)   Boise State (8 – 5) MAC  Predicted 2014 Finish (8-4) Bowl eligible

19)   Tulane (7 – 5) AAC  Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

20)   Arkansas State (8 – 5) SBC  Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

21)   Bowling Green (10 – 4) MAC Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

22)   Colorado State (8 – 6) MWC Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

23) BYU (7-5) IND Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

24)   UTSA (7-5) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

25)   ODU (8-4) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

Simmering Six (Just missed the Top 25) 26). San Jose State (6-6), MWC 27). UNLV (7-6) MWC 28). Louisiana Tech 4 -8 CUSA 29). Wyoming (5-7) MWC 30). Buffalo (8-5) MAC 31). Ohio (7-6) MAC

Pre Pre Top 25 … http://wp.me/p4wbqJ-6n 

Today, Thursday June 5, 2014 we will reveal # 1 in the TOP 25 G5 FBS programs projected for the 2014 Football season.  Each day starting at the bottom #25 we will give an introduction about each team until we get to #1.

The Gridirons Great G5’s of 2014 (TOP 25) Introducing # 1 

  

1).  UCF  (12-1)  Prediction (10-2), George O’Leary is heading into his 11^th year 72–56  (.563).  The Knights play in the 45,000 seat Bright House Networks Stadium.  The program started in 1979 and last year was a historic one for UCF Knights.  UCF has played in six bowl games in its history – including last years  BCS Bowl – and owns a 3–3 record in those games. UCF has been bowl eligible for six of the past nine seasons, after earning its first bowl game in 2005.  The fact is there was never a bigger stag than  the Fiesta Bowl and the win over Baylor 52-42 and finishing the year ranked 15^th nationally moved the program up the food chain..  This year the Knights will be without Blake Bortles, however the Knights are still be the best  in the AAC. George O’Leary has built the fastest, deepest program in the conference.  They will start at the top of the mountain and until someone knocks them off that is where they will stay.  UCF has to replace a quarterback , and thy a few options. Sophomore Justin Holman will probably get the nod, he was the first-stringer at the end of spring ball, but he didn’t dominate, and O’Leary didn’t officially name him the starter. Two other options for Quarterback are redshirt freshman Pete DiNovo and true freshman Tyler Harris. They will also need to replace a 1,100-yard rusher, three all-conference offensive linemen, and a strong defensive tackle. The first two games of the season will set the tone for 2014.  With a trip to Dublin, Ireland to play Penn state followed by a game with Missouri in Columbia, MO indicate the talent the team has, or not.

2014 UCF Knights Football Schedule Predictions (10-2)
Date		Opponent	Predictions
Saturday Aug. 30	Penn State Nittany Lions Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland	8:30 a.m. ET ESPN2	L
Saturday Sept. 6	—	Open Date	—
Saturday Sept. 13	at Missouri Tigers Faurot Field, Columbia, MO	12:00 p.m. ET SEC Network	L
Saturday Sept. 20	Bethune-Cookman Wildcats Bright House Networks Stadium, Orlando, FL	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 27	—	Open Date	—
Thursday Oct. 2	at Houston Cougars Houston Football Stadium, Houston, TX	TBA	W
Thursday Oct. 9	BYU Cougars Bright House Networks Stadium, Orlando, FL	Time TBA ESPN	W
Saturday Oct. 18	Tulane Green Wave Bright House Networks Stadium, Orlando, FL	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 25	Temple Owls Bright House Networks Stadium, Orlando, FL	TBA	W
Saturday Nov. 1	at Connecticut Huskies Rentschler Field, East Hartford, CT	TBA	W
Saturday Nov. 8	—	Open Date	—
Friday Nov. 14	Tulsa Golden Hurricane Bright House Networks Stadium, Orlando, FL	Time TBA ESPN2	W
Saturday Nov. 22	SMU Mustangs Bright House Networks Stadium, Orlando, FL	TBA	W
Friday Nov. 28	at USF Bulls Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL	TBA	W
Thursday Dec. 4	at East Carolina Pirates Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Greenville, NC	Time TBA ESPN	W

The Gridirons Great G5’s of 2014 (TOP 25) Introducing # 2

Gridiron Great G5 Top 25 – 2014

(RECAP)

2).   Fresno State (11 – 2) MWC  Predicted  2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

3).   Marshall (10 – 3) CUSA  Predicted  2014 Finish (12-0) Bowl eligible

4).   ECU (10 – 4) AAC,  Predicted  2014 Finish (10-4) Bowl eligible 

5).   NIU (12 – 2) MAC,  Predicted  2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible 

6).   Cincinnati (9 – 4) AAC,  Predicted  2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible 

7).   North Texas (9 – 4) CUSA,  Predicted  2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

8).   Utah State (9 – 5) MWC, Predicted  2014 Fini8sh (9-3) Bowl eligible

9)    Toledo (7-5) MAC,  Predicted  2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

10)  Louisiana-Lafayette (9 – 4) SBC Predicted 2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

11)  Rice (11 – 4) CUSA   Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

12)  San Diego State (8 – 5) MWC  Predicted 2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

13)   Ball State (10 – 3) MAC Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

14)   Houston (8 – 5) AAC Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

15)   Middle Tennessee (8 – 5) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

16)   Navy (9 – 4) IND, Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl

17)   Western Kentucky (8 – 4) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (8-4) Bowl eligible

18)   Boise State (8 – 5) MAC  Predicted 2014 Finish (8-4) Bowl eligible

19)   Tulane (7 – 5) AAC  Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

20)   Arkansas State (8 – 5) SBC  Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

21)   Bowling Green (10 – 4) MAC Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

22)   Colorado State (8 – 6) MWC Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

23)   BYU (7-5) IND Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible  

24)   UTSA (7-5) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

25)   ODU (8-4) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

Simmering Six (Just missed the Top 25)
26). San Jose State (6-6), MWC
27). UNLV (7-6) MWC
28). Louisiana Tech 4 -8 CUSA
29). Wyoming (5-7) MWC
30). Buffalo (8-5) MAC
31). Ohio (7-6) MAC

Pre Pre Top 25 … http://wp.me/p4wbqJ-6n 

Today, Wednesday June 4, 2014 we will reveal # 2 in the TOP 25 G5 FBS programs projected for the 2014 Football season.  Each day starting at the bottom #25 we will give an introduction about each team until we get to #1.

