Spokesman review football, september 1, 2016

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THURSDAY

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THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

2016 SCHEDULE - ALL TIMES PACIFIC

CONNER, OTHERS RETURN TO FIELD BAYLOR QB SETH RUSSELL

By Steve Megargee

Although he played in just seven games last season, Russell still threw for 2,104 yards and 29 touchdowns. Russell was gaining Heisman Trophy attention and had Baylor undefeated and in playoff position before he suffered a season-ending neck injury. He set a single-season school record by averaging 10.06 yards in total offense per play.

Russell has been cleared to return and will try to lead a team reeling from off-field issues and adapting to interim coach Jim Grobe.

Associated Press

The most stirring comeback of the college football season already has taken place. Less than a year after his cancer diagnosis, Pittsburgh running back and 2014 Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year James Conner rejoined his teammates for training camp.

The 2014 ACC player of the year tore his right medial collateral ligament in the 2015 opener, knocking him out for the remainder of the season. Two months later, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. Conner was declared cancer-free in May and joined his teammates for the start of training camp.

Conner rushed for 1,765 yards and scored 26 touchdowns for Pittsburgh in 2014.

Conner joins a backfield that also includes Qadree Ollison, who rushed for 1,121 yards last season and was named the ACC offensive freshman of the year.

Conner’s remarkable story is one of several examples of high-profile college football players returning to action after missing much of the 2015 season. Here’s a look of some notable players returning from injury this season:

ABILENE CHRISTIAN Sep. 3 at Air Force, 11 a.m.

Sep. 10 N. Colorado, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Houston Baptist, 5 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Stephen F. Austin, 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 Cent. Arkansas, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 Lamar, 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Sam Houston St., TBA Oct. 22 Incarnate Word, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 at McNeese St., 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 Northwestern St., 4 p.m.

Nov. 12 at SE Louisiana, 5 p.m.

AIR FORCE Sep. 3 Abilene Christian, 11 a.m.

Sep. 10 Georgia St., 11 a.m.

Sep. 24 at Utah St., TBA Oct. 1 Navy, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Wyoming, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 New Mexico, TBA Oct. 22 Hawaii, 11 a.m.

Oct. 28 at Fresno St., 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Army, 9 a.m.

Nov. 12 Colorado St., TBA Nov. 19 at San Jose St., 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 25 Boise St., 12:30 p.m.

AKRON Sep. 3 VMI, 3:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Wisconsin, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Marshall, 9 a.m.

Sep. 24 Appalachian St., TBA Oct. 1 at Kent St., 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 Miami (Ohio), Noon Oct. 15 W. Michigan, TBA Oct. 22 at Ball St., Noon Oct. 27 at Buffalo, 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 2 Toledo, 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 9 Bowling Green, 5 p.m.

Nov. 22 at Ohio, 4 p.m.

ALABAMA Sep. 3 Southern Cal, 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 W. Kentucky, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Mississippi, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 Kent St., TBA Oct. 1 Kentucky, TBA Oct. 8 at Arkansas, TBA Oct. 15 at Tennessee, TBA Oct. 22 Texas A&M, TBA Nov. 5 at LSU, TBA Nov. 12 Mississippi St., TBA Nov. 19 Chattanooga, TBA Nov. 26 Auburn, TBA

ALABAMA A&M Sep. 3 at Middle Tennessee, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at MVSU, 2 p.m.

Sep. 17 Prairie View, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 Southern U., 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Texas Southern, 5 p.m.

Oct. 8 Alcorn St., Noon Oct. 15 at Ark.-Pine Bluff, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 Alabama St., 1 p.m.

Nov. 5 Grambling St., Noon Nov. 12 at Jackson St., Noon Nov. 19 at Auburn, TBA

ALABAMA ST. Sep. 3 at UTSA, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Alcorn St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Southern U., 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 Texas Southern, 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 Ark.-Pine Bluff, Noon Oct. 8 at Prairie View, 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 MVSU, Noon Oct. 29 Alabama A&M, 1 p.m.

Nov. 5 Jackson St., Noon Nov. 12 at Grambling St., Noon Nov. 24 Miles, 1 p.m.

ALBANY (NY) Sep. 2 at Buffalo, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Rhode Island, 10 a.m.

Sep. 17 Holy Cross, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 St. Francis (Pa.), 4 p.m.

Oct. 8 Richmond, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Maine, 9 a.m.

Oct. 22 at Villanova, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 Elon, 9 a.m.

Nov. 5 Delaware, 10 a.m.

Nov. 12 at New Hampshire, 9 a.m.

Nov. 19 Stony Brook, 10 a.m.

ALCORN ST. Sep. 4 at Bethune-Cookman, 10 a.m.

Sep. 10 Alabama St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 15 Ark.-Pine Bluff, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Grambling St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Arkansas, TBA Oct. 8 at Alabama A&M, Noon Oct. 15 Texas Southern, Noon Oct. 29 Southern U., 1 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Prairie View, 11 a.m.

Nov. 12 at MVSU, 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 Jackson St., TBA

APPALACHIAN ST. Sep. 1 at Tennessee, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 Old Dominion, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 Miami, 9 a.m.

Sep. 24 at Akron, TBA Oct. 1 Georgia St., TBA Oct. 12 at Louisiana-Lafayette, 5 p.m.

Oct. 22 Idaho, TBA Oct. 27 at Ga. Southern, 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 Texas St., TBA Nov. 12 at Troy, TBA Nov. 19 Louisiana-Monroe, TBA Nov. 26 at New Mexico St., 1 p.m.

ARIZONA Sep. 3 BYU, 7:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 Grambling St., 10:42 p.m.

Sep. 17 Hawaii, 10:42 p.m.

Sep. 24 Washington, TBA Oct. 1 at UCLA, TBA Oct. 8 at Utah, TBA Oct. 15 Southern Cal, TBA Oct. 29 Stanford, TBA Nov. 5 at Washington St., TBA Nov. 12 Colorado, TBA Nov. 19 at Oregon St., TBA Nov. 25 Arizona St., 6:30 p.m.

ARIZONA ST. Sep. 3 N. Arizona, 10:42 p.m.

Sep. 10 Texas Tech, 7 p.m.

Sep. 16 at UTSA, 6:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 California, TBA Oct. 1 at Southern Cal, TBA Oct. 8 UCLA, TBA Oct. 15 at Colorado, TBA Oct. 22 Washington St., TBA Oct. 29 at Oregon, TBA Nov. 10 Utah, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 at Washington, TBA Nov. 25 at Arizona, 6:30 p.m.

ARK.-PINE BLUFF Sep. 3 at Tennessee St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 Panhandle St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 15 at Alcorn St., 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 Jackson St., 2 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Alabama St., Noon Oct. 15 Alabama A&M, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Southern U., 2 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Grambling St., TBA Nov. 5 MVSU, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 at Texas Southern, Noon Nov. 19 Prairie View, 12:30 p.m.

ARKANSAS Sep. 3 Louisiana Tech, 1 p.m.

Sep. 10 at TCU, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 Texas St., 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 Texas A&M, TBA Oct. 1 Alcorn St., TBA Oct. 8 Alabama, TBA Oct. 15 Mississippi, TBA Oct. 22 at Auburn, TBA Nov. 5 Florida, TBA Nov. 12 LSU, TBA Nov. 19 at Mississippi St., TBA Nov. 26 at Missouri, 11:30 a.m.

ARKANSAS ST. Sep. 3 Toledo, 6 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Auburn, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Utah St., 6 p.m.

Sep. 24 Cent. Arkansas, 4 p.m.

Oct. 5 Georgia Southern, 5 p.m.

Oct. 15 South Alabama, 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 Louisiana-Monroe, 4 p.m.

Nov. 3 Georgia St., 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 New Mexico St., Noon Nov. 17 at Troy, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 26 at Louisiana-Lafayette, TBA Dec 3 at Texas St., 1 p.m.

ARMY Sep. 2 at Temple, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 Rice, 9 a.m.

Sep. 17 at UTEP, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Buffalo, TBA Oct. 8 at Duke, TBA Oct. 15 Lafayette, 9 a.m.

Oct. 22 North Texas, 9 a.m.

Oct. 29 at Wake Forest, TBA Nov. 5 Air Force, 9 a.m.

Nov. 12 Notre Dame, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 Morgan St., 9 a.m.

Dec. 10 Navy, Noon

AUBURN Sep. 3 Clemson, 6 p.m.

Sep. 10 Arkansas St., 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 Texas A&M, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 LSU, TBA Oct. 1 Louisiana-Monroe, TBA Oct. 8 at Mississippi St., TBA Oct. 22 Arkansas, TBA Oct. 29 at Mississippi, TBA Nov. 5 Vanderbilt, TBA Nov. 12 at Georgia, TBA Nov. 19 Alabama A&M, TBA Nov. 26 at Alabama, TBA

AUSTIN PEAY Sep. 3 at Troy, 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 Tennessee Tech, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 at E. Illinois, 11 a.m.

Oct. 1 Murray St., 2 p.m.

Oct. 8 at UT Martin, Noon Oct. 15 at Jacksonville St., 11 a.m.

Oct. 22 Mercer, 2 p.m.

Oct. 29 at SE Missouri, 11 a.m.

Nov. 5 Tennessee St., 2 p.m.

Nov. 12 E. Kentucky, 2 p.m.

Nov. 19 at Kentucky, TBA

BYU Sep. 3 Arizona, 7:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Utah, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 UCLA, 10:12 p.m.

Sep. 24 West Virginia, TBA Sep. 30 Toledo, 10:12 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Michigan St., TBA Oct. 14 Mississippi St., 10:12 p.m.

Oct. 20 at Boise St., 10:12 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Cincinnati, TBA Nov. 12 S. Utah, Noon Nov. 19 UMass, TBA Nov. 26 Utah St., TBA

BALL ST. Sep. 2 at Georgia St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Indiana, 1 p.m.

Sep. 17 E. Kentucky, Noon Sep. 24 at FAU, 3 p.m.

Oct. 1 N. Illinois, TBA Oct. 8 at Cent. Michigan, Noon Oct. 15 at Buffalo, TBA Oct. 22 Akron, Noon Nov. 1 W. Michigan, 5 p.m.

Nov. 8 E. Michigan, 4 p.m.

Nov. 16 at Toledo, 4 p.m.

Nov. 22 at Miami (Ohio), 4 p.m.

BAYLOR Sep. 3 Northwestern St., 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 SMU, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Rice, 5 p.m.

Sep. 24 Oklahoma St., TBA Oct. 1 at Iowa St., TBA Oct. 15 Kansas, TBA Oct. 29 at Texas, TBA Nov. 5 TCU, TBA Nov. 12 at Oklahoma, TBA Nov. 19 Kansas St., TBA Nov. 25 Texas Tech, 3 p.m.

Dec. 3 at West Virginia, TBA

BETHUNE-COOKMAN Sep. 4 Alcorn St., 9 a.m.

Sep. 10 at North Texas, 5 p.m.

Sep. 17 Tennessee St., 1 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Savannah St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 NC Central, 1 p.m.

Oct. 8 at SC State, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 15 NC A&T, 1 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Norfolk St., 11 a.m.

Oct. 29 Delaware St., 1 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Morgan St., 10 a.m.

Nov. 19 Florida A&M, 11:30 a.m.

BOSTON COLLEGE Sep. 3 Georgia Tech, 7:30 a.m.

Sep. 10 at UMass, 9 a.m.

Sep. 17 at Virginia Tech, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 Wagner, TBA Oct. 1 Buffalo, TBA Oct. 7 Clemson, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 Syracuse, TBA Oct. 29 at NC State, TBA Nov. 5 Louisville, TBA Nov. 11 at Florida St., 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 UConn, TBA Nov. 26 at Wake Forest, TBA

BOWLING GREEN Sep. 3 at Ohio St., 9 a.m.

Sep. 10 North Dakota, Noon Sep. 17 Middle Tennessee, 9 a.m.

Sep. 24 at Memphis, TBA Oct. 1 E. Michigan, Noon Oct. 8 at Ohio, 11 a.m.

Oct. 15 at Toledo, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 Miami (Ohio), TBA Nov. 1 at N. Illinois, 5 p.m.

Nov. 9 at Akron, 5 p.m.

Nov. 15 Kent St., TBA Nov. 25 Buffalo, TBA

BROWN Sep. 17 at Bryant, 10 a.m.

Sep. 24 Harvard, 11 a.m.

Oct. 1 at Rhode Island, 9 a.m.

Oct. 8 Stetson, 9:30 a.m.

Oct. 15 at Princeton, TBA Oct. 22 Cornell, 9 a.m.

Oct. 29 at Penn, TBA Nov. 5 Yale, 9:30 a.m.

Nov. 12 at Dartmouth, 9 a.m.

Nov. 19 Columbia, 9:30 a.m.

BRYANT Sep. 3 Merrimack, Noon Sep. 10 at Montana St., 4:02 p.m.

Sep. 17 Brown, 10 a.m.

Sep. 24 CCSU, 10 a.m.

Oct. 1 at Maine, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 at St. Francis (Pa.), 9 a.m.

Oct. 22 Wagner, 10 a.m.

Oct. 29 at Duquesne, 9 a.m.

Nov. 5 Robert Morris, 9 a.m.

Nov. 12 at Coastal Carolina, TBA Nov. 19 at Sacred Heart, 9 a.m.

BUCKNELL Sep. 3 at Marist, 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Duquesne, 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 Cornell, 3 p.m.

Sep. 24 VMI, Noon Oct. 8 at Holy Cross, 10 a.m.

Oct. 15 Colgate, 10 a.m.

Oct. 22 Lafayette, 10 a.m.

Oct. 29 at Charleston Southern, 11:45 a.m.

Nov. 5 at Lehigh, 9:30 a.m.

Nov. 12 at Georgetown, TBA Nov. 19 Fordham, 9 a.m.

BUFFALO Sep. 2 Albany (NY), 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Nevada, 6 p.m.

Sep. 24 Army, TBA Oct. 1 at Boston College, TBA Oct. 8 Kent St., 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 Ball St., TBA Oct. 22 at N. Illinois, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 27 Akron, 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 3 at Ohio, 3 p.m.

Nov. 12 Miami (Ohio), TBA Nov. 19 at W. Michigan, TBA Nov. 25 at Bowling Green, TBA

BUTLER Sep. 3 at Indiana St., Noon Sep. 10 Franklin, 3:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Taylor, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Campbell, 3 p.m.

