Previewing The College Football Independents For 2010

FROM:  http://machorhino.com/?p=16009

There are only a few independents left in college football but BYU may be joining them soon. Notre Dame has a new coach and new hope. Navy is coming off a 10-win season and Army was improving. This year should be a better year for independents that see a team go without a blemish on their 2010 record.

Army (4-8) – Army might take a step back record wise this season. The schedule has a lot of toss-up games so they might be able to rise up and make a bowl. They’re hoping the offense improves and the defense can repeat what it did last year.

Navy (12-0) - I’m going out on a limb and predicting Navy to go undefeated. They won 10 games last year and while they have a couple tough games, they’re better than what people think. They run a dynamic triple option attack that continues to befuddle most defenses and Ricky Dobbs is a guy who can carry the team. They were close to winning at Ohio State last year and while the defense has wholes to fill, the offense should be outstanding.

Notre Dame (8-4) – The Irish have Brian Kelly who came over from Cincinnati at the helm now. He’s installed an up-tempo offense that has proven successful throughout Kelly’s coaching career. The first half of the schedule is tough and the transition will probably make it difficult to win a lot of those game. However the Irish should win more than they lose and go to a bowl this year.

Top 5 Games for the Independents:

1. Navy at Air Force (October 2) – This is the toughest game on Navy’s schedule. If they can win this, an undefeated season is possible.
2. Notre Dame at Navy (October 23) – Navy is the better team coming in but Notre Dame needs this win as it just doesn’t look good for them dropping a game to Navy two years in a row.
3. Utah at Notre Dame (November 13) – Brain Kelly’s system will have been implemented and his team should be getting comfortable with him on the sideline by this game. If they can pull off the upset over the Utes, Kelly will be winning over Irish fans.
4. SMU at Navy (October 16) – This is polar opposites colliding. SMU will bring the run and shoot while Navy operates the triple option.
5. Navy vs. Army (December 11) – This is one of the best rivalry games. It’s tremendous to watch even though it’s been lopsided for Navy lately.

READ MORE OF THE 2010 MACHO RHINO FOOTBALL PREVIEW AT http://machorhino.com/?cat=3235