The Gridirons Great G5’s of 2014 (TOP 25) Introducing # 2

  

 

2).   Fresno State (11 – 2) MWC, Tim DeRuyter, 17–4 (.810) heads into his 3^rd year as head coach and with a very impressive two years behind him.  The past two years the Bulldogs have answered every call of their leader and it has resulted in success.  Fresno State plays in the 41,000 seat Bulldog Stadium and has for the last 33 years. 

Making it to the bowl game has not been a problem the last two years (Hawaii, Las Vegas); however winning has not proven to be an easy task, next up on the agenda …. Win.    When the Bulldogs entered  the field at the start of 2013 that is what they did Win.  They kicked off one of the most impressive records in all of college football, ten straight.  Than the wheels started to wobble.  A 52-62 loss at San Jose state, when the D could not stop the surge of scoring.  The defense had been decent for much of the year but San Jose had their number that day.   Finally the USC loss 20-45 In the Las Vegas Bowl, the game against San Jose may have taken the wind out of their sails.  The fact remains Fresno State had an outstanding season.

For 2014 there may be a few pieces of the puzzle that will need to be replaced, but the fans know that DeRuyter has a knack to get it done. One of the first steps will be to find a Quarterback that can lead them on the field and to more victories.  If that can be achieved The Bulldogs could again be knocking on the door to a BCS Bowl.  Time will tell.

2014 San Jose State Spartans Football Schedule Predictions (10-2)
Date		Opponent	Prediction
Thursday Aug. 28	North Dakota Spartan Stadium, San Jose, CA	7:00 p.m. PT TV TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 6	at Auburn Tigers Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL	4:00 p.m. PT ESPN2/ESPNU	L
Saturday Sept. 13	—	Open Date	—
Saturday Sept. 20	at Minnesota Golden Gophers TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 27	Nevada Wolf Pack Spartan Stadium, San Jose, CA	7:30 p.m. PT CBSSN	W
Saturday Oct. 4	UNLV Rebels (HC) Spartan Stadium, San Jose, CA	Time TBA ESPN Network TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 11	—	Open Date	—
Saturday Oct. 18	at Wyoming Cowboys War Memorial Stadium, Laramie, WY	Time TBA ESPN Network TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 25	at Navy Midshipmen Navy-Marine Corps Mem. Stadium, Annapolis, MD	10:00 a.m. PT CBSSN	W
Saturday Nov. 1	Colorado State Rams Spartan Stadium, San Jose, CA	4:00 p.m. PT CBSSN	W
Saturday Nov. 8	at Fresno State Bulldogs Bulldog Stadium, Fresno, CA	7:30 p.m. PT CBSSN	W
Saturday Nov. 15	Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Spartan Stadium, San Jose, CA	TBA	W
Friday Nov. 21	at Utah State Aggies Romney Stadium, Logan, UT	6:30 p.m. PT ESPN2	W
Saturday Nov. 29	at San Diego State Aztecs Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA	12:30 p.m. PT CBSSN	L

 

The Gridirons Great G5’s of 2014 (TOP 25) Introducing # 3

Gridiron Great G5 Top 25 – 2014

(RECAP)

3).   Marshall (10 – 3) CUSA  Predicted  2014 Finish (12-0) Bowl eligible

4).   ECU (10 – 4) AAC,  Predicted  2014 Finish (10-4) Bowl eligible 

5).   NIU (12 – 2) MAC,  Predicted  2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible 

6).   Cincinnati (9 – 4) AAC,  Predicted  2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible 

7).   North Texas (9 – 4) CUSA,  Predicted  2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

8).   Utah State (9 – 5) MWC, Predicted  2014 Fini8sh (9-3) Bowl eligible

9)    Toledo (7-5) MAC,  Predicted  2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

10)  Louisiana-Lafayette (9 – 4) SBC Predicted 2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

11)  Rice (11 – 4) CUSA   Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

12)  San Diego State (8 – 5) MWC  Predicted 2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

13)   Ball State (10 – 3) MAC Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

14)   Houston (8 – 5) AAC Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

15)   Middle Tennessee (8 – 5) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

16)   Navy (9 – 4) IND, Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl

17)   Western Kentucky (8 – 4) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (8-4) Bowl eligible

18)   Boise State (8 – 5) MAC  Predicted 2014 Finish (8-4) Bowl eligible

19)   Tulane (7 – 5) AAC  Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

20)   Arkansas State (8 – 5) SBC  Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

21)   Bowling Green (10 – 4) MAC Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

22)   Colorado State (8 – 6) MWC Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

23)   BYU (7-5) IND Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible  

24)   UTSA (7-5) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

25)   ODU (8-4) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

Simmering Six (Just missed the Top 25)
26). San Jose State (6-6), MWC
27). UNLV (7-6) MWC
28). Louisiana Tech 4 -8 CUSA
29). Wyoming (5-7) MWC
30). Buffalo (8-5) MAC
31). Ohio (7-6) MAC

Pre Pre Top 25 … http://wp.me/p4wbqJ-6n 

Today, Tuesday June 3, 2014 we will reveal # 3 in the TOP 25 G5 FBS programs projected for the 2014 Football season.  Each day starting at the bottom #25 we will give an introduction about each team until we get to #1.