Oct. 1 San Diego, 10 a.m.

Oct. 8 Marist, 10 a.m.

Oct. 15 at Davidson, 9 a.m.

Oct. 22 Dayton, 10 a.m.

Oct. 29 at Valparaiso, 11 a.m.

Nov. 5 Morehead St., 10 a.m.

Nov. 12 at Drake, 11 a.m.

CCSU Sep. 2 Lafayette, 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 at James Madison, 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 Bowie St., Noon Sep. 24 at Bryant, 10 a.m.

Oct. 8 at Penn, 10 a.m.

Oct. 15 Wagner, 10 a.m.

Oct. 22 at Coastal Carolina, 11 a.m.

Oct. 29 at Robert Morris, 9 a.m.

Nov. 5 Sacred Heart 9 a.m.

Nov. 12 at St. Francis (Pa.), 9 a.m.

Nov. 19 Duquesne, 9 a.m.

CAL POLY Sep. 2 at Nevada, 6:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 San Diego, 7:02 p.m.

Sep. 17 at S. Dakota St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 Montana, Noon Oct. 1 at North Dakota, 11 a.m.

Oct. 15 at Portland St., 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 UC Davis, 9:02 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Sacramento St., 6 p.m.

Nov. 5 E. Washington, 9:02 p.m.

Nov. 12 at Weber St., 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 N. Colorado, 9:02 p.m.

CALIFORNIA Aug. 26 Hawaii, 7 p.m.

Sep. 10 at San Diego St., 7:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 Texas, 7:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Arizona St., TBA Oct. 1 Utah, TBA Oct. 8 at Oregon St., TBA Oct. 21 Oregon, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 27 at Southern Cal, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 Washington, TBA Nov. 12 at Washington St., TBA Nov. 19 Stanford, TBA Nov. 26 UCLA, TBA

CAMPBELL Sep. 1 Bluefield, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Chowan, 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 Presbyterian, 3 p.m.

Sep. 24 Butler, 3 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Marist, 10 a.m.

Oct. 8 at Jacksonville, 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 Stetson, 1 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Drake, 11 a.m.

Nov. 5 Davidson, 1 p.m.

Nov. 12 at Morehead St., 10 a.m.

Nov. 19 San Diego, 9 a.m.

CENT. ARKANSAS Sep. 1 Houston Baptist, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 Samford, 4 p.m.

NOTRE DAME QB MALIK ZAIRE

FILE Associated Press

Pittsburgh running back and 2014 Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year James Conner, left, is back this season less than a year after a cancer diagnosis.

BYU QB TAYSOM HILL

Injuries have wrecked Hill’s last two seasons after he threw for 2,938 yards and ran for 1,344 yards in 2013. He played just four games in 2014 before a leg fracture and ligament tear knocked him out for the remainder of the season. Hill returned last

Sep. 17 Northwestern St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Arkansas St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Abiline Christian, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 at McNeese St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 Lamar, 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 at SE Louisiana, 5 p.m.

Nov. 5 at SF Austin, 1 p.m.

Nov. 12 Nicholls, 1 p.m.

Nov. 19 at Sam Houston St., 4 p.m.

CENT. MICHIGAN Sep. 1 Presbyterian, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Oklahoma St., 9 a.m.

Sep. 17 UNLV, Noon Sep. 24 at Virginia, TBA Oct. 1 W. Michigan, TBA Oct. 8 Ball St., Noon Oct. 15 at N. Illinois, TBA Oct. 22 at Toledo, TBA Oct. 29 Kent St., TBA Nov. 4 at Miami (Ohio), 3 p.m.

Nov. 15 Ohio, 3 p.m.

Nov. 22 at E. Michigan, 4 p.m.

CHARLESTON SOUTHERN Aug. 27 at N. Dakota St., 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 3 Kentucky St., 11:45 a.m.

Sep. 10 at Florida St., 9:30 a.m.

Sep. 24 at Monmouth (NJ), 10 a.m.

Oct. 1 at Coastal Carolina 3 p.m.

Oct. 8 Albany St. (Ga.), 11:45 a.m.

Oct. 22 Presbyterian, 3 p.m.

Oct. 29 Bucknell, 11:45 a.m.

Nov. 5 Gardner-Webb, 9 a.m.

Nov. 12 at Liberty, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 Kennesaw St., 11:45 a.m.

CHARLOTTE Sep. 1 at Louisville, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 Elon, 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 E. Michigan, 3 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Temple, 9 a.m.

Oct. 1 Old Dominion, 3 p.m.

Oct. 8 at FAU, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 FIU, 3 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Marshall, 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Southern Miss., 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 Rice, 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 Middle Tennessee, 11 a.m.

Nov. 26 at UTSA, 4 p.m.

CHATTANOOGA Sep. 1 Shorter, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 Presbyterian, 11 a.m.

Sep. 17 at Furman, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 Samford, 11 a.m.

Oct. 1 at ETSU, 9 a.m.

Oct. 8 Mercer, 1 p.m.

Oct. 15 at The Citadel, 3 p.m.

Oct. 22 VMI, 11 a.m.

Oct. 29 at W. Carolina, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 Wofford, 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 at Alabama, TBA

CINCINNATI Sep. 1 UT Martin, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Purdue, 9 a.m.

Sep. 15 Houston, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 Miami (Ohio), TBA Oct. 1 South Florida, TBA Oct. 8 at UConn, 8:30 a.m.

Oct. 22 East Carolina, TBA Oct. 29 at Temple, TBA Nov. 5 BYU, TBA Nov. 12 at UCF, TBA Nov. 18 Memphis, 5 p.m.

Nov. 25 at Tulsa, TBA

CLEMSON Sep. 3 at Auburn, 6 p.m.

Sep. 10 Troy, 9:30 a.m.

Sep. 17 SC State, 9 a.m.

Sep. 22 at Georgia Tech, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 Louisville, TBA Oct. 7 at Boston College, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 NC State, TBA Oct. 29 at Florida St., TBA Nov. 5 Syracuse, TBA Nov. 12 Pittsburgh, TBA Nov. 19 at Wake Forest, TBA Nov. 26 South Carolina, TBA

COASTAL CAROLINA Sep. 3 at Lamar, 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 Florida A&M, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Jacksonville St., 11 a.m.

Sep. 24 Furman, 3 p.m.

Oct. 1 Charleston Southern, 3 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Gardner-Webb, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 22 CCSU, 11 a.m.

Oct. 29 at Presbyterian, 11 a.m.

Nov. 5 Monmouth (NJ), 11 a.m.

Nov. 12 Bryant, 11 a.m.

Nov. 17 Liberty, 4 p.m.

Nov. 26 Hampton, 11 a.m.

COLGATE Sep. 2 at Syracuse, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Yale, 10:30 a.m.

Sep. 24 at Richmond, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 Cornell, 10 a.m.

Oct. 8 at Lehigh, 9:30 a.m.

Oct. 15 at Bucknell, 10 a.m.

Oct. 29 Holy Cross, 10 a.m.

Nov. 5 at Fordham, 10 a.m.

Nov. 12 Lafayette, 10 a.m.

Nov. 19 Georgetown, 10 a.m.

COLORADO Sep. 2 Colorado St., 8:02 p.m.

Sep. 10 Idaho St., 2:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Michigan, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Oregon, TBA Oct. 1 Oregon St., TBA Oct. 8 at Southern Cal, TBA Oct. 15 Arizona St., TBA Oct. 22 at Stanford, TBA Nov. 3 UCLA, 6 p.m.

Nov. 12 at Arizona, TBA Nov. 19 Washington St., TBA Nov. 26 Utah, TBA

COLORADO ST. Sep. 2 Colorado, 8:02 p.m.

Sep. 10 UTSA, 1 p.m.

Sep. 17 N. Colorado, 1 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Minnesota, TBA Oct. 1 Wyoming, TBA Oct. 8 Utah St., 7 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Boise St., TBA Oct. 22 at UNLV, 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 Fresno St., 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 at Air Force, TBA Nov. 19 New Mexico, TBA Nov. 26 at San Diego St., 6 p.m.

COLUMBIA Sep. 17 St. Francis (Pa.), 10 a.m.

Sep. 24 at Georgetown, 11 a.m.

Oct. 1 Princeton, 9 a.m.

Oct. 8 at Wagner, 3 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Penn, Noon Oct. 22 Dartmouth, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 29 Yale, 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Harvard, 10 a.m.

Nov. 12 Cornell, 10 a.m.

Nov. 19 at Brown, 9 a.m.

CORNELL Sep. 17 at Bucknell, 3 p.m.

Sep. 24 Yale, Noon Oct. 1 at Colgate, 10 a.m.

Oct. 8 at Harvard, 10 a.m.

Oct. 15 Sacred Heart, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 22 at Brown, 9 a.m.

Oct. 29 Princeton, 9:30 a.m.

Nov. 5 Dartmouth, 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 12 at Columbia, 10 a.m.

Nov. 19 Penn, 9 a.m.

DARTMOUTH Sep. 17 New Hampshire, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Holy Cross, 10 a.m.

Oct. 1 Penn, 4 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Yale, 10 a.m.

Oct. 15 Towson, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 22 at Columbia, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 29 Harvard, 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 5 at Cornell, 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 12 Brown, 9 a.m.

Nov. 19 at Princeton, 10:30 a.m.

DAVIDSON Sep. 3 at Georgetown, 10 a.m.

Sep. 24 at Valparaiso, 11 a.m.

Oct. 1 Stetson, 4 p.m.

Oct. 8 at San Diego, 1 p.m.

Oct. 15 Butler, 9 a.m.

Oct. 22 at Marist, 9 a.m.

Oct. 29 Jacksonville, 10 a.m.

Nov. 5 at Campbell, 1 p.m.

Nov. 19 Morehead St., 10 a.m.

DAYTON Sep. 3 Central St., Ohio, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 Robert Morris, 10 a.m.

Sep. 17 at Duquesne, 9 a.m.

Sep. 24 at San Diego, 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 Drake, 10 a.m.

Oct. 8 Morehead St., 10 a.m.

Oct. 15 at Jacksonville, 9 a.m.

Oct. 22 at Butler, 10 a.m.

Oct. 29 Stetson, 10 a.m.

Nov. 5 Valparaiso, 10 a.m.

Nov. 12 at Marist, 10 a.m.

DELAWARE Sep. 1 Delaware St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Lafayette, 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Wake Forest, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 at James Madison, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 8 Maine, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 at William & Mary, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 Stony Brook, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 Towson, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Albany (NY), 10 a.m.

Nov. 12 at Richmond, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 Villanova, 9 a.m.

DELAWARE ST. Sep. 1 at Delaware. 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 Monmouth (NJ), 2 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Missouri, TBA Oct. 1 at Morgan St., 10 a.m.

Oct. 8 Hampton, 11 a.m.

Oct. 15 Florida A&M, 11 a.m.

Oct. 22 at SC State, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 29 at Bethune-Cookman, 1 p.m.

Nov. 5 NC Central, 11 a.m.

Nov. 12 NC A&T, 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 at Howard, 10 a.m.

DRAKE Sep. 3 Quincy, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at S. Dakota St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 McKendree, 11 a.m.

Sep. 24 Morehead St., 11 a.m.

Oct. 1 at Dayton, 10 a.m.

Oct. 8 at Valparaiso, 11 a.m.

Oct. 15 San Diego, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 29 Campbell, 11 a.m.

Nov. 5 at Jacksonville, 10 a.m.

Nov. 12 Butler, 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 at Stetson, 10 a.m.

DUKE Sep. 3 N.C. Central, 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 Wake Forest, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Northwestern, 5 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Notre Dame, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 Virginia, TBA Oct. 8 Army, TBA Oct. 14 at Louisville, 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Georgia Tech, TBA Nov. 5 Virginia Tech, TBA Nov. 10 North Carolina, 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 at Pittsburgh, TBA Nov. 26 at Miami, TBA

DUQUESNE Sep. 1 at Youngstown St., 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 Bucknell, 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 Dayton, 9 a.m.

Sep. 24 Kennesaw St., 10 a.m.

Oct. 1 at Jacksonville, 10 a.m.

Oct. 15 Robert Morris, 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Saint Francis (Pa.), 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 Bryant, 9 a.m.

Nov. 5 at Wagner, 9 a.m.

Nov. 12 Sacred Heart, 9 a.m.

Nov. 19 at CCSU, 9 a.m.

E. ILLINOIS Sep. 1 W. Illinois, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Miami (Ohio), 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Illinois St., Noon Sep. 24 Austin Peay, 11 a.m.

Oct. 1 SE Missouri, 4 p.m.

Oct. 8 Tennessee St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Tennessee Tech, TBA Oct. 22 Murray St., 11 a.m.

Oct. 29 at Jacksonville St., Noon Nov. 5 UT-Martin, 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 at E. Kentucky, TBA

E. KENTUCKY Sep. 3 at Purdue, 9 a.m.

Sep. 8 Pikeville, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Ball St., Noon Oct. 1 at Tennessee Tech, TBA Oct. 8 SE Missouri, 3 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Tennessee St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 Jacksonville St., Noon Oct. 29 at UT-Martin, Noon Nov. 5 Murray St., TBA Nov. 12 at Austin Peay, 2 p.m.

Nov. 19 E. Illinois, TBA

E. MICHIGAN Sep. 3 MVSU, 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Missouri, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Charlotte, 4 p.m.

Sep. 23 Wyoming, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Bowling Green, Noon Oct. 8 Toledo, Noon Oct. 15 at Ohio, TBA Oct. 22 at W. Michigan, TBA Oct. 29 Miami (Ohio), TBA Nov. 8 at Ball St., 4 p.m.

Nov. 16 N. Illinois, TBA Nov. 22 Cent. Michigan, 4 p.m.

ETSU Sep. 3 at Kennesaw St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 W. Carolina, 10:30 a.m.

Sep. 24 at Wofford, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 1 Chattanooga, 9 a.m.

Oct. 8 at VMI, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 15 Furman, 9 a.m.

Oct. 20 W.Va. Wesleyan, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 at The Citadel, 11 a.m.

Nov. 5 at Mercer, Noon Nov. 12 Cumberland (Tenn.), 10 a.m.

Nov. 19 Samford, 12:30 p.m.

EAST CAROLINA Sep. 3 W. Carolina, 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 NC State, 9 a.m.