The Gridirons Great G5’s of 2014 (TOP 25) Introducing # 3

     

3).   Marshall (10 – 3) CUSA, Doc Holiday 27–24–0 (.529) will be leading the thundering herd into their 5^th year under his leadership.  They play in the 38,227 seat Joan C. Edwards Field.  Marshall has a much storied history that dates back to 1895 and with an overall record of 552–524–47 (.512).  Success has not only been achieved at the confines of Edwards Field  but at the bowl level as well, winning 11 of the 14 bowl games they have been invited to participate in (.786).   With the success of last year and the end of the year victory over Maryland in the Military Bowl they will have a kick start into the 2014 season.  They could potentially go undefeated, If that is achieved an access bowl maybe in Marshall’s future.  Concerns over strength of schedule may become an issue, however of the likely candidates at the G5 level. remember they have to win and win big to have a claim over an undefeated Marshall team.  Without putting the horse before the cart. well let’s take two steps back. 

Marshall is a legitimate Top 25 team in anyone’s poll.  There are 39 former three-star recruits returning this year and three former four-stars. That is a level of recruiting no one in CUSA can match.  This year they also return an NFL prospect quarterback, Rakeem Cato, and two of the most explosive running backs in conference, two all-conference offensive linemen, and nine starters from a defense that recorded 102 tackles for losses and improved in every aspect from 2012.

With a recruiting class that ranked again at the top of CUSA and toward the top of the 128 teams listed as FBS programs the future is bright for the Herd.   Marshall fans will be disappointed if they don’t go undefeated.  At that point we can jump back on the carriage and see where we are headed.

2014 Marshall Thundering Herd Football Schedule Predictions (12-0)
Date		Opponent	Predictions
Saturday Aug. 30	at Miami (OH) RedHawks Yager Stadium, Oxford, OH	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 6	Rhode Island Rams Joan C. Edwards Stadium, Huntington, WV	6:30 p.m. ET TV TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 13	Ohio Bobcats Joan C. Edwards Stadium, Huntington, WV	12:00 p.m. ET CBSSN	W
Saturday Sept. 20	at Akron Zips InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field, Akron, OH	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 27	—	Open Date	—
Saturday Oct. 4	at Old Dominion Monarchs Foreman Field, Norfolk, VA	Time TBA FS1 or FSN	W
Saturday Oct. 11	Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Joan C. Edwards Stadium, Huntington, WV	Time TBA FS1 or FSN	W
Saturday Oct. 18	at FIU Golden Panthers FIU Stadium, Miami, FL	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 25	Florida Atlantic Owls Joan C. Edwards Stadium, Huntington, WV	7:00 p.m. ET FCS	W
Saturday Nov. 1	—	Open Date	—
Saturday Nov. 8	at Southern Miss Golden Eagles M.M. Roberts Stadium, Hattiesburg, MS	TBA	W
Saturday Nov. 15	Rice Owls Joan C. Edwards Stadium, Huntington, WV	Time TBA FS1 or FSN	W
Saturday Nov. 22	at UAB Blazers Legion Field, Birmingham, AL	TBA	W
Friday Nov. 28	Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Joan C. Edwards Stadium, Huntington, WV	12:00 p.m. ET FOX Sports 1	W

The Gridirons Great G5’s of 2014 (TOP 25) Introducing # 4

Gridiron Great G5 Top 25 – 2014

(RECAP)

4).   ECU (10 – 4) AAC,  Predicted  2014 Finish (8-4) Bowl eligible 

5).   NIU (12 – 2) MAC,  Predicted  2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible 

6).   Cincinnati (9 – 4) AAC,  Predicted  2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible 

7).   North Texas (9 – 4) CUSA,  Predicted  2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

8).   Utah State (9 – 5) MWC, Predicted  2014 Fini8sh (9-3) Bowl eligible

9)    Toledo (7-5) MAC,  Predicted  2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

10)  Louisiana-Lafayette (9 – 4) SBC Predicted 2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

11)  Rice (11 – 4) CUSA   Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

12)  San Diego State (8 – 5) MWC Predicted 2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

13) Ball State (10 – 3) MAC Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

14)   Houston (8 – 5) AAC Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

15)   Middle Tennessee (8 – 5) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

16)   Navy (9 – 4) IND, Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl

17)   Western Kentucky (8 – 4) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (8-4) Bowl eligible

18)   Boise State (8 – 5) MAC  Predicted 2014 Finish (8-4) Bowl eligible

19)   Tulane (7 – 5) AAC  Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

20)   Arkansas State (8 – 5) SBC  Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

21)   Bowling Green (10 – 4) MAC Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

22)   Colorado State (8 – 6) MWC Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

23)   BYU (7-5) IND Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

24)   UTSA (7-5) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

25)   ODU (8-4) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

Simmering Six (Just missed the Top 25)

26). San Jose State (6-6), MWC

27). UNLV (7-6) MWC

28). Louisiana Tech 4 -8 CUSA

29). Wyoming (5-7) MWC

30). Buffalo (8-5) MAC

31). Ohio (7-6) MAC

Pre Pre Top 25 … http://wp.me/p4wbqJ-6n 

Today, Monday June 2, 2014 we will reveal # 4 in the TOP 25 G5 FBS programs projected for the 2014 Football season.  Each day starting at the bottom #25 we will give an introduction about each team until we get to #1.

The Gridirons Great G5’s of 2014 (TOP 25) Introducing # 4 

  

 

4). ECU (10 – 4) AAC, Heading into his 5^th year at ECU Ruffin McNeil has lead his Alma Mater with a (29-22) record.  McNeil will look to his Senior Quarterback to carry them into a new conference, the AAC and improving on last year’s stellar season.  This year as last the Pirates will be lead of the field with NFL prospect Shane Carden. Along with Carden ECU has quite a few stars — returning receivers Justin Hardy and Isaiah Jones, end Terrell Stanley, OLB/missile Montese Overton, but the depth of experience on the offensive line and in the back eight of the defense has moved on.   The Pirates play in the 50,000 seat Dowdy Ficklen Stadium.  In 72 years they have compiled an all time record of 415–379–12 (.522).  Last year’s success will be hard to duplicate with victories against OOC foes NC State and UNC.  This year’s slate of OOC opponents will challenge the Pirates early.  With a recruiting class that comes in 6^th out of the AAC and only 9 starters returning this may be a challenging year for the Pirates.

2014 East Carolina Pirates Football Schedule Predictions (8-4)
Date		Opponent
Saturday Aug. 30	North Carolina Central Eagles Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Greenville, NC	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 6	at South Carolina Gamecocks Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC	TBA	L
Saturday Sept. 13	at Virginia Tech Hokies Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA	TBA	L
Saturday Sept. 20	North Carolina Tar Heels Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Greenville, NC	TBA	L
Saturday Sept. 27	—	Open Date	—
Saturday Oct. 4	SMU Mustangs Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Greenville, NC	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 11	at USF Bulls Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 18	—	Open Date	—
Thursday Oct. 23	Connecticut Huskies Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Greenville, NC	Time TBA ESPNU	W
Saturday Nov. 1	at Temple Owls Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA	TBA	W
Saturday Nov. 8	—	Open Date	—
Thursday Nov. 13	at Cincinnati Bearcats Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH	7:00 p.m. ET ESPN2	W
Saturday Nov. 22	Tulane Green Wave Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Greenville, NC	TBA	W
Friday Nov. 28	at Tulsa Golden Hurricane H.A. Chapman Stadium, Tulsa, OK	TBA	W
Thursday Dec. 4	UCF Knights Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Greenville, NC	Time TBA ESPN	L

The Gridirons Great G5’s of 2014 (TOP 25) Introducing # 5

Gridiron Great G5 Top 25 – 2014

(RECAP)

5).   NIU (12 – 2) MAC,  Predicted  2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligibl 

6).   Cincinnati (9 – 4) AAC,  Predicted  2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligibl 

7).   North Texas (9 – 4) CUSA,  Predicted  2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

8).   Utah State (9 – 5) MWC, Predicted  2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

9)    Toledo (7-5) MAC,  Predicted  2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

10)  Louisiana-Lafayette (9 – 4) SBC Predicted 2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

11)  Rice (11 – 4) CUSA   Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

12)  San Diego State (8 – 5) MWC  Predicted 2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

13)   Ball State (10 – 3) MAC Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

14)   Houston (8 – 5) AAC Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

15)   Middle Tennessee (8 – 5) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

16)   Navy (9 – 4) IND, Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl

17)   Western Kentucky (8 – 4) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (8-4) Bowl eligible

18)   Boise State (8 – 5) MAC  Predicted 2014 Finish (8-4) Bowl eligible

19)   Tulane (7 – 5) AAC  Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

20)   Arkansas State (8 – 5) SBC  Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

21)   Bowling Green (10 – 4) MAC Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

22)   Colorado State (8 – 6) MWC Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

23)   BYU (7-5) IND Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible  

24)   UTSA (7-5) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

25)   ODU (8-4) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

Simmering Six (Just missed the Top 25)
26). San Jose State (6-6), MWC
27). UNLV (7-6) MWC
28). Louisiana Tech 4 -8 CUSA
29). Wyoming (5-7) MWC
30). Buffalo (8-5) MAC
31). Ohio (7-6) MAC

Pre Pre Top 25 … http://wp.me/p4wbqJ-6n 

Today, Sunday June1, 2014 we will reveal # 5 in the TOP 25 G5 FBS programs projected for the 2014 Football season.  Each day starting at the bottom #25 we will give an introduction about each team until we get to #1.

The Gridirons Great G5’s of 2014 (TOP 25) Introducing # 5

  

5). NIU (12 – 2) MAC, *Third year coach Rod Carey, 12–2 (.857) knows all too well that things do not stay the same. A fact that is obvious not only to the staff but the fans.  Jordan Lynch led the Huskies to back-to-back MAC West championships (2011–2012). Now the staff starts preparing for more of the same. Last year one area of concern was the secondary. In 2013 the defense allowed 263 yards per game passing, a stat that has to be improved. There is no such thing as “no one is irreplaceable”. Jordan Lynch was one of the best college players in the country, and now moves on to the next level.  NIU will look to Matt McIntosh or Drew Hare to carry the team into the future and to be motivators off the field.  Fortunately, the rest of the offense is strong and with Cameron Stingily and James Spencer returning in 2014 they will need to put the ball in the end zone often. Another advantage the Huskies will have is a very smart and swift receiver like Tommylee Lewis, who could may very well be the be the next star on offense.  Two more emerging stars that will shine in 2014 are  Da’ron Brown and TE Luke Eakes both will see plenty of time on the field and  be roll models for the rest of the team.  Three starters are back on the O line, but Tyler Loos and all-star guard Jared Volk have moved on. Another area of concern is the entire defensive front four has to be replaced, but the linebacking corps returns intact and FS Dechane Durante and CB Paris Logan are ready for a challenge. NIU plays in the 24,000 seat Huskie Stadium.   NIU has the 4^th beat recruiting class in the MAC coming in with 31 players to continue to winning traditions.  * Took over the coach job 2012 -Bowl game.