Sep. 17 at South Carolina, 1 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Virginia Tech, TBA Oct. 1 UCF, TBA Oct. 8 at South Florida, TBA Oct. 13 Navy, &:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Cincinnati, TBA Oct. 29 UConn, TBA Nov. 5 at Tulsa, TBA Nov. 12 SMU, TBA Nov. 26 at Temple, TBA

ELON Sep. 3 Gardner-Webb, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Charlotte, 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 Fayetteville St., 3 p.m.

Sep. 24 at William & Mary, 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 Villanova, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 New Hampshire, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 Richmond, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Albany (NY), 9 a.m.

Nov. 5 at Towson, 11 a.m.

Nov. 12 Rhode Island, 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 19 at James Madison, TBA

FAU Sep. 3 S. Illinois, 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Miami, 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Kansas St., 11:30 a.m.

Sep. 24 Ball St., 3 p.m.

Oct. 1 at FIU, 4 p.m.

Oct. 8 Charlotte, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Marshall, 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 W. Kentucky, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Rice, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 UTEP, 3 p.m.

Nov. 19 Old Dominion, 3 p.m.

Nov. 26 at Middle Tenn., 2:30 p.m.

FIU Sep. 1 Indiana, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 Maryland, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 at UMass, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 UCF, 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 FAU, 4 p.m.

Oct. 8 at UTEP, 5 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Charlotte, 3 p.m.

Oct. 22 Louisiana Tech, 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 Middle Tennessee, 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 at W. Kentucky, 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 Marshall, 4 p.m.

Nov. 26 at Old Dominion, TBA

FLORIDA Sep. 3 UMass, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 Kentucky, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 North Texas, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Tennessee, TBA Oct. 1 at Vanderbilt, TBA Oct. 8 LSU, TBA Oct. 15 Missouri, TBA Oct. 29 Georgia, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Arkansas, TBA Nov. 12 South Carolina, TBA Nov. 19 Presbyterian, TBA Nov. 26 at Florida St., TBA

FLORIDA A&M Sep. 3 at Miami, 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Coastal Carolina, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Tuskegee, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 SC State, 3 p.m.

Oct. 1 Savannah St., 3 p.m.

Oct. 8 at NC Central, 1 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Delaware St., 11 a.m.

Oct. 22 Hampton, Noon Oct. 29 at NC A&T, 10 a.m.

Nov. 12 Morgan St., 1 p.m.

Nov. 19 Bethune-Cookman, 11 a.m.

FLORIDA ST. Sep. 5 Mississippi, 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 Charleston So., 9:30 a.m.

Sep. 17 at Louisville, 9 a.m.

Sep. 24 at South Florida, TBA Oct. 1 North Carolina, TBA Oct. 8 at Miami, TBA Oct. 15 Wake Forest, TBA Oct. 29 Clemson, TBA Nov. 5 at NC State, TBA Nov. 11 Boston College, 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 at Syracuse, TBA Nov. 26 Florida, TBA

FORDHAM Sep. 3 at Navy, 9 a.m.

Sep. 10 Elizabeth City St., 10 a.m.

Sep. 24 Penn, 10 a.m.

Oct. 1 at Monmouth (NJ), 10 a.m.

Oct. 8 Lafayette, 10 a.m.

Oct. 15 Yale, 10 a.m.

Oct. 22 Georgetown, 10 a.m.

Oct. 29 at Lehigh, 9:30 a.m.

Nov. 5 Colgate, 10 a.m.

Nov. 12 Holy Cross, Noon Nov. 19 at Bucknell, 9 a.m.

FRESNO ST. Sep. 3 at Nebraska, 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 Sacramento St., 7 p.m.

year and suffered a season-ending foot injury in the Cougars’ opener. Hill is back and has been named the starting quarterback after winning a preseason competition with Tanner Mangum, who set BYU freshman records for passing yards (3,377) and touchdown passes (23).

Sep. 17 at Toledo, Noon Sep. 24 Tulsa, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 at UNLV, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Nevada, TBA Oct. 14 San Diego St., 7 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Utah St., 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 28 Air Force, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Colorado St., 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 Hawaii, 4 p.m.

Nov. 26 San Jose St., 12:30 p.m.

FURMAN Sep. 2 at Michigan St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at The Citadel, 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 Chattanooga, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Coastal Carolina, 3 p.m.

Oct. 1 Kennesaw St., Noon Oct. 8 Samford, 10 a.m.

Oct. 15 at ETSU, 9 a.m.

Oct. 29 at VMI, 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 5 Wofford, 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 12 W. Carolina, Noon Nov. 19 at Mercer, Noon

GARDNER-WEBB Sep. 3 at Elon, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 at W. Carolina, 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 The Citadel, 3 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Ohio, TBA Oct. 1 Benedict, 3 p.m.

Oct. 8 Presbyterian, 3 p.m.

Oct. 15 Coastal Carolina, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 22 Kennesaw St., 9 a.m.

Oct. 29 at Liberty, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Charleston Southern, 9 a.m.

Nov. 19 Monmouth (NJ), 10:30 a.m.

GEORGETOWN Sep. 3 Davidson, 10 a.m.

Sep. 10 at Marist, 3 p.m.

Sep. 24 Columbia, 11 a.m.

Sep. 30 at Harvard, 4 p.m.

Oct. 8 Princeton, 10 a.m.

Oct. 15 Lehigh, 11 a.m.

Oct. 22 at Fordham, 10 a.m.

Oct. 29 at Lafayette, 9:30 a.m.

Nov. 5 Holy Cross, 10 a.m.

Nov. 12 Bucknell, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 at Colgate, 10 a.m.

GEORGIA Sep. 3 North Carolina, 2:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 Nicholls, 9 a.m.

Sep. 17 at Missouri, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Mississippi, TBA Oct. 1 Tennessee, TBA Oct. 8 at South Carolina, TBA Oct. 15 Vanderbilt, TBA Oct. 29 Florida, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Kentucky, TBA Nov. 12 Auburn, TBA Nov. 19 Louisiana-Lafayette, TBA Nov. 26 Georgia Tech, TBA

GEORGIA SOUTHERN Sep. 3 Savannah St., 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 at South Alabama, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 Louisiana-Monroe, 3 p.m.

Sep. 24 at W. Michigan, TBA Oct. 5 at Arkansas St., 5 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Georgia Tech, TBA Oct. 22 at New Mexico St., 5 p.m.

Oct. 27 Appalachian St., 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Mississippi, TBA Nov. 12 La.-Lafayette, 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 at Georgia St., TBA Dec. 3 Troy, 10 a.m.

GEORGIA ST. Sep. 2 Ball St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Air Force, 11 a.m.

Sep. 17 at Wisconsin, 9 a.m.

Oct. 1 at Appalachian St., TBA Oct. 8 Texas St., TBA Oct. 15 at Troy, TBA Oct. 22 UT-Martin, TBA Oct. 29 at South Alabama, TBA Nov. 3 Arkansas St., 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 Louisiana-Monroe, TBA Nov. 19 Georgia Southern, TBA Dec. 3 at Idaho, TBA

GEORGIA TECH Sep. 3 Boston College, 7:30 a.m.

Sep. 10 Mercer, Noon Sep. 17 Vanderbilt, 9:30 a.m.

Sep. 22 Clemson, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 Miami, TBA Oct. 8 at Pittsburgh, TBA Oct. 15 Georgia Southern, TBA Oct. 29 Duke, TBA Nov. 5 at North Carolina, TBA Nov. 12 at Virginia Tech, TBA Nov. 19 Virginia, TBA Nov. 26 at Georgia, TBA

GRAMBLING ST. Sep. 3 Va. Lynchburg, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Arizona, 10:42 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Jackson St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 Alcorn St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 Prairie View, 1 p.m.

Oct. 22 at MVSU, Noon Oct. 29 Ark.-Pine Bluff, Noon Nov. 5 at Alabama A&M, 11 a.m.

Nov. 12 vs Alabama St., Noon Nov. 19 at Texas Southern Noon Nov. 26 vs Southern U., 2 p.m.

HAMPTON Sep. 3 at Old Dominion, 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 William & Mary, 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 Howard, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 29 at NC A&T, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Delaware St., 11 a.m.

Oct. 15 Morgan St., 11 a.m.

Oct. 22 at Florida A&M, Noon Oct. 29 SC State, 10 a.m.

Nov. 12 Savannah St., 10 a.m.

Nov. 19 Norfolk St., 10 a.m.

Nov. 26 at Coast Carolina, 11 a.m.

HARVARD Sep. 16 Rhode Island, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Brown, 11 a.m.

Sep. 30 Georgetown, 4 p.m.

Oct. 8 Cornell, 10 a.m.

Oct. 15 at Holy Cross 10 a.m.

Oct. 22 at Princeton, 10 a.m.

Oct. 29 at Dartmouth, 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 5 Columbia, 10 a.m.

Nov. 12 at Penn, 5 p.m.

Nov. 19 Yale, 9:30 a.m.

HAWAII Aug. 26 California, 7 p.m.

Sep. 3 at Michigan, 9 a.m.

Sep. 10 UT-Martin, 11:56 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Arizona, 10:42 p.m.

Oct. 1 Nevada, 11:56 p.m.

Oct. 8 at San Jose St., 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 UNLV, 11:56 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Air Force, 11 a.m.

Oct. 29 New Mexico, 11:56 p.m.

Nov. 5 at San Diego St., 4 p.m.

Nov. 12 Boise St., 4 p.m.

Nov. 19 at Fresno St., 4 p.m.

Nov. 26 UMass, 110 a.m.

HOLY CROSS Sep. 3 at Morgan St., 11 a.m.

Sep. 10 at New Hampshire, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Albany (NY), 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 Dartmouth, 1:02 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Lafayette, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 Bucknell, 1:02 p.m.

Oct. 15 Harvard, 1:02 p.m.

Oct. 22 Lehigh, 12:02 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Colgate, 10 a.m.

Nov. 5 at Georgetown, 10 a.m.

Nov. 12 at Fordham, Noon

HOUSTON Sep. 3 Oklahoma, 9 a.m.

Sep. 10 Lamar, 9 a.m.

Sep. 15 at Cincinnati, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Texas St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 29 UConn, 5 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Navy, Noon Oct. 15 Tulsa, TBA Oct. 22 at SMU, TBA Oct. 29 UCF, TBA Nov. 12 Tulane, TBA Nov. 17 Louisville, 5 p.m.

Nov. 25 at Memphis, TBA

HOUSTON BAPTIST Sep. 1 at Cent. Arkansas, 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 Texas Southern, 5 p.m.

Sep. 17 Abilene Christian, 5 p.m.

Sep. 24 Sam Houston St., 5 p.m.

Oct. 1 at W. Kentucky, 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 Nicholls, 5 p.m.

Oct. 22 at SE Louisiana, 2 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Lamar, 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 at UTEP, 5 p.m.

Nov. 12 Stephen F. Austin, Noon Nov. 19 at Incarnate Word, 5 p.m.

HOWARD Sep. 3 at Maryland, 9 a.m.

Sep. 10 at Rutgers, 9 a.m.

Sep. 17 Hampton, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 Morgan St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Norfolk St., 11 a.m.

Oct. 8 Monmouth (NJ), 10 a.m.

Oct. 15 SC State, 10 a.m.

Oct. 22 NC A&T, 10 a.m.

Oct. 29 at Savannah St., 11 a.m.

Nov. 12 at NC Central, 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 Delaware St., 10 a.m.

IDAHO ST. Sep. 3 Simon Fraser, 4:32 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Colorado, 2:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Oregon St., 2 p.m.

Sep. 24 Sacramento St., 4:32 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Portland St., 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 at N. Arizona, 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 North Dakota, 4:32 p.m.

Oct. 29 S. Utah, 4:32 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Montana, TBA Nov. 12 at E. Washington, TBA Nov. 19 Weber St., 4:32 p.m.

ILLINOIS Sep. 3 Murray St., 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 North Carolina, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 W. Michigan, 1 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Nebraska, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 Purdue, TBA Oct. 15 at Rutgers, 9 a.m.

Oct. 22 at Michigan, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 Minnesota, 9 a.m.

Nov. 5 Michigan St., TBA Nov. 12 at Wisconsin, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 Iowa, TBA Nov. 26 at Northwestern, TBA

ILLINOIS ST. Sep. 3 Valparaiso, 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Northwestern, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 E. Illinois, 11 a.m.

Sep. 24 at Indiana St., 11 a.m.

Oct. 1 at N. Dakota St., 10 a.m.

Oct. 8 Youngstown St., 11 a.m.

Oct. 15 S. Illinois, 3 p.m.

Oct. 22 at South Dakota, 11 a.m.

Oct. 29 S. Dakota St., 11 a.m.

Nov. 5 at W. Illinois, 10 a.m.

Nov. 12 Missouri St., 9 a.m.

INCARNATE WORD Sep. 3 Texas A&M-Kingsville, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Northwestern St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Nicholls St., 1 p.m.

Sep. 24 McNeese St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Texas St., 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 Sam Houston St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Abilene Christian, Noon Oct. 29 Stephen F. Austin, 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 SE Louisiana, Noon Nov. 12 at Lamar, 4 p.m.

Nov. 17 Houston Baptist 5 p.m.

INDIANA Sep. 1 at FIU, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 Ball St., 1 p.m.

Sep. 24 Wake Forest, TBA Oct. 1 Michigan St., 5 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Ohio St., TBA Oct. 15 Nebraska 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Northwestern, 9 a.m.

Oct. 29 Maryland, TBA Nov. 5 at Rutgers, TBA Nov. 12 Penn St., TBA Nov. 19 at Michigan, TBA Nov. 26 Purdue, TBA

INDIANA ST. Sep. 3 Butler, Noon Sep. 10 at Minnesota, 9 a.m.

Sep. 17 at SE Missouri, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 Illinois St., Noon Oct. 1 Missouri St., Noon Oct. 8 at W. Illinois, 1 p.m.

Oct. 15 South Dakota, Noon Oct. 22 at S. Illinois, Noon Oct. 29 at Youngstown St., 11 a.m.

Nov. 5 N. Iowa, 10 a.m.

Nov. 12 at N. Dakota St., 12:30 p.m.

IOWA Sep. 3 Miami (Ohio), 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 Iowa St., 5:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 N. Dakota St., 9 a.m.