2014 Northern Illinois Huskies Football Schedule Predictions (10-2 )
Date		Opponent	Predictions
Thursday Aug. 28	Presbyterian Blue Hose Huskie Stadium, Dekalb, IL	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 6	at Northwestern Wildcats Ryan Field, Evanston, IL	TBA	L
Saturday Sept. 13	at UNLV Rebels Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, NV	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 20	at Arkansas Razorbacks D.W.R. Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, AR	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 27	—	Open Date	—
Saturday Oct. 4	Kent State Golden Flashes Huskie Stadium, Dekalb, IL	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 11	Central Michigan Chippewas (HC) Huskie Stadium, Dekalb, IL	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 18	Miami (OH) RedHawks Huskie Stadium, Dekalb, IL	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 25	at Eastern Michigan Eagles Rynearson Stadium, Ypsilanti, MI	TBA	W
Saturday Nov. 1	—	Open Date	—	—
Wednesday Nov. 5	at Ball State Cardinals Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN	7:00 p.m. CT ESPN2/ESPNU	L
Tuesday Nov. 11	Toledo Rockets Huskie Stadium, Dekalb, IL	7:00 p.m. CT ESPN2/ESPNU	W
Tuesday Nov. 18	at Ohio Bobcats Peden Stadium, Athens, OH	7:00 p.m. CT ESPNU/ESPN3	W
Friday Nov. 28	at Western Michigan Broncos Waldo Stadium, Kalamazoo, MI	Time TBA ESPNU/ESPN3	W

The Gridirons Great G5’s of 2014 (TOP 25) Introducing # 6

Gridiron Great G5 Top 25 – 2014

(RECAP)

6).   Cincinnati (9 – 4) AAC, ,  Predicted  2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligibl 

7).   North Texas (9 – 4) CUSA,  Predicted  2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

8).   Utah State (9 – 5) MWC, Predicted  2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

9)    Toledo (7-5) MAC,  Predicted  2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

10)  Louisiana-Lafayette (9 – 4) SBC Predicted 2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

11)  Rice (11 – 4) CUSA   Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

12)  San Diego State (8 – 5) MWC  Predicted 2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

13)   Ball State (10 – 3) MAC Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

14)   Houston (8 – 5) AAC Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

15)   Middle Tennessee (8 – 5) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

16)   Navy (9 – 4) IND, Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl

17)   Western Kentucky (8 – 4) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (8-4) Bowl eligible

18)   Boise State (8 – 5) MAC  Predicted 2014 Finish (8-4) Bowl eligible

19)   Tulane (7 – 5) AAC  Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

20)   Arkansas State (8 – 5) SBC  Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

21)   Bowling Green (10 – 4) MAC Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

22)   Colorado State (8 – 6) MWC Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

23)   BYU (7-5) IND Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible  

24)   UTSA (7-5) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

25)   ODU (8-4) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

Simmering Six (Just missed the Top 25)
26). San Jose State (6-6), MWC
27). UNLV (7-6) MWC
28). Louisiana Tech 4 -8 CUSA
29). Wyoming (5-7) MWC
30). Buffalo (8-5) MAC
31). Ohio (7-6) MAC

Pre Pre Top 25 … http://wp.me/p4wbqJ-6n 

Today, Saturday  May 31, 2014 we will reveal # 6 in the TOP 25 G5 FBS programs projected for the 2014 Football season.  Each day starting at the bottom #25 we will give an introduction about each team until we get to #1.

The Gridirons Great G5’s of 2014 (TOP 25) Introducing # 6

 

6).   Cincinnati (9 – 4) AAC,Head coach Tommy Tuberville will be heading into his 2^nd year, 9–4.  The Bearcats play in the 35,000 seat Nippert Stadium.  After a successful 2013 season the bearcats head into 2014 with higher expectations.  They dodged a bullet last year not having UCF on the schedule; unfortunately they lost to USF who recorded the only win in 2013 against the Bearcats.  The nice part about college football is they will hope to revenge that loss. Cincinnati will be the last team to hit the gridiron in 2014 with two open weeks to start the season.  When they kick off in Paul Brown Stadium on Sept. 12, fans, team and coaches will be ready for a big year.  This year, as last they dodge UCF and face the other 9 conference foes. With OOC opponents Ohio State, followed by the Miami (FL) Hurricanes they will test them early and send them into conference play.  It will be difficult to see where they stack up in conference play until they face ECU.  With only 13 starters returning, experience may be a question mark.  However, with the 3^rd highest ranked incoming 2014 class in the AAC they may be able to reload and hit the ground running.

   

2014 Cincinnati Bearcats Football Schedule Predictions (10-2 )
Date		Opponent	Predictions
Saturday Aug. 30	—	Open Date	—
Saturday Sept. 6	—	Open Date	—
Friday Sept. 12	Toledo Rockets Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH	7:00 p.m. ET ESPNU	W
Saturday Sept. 20	Miami (OH) RedHawks (HC) Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 27	at Ohio State Buckeyes Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH	6:00 p.m. ET BTN/BTN2Go	L
Saturday Oct. 4	Memphis Tigers Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 11	at Miami (FL) Hurricanes Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL	TBA	L
Saturday Oct. 18	at SMU Mustangs Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX	TBA	W
Friday Oct. 24	USF Bulls Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH	TBA	W
Friday Oct. 31	at Tulane Green Wave Yulman Stadium, New Orleans, LA	Time TBA ESPN2/ESPNU	W
Saturday Nov. 8	—	Open Date	—
Thursday Nov. 13	East Carolina Pirates Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH	7:00 p.m. ET ESPN2	L
Saturday Nov. 22	at Connecticut Huskies Rentschler Field, East Hartford, CT	TBA	W
Saturday Nov. 29	at Temple Owls Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA	TBA	W
Saturday Dec. 6	Houston Cougars Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH	TBA	W

The Gridirons Great G5’s of 2014 (TOP 25) Introducing # 7

Gridiron Great G5 Top 25 – 2014

(RECAP)

7).   North Texas (9 – 4) CUSA,  Predicted  2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