Sep. 24 at Rutgers, TBA Oct. 1 Northwestern, 9 a.m.

Oct. 8 at Minnesota, TBA Oct. 15 at Purdue, 9 a.m.

Oct. 22 Wisconsin, TBA Nov. 5 at Penn St., 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 Michigan, 5 p.m.

Nov. 19 at Illinois, TBA Nov. 25 Nebraska, TBA

IOWA ST. Sep. 3 N. Iowa, 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Iowa, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 at TCU, 9 a.m.

Sep. 24 San Jose St., 9 a.m.

Oct. 1 Baylor, TBA Oct. 8 Oklahoma St., 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Texas, TBA Oct. 29 Kansas St., TBA Nov. 3 Oklahoma, 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 at Kansas, TBA Nov. 19 Texas Tech, TBA Nov. 26 West Virginia, TBA

JACKSON ST. Sep. 1 at UNLV, 7 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Tennessee St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 Grambling St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Ark.-Pine Bluff, 2 p.m.

Oct. 1 MVSU, 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 Southern U., 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Texas Southern, Noon Oct. 29 Prairie View, Noon Nov. 5 at Alabama St., Noon Nov. 12 Alabama A&M, Noon Nov. 19 at Alcorn St. TBA

JACKSONVILLE Sep. 10 at Liberty, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 Edward Waters, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Stetson, 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 Duquesne, 10 a.m.

Oct. 8 Campbell, 10 a.m.

Oct. 15 Dayton, 9 a.m.

Oct. 22 at Morehead St., 10 a.m.

Oct. 29 at Davidson, 10 a.m.

Nov. 5 Drake, 10 a.m.

Nov. 12 at Valparaiso, 10 a.m.

Nov. 19 Marist, 10 a.m.

JACKSONVILLE ST. Sep. 1 North Alabama, 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 at LSU, TBA Sep. 17 Coast Carolina, Noon Sep. 24 at Liberty, 5 p.m.

Oct. 8 Tennessee Tech, Noon Oct. 15 Austin Peay, Noon Oct. 22 at E. Kentucky, 1 p.m.

Oct. 29 E. Illinois, 1 p.m.

Nov. 5 at SE Missouri St./ Nov. 12 at Murray St., Noon Nov. 19 UT-Martin, Noon

Zaire played brilliantly in a season-opening 38-3 rout of Texas last year but broke his ankle a week later against Virginia and missed the remainder of the season. DeShone Kizer replaced Zaire and threw for 2,884 yards with 21 touchdown passes and 10 touchdown runs. With Zaire healthy again and Kizer back as well, No. 10 Notre Dame has an uncertain quarterback situation as it heads into the season. Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly has said both Kizer and Zaire will play in Sunday’s season opener at Texas, though a starter hasn’t been announced.

Oct. 29 at Missouri, TBA Nov. 5 Georgia, TBA Nov. 12 at Tennessee, TBA Nov. 19 Austin Peay, TBA Nov. 26 at Louisville, TBA

LSU Sep. 3 Wisconsin, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 Jacksonville St., 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 Mississippi St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Auburn, TBA Oct. 1 Missouri, TBA Oct. 8 at Florida, TBA Oct. 15 Southern Miss., TBA Oct. 22 Mississippi, TBA Nov. 5 Alabama, TBA Nov. 12 at Arkansas, TBA Nov. 19 South Alabam, TBA Nov. 24 at Texas A&M, 4:30 p.m.

LAFAYETTE Sep. 2 at CCSU, 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 Delaware, 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Princeton, 3 p.m.

Sep. 24 Villanova, 3 p.m.

Oct. 1 Holy Cross, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Fordham, 10 a.m.

Oct. 15 at Army, 9 a.m.

Oct. 22 at Bucknell, 10 a.m.

Oct. 29 Georgetown, 9:30 a.m.

Nov. 12 at Colgate, 10 a.m.

Nov. 19 Lehigh, 9:30 a.m.

LAMAR Sep. 3 Coastal Carolina 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Houston, 9 a.m.

Sep. 17 Sam Houston St., 5 p.m.

Oct. 1 SE Louisiana, 5 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Abilene Christian, 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 Northwestern St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Cent. Arkansas, 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 Houston Baptist, 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Nicholls St., 4 p.m.

Nov. 12 Incarnate Word, 4 p.m.

Nov. 19 at McNeese St., 4 p.m.

LEHIGH Sep. 3 Monmouth (NJ), 9:30 a.m.

Sep. 10 at Villanova, 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Penn, 2 p.m.

Sep. 24 Princeton, 9:30 a.m.

Oct. 1 at Yale, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 8 Colgate, 9:30 a.m.

Oct. 15 at Georgetown, 11 a.m.

Oct. 22 at Holy Cross, 9 a.m.

Oct. 29 Fordham, 9:30 a.m.

Nov. 5 Bucknell, 9:30 a.m.

Nov. 19 at Lafayette, 9:30 a.m.

LIBERTY Sep. 3 at Virginia Tech, 9:30 a.m.

Sep. 10 Jacksonville, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 at SMU, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 Jacksonville St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 Robert Morris, 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Kennesaw St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 Monmouth (NJ), 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 Gardner-Webb, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Presbyterian, 11 a.m.

Nov. 12 Charleston So., 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 17 at Coast Carolina, 4 p.m.

LOUISIANA TECH Sep. 3 at Arkansas, 1 p.m.

Sep. 10 SC State, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Texas Tech, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Middle Tennessee, 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 UTEP, 4 p.m.

Oct. 6 W. Kentucky, 5 p.m.

Oct. 15 at UMass, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 at FIU, 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 Rice, 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 at North Texas, 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 UTSA, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 25 at Southern Miss., TBA

LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE Sep. 3 Boise St., 9 a.m.

Sep. 10 McNeese St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 South Alabama, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Tulane, TBA Oct. 1 at New Mexico St., 5 p.m.

Oct. 12 Appalachian St., 5 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Texas St., 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 Idaho, 2 p.m.

Nov. 12 at Ga. Southern, 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 at Georgia, TBA Nov. 26 Arkansas St., TBA Dec. 3 at Louisiana-Monroe, Noon

LOUISIANA-MONROE Sep. 3 Southern U., 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Oklahoma, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Georgia Southern, 3 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Auburn, TBA Oct. 8 Idaho, 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 Texas St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 at New Mexico, 6 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Arkansas St., TBA Nov. 5 South Alabama, 2 p.m.

Nov. 12 at Georgia St., TBA Nov. 19 at Appalachian St., TBA Dec. 3 Louisiana-Lafayette, Noon

LOUISVILLE Sep. 1 Charlotte, 4 p.m.

Sep. 9 at Syracuse, 5 p.m.

Sep. 17 Florida St., 9 a.m.

Sep. 24 at Marshall, 5 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Clemson, TBA Oct. 14 Duke, 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 NC State, TBA Oct. 29 at Virginia, TBA Nov. 5 at Boston College, TBA Nov. 12 Wake Forest, TBA Nov. 17 at Houston, 5 p.m.

Nov. 26 Kentucky, TBA

MVSU Sep. 3 at E. Michigan, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 Alabama A&M, 2 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Texas Southern 5 p.m.

Sep. 24 Prairie View, 2 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Jackson St., Noon Oct. 8 at Montana, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Alabama St., Noon Oct. 22 Grambling St, Noon Nov. 5 at Ark.-Pine Bluff, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 Alcorn St., 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 at Southern U., 2 p.m.

JAMES MADISON

MAINE

Sep. 3 Morehead St., 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 CCSU, 1 p.m.

Sep. 17 at North Carolina, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Maine, 9 a.m.

Oct. 1 Delaware, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 8 William & Mary, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 at New Hampshire, 9 a.m.

Oct. 29 Rhode Island, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Richmond, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 at Villanova, 10 a.m.

Nov. 19 Elon, 10:30 a.m.

Sep. 1 at UConn, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Toledo, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 James Madison, 9 a.m.

Oct. 1 Bryant, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Delaware, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 Albany (N.Y.), 9 a.m.

Oct. 22 at Rhode Island, 9 a.m.

Oct. 29 at William & Mary, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 Villanova, 9 a.m.

Nov. 12 at Stony Brook, 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 New Hampshire, TBA

KANSAS Sep. 3 Rhode Island, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 Ohio, 11:30 a.m.

Sep. 17 at Memphis, 9 a.m.

Sep. 29 at Texas Tech, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 TCU, TBA Oct. 15 at Baylor, TBA Oct. 22 Oklahoma St., TBA Oct. 29 Oklahoma, TBA Nov. 5 at West Virginia, TBA Nov. 12 Iowa St., TBA Nov. 19 Texas, TBA Nov. 26 at Kansas St., TBA

KANSAS ST. Sep. 2 at Stanford, 6 p.m.

Sep. 17 FAU, 11:30 a.m.

Sep. 24 Missouri St., 7:7 p.m.

Oct. 1 at West Virginia, TBA Oct. 8 Texas Tech, TBA Oct. 15 Oklahoma, TBA Oct. 22 Texas, TBA Oct. 29 Iowa St., TBA Nov. 5 Oklahoma St., TBA Nov. 19 at Baylor, TBA Nov. 26 Kansas, TBA Dec. 3 at TCU, TBA

KENNESAW ST. Sep. 3 ETSU, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 Point (Ga.), 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Duquesne, 10 a.m.

Oct. 1 at Furman, Noon Oct. 8 Missouri S&T, 10 a.m.

Oct. 15 Liberty, 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Gardner-Webb, 9 a.m.

Oct. 29 at Monmouth (NJ), 10 a.m.

Nov. 5 Clark Atlanta, 10 a.m.

Nov. 12 Presbyterian, 9 a.m.

Nov. 19 at Charleston Southern, 11:45 a.m.

KENT ST. Sep. 3 at Penn St., 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 NC A&T, 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 Monmouth (NJ), 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Alabama, TBA Oct. 1 Akron, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Buffalo, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Miami (Ohio), TBA Oct. 22 Ohio, TBA Oct. 29 at Cent. Michigan, TBA Nov. 8 W. Michigan, 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 15 at Bowling Green, TBA Nov. 25 N. Illinois, TBA

KENTUCKY Sep. 3 Southern Miss., 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Florida, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 New Mexico St., 1 p.m.

Sep. 24 South Carolina, TBA Oct. 1 at Alabama, TBA Oct. 8 Vanderbilt, TBA Oct. 22 Mississippi St., TBA

MARIST Sep. 3 Bucknell, 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 Georgetown, 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Sacred Heart, 2 p.m.

Oct. 1 Campbell, 10 a.m.

Oct. 8 at Butler, 10 a.m.

Oct. 15 at Morehead St., 10 a.m.

Oct. 22 Davidson, 9 a.m.

Oct. 29 San Diego, 10 a.m.

Nov. 5 at Stetson, 11 a.m.

Nov. 12 Dayton, 10 a.m.

Nov. 19 at Jacksonville, 9 a.m.

MARSHALL Sep. 10 Morgan St., 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 Akron, 9 a.m.

Sep. 24 Louisville, 5 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Pittsburgh, TBA Oct. 8 at North Texas, 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 FAU, 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 Charlotte, 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Southern Miss., 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Old Dominion, 4 p.m.

Nov. 12 Middle Tennessee, 4 p.m.

Nov. 19 at FIU, 4 p.m.

Nov. 26 W. Kentucky, 4 p.m.

MARYLAND Sep. 3 Howard, 9 a.m.

Sep. 9 at FIU, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 at UCF, 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 Purdue, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Penn St., 9 a.m.

Oct. 15 Minnesota, TBA Oct. 22 Michigan St., 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Indiana, TBA Nov. 5 at Michigan, TBA Nov. 12 Ohio St., TBA Nov. 19 at Nebraska, TBA Nov. 26 Rutgers, TBA

MCNEESE ST. Sep. 3 Tarleton St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Louisiana-Lafayette, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 Stephen F. Austin, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Incarnate Word, 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 Nicholls St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 8 at SE Louisiana, 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 Cent. Arkansas, 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Northwestern St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 Abilene Christian, 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Sam Houston St., TBA Nov. 19 Lamar, 4 p.m.

MEMPHIS Sep. 3 SE Missouri, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 Kansas, 9 a.m.

Sep. 24 Bowling Green, TBA Oct. 1 at Mississippi, TBA Oct. 6 Temple, 5 p.m.

Oct. 14 at Tulane, 5 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Navy, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 Tulsa, TBA Nov. 5 at SMU, TBA

Nov. 12 South Florida, TBA Nov. 18 at Cincinnati, 5 p.m.

Nov. 25 Houston, TBA

MERCER Sep. 1 The Citadel, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Georgia Tech, Noon Sep. 17 Tennessee Tech, 1 p.m.

Oct. 1 at VMI, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 8 at Chattanooga, 1 p.m.

Oct. 15 W. Carolina, 1 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Austin Peay, 1 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Wofford, 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 5 ETSU, Noon Nov. 12 at Samford, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 Furman, Noon

MIAMI Sep. 3 Florida A&M, 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 FAU, 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Appalachian St., 9 a.m.

Oct. 1 at Georgia Tech, TBA Oct. 8 Florida St., TBA Oct. 15 North Carolina, TBA Oct. 20 at Virginia Tech, 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Notre Dame, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 Pittsburgh, TBA Nov. 12 at Virginia, TBA Nov. 19 at NC State, TBA Nov. 26 Duke, TBA

MIAMI (OHIO) Sep. 3 at Iowa, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 E. Illinois, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 W. Kentucky, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Cincinnati, TBA Oct. 1 Ohio, 11:30 a.m.

Oct. 8 at Akron, Noon Oct. 15 Kent St., TBA Oct. 22 at Bowling Green, TBA Oct. 29 at E. Michigan, TBA Nov. 4 Cent. Michigan, 3 p.m.

Nov. 12 at Buffalo, TBA Nov. 22 Ball St., 4 p.m.

MICHIGAN Sep. 3 Hawaii, 9 a.m.

Sep. 10 UCF, 9 a.m.

Sep. 17 Colorado, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 Penn St., TBA Oct. 1 Wisconsin, TBA Oct. 8 at Rutgers, 5 p.m.

Oct. 22 Illinois, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Michigan St., TBA Nov. 5 Maryland, TBA Nov. 12 at Iowa, 5 p.m.