8).   Utah State (9 – 5) MWC, Predicted  2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

9)    Toledo (7-5) MAC,  Predicted  2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

10)  Louisiana-Lafayette (9 – 4) SBC Predicted 2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

11)  Rice (11 – 4) CUSA   Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

12)  San Diego State (8 – 5) MWC  Predicted 2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

13)   Ball State (10 – 3) MAC Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

14)   Houston (8 – 5) AAC Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

15)   Middle Tennessee (8 – 5) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

16)   Navy (9 – 4) IND, Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl

17)   Western Kentucky (8 – 4) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (8-4) Bowl eligible

18)   Boise State (8 – 5) MAC  Predicted 2014 Finish (8-4) Bowl eligible

19)   Tulane (7 – 5) AAC  Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

20)   Arkansas State (8 – 5) SBC  Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

21)   Bowling Green (10 – 4) MAC Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

22)   Colorado State (8 – 6) MWC Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

23)   BYU (7-5) IND Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible  

24)   UTSA (7-5) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

25)   ODU (8-4) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

Simmering Six (Just missed the Top 25)
26). San Jose State (6-6), MWC
27). UNLV (7-6) MWC
28). Louisiana Tech 4 -8 CUSA
29). Wyoming (5-7) MWC
30). Buffalo (8-5) MAC
31). Ohio (7-6) MAC

Pre Pre Top 25 … http://wp.me/p4wbqJ-6n 

Today, Friday May 30, 2014 we will reveal # 7 in the TOP 25 G5 FBS programs projected for the 2014 Football season.  Each day starting at the bottom #25 we will give an introduction about each team until we get to #1.

The Gridirons Great G5’s of 2014 (TOP 25) Introducing # 7 

7).   North Texas (9 – 4) CUSA Dan McCarney enters his 4th year, 18–19 (.486).   North Texas plays in the 31,000 seat Apogee Stadium  The Mean Green started playing football in 1913 and have compiled a 487–472–32 (.508) all time record.  Last year North Texas put an exclamation point on the end of their season with the Heart of Dallas Bowl win over UNLV 36-14.    North Texas started 2013 slow but finished with an impressive 9-5 record by winning 8 of their last 9 games including the Bowl win.  North Texas loses their MVP quarterback Derek Thompson a three year starter.  However he will be replaced by either Andrew McNulty (last year’s backup), Dajon Williams (an athletic QB), or junior college transfer Josh Greer, who completed 64 percent of his passes for Navarro College last fall.  The Mean Green was big and physical up front and hard-hitting in the back.   Now they must almost completely rebuild the starting front seven.

One reason for North Texas’ surge last year was an experienced defensive line that got better as the season went on. North Texas had one of the most efficient, defenses in the country last year. The Mean Green logged 79 tackles that constituted a loss of yardage on the play. 39 sacks, 17 forced fumbles and blocked seven kicks.  With only 9 starters returning the big question mark will be how quickly new players will fit in and contribute.

2014 North Texas Mean Green Football Schedule Predictions (10-2)
Date		Opponent	Predictions
Saturday Aug. 30	at Texas Longhorns Darrell K. Royal – TX Mem. Stadium, Austin, TX	TBA	L
Saturday Sept. 6	SMU Mustangs Apogee Stadium, Denton, TX	TBA	W
Thursday Sept. 11	Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Apogee Stadium, Denton, TX	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 20	Nicholls State Colonels Apogee Stadium, Denton, TX	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 27	—	Open Date	—
Saturday Oct. 4	at Indiana Hoosiers Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 11	at UAB Blazers Legion Field, Birmingham, AL	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 18	Southern Miss Golden Eagles Apogee Stadium, Denton, TX	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 25	at Rice Owls Rice Stadium, Houston, TX	TBA	L
Saturday Nov. 1	—	Open Date	—
Saturday Nov. 8	Florida Atlantic Owls Apogee Stadium, Denton, TX	TBA	W
Saturday Nov. 15	at UTEP Miners Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, TX	TBA	W
Saturday Nov. 22	FIU Golden Panthers Apogee Stadium, Denton, TX	TBA	W
Saturday Nov. 29	at UTSA Roadrunners Alamodome, San Antonio, TX	TBA	W

The Gridirons Great G5’s of 2014 (TOP 25) Introducing # 8

Gridiron Great G5 Top 25 – 2014

(RECAP)

8).   Utah State (9 – 5) MWC, Predicted  2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

9)    Toledo (7-5) MAC,  Predicted  2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

10)  Louisiana-Lafayette (9 – 4) SBC Predicted 2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

11)  Rice (11 – 4) CUSA   Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

12)  San Diego State (8 – 5) MWC  Predicted 2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

13)   Ball State (10 – 3) MAC Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

14)   Houston (8 – 5) AAC Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

15)   Middle Tennessee (8 – 5) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

16)   Navy (9 – 4) IND, Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl

17)   Western Kentucky (8 – 4) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (8-4) Bowl eligible

18)   Boise State (8 – 5) MAC  Predicted 2014 Finish (8-4) Bowl eligible

19)   Tulane (7 – 5) AAC  Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

20)   Arkansas State (8 – 5) SBC  Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

21)   Bowling Green (10 – 4) MAC Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

22)   Colorado State (8 – 6) MWC Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

23)   BYU (7-5) IND Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible  

24)   UTSA (7-5) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

25)   ODU (8-4) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

Simmering Six (Just missed the Top 25)
26). San Jose State (6-6), MWC
27). UNLV (7-6) MWC
28). Louisiana Tech 4 -8 CUSA
29). Wyoming (5-7) MWC
30). Buffalo (8-5) MAC
31). Ohio (7-6) MAC

Pre Pre Top 25 … http://wp.me/p4wbqJ-6n 

Today, Thursday May 29, 2014 we will reveal # 8 in the TOP 25 G5 FBS programs projected for the 2014 Football season.  Each day starting at the bottom #25 we will give an introduction about each team until we get to #1.

The Gridirons Great G5’s of 2014 (TOP 25) Introducing # 8 

  

8).   Utah State (9 – 5) MWC – Head coach Matt Wells, 9–5 (.643), has the Aggies headed in the right direction.  Only in his 2^nd year at the helm of this stampede of success, Utah is looking to claim the MWC Championship with an Aggie brand (sizzle).   The high flying Utah Aggies have been playing football for 123 years and compiled an all time record of 514–512–31 (.501).  The Aggies play in the 25,513 seat Romney Stadium AKA Merlin Olsen Field and have called it home since being built in 1969 at an elevation of 4,710 feet above sea level.  Utah hopes to improve on what has been an upward ascent over the last three years to perch at the top of the Mountain.  After achieving a three game win streak in the last three bowl appearance (2011, 2012 and 2013) all that is left for the Aggies to do in 2014 is take the bull by the horns.

2014 Utah State Aggies Football Schedule Predictions (9-3)
Date		Opponent	Predictions
Sunday Aug. 31	at Tennessee Volunteers Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN	5:00 p.m. MT SEC Network	L
Saturday Sept. 6	Idaho State Bengals Romney Stadium, Logan, UT	6:00 p.m. MT TV TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 13	Wake Forest Demon Deacons Romney Stadium, Logan, UT	5:00 p.m. MT CBSSN	W
Saturday Sept. 20	at Arkansas State Red Wolves Centennial Bank Stadium, Jonesboro, AR	TBA	L
Saturday Sept. 27	—	Open Date
Friday Oct. 3	at BYU Cougars LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 11	Air Force Falcons Romney Stadium, Logan, UT	Time TBA ESPN Network TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 18	at Colorado State Rams Hughes Stadium, Ft. Collins, CO	5:00 p.m. MT CBSSN	W
Saturday Oct. 25	UNLV Rebels Romney Stadium, Logan, UT	Time TBA ESPN Network TBA	W
Saturday Nov. 1	at Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, HI	TBA	W
Friday Nov. 7	at Wyoming Cowboys War Memorial Stadium, Laramie, WY	6:00 p.m. MT ESPN2	W
Saturday Nov. 15	New Mexico Lobos Romney Stadium, Logan, UT	Time TBA ESPN Network TBA	W
Friday Nov. 21	San Jose State Spartans Romney Stadium, Logan, UT	7:30 p.m. MT ESPN2	W
Saturday Nov. 29	at Boise State Broncos Albertson’s Stadium, Boise, ID	Time TBA ESPN Network TBA	L

The Gridirons Great G5’s of 2014 (TOP 25) Introducing # 9

Gridiron Great G5 Top 25 – 2014

(RECAP)

9)    Toledo (7-5) MAC,  Predicted  2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

10)  Louisiana-Lafayette (9 – 4) SBC Predicted 2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

11)  Rice (11 – 4) CUSA   Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

12)  San Diego State (8 – 5) MWC  Predicted 2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

13)   Ball State (10 – 3) MAC Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

14)   Houston (8 – 5) AAC Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

15)   Middle Tennessee (8 – 5) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

16)   Navy (9 – 4) IND, Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl

17)   Western Kentucky (8 – 4) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (8-4) Bowl eligible

18)   Boise State (8 – 5) MAC  Predicted 2014 Finish (8-4) Bowl eligible

19)   Tulane (7 – 5) AAC  Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

20)   Arkansas State (8 – 5) SBC  Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

21)   Bowling Green (10 – 4) MAC Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

22)   Colorado State (8 – 6) MWC Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

23)   BYU (7-5) IND Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible  

24)   UTSA (7-5) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

25)   ODU (8-4) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

Simmering Six (Just missed the Top 25)
26). San Jose State (6-6), MWC
27). UNLV (7-6) MWC
28). Louisiana Tech 4 -8 CUSA
29). Wyoming (5-7) MWC
30). Buffalo (8-5) MAC
31). Ohio (7-6) MAC

Pre Pre Top 25 … http://wp.me/p4wbqJ-6n 

Today, Wednesday May 28, 2014 we will reveal # 9 in the TOP 25 G5 FBS programs projected for the 2014 Football season.  Each day starting at the bottom #25 we will give an introduction about each team until we get to #1.

The Gridirons Great G5’s of 2014 (TOP 25) Introducing # 9 

  

9)    Toledo (7-5) MAC –  Matt Campbell is currently the second youngest head coach in FBS.  Matt is heading into his 3^rd year as the Rockets head coach *(25-9).  Toledo had four consecutive losing seasons from 2006 -2009.  That is all a distant memory as the rockets have gone 25 -9 in the last three years.  For the last 78 years Toledo has called the  26,248 seat glass Bowl home.  If this year’s offense is as explosive on the ground as last year, Toledo could be the surprise team in the MAC and even in the country.  The defense should be terrific with eight returning starters led by a linebacking corps anchored by Junior Sylvestre on the weakside and Chase Murdock in the middle.    QB Logan Woodside has take control of the job this offseason. Alonzo Russell and Dwight Macon lead the receiving corps that has to replace Bernard Reedy.   Four senior starters are back up front, but there are holes that will need to be addressed.  With a favorable home schedule this may prove to be a very rewarding years as the Rockets take flight into higher expectations.  *Tim Bekman, regular season and new head coach Matt Campbell for their bowl game.