Nov. 19 Indiana, TBA Nov. 26 at Ohio St., TBA

MICHIGAN ST. Sep. 2 Furman, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Notre Dame, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 Wisconsin, TBA Oct. 1 at Indiana, 5 p.m.

Oct. 8 BYU, TBA Oct. 15 Northwestern, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Maryland, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 Michigan, TBA Nov. 5 at Illinois, TBA Nov. 12 Rutgers, TBA Nov. 19 Ohio St., TBA Nov. 26 at Penn St., TBA

MIDDLE TENNESSEE Sep. 3 Alabama A&M, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Vanderbilt, Noon Sep. 17 at Bowling Green, 9 a.m.

Sep. 24 Louisiana Tech, 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 at North Texas, 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 W. Kentucky, 11:30 a.m.

Oct. 22 at Missouri, TBA Oct. 29 at FIU, 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 UTSA, 11:30 a.m.

Nov. 12 at Marshall, 4 p.m.

Nov. 19 at Charlotte, 11 a.m.

Nov. 26 FAU, 2:30 p.m.

MINNESOTA Sep. 1 Oregon St., 6 p.m.

Sep. 10 Indiana St., 9 a.m.

Sep. 24 Colorado St., TBA Oct. 1 at Penn St., TBA Oct. 8 Iowa, TBA Oct. 15 at Maryland, TBA Oct. 22 Rutgers, 9 a.m.

Oct. 29 at Illinois, 9 a.m.

Nov. 5 Purdue, TBA Nov. 12 at Nebraska, 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 Northwestern, TBA Nov. 26 at Wisconsin, TBA

MISSISSIPPI Sep. 5 Florida St., 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 Wofford, 1 p.m.

Sep. 17 Alabama, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 Georgia, TBA Oct. 1 Memphis, TBA Oct. 15 at Arkansas, TBA Oct. 22 at LSU, TBA Oct. 29 Auburn, TBA Nov. 5 Georgia Southern, TBA Nov. 12 at Texas A&M, TBA Nov. 19 at Vanderbilt, TBA Nov. 26 Mississippi St., TBA

MISSISSIPPI ST. Sep. 3 South Alabama, 9 a.m.

Sep. 10 South Carolina, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 at LSU, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 at UMass, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 Auburn, TBA Oct. 14 at BYU, 10:12 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Kentucky, TBA Oct. 29 Samford, TBA Nov. 5 Texas A&M, TBA Nov. 12 at Alabama, TBA Nov. 19 Arkansas, TBA Nov. 26 at Mississippi, TBA

MISSOURI Sep. 3 at West Virginia, 9 a.m.

Sep. 10 E. Michigan, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 Georgia, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 Delaware St., TBA Oct. 1 at LSU, TBA Oct. 15 at Florida, TBA Oct. 22 Middle Tennessee, TBA Oct. 29 Kentucky, TBA Nov. 5 at South Carolina, TBA Nov. 12 Vanderbilt, TBA Nov. 19 at Tennessee, TBA Nov. 26 Arkansas, 11:30 a.m.

MISSOURI ST. Sep. 1 Southwestern (Kan.), 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Murray St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Kansas St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Indiana St., Noon Oct. 8 N. Dakota St., Noon Oct. 15 W. Illinois, Noon Oct. 22 at N. Iowa, 11 a.m.

Oct. 29 S. Illinois, Noon Nov. 5 at S. Dakota St., Noon Nov. 12 at Illinois St., 10 a.m.

Nov. 19 Youngstown St., Noon

MONMOUTH (NJ) Sep. 3 at Lehigh, 9:30 a.m.

Sep. 10 at Delaware St. 2 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Kent St., 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 Charleston Southern, 10 a.m.

Oct. 1 Fordham, 10 a.m.

Oct. 8 at Howard, 10 a.m.

Oct. 13 at Presbyterian, 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Liberty 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 Kennesaw St, 10 a.m.

Nov. 5 at Coast Carolina, 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 at Gardner-Webb, 10 a.m.

MONTANA Sep. 3 St. Francis (Pa.), 6 p.m.

Sep. 10 at N. Iowa, 2 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Cal Poly, Noon Oct. 1 S. Utah, 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 MVSU, 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 Sacramento St., 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 at N. Arizona, 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 E. Washington, TBA Nov. 5 Idaho St., TBA Nov. 12 at N. Colorado, 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 Montana St., TBA

MONTANA ST. Sep. 1 at Idaho, 6 p.m.

Sep. 10 Bryant, 4:02 p.m.

Sep. 17 W. Oregon, 4:02 p.m.

Sep. 24 North Dakota, 4:02 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Sacramento St., 9:02 p.m.

Oct. 8 N. Arizona, 7:7 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Weber St., 2:40 p.m.

Oct. 22 E. Washington, 2:7 p.m.

Nov. 5 at S. Utah, 2:02 p.m.

Nov. 12 UC Davis, TBA Nov. 19 at Montana, TBA MOREHEAD ST. Sep. 3 at James Madison, 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 VMI, 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 Lincoln (Pa.), 3 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Drake, 11 a.m.

Oct. 1 Valparaiso, 10 a.m.

Oct. 8 at Dayton, 10 a.m.

Oct. 15 Marist, 10 a.m.

Oct. 22 Jacksonville, 10 a.m.

Nov. 5 at Butler, 10 a.m.

Nov. 12 Campbell, 10 a.m.

Nov. 19 at Davidson, 10 a.m.

MORGAN ST. Sep. 3 Holy Cross 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Marshall, 3 p.m.

Sep. 24 Howard, 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 Delaware St., 10 a.m.

Oct. 8 at Savannah St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Hampton, 11 a.m.

Oct. 22 NC Central, 10 a.m.

Oct. 29 at Norfolk St., 11 a.m.

Nov. 5 Bethune-Cookman, 10 a.m.

Nov. 12 at Florida A&M, 1 p.m.

Nov. 19 Army, 9 a.m.

MURRAY ST. Sep. 3 at Illinois, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 Missouri St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 at S. Illinois, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 SE Missouri, 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Austin Peay 2 p.m.

Oct. 15 UT-Martin, 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 at E. Illinois 11 a.m.

Oct. 29 Tennessee St., 1 p.m.

Nov. 5 at E. Kentucky, TBA Nov. 12 Jacksonville St. 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 at Tennessee Tech, 11:30 a.m.

N. ARIZONA Sep. 3 at Arizona St., 10:42 p.m.

Sep. 10 at W. Illinois, 1 p.m.

Sep. 17 N.M. Highlands, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 E. Washington, 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 at N. Colorado, Noon Oct. 8 at Montana St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 Idaho St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 Montana, 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Weber St., 11 a.m.

Nov. 12 at North Dakota, 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 S. Utah, 1 p.m.

N. COLORADO Sep. 3 Rocky Mountain, 4:02 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Abilene Christian, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Colorado St., 4:02 p.m.

Oct. 1 N. Arizona, Noon Oct. 8 at E. Washington, 4:02 p.m.

Oct. 15 at UC Davis, 2 p.m.

Oct. 22 Sacramento St., 3:02 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Portland St., 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 North Dakota, 2:02 p.m.

Nov. 12 Montana, 2:02 p.m.

Nov. 19 at Cal Poly, 7:02 p.m.

N. DAKOTA ST. Aug. 27 Charleston So., 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 E. Washington, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Iowa, 9 a.m.

Oct. 1 Illinois St., 11 a.m.

Oct. 8 at Missouri St., Noon Oct. 15 S. Dakota St., 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 at W. Illinois, 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 at N. Iowa, 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 Youngstown St., 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 Indiana St., 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 at South Dakota, Noon

N. ILLINOIS Sep. 3 at Wyoming, 7:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 at South Florida, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 San Diego St., 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 W. Illinois, TBA Oct. 1 at Ball St., TBA Oct. 8 at W. Michigan, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 Cent. Michigan, TBA Oct. 22 Buffalo, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 Bowling Green, 5 p.m.

Nov. 9 Toledo, 5 p.m.

Nov. 16 at E. Michigan, TBA Nov. 25 at Kent St., TBA

N. IOWA Sep. 3 Iowa St., 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 Montana, 2 p.m.

Sep. 17 at E. Washington, 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 S. Illinois, 2 p.m.

Oct. 8 at South Dakota, Noon Oct. 15 at Youngstown St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 Missouri St., 11 a.m.

Oct. 29 N. Dakota St., 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Indiana St., 10 a.m.

Nov. 12 at W. Illinois, 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 S. Dakota St., 2 p.m.

NC A&T Sep. 3 St. Augustine’s, 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Kent St., 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Tulsa, 3 p.m.

Sep. 29 Hampton, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 Norfolk St., 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Bethune-Cook., 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Howard, 10 a.m.

Oct. 29 Florida A&M, 10 a.m.

Nov. 5 SC State, 10 a.m.

Nov. 12 at Delaware St., 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 at N.C. Central, 11 a.m.

NC CENTRAL Sep. 3 at Duke, 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 at W. Michigan, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 St. Augustine’s, 3 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Norfolk St., 11 a.m.

Oct. 1 at Bethune-Cookman, 1 p.m.

Oct. 8 Florida A&M, 1 p.m.

Oct. 15 Savannah St., 11 a.m.

Oct. 22 at Morgan St., 10 a.m.

Nov. 5 at Delaware St. 11 a.m.

Nov. 12 Howard, 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 NC A&T, 11 a.m.

NC STATE Sep. 1 William & Mary, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 at East Carolina, 9 a.m.

Sep. 17 Old Dominion, 3 p.m.

Oct. 1 Wake Forest, TBA Oct. 8 Notre Dame, TBA Oct. 15 at Clemson, TBA Oct. 22 at Louisville, TBA Oct. 29 Boston College, TBA Nov. 5 Florida St., TBA Nov. 12 at Syracuse, TBA Nov. 19 Miami, TBA Nov. 25 at North Carolina, TBA

NAVY Sep. 3 Fordham, 9 a.m.

Sep. 10 UConn, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Tulane, 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Air Force, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 Houston, Noon Oct. 13 at East Carolina, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 Memphis, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 28 at South Florida, 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 Notre Dame, 8:30 a.m.

Nov. 12 Tulsa, 9 a.m.

Nov. 26 at SMU, TBA Dec. 10 Army, Noon

NEBRASKA Sep. 3 Fresno St., 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 Wyoming, 5 p.m.

Sep. 17 Oregon, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Northwestern, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 Illinois, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Indiana, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 Purdue, TBA Oct. 29 at Wisconsin, 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Ohio St., 5 p.m.

Nov. 12 Minnesota, 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 Maryland, TBA Nov. 25 at Iowa, TBA

NEVADA Sep. 2 Cal Poly, 6:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Notre Dame, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 Buffalo, 6 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Purdue, TBA Oct. 1 at Hawaii, 11:56 p.m.

Oct. 8 Fresno St., TBA Oct. 15 at San Jose St., 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 Wyoming, TBA Nov. 5 at New Mexico, TBA Nov. 12 San Diego St., 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 Utah St., TBA Nov. 26 at UNLV, TBA

NEW HAMPSHIRE Sep. 3 at San Diego St., 5:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 Holy Cross, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Dartmouth, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Rhode Island, 10 a.m.

Oct. 1 William & Mary, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Elon, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 James Madison, 9 a.m.

Oct. 22 at Towson, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 Stony Brook, 9 a.m.

Nov. 12 Albany (NY), 9 a.m.

Nov. 19 at Maine, TBA

NEW MEXICO Sep. 3 South Dakota, 6 p.m.

Sep. 10 at New Mexico St., 5 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Rutgers, 9 a.m.

Oct. 1 San Jose St., 1 p.m.

Oct. 7 Boise St., 6 p.m.

Oct. 15 Air Force, TBA Oct. 22 Louisiana-Monroe, 6 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Hawaii, 11:56 p.m.

Nov. 5 Nevada, TBA Nov. 12 at Utah St., TBA Nov. 19 at Colorado St., TBA Nov. 26 Wyoming, TBA

NEW MEXICO ST. Sep. 3 at UTEP, 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 New Mexico, 5 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Kentucky, 1 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Troy, TBA Oct. 1 Louisiana-Lafayette, 5 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Idaho, TBA Oct. 22 Georgia Southern, 5 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Texas A&M, TBA Nov. 12 at Arkansas St., TBA Nov. 19 Texas St., 1 p.m.

Nov. 26 Appalachian St., 1 p.m.

Dec. 3 at South Alabama, TBA

NICHOLLS Sep. 10 at Georgia, 9 a.m.

Sep. 17 Incarnate Word, 1 p.m.

Sep. 24 at South Alabama, TBA Oct. 1 at McNeese St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 8 Stephen F. Austin, 1 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Houston Baptist, 5 p.m.

Oct. 22 Sam Houston, 1 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Northwest. St., 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 Lamar, 4 p.m.

Nov. 12 at Cent. Arkansas, 1 p.m.

Nov. 17 SE Louisiana, 4 p.m.

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

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THURSDAY

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PAGE T3

2016 SCHEDULE - ALL TIMES PACIFIC NORFOLK ST. Sep. 3 Elizabeth City St. 11 a.m.

Sep. 10 at Richmond, 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 at William & Mary, 3 p.m.

Sep. 24 NC Central 11 a.m.

Oct. 1 Howard 11 a.m.

Oct. 8 at NC A&T, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 Bethune-Cookman 11 a.m.

Oct. 29 Morgan St. 11 a.m.

Nov. 5 at Savannah St., 10 a.m.

Nov. 12 at SC State, 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 at Hampton, 10 a.m.

NORTH CAROLINA Sep. 3 Georgia, 2:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Illinois, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 James Madison, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 Pittsburgh, TBA Oct. 1 at Florida St., TBA Oct. 8 Virginia Tech, TBA Oct. 15 at Miami, TBA Oct. 22 at Virginia, TBA Nov. 5 Georgia Tech, TBA Nov. 10 at Duke, 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 The Citadel, TBA Nov. 25 NC State, TBA

NORTH DAKOTA Sep. 1 at Stony Brook, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Bowling Green, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 at South Dakota, 2 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Montana St., 1 p.m.

Oct. 1 Cal Poly, 11 a.m.

Oct. 8 Sacramento St., 6 p.m.

Oct. 15 S. Utah, 11 a.m.

Oct. 22 at Idaho St., 4:32 p.m.

Oct. 29 Weber St., 11 a.m.

Nov. 5 at N. Colorado, 2:02 p.m.

Nov. 12 N. Arizona, 11 a.m.

NORTH TEXAS Sep. 3 SMU, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 Bethune Cookman, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Florida, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Rice, 3 p.m.

Oct. 1 Middle Tennessee, 4 p.m.

Oct. 8 Marshall, 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Army, 9 a.m.

Oct. 29 at UTSA, 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 Louisiana Tech, 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 at W. Kentucky, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 Southern Miss., 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 26 at UTEP, TBA

NORTHWESTERN Sep. 3 W. Michigan, 9 a.m.

Sep. 10 Illinois St., 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 Duke, 5 p.m.

Sep. 24 Nebraska, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 Iowa, 9 a.m.

Oct. 15 at Michigan St., 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 Indiana, 9 a.m.

Oct. 29 at Ohio St., 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 Wisconsin, TBA Nov. 12 at Purdue, TBA Nov. 19 at Minnesota, TBA Nov. 26 Illinois, TBA

NORTHWESTERN ST. Sep. 3 at Baylor, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 Incarnate Word, 5 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Cent. Arkansas, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 at SE Louisiana, 4 p.m.

Oct. 8 Kentucky Wesleyan, 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Lamar, 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 McNeese St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 Nicholls St., 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Abilene Christian, 4 p.m.

Nov. 12 Sam Houston, 4 p.m.

Nov. 19 at SF Austin, 1 p.m.

NOTRE DAME Sep. 4 at Texas, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 Nevada, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 Michigan St., 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 Duke, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 Syracuse, TBA Oct. 8 at N.C. State, TBA Oct. 15 Stanford, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 Miami, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 Navy, 8:30 a.m.

Nov. 12 Army, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 Virginia Tech, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 26 at Southern Cal, TBA

OHIO Sep. 3 Texas St., 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Kansas, 11:30 a.m.

Sep. 17 at Tennessee, 9 a.m.

Sep. 24 Gardner-Webb, TBA Oct. 1 at Miami (Ohio), 11 a.m.

Oct. 8 Bowling Green, 11 a.m.

Oct. 15 E. Michigan, TBA Oct. 22 at Kent St., TBA Oct. 27 at Toledo, 4:30 p.m. Nov. 3 Buffalo, 3 p.m.

Nov. 15 at Cent. Michigan, 3 p.m.

Nov. 22 Akron, 4 p.m.

OHIO ST. Sep. 3 Bowling Green, 9 a.m.

Sep. 10 Tulsa, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Oklahoma, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 Rutgers, 9 a.m.

Oct. 8 Indiana, TBA Oct. 15 at Wisconsin, 5 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Penn St., 5 p.m.

Oct. 29 Northwestern, 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 Nebraska, 5 p.m.

Nov. 12 at Maryland, TBA Nov. 19 at Michigan St., TBA Nov. 26 Michigan, TBA

OKLAHOMA Sep. 3 at Houston, 9 a.m.

Sep. 10 Louisiana-Monroe, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 Ohio St., 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 at TCU, TBA Oct. 8 Texas, TBA Oct. 15 Kansas St., TBA Oct. 22 at Texas Tech, TBA Oct. 29 Kansas, TBA Nov. 3 at Iowa St., 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 Baylor, TBA Nov. 19 at West Virginia, TBA Dec. 3 Oklahoma St., TBA

OKLAHOMA ST. Sep. 3 SE Louisiana, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 Cent. Michigan, 9 a.m.

Sep. 17 Pittsburgh, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Baylor, TBA Oct. 1 Texas, TBA Oct. 8 Iowa St., TBA Oct. 22 at Kansas, TBA Oct. 29 West Virginia, TBA Nov. 5 at Kansas St., TBA Nov. 12 Texas Tech, TBA Nov. 19 at TCU, TBA Dec. 3 at Oklahoma, TBA

OLD DOMINION Sep. 3 Hampton, 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 at App. St., 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 at NC State, 3 p.m.

Sep. 24 UTSA, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Charlotte, 3 p.m.

Oct. 8 UMass, TBA Oct. 22 at W. Kentucky, 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 at UTEP, 5 p.m.

Nov. 5 Marshall, 4 p.m.

Nov. 12 Southern Miss., 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 at FAU, 3 p.m.

Nov. 26 FIU, TBA

OREGON Sep. 3 UC Davis, 2 p.m.

Sep. 10 Virginia, 7:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Nebraska, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 Colorado, TBA Oct. 1 at Washington St., TBA Oct. 8 Washington, TBA Oct. 21 at California, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 Arizona St., TBA Nov. 5 at Southern Cal, TBA Nov. 12 Stanford, TBA Nov. 19 at Utah, TBA Nov. 26 at Oregon St., TBA

OREGON ST. Sep. 1 at Minnesota, 6 p.m.

Sep. 17 Idaho St., 2 p.m.

Sep. 24 Boise St., TBA Oct. 1 at Colorado, TBA Oct. 8 California, TBA Oct. 15 Utah, TBA Oct. 22 at Washington, TBA Oct. 29 Washington St., TBA Nov. 5 at Stanford, TBA Nov. 12 at UCLA, TBA Nov. 19 Arizona, TBA Nov. 26 Oregon, TBA

PENN Sep. 17 Lehigh, 2 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Fordham, 10 a.m.

Oct. 1 at Dartmouth, 4 p.m.

Oct. 8 CCSU, 10 a.m.

Oct. 15 Columbia, Noon Oct. 22 at Yale, 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 Brown, 10 a.m.

Nov. 5 at Princeton, 9 a.m.

Nov. 12 Harvard, 5 p.m.

Nov. 19 at Cornell, 9 a.m.

PENN ST. Sep. 3 Kent St., 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Pittsburgh, 9 a.m.

Sep. 17 Temple, 9 a.m.

Sep. 24 at Michigan, TBA Oct. 1 Minnesota, TBA Oct. 8 Maryland, 9 a.m.

Oct. 22 Ohio St., 5 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Purdue, TBA Nov. 5 Iowa, 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 at Indiana, TBA Nov. 19 at Rutgers, 5 p.m.

Nov. 26 Michigan St., TBA

PITTSBURGH Sep. 3 Villanova, 10:30 a.m.

Sep. 10 Penn St., 9 a.m.

Sep. 17 at Oklahoma St., 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 at North Carolina, TBA Oct. 1 Marshall, TBA Oct. 8 Georgia Tech, TBA Oct. 15 at Virginia, TBA Oct. 27 Virginia Tech, 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Miami, TBA Nov. 12 at Clemson, TBA Nov. 19 Duke, TBA Nov. 26 Syracuse, TBA

PORTLAND ST. Sep. 3 Cent. Wash., 2:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 at San Jose St., 1:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Washington, 5 p.m.

Sep. 24 at S. Utah, 5 p.m.

Oct. 1 Idaho St., 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Weber St., 6 p.m.

Oct. 15 Cal Poly, 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 N. Colorado, 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 at UC Davis, 4 p.m.

Nov. 12 at Sacramento St., 6 p.m.

Nov. 18 E. Washington, 7 p.m.

PRAIRIE VIEW Sep. 3 Texas Southern, 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Texas A&M, 9 a.m.

Sep. 17 at Alabama A&M, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 at MVSU, 2 p.m.

Oct. 1 Grambling St., 2 p.m.

Oct. 8 Alabama St., Noon Oct. 22 at Rice, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Jackson St., Noon Nov. 5 Alcorn St., 11 a.m.

Nov. 12 Southern, 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 at Ark.-Pine Bl., 12:30 p.m.

PRESBYTERIAN Sep. 1 at Cent. Michigan, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Chattanooga, 11 a.m.

Sep. 17 at Campbell, 3 p.m.

Sep. 24 Florida Tech, 4 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Gardner-Webb, 3 p.m.

Oct. 13 Monmouth (NJ), 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Charleston So., 3 p.m.

Oct. 29 Coastal Carolina, 11 a.m.

Nov. 5 Liberty, 11 a.m.

Nov. 12 at Kennesaw St., 9 a.m.

Nov. 19 at Florida, TBA

PRINCETON Sep. 17 Lafayette, 2 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Lehigh, 9:30 a.m.

Oct. 1 at Columbia, 9 a.m.

Oct. 8 at Georgetown, 10 a.m.

Oct. 15 Brown, Noon Oct. 22 Harvard, 10 a.m.

Oct. 29 at Cornell, 9:30 a.m.

Nov. 5 Penn, 9 a.m.

Nov. 12 at Yale, 9:30 a.m.

Nov. 19 Dartmouth, 10:30 a.m.

PURDUE Sep. 3 E. Kentucky, 9 a.m.

Sep. 10 Cincinnati, 9 a.m.

Sep. 24 Nevada, TBA Oct. 1 at Maryland, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Illinois, TBA Oct. 15 Iowa, 9 a.m.

Oct. 22 at Nebraska, TBA Oct. 29 Penn St., TBA Nov. 5 at Minnesota, TBA Nov. 12 Northwestern, TBA Nov. 19 Wisconsin, TBA Nov. 26 at Indiana, TBA

RHODE ISLAND Sep. 3 at Kansas, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 Albany (NY), 10 a.m.

Sep. 16 at Harvard, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 New Hampshire, 10 a.m.

Oct. 1 Brown, 9 a.m.

Oct. 8 at Villanova, 9 a.m.

Oct. 15 at Stony Brook, 1 p.m.

Oct. 22 Maine, 9 a.m.

Oct. 29 at James Mad., 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 at Elon, 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 19 Towson, 9 a.m.

SAN JOSE ST. Sep. 3 at Tulsa, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 Portland St., 1:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 Utah, 7:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Iowa St., 9 a.m.

Oct. 1 at New Mexico, 1 p.m.

Oct. 8 Hawaii, 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 Nevada, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 21 at San Diego St., 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 UNLV, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 4 at Boise St., 10:12 p.m.

Nov. 19 Air Force, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 26 at Fresno St., 12:30 p.m.

SAVANNAH ST. Sep. 3 at Georgia Southern, 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Southern Miss., 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 Bethune-Cook., 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Florida A&M, 3 p.m.

Oct. 8 Morgan St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 at NC Central, 11 a.m.

Oct. 29 Howard, 11 a.m.

Nov. 5 Norfolk St., 2 p.m.

Nov. 12 Hampton, 10 a.m.

Nov. 19 SC State, 10:30 a.m.

SOUTH ALABAMA Sep. 3 at Mississippi St., 9 a.m.

Sep. 10 Georgia Southern, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 La.-Lafayette, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 Nicholls, TBA Oct. 1 San Diego St., TBA Oct. 15 at Arkansas St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 20 Troy, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 Georgia St., TBA Nov. 5 at La.-Monroe, 2 p.m.

Nov. 19 at LSU, TBA Nov. 26 at Idaho, TBA Dec. 3 New Mexico St., TBA

Oct. 8 Colorado, TBA Oct. 15 at Arizona, TBA Oct. 27 California, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 Oregon, TBA Nov. 12 at Washington, TBA Nov. 19 at UCLA, TBA Nov. 26 Notre Dame, TBA

SOUTHERN MISS. Sep. 3 at Kentucky, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 Savannah St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 Troy, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 at UTEP, 5 p.m.

Oct. 1 Rice, 4 p.m.

Oct. 8 at UTSA, 9 a.m.

Oct. 15 at LSU, TBA Oct. 29 Marshall, 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 Charlotte, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 at Old Dom., 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 at North Texas, 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 25 Louisiana Tech, TBA

SOUTHERN U. Sep. 3 Louisiana-Monroe, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Tulane, 5 p.m.

Sep. 17 Alabama St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Alabama A&M, 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Jackson St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 Ark.-Pine Bluff, 2 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Alcorn St., Noon Nov. 5 Texas Southern, 2 p.m.

Nov. 12 at Prairie View, 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 MVSU, 2 p.m.

Nov. 26 Grambling St., 2 p.m.

ST. FRANCIS (PA.) Sep. 3 at Montana, 6 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Towson, 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Columbia, 10 a.m.

Sep. 24 at Albany (NY), 4 p.m.

STONY BROOK Sep. 1 North Dakota, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Temple, 10 a.m.

Sep. 17 Richmond, 9 a.m.

Oct. 8 at Towson, 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 Rhode Island, 1 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Delaware,12:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 at New Hampshire, 9 a.m.

Nov. 5 William & Mary, 11 a.m.

Nov. 12 Maine, 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 at Albany (NY), 10 a.m.

SYRACUSE Sep. 2 Colgate, 4 p.m.

Sep. 9 Louisville, 5 p.m.

Sep. 17 South Florida, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 at UConn, TBA Oct. 1 Notre Dame, TBA Oct. 8 at Wake Forest, TBA Oct. 15 Virginia Tech, TBA Oct. 22 at Boston College, TBA Nov. 5 at Clemson, TBA Nov. 12 NC State, TBA Nov. 19 Florida St., TBA Nov. 26 at Pittsburgh, TBA

TCU Sep. 3 S. Dakota St., 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 Arkansas, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 Iowa St., 9 a.m.

Sep. 23 at SMU, 5 p.m.

Oct. 1 Oklahoma, TBA Oct. 8 at Kansas, TBA Oct. 22 at West Virginia, TBA Oct. 29 Texas Tech, TBA Nov. 5 at Baylor, TBA Nov. 19 Oklahoma St., TBA Nov. 25 at Texas, 12:30 p.m.

Dec. 3 Kansas St., TBA

Oct. 8 at Texas A&M, TBA Oct. 15 Alabama, TBA Oct. 29 at South Carolina, TBA Nov. 5 Tennessee Tech, TBA Nov. 12 Kentucky, TBA Nov. 19 Missouri, TBA Nov. 26 at Vanderbilt, TBA

TENNESSEE ST. Sept. 3 Ark.-Pine Bluff, 4 p.m.

Sept. 10 Jackson St., 4 p.m.

Sept. 17 at Bethune-Cook., 1 p.m.

Oct. 1 UT Martin, Noon Oct. 8 at E. Illinois, 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 E. Kentucky, 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Vanderbilt, TBA Oct. 29 at Murray St., 1 p.m.

Nov 5 at Austin Peay, 2 p.m.

Nov. 19 at SE Missouri, 11 a.m.

TENNESSEE TECH Sep. 1 Wofford, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Austin Peay, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Mercer, 3 p.m.

Sep. 24 at UT Martin, Noon Oct. 1 E Kentucky, 4 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Jacksonville St., 11 a.m.