E  2014 Toledo Rockets Football Schedule Predictions (9-3)
Date		Opponent	Predictions
Saturday Aug. 30	New Hampshire Wildcats Glass Bowl, Toledo, OH	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 6	Missouri Tigers Glass Bowl, Toledo, OH	TBA	L
Friday Sept. 12	at Cincinnati Bearcats Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH	7:00 p.m. ET ESPNU	L
Saturday Sept. 20	Ball State Cardinals Glass Bowl, Toledo, OH	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 27	Central Michigan Chippewas Glass Bowl, Toledo, OH	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 4	at Western Michigan Broncos Waldo Stadium, Kalamazoo, MI	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 11	at Iowa State Cyclones Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA	TBA	W
Saturday Oct. 18	—	Open Date	—
Saturday Oct. 25	UMass Minutemen Glass Bowl, Toledo, OH	TBA	W
Saturday Nov. 1	—	Open Date	—	—
Tuesday Nov. 4	at Kent State Golden Flashes Dix Stadium, Kent, OH	8:00 p.m. ET ESPN2/ESPNU	W
Tuesday Nov. 11	at Northern Illinois Huskies Huskie Stadium, Dekalb, IL	8:00 p.m. ET ESPN2/ESPNU	L
Wednesday Nov. 19	Bowling Green Falcons Glass Bowl, Toledo, OH	8:00 p.m. ET ESPN2/ESPNU	W
Friday Nov. 28	at Eastern Michigan Eagles Rynearson Stadium, Ypsilanti, MI	Time TBA ESPNU/ESPN3	W

The Gridirons Great G5’s of 2014 (TOP 25) Introducing # 10

Gridiron Great G5 Top 25 – 2014

(RECAP)

10). Louisiana-Lafayette (9 – 4) SBC Predicted 2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

11)  Rice (11 – 4) CUSA   Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

12)  San Diego State (8 – 5) MWC  Predicted 2014 Finish (10-2) Bowl eligible

13)   Ball State (10 – 3) MAC Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

14)   Houston (8 – 5) AAC Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

15)   Middle Tennessee (8 – 5) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

16)   Navy (9 – 4) IND, Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl

17)   Western Kentucky (8 – 4) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (8-4) Bowl eligible

18)   Boise State (8 – 5) MWC  Predicted 2014 Finish (8-4) Bowl eligible

19)   Tulane (7 – 5) AAC  Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

20)   Arkansas State (8 – 5) SBC  Predicted 2014 Finish (9-3) Bowl eligible

21)   Bowling Green (10 – 4) MAC Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

22)   Colorado State (8 – 6) MWC Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

23)   BYU (7-5) IND Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible  

24)   UTSA (7-5) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

25)   ODU (8-4) CUSA Predicted 2014 Finish (7-5) Bowl eligible

Simmering Six (Just missed the Top 25)
26). San Jose State (6-6), MWC
27). UNLV (7-6) MWC
28). Louisiana Tech 4 -8 CUSA
29). Wyoming (5-7) MWC
30). Buffalo (8-5) MAC
31). Ohio (7-6) MAC
Pre Pre Top 25 … http://wp.me/p4wbqJ-6n 

Today Tuesday May 27, 2014 we will reveal #10 in the TOP 25 G5 FBS programs projected for the 2014 Football season.  Each day starting at the bottom #25 we will give an introduction about each team until we get to #1.

  

10). Louisiana-Lafayette (9 – 4) SBC,  Mark Hudspeth is heading into his 4^th year as head coach, 27–12 (.692) The Ragin’ Cajuns of Louisiana-Lafayette play in the 31,000 seat Cajun Field.  The Cajuns started football in 1902  and hold an all time record of 476–513–31 (.482)  In  2011  the Ragin’ Cajuns won their first  FBS bowl game over San Diego State in the New Orleans Bowl  (32-30) with a 50-yard field goal as time expired.  That started a three game bowl winning record that included wins over East Carolina in 2012 andlast year’s victory (2013) over fellow in state rival Tulane (24-21), again in the New Orleans Bowl.

Terrance Broadway returns as QB for his senior year and should help lead the Cajuns to one of the best years ever (9-4 in 2011/2012/2013).     Both Arkansas State and South Alabama come to Lafayette, and the Cajuns don’t play a conference road game that’s outcome could be questionable till ULM.   The Cajuns could improve on the last three years records and have a chance to go on an 8-0 run that will break through the nine-win plateau from the last three years.

2014 Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns Football Schedule Predictions (10-2)
Date		Opponent	Predictions
Saturday Aug. 30	Southern Jaguars Cajun Field, Lafayette, LA	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 6	Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Cajun Field, Lafayette, LA	TBA	W
Saturday Sept. 13	at Ole Miss Rebels Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, MS	3:00 p.m. CT SEC Network	L
Saturday Sept. 20	at Boise State Broncos Albertson’s Stadium, Boise, ID	9:30 p.m. CT CBSSN	W
Saturday Sept. 27	—	Open Date	—
Saturday Oct. 4	Georgia State Panthers Cajun Field, Lafayette, LA	TBA	W
Tuesday Oct. 14	at Texas State Bobcats Bobcat Stadium, San Marcos, TX	7:00 p.m. CT ESPN2	W
Saturday Oct. 18	—	Open Date	—
Tuesday Oct. 21	Arkansas State Red Wolves Cajun Field, Lafayette, LA	7:00 p.m. CT ESPN2	W
Saturday Nov. 1	South Alabama Jaguars Cajun Field, Lafayette, LA	TBA	W
Saturday Nov. 8	at New Mexico State Aggies Aggie Memorial Stadium, Las Cruces, NM	TBA	W
Saturday Nov. 15	at ULM Warhawks Malone Stadium, Monroe, LA	6:00 p.m. CT TV TBA	L
Saturday Nov. 22	Appalachian State Mountaineers Cajun Field, Lafayette, LA	TBA	W
Saturday Nov. 29	at Troy Trojans Veterans Memorial Stadium, Troy, AL	6:30 p.m. CT TV TBA	W