Oct. 15 E. Illinois, 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 SE Missouri, 11:30 a.m.

Nov. 5 at Tennessee, TBA Nov. 12 at Tennessee St., 1 p.m.

Nov. 19 Murray St., 11:30 a.m.

TEXAS Sep. 4 Notre Dame, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 UTEP, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 at California, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Oklahoma St., TBA Oct. 8 Oklahoma, TBA Oct. 15 Iowa St., TBA

TEXAS SOUTHERN Sep. 4 at Prairie View, 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Houston Baptist, 5 p.m.

Sep. 17 MVSU, 5 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Alabama St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 Alabama A&M, 5 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Alcorn St., Noon Oct. 22 Jackson St., Noon Oct. 29 at Sam Houston St., TBA Nov. 5 at Southern U., 2 p.m.

Nov. 12 Ark.-Pine Bluff, Noon Nov. 19 Grambling St., Noon

TEXAS ST. Sep. 3 at Ohio, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Arkansas, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 Houston, 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 Incarnate Word, 4 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Georgia St., TBA Oct. 15 at La. Monroe, 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 La.-Lafayette, 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Appalachian St., TBA Nov. 12 Idaho, 1 p.m.

Nov. 19 at New Mexico St., 1 p.m.

Dec. 3 Arkansas St., 1 p.m.

TEXAS TECH Sep. 3 Stephen F Austin, 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Arizona St., 7 p.m.

Sep. 17 Louisiana Tech, 4 p.m.

Sep. 29 Kansas, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Kansas St., TBA Oct. 15 West Virginia, TBA Oct. 22 Oklahoma, TBA Oct. 29 at TCU, TBA Nov. 5 Texas, TBA Nov. 12 at Oklahoma St., TBA Nov. 19 at Iowa St., TBA Nov. 25 Baylor, 3 p.m.

RICE Sep. 1 at W. Kentucky, 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Army, 9 a.m.

Sep. 17 Baylor, 5 p.m.

Sep. 24 North Texas, 3 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Southern Miss., 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 UTSA, 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 Prairie View, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Louisiana Tech, 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 FAU, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 at Charlotte, 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 UTEP, 9 a.m.

Nov. 26 at Stanford, TBA

UC DAVIS

ROBERT MORRIS

UCF Sep. 3 SC State, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Michigan, 9 a.m.

Sep. 17 Maryland, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 at FIU, 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 at East Carolina, TBA Oct. 7 Tulane, 5 p.m.

Oct. 15 Temple, TBA Oct. 22 at UConn, TBA Oct. 29 at Houston, TBA Nov. 12 Cincinnati, TBA Nov. 19 Tulsa, TBA Nov. 26 at South Florida, TBA

RUTGERS Sep. 3 at Washington, 11 a.m.

Sep. 10 Howard, 9 a.m.

Sep. 17 New Mexico, 9 a.m.

Sep. 24 Iowa, TBA Oct. 1 at Ohio St., 9 a.m.

Oct. 8 Michigan, 5 p.m.

Oct. 15 Illinois, 9 a.m.

Oct. 22 at Minnesota, 9 a.m.

Nov. 5 Indiana, TBA Nov. 12 at Michigan St., TBA Nov. 19 Penn St., 5 p.m.

Nov. 26 at Maryland, TBA

UCLA Sep. 3 at Texas A&M, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 UNLV, 5 p.m.

Sep. 17 at BYU, 10:12 p.m.

Sep. 24 Stanford, TBA Oct. 1 Arizona, TBA Oct. 8 at Arizona St., TBA Oct. 15 at Washington St., TBA Oct. 22 Utah, TBA Nov. 3 at Colorado 6 p.m.

Nov. 12 Oregon St., TBA Nov. 19 Southern Cal, TBA Nov. 26 at California, TBA

S. DAKOTA ST. Sep. 3 at TCU, 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 Drake, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 Cal Poly, 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 W. Illinois, 4 p.m.

Oct. 8 at S. Illinois, 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 at N. Dakota St., 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 Youngstown St., Noon Oct. 29 at Illinois St., Noon Nov. 5 Missouri St., Noon Nov. 12 South Dakota, Noon Nov. 19 at N. Iowa, 2 p.m.

UCONN Sep. 1 Maine, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Navy, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 Virginia, 10:30 a.m.

Sep. 24 Syracuse, TBA Sep. 29 at Houston, 5 p.m.

Oct. 8 Cincinnati, 8:30 a.m.

Oct. 15 at South Florida, TBA Oct. 22 UCF, TBA Oct. 29 at East Carolina, TBA Nov. 4 Temple, 4 p.m.

Nov. 19 at Boston College, TBA Nov. 26 Tulane, TBA

S. ILLINOIS Sep. 3 at FAU, 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 SE Missouri, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 Murray St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 at N. Iowa, 2 p.m.

Oct. 8 S. Dakota St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Illinois St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 Indiana St., Noon Oct. 29 at Missouri St., Noon Nov. 5 South Dakota, Noon Nov. 12 at Youngstown St., 9 a.m.

Nov. 19 W. Illinois, Noon

UMASS Sep. 3 at Florida, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 Boston College, 9 a.m.

Sep. 17 FIU, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 Mississippi St., 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 Tulane, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 7 at Old Dominion, 3 p.m.

Oct. 15 Louisiana Tech, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 at South Carolina, TBA Oct. 29 Wagner, 10 a.m.

Nov. 12 at Troy, TBA Nov. 19 at BYU, TBA Nov. 26 at Hawaii, 110 a.m.

S. UTAH

Associated Press

LSU coach Les Miles has a great record, but is still on the hot seat this season.

SE MISSOURI Sep. 3 at Memphis, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at S. Illinois, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 Indiana St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Murray St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 E. Illinois, 4 p.m.

Oct. 8 at E. Kentucky, 3 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Tenn. Tech, 11:30 a.m.

Oct. 29 Austin Peay, 11 a.m.

Nov. 5 Jacksonville St., 11 a.m.

Nov. 12 at UT-Martin, Noon Nov. 19 Tennessee St., 11 a.m.

SMU Sep. 3 at North Texas, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Baylor, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 Liberty, 4 p.m.

Sep. 23 TCU, 5 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Temple, TBA Oct. 7 at Tulsa, 5 p.m.

Oct. 22 Houston, TBA Oct. 29 at Tulane, TBA Nov. 5 Memphis, TBA Nov. 12 at East Carolina, TBA Nov. 19 South Florida, TBA Nov. 26 Navy, TBA

SACRAMENTO ST. Sep. 3 W. Oregon, 9:02 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Fresno St., 7 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Weber St., 5 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Idaho St., 4:32 p.m.

Oct. 1 Montana St., 9:02 p.m.

Oct. 8 North Dakota, 6 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Montana, 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 at N. Colorado, 3:02 p.m.

Oct. 29 Cal Poly, 6 p.m.

Nov. 12 Portland St., 6 p.m.

Nov. 19 at UC Davis, TBA

SACRED HEART Sep. 3 at Stetson, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 Valparaiso, 10 a.m.

Sep. 17 Marist, 2 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Stony Brook, 3 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Wagner, 3 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Cornell, 9:30 a.m.

Oct. 22 Robert Morris, 9 a.m.

Oct. 29 St. Francis (Pa.), 9 a.m.

Nov. 5 at CCSU, 9 a.m.

Nov. 12 at Duquesne, 9 a.m.

Nov. 19 Bryant, 9 a.m.

SAM HOUSTON ST. Sep. 3 Okla. Panhandle St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Lamar, 5 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Houston Baptist, 5 p.m.

Oct. 1 Stephen F. Austin, 1 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Incarnate Word, 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 Abilene Christian, TBA Oct. 22 at Nicholls, 1 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Texas Southern, TBA Nov. 5 McNeese St., TBA Nov. 12 at Northwest. St., 4 p.m.

Nov. 19 Cent. Arkansas, 4 p.m.

SAMFORD Sep. 1 Mars Hill, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Cent. Arkansas, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Chattanooga, 11 a.m.

Oct. 1 Wofford, Noon Oct. 8 at Furman, 10 a.m.

Oct. 15 VMI, Noon Oct. 22 W. Carolina, 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Mississippi St., TBA Nov. 5 at The Citadel, 11 a.m.

Nov. 12 Mercer, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 at ETSU, 12:30 p.m.

SAN DIEGO Sep. 03 W. New Mexico, 6 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Cal Poly, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 Dayton, 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Butler, 10 a.m.

Oct. 8 Davidson, 1 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Drake, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 22 Valparaiso, 1 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Marist, 10 a.m.

Nov. 5 U. De Las Am. Pueb., 4 p.m.

Nov. 12 Stetson, 1 p.m.

Nov. 19 at Campbell, 9 a.m.

SAN DIEGO ST. Sep. 3 New Hampshire, 5:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 California, 7:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 at N. Illinois, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 at South Alabama, TBA Oct. 8 UNLV, TBA Oct. 14 at Fresno St., 7 p.m.

Oct. 21 San Jose St., 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 28 at Utah St., 5 p.m.

Nov. 5 Hawaii, 4 p.m.

Nov. 12 at Nevada, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 at Wyoming, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 26 Colorado St., 6 p.m.

UNLV Sep. 1 Jackson St., 7 p.m.

Sep. 10 at UCLA, 5 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Cent. Michigan, Noon Sep. 24 Idaho, 6 p.m.

Oct. 1 Fresno St., 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 at San Diego St. TBA Oct. 15 at Hawaii, 11:56 p.m.

Oct. 22 Colorado St., 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 at San Jose St., 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 Wyoming, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 18 at Boise St., 6 p.m.

Nov. 26 Nevada, TBA

MILES’ SEAT HOT, BUT IT IS SEC AFTER ALL Associated Press

To consider Les Miles on the dreaded hot seat at LSU entering this season suggests a lot about job security among college football coaches these days – especially those in the Southeastern Conference.

In 11 seasons as Tigers coach, Miles has 112 wins. Only one LSU coach has more and Charlie McClendon’s 137 victories came in 59 more games.

Miles’ .778 winning percentage is better than any coach who has had more than a 30-game stint at LSU – even Nick Saban at .750. Miles has one of LSU’s three national championships.

Still, the Mad Hatter was nearly run out of Baton Rouge last season. If No. 5 LSU falls short of lofty expectations this season, expect Miles’ future to become a hot topic again in Baton Rouge. Southeastern Conference championship or bust?

Around the country, several other coaches enter the season in need of some wins and a change of trajectory to keep their jobs. Here are a few:

A couple of SEC West coaches who just a few years ago were getting serious NFL buzz. Neither has had a losing season, but both programs have been trending in the wrong direction.

Complicating each situation is a rich buyout: $15 million for Sumlin and $9 million for Malzahn. Sumlin’s is a pay-in-full payment within two months of being let go. But, hey, it’s only money and this is the SEC. Don’t be surprised if Sumlin departs on his own terms if A&M has a good season.

SOUTH DAKOTA Sep. 1 at New Mexico, 6 p.m.

Sep. 10 Weber St., Noon Sep. 17 at North Dakota, 2 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Youngstown St., 1 p.m.

Oct. 8 N. Iowa, Noon Oct. 15 at Indiana St., Noon Oct. 22 Illinois St., Noon Oct. 29 W. Illinois Noon Nov. 5 at S. Illinois, Noon Nov. 12 at S. Dakota St., Noon Nov. 19 N. Dakota St., Noon

SOUTH FLORIDA Sep. 3 Towson, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 N. Illinois, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Syracuse, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 Florida St., TBA Oct. 1 at Cincinnati, TBA Oct. 8 East Carolina, TBA Oct. 15 UConn, TBA Oct. 21 at Temple, 4 p.m.

Oct. 28 Navy, 4 p.m.

Nov. 12 at Memphis, TBA Nov. 19 at SMU, TBA Nov. 26 UCF, TBA

SOUTHERN CAL Sep. 3 Alabama, 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 Utah St., 11 a.m.

Sep. 17 at Stanford, 5 p.m.

Sep. 23 at Utah, 6 p.m.

Oct. 1 Arizona St., TBA

Oct. 1 Malone, 10 a.m.

Oct. 8 at Robert Morris, Noon Oct. 15 Bryant, 9 a.m.

Oct. 22 Duquesne, 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Sacred Heart, 9 a.m.

Nov. 12 CCSU, 9 a.m.

Nov. 19 at Wagner, 9 a.m.

STANFORD Sep. 2 Kansas St., 6 p.m.

Sep. 17 Southern Cal, 5 p.m.

Sep. 24 at UCLA, TBA Sep. 30 at Washington, 6 p.m.

Oct. 8 Washington St., TBA Oct. 15 at Notre Dame, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 Colorado, TBA Oct. 29 at Arizona, TBA Nov. 5 Oregon St., TBA Nov. 12 at Oregon, TBA Nov. 19 at California, TBA Nov. 26 Rice, TBA

UTSA Sep. 3 Alabama St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Colorado St., 1 p.m.

Sep. 16 Arizona St., 6:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Old Dom., 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 Southern Miss., 9 a.m.

Oct. 15 at Rice, 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 UTEP, 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 North Texas, 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Middle Tenn., 11:30 a.m.

Nov. 12 at La. Tech, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 at Texas A&M, TBA Nov. 26 Charlotte, 4 p.m.

UTAH Sep. 1 S. Utah, 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 BYU, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 at San Jose St., 7:30 p.m.

Sep. 23 Southern Cal, 6 p.m.

Oct. 1 at California, TBA Oct. 8 Arizona, TBA Oct. 15 at Oregon St., TBA Oct. 22 at UCLA, TBA Oct. 29 Washington, TBA Nov. 10 at Arizona St., 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 Oregon, TBA Nov. 26 at Colorado, TBA

MIKE MACINTYRE, COLORADO

Classic case of a coach walking into a horrendous situation, making it better but maybe not enough. The Buffaloes went 4-9 last season, MacIntyre’s third in Boulder. Five of those losses were by one score.

Nine-game conference schedules don’t provide much room for growing a program (2-25 in the Pac-12), but all the positive signs might not matter for MacIntyre if Colorado cannot reach a bowl game for the first time since 2007.

This situation looks pretty simple: Strong can’t have a third straight losing season and expect to return as coach when the athletic director and school president who hired him are no longer around. How many victories does Strong need to keep the gig? Hard to

SOUTH CAROLINA

UTEP Sep. 3 New Mexico St., 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Texas, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 Army, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 Southern Miss, 5 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Louisiana Tech, 4 p.m.

Oct. 8 FIU, 5 p.m.

Oct. 22 at UTSA, 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 Old Dominion, 5 p.m.

Nov. 5 Houston Baptist, 5 p.m.

Nov. 12 at FAU, 3 p.m.

Nov. 19 at Rice, TBA Nov. 26 North Texas, TBA

KEVIN SUMLIN, TEXAS A&M and GUS MALZAHN, AUBURN

CHARLIE STRONG, TEXAS

Sep. 1 at Vanderbilt, 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Mississippi St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 East Carolina, 1 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Kentucky, TBA Oct. 1 Texas A&M, TBA Oct. 8 Georgia, TBA Oct. 22 UMass, TBA Oct. 29 Tennessee, TBA Nov. 5 Missouri, TBA Nov. 12 at Florida, TBA Nov. 19 W. Carolina, TBA Nov. 26 at Clemson, TBA

UT-MARTIN Sep. 1 at Cincinnati, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Hawaii, 11:56 p.m.

Sep. 17 Bacone, Noon Sep. 24 Tennessee Tech, Noon Oct. 1 at Tennessee St., Noon Oct. 8 Austin Peay, Noon Oct. 15 at Murray St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Georgia St., TBA Oct. 29 E. Kentucky, Noon Nov. 5 at E. Illinois, 11 a.m.

Nov. 12 SE Missouri, Noon Nov. 19 at Jacksonville St., 11 a.m.

say. If the Longhorns land on 7-5 or 8-4, how they get there could be as important as the how many, as well as who is available. (Insert obligatory Houston coach Tom Herman mention here). This would be a good time for Strong’s team to go 9-3.

By Ralph D. Russo

SE LOUISIANA Sep. 3 at Oklahoma St., 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 at S. Utah, 5 p.m.

Sep. 24 Northwestern St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Lamar, 5 p.m.

Oct. 8 McNeese St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Stephen F. Austin, 1 p.m.

Oct. 22 Houston Baptist, 2 p.m.

Oct. 29 Cent. Arkansas, 5 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Incarn.Word, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 Abilene Christian, 5 p.m.

Nov. 17 at Nicholls, 4 p.m.

TULANE Sep. 1 at Wake Forest, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 Southern, 5 p.m.

Sep. 17 Navy, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 La.-Lafayette, 5 p.m.

Oct. 1 at UMass, TBA Oct. 7 at UCF, 5 p.m.

Oct. 14 Memphis, 5 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Tulsa, TBA Oct. 29 SMU, TBA Nov. 12 at Houston, TBA Nov. 19 Temple, TBA Nov. 26 at UConn, TBA

Sep. 3 at Oregon, 2 p.m.

Sep. 10 S. Oregon, 6 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Wyoming, 1 p.m.

Sep. 24 Weber St., 6 p.m.

Oct. 1 at E. Washington, 1 p.m.

Oct. 8 at S. Utah, 5 p.m.

Oct. 15 N. Colorado, 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Cal Poly, 9:02 p.m.

Nov. 5 Portland St., 4 p.m.

Nov. 12 at Montana St., TBA Nov. 19 Sacramento St., TBA

Sep. 1 Alderson Broaddus, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Dayton, 10 a.m.

Sep. 17 at Youngstown St., 1 p.m.

Sep. 24 Malone, 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Liberty, 4 p.m.

Oct. 8 St. Francis (Pa.), Noon Oct. 15 at Duquesne, 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Sacred Heart, 9 a.m.

Oct. 29 CCSU, 9 a.m.

Nov. 5 at Bryant, 9 a.m.

Nov. 12 Wagner, 9 a.m.

SC STATE

TROY Sep. 3 Austin Peay, 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Clemson, 9:30 a.m.

Sep. 17 at Southern Miss., 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 New Mexico St., TBA Oct. 1 at Idaho, TBA Oct. 15 Georgia St., TBA Oct. 20 at S. Alabama, 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 UMass, TBA Nov. 12 Appalachian St., TBA Nov. 17 Arkansas St., 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 26 at Texas St., 1 p.m.

Dec. 3 at Ga. Southern, 10 a.m.

TULSA

RICHMOND

Sep. 3 at UCF, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Louisiana Tech, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Clemson, 9 a.m.

Sep. 24 at Florida A&M, 3 p.m.

Oct. 8 Bethune-Cook., 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 15 at Howard, 10 a.m.

Oct. 22 Delaware St., 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 29 at Hampton, 10 a.m.

Nov. 5 at NC A&T, 10 a.m.

Nov. 12 Norfolk St., 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 Savannah St., 10:30 a.m.

TOWSON Sep. 3 at South Florida, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 St. Francis (Pa.), 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Villanova, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Richmond, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 Stony Brook, 4 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Dartmouth, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 22 New Hamp., 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Delaware, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 Elon, 11 a.m.

Nov. 12 William & Mary, 9 a.m.

Nov. 19 at Rhode Island, 9 a.m.

Sep. 3 San Jose St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Ohio St., 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 NC A&T, 11 a.m.

Sep. 24 Fresno St., 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 7 SMU, 5 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Houston, TBA Oct. 22 Tulane, TBA Oct. 29 at Memphis, TBA Nov. 5 East Carolina, TBA Nov. 12 at Navy, 9 a.m.

Nov. 19 at UCF, TBA Nov. 25 Cincinnati, TBA

Sep. 3 at Virginia, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 Norfolk St., 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Stony Brook, 9 a.m.

Sep. 24 Colgate, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 Towson, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Albany (NY), 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 Villanova, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Elon, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 James Madison, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 Delaware, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 at William & Mary, TBA

Sep. 1 at Utah, 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 SE Louisiana, 5 p.m.

Sep. 24 Portland St., 5 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Montana, 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 UC Davis, 5 p.m.

Oct. 15 at North Dakota, 11 a.m.

Oct. 22 Weber St., 5 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Idaho St., 4:32 p.m.

Nov. 5 Montana St., 11 a.m.

Nov. 12 at BYU, Noon Nov. 19 at N. Arizona, 2 p.m.

Oct. 22 Cent. Michigan, TBA Oct. 27 Ohio, 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 2 at Akron, 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 9 at N. Illinois, 5 p.m.

Nov. 16 Ball St., TBA Nov. 25 at W. Michigan, TBA

TEMPLE Sep. 2 Army, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 Stony Brook, 10 a.m.

Sep. 17 at Penn St., 9 a.m.

Sep. 24 Charlotte, TBA Oct. 1 SMU, TBA Oct. 6 at Memphis, 5 p.m.

Oct. 15 at UCF, TBA Oct. 21 South Florida, 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 Cincinnati, TBA Nov. 4 at UConn, 4 p.m.

Nov. 19 at Tulane, TBA Nov. 26 East Carolina, TBA

TENNESSEE Sep. 1 Appalachian St., 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 Virginia Tech, 5 p.m.

Sep. 17 Ohio, 9 a.m.

Sep. 24 Florida, TBA Oct. 1 at Georgia, TBA

Oct. 22 at Kansas St., TBA Oct. 29 Baylor, TBA Nov. 5 at Texas Tech, TBA Nov. 12 West Virginia, TBA Nov. 19 at Kansas, TBA Nov. 25 TCU, 12:30 p.m.

TEXAS A&M Sep. 3 UCLA, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 Prairie View, 9 a.m.

Sep. 17 at Auburn, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 Arkansas, TBA Oct. 1 at South Carolina, TBA Oct. 8 Tennessee, TBA Oct. 22 at Alabama, TBA Oct. 29 New Mexico St., TBA Nov. 5 at Mississippi St., TBA Nov. 12 Mississippi, TBA Nov. 19 UTSA, TBA Nov. 24 LSU, 4:30 p.m.

UTAH ST. Sep. 1 Weber St., 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Southern Cal, 11 a.m.

Sep. 16 Arkansas St., 6 p.m.

Sep. 24 Air Force, TBA Oct. 1 at Boise St., TBA Oct. 8 at Colorado St., 7 p.m.

Oct. 22 Fresno St., 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 28 San Diego St., 5 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Wyoming, TBA Nov. 12 New Mexico, TBA Nov. 19 at Nevada, TBA Nov. 26 at BYU, TBA

VMI

THE CITADEL Sep. 1 at Mercer, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 Furman, 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Gardner-Webb, 3 p.m.

Oct. 1 at W. Carolina, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 North Greenville, 11 a.m.

Oct. 15 Chattanooga, 3 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Wofford,10:30 a.m.

Oct. 29 ETSU, 11 a.m.

Nov. 5 Samford, 11 a.m.

Nov. 12 at VMI, 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 19 at North Carolina, TBA

TOLEDO Sep. 2 at Arkansas St., 6 p.m.

Sep. 10 Maine 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 Fresno St., Noon Sep. 30 at BYU, 10:12 p.m.

Oct. 8 at E. Michigan, Noon Oct. 15 Bowling Green, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 3 at Akron, 3:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Morehead St., 3 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Bucknell, Noon Oct. 1 Mercer, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 8 ETSU, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 15 Samford, Noon Oct. 22 at Chattanooga, 11 a.m.

Oct. 29 Furman, 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 5 at W. Carolina, 11 a.m.

Nov. 12 The Citadel, 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 19 at Wofford, 11 a.m.

VALPARAISO Sep. 3 at Illinois St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Sacred Heart, 10 a.m.

Sep. 17 Trinity (Ill.), 11 a.m.

Sep. 24 Davidson, 11 a.m.

Oct. 1 at Morehead St., 10 a.m.

Oct. 8 Drake, 11 a.m.

Oct. 15 at Stetson, 10 a.m.

Oct. 22 at San Diego, 1 p.m.

Oct. 29 Butler, 11 a.m.

Nov. 5 at Dayton, 10 a.m.

Nov. 12 Jacksonville, 2 p.m

VANDERBILT Sep. 1 South Carolina, 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 Middle Tennessee, 1 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Georgia Tech, 9:30 a.m.

Sep. 24 at W. Kentucky, 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 Florida, TBA Oct. 8 at Kentucky, TBA Oct. 15 at Georgia, TBA Oct. 22 Tennessee St., TBA Nov. 5 at Auburn, TBA Nov. 12 at Missouri, TBA Nov. 19 Mississippi, TBA Nov. 26 Tennessee, TBA

VILLANOVA Sep. 3 at Pittsburgh, 10:30 a.m.

Sep. 10 Lehigh, 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 Towson, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Lafayette, 3 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Elon, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 Rhode Island, 9 a.m.

Oct. 15 at Richmond, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 Albany, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Maine, 9 a.m.

Nov. 12 James Madison, 10 a.m.

Nov. 19 at Delaware, 10 a.m.

VIRGINIA Sep. 3 Richmond, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Oregon, 7:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 at UConn, 10:30 a.m.

Sep. 24 Cent. Michigan, TBA Oct. 1 at Duke, TBA Oct. 15 Pittsburgh, TBA Oct. 22 North Carolina, TBA Oct. 29 Louisville, TBA Nov. 5 at Wake Forest, TBA Nov. 12 Miami, TBA Nov. 19 at Georgia Tech, TBA Nov. 26 at Virginia Tech, TBA

VIRGINIA TECH Sep. 3 Liberty, 9:30 a.m.

Sep. 10 at Tennessee, 5 p.m.

Sep. 17 Boston College, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 East Carolina, TBA Oct. 8 at North Carolina, TBA Oct. 15 at Syracuse, TBA Oct. 20 Miami, 4 p.m.

Oct. 27 at Pittsburgh, 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Duke, TBA Nov. 12 Georgia Tech, TBA Nov. 19 at Notre Dame, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 26 Virginia, TBA

W. CAROLINA Sep. 3 at East Carolina, 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 Gardner-Webb, 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 ETSU, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 1 The Citadel, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 Wofford, 3 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Mercer, 1 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Samford, 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 Chattanooga, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 VMI, 11 a.m.

Nov. 12 at Furman, Noon Nov. 19 at South Carolina, TBA

W. ILLINOIS Sep. 1 at E. Illinois, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 N. Arizona, 1 p.m.

Sep. 24 at N. Illinois, TBA Oct. 1 at S. Dakota St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 8 Indiana St., 1 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Missouri St., Noon Oct. 22 N. Dakota St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 South Dakota Noon Nov. 5 Illinois St., 11 a.m.

Nov. 12 N. Iowa, 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 at S. Illinois, Noon

W. KENTUCKY Sep. 1 Rice, 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Alabama, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Miami (Ohio), 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 Vanderbilt, 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 Houston Baptist, 4 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Louisiana Tech, 5 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Middle Ten., 11:30 a.m.

Oct. 22 Old Dominion, 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 at FAU, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 FIU, 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 North Texas, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 26 at Marshall, TBA

W. MICHIGAN Sep. 3 at Northwestern, 9 a.m.

Sep. 10 NC Central, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 at Illinois, 1 p.m.

Sep. 24 Georgia Southern, TBA Oct. 1 at Cent. Michigan, TBA Oct. 8 N. Illinois, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Akron, TBA Oct. 22 E. Michigan, TBA Nov. 1 at Ball St., 5 p.m.

Nov. 8 at Kent St., 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 Buffalo, TBA Nov. 25 Toledo, TBA

WAGNER Sep. 1 St. Anselm, 3 p.m.

Sep. 10 Concordia (Mich.), 9 a.m.

Sep. 24 at Boston College, TBA Oct. 1 Sacred Heart, 3 p.m.

Oct. 8 Columbia, 3 p.m.

Oct. 15 at CCSU, 10 a.m.

Oct. 22 at Bryant, 10 a.m.

Oct. 29 at UMass, 10 a.m.

Nov. 5 Duquesne, 9 a.m.

Nov. 12 at Robert Morris, 9 a.m.

Nov. 19 St. Francis (Pa.), 9 a.m.

WAKE FOREST Sep. 1 Tulane, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Duke, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 17 Delaware, 3:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Indiana TBA Oct. 1 at NC State, TBA Oct. 8 Syracuse, TBA Oct. 15 at Florida St., TBA Oct. 29 Army, TBA Nov. 5 Virginia, TBA Nov. 12 at Louisville, TBA Nov. 19 Clemson, TBA Nov. 26 Boston College, TBA

WEBER ST. Sep. 1 at Utah St., 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 at South Dakota, Noon Sep. 17 Sacramento St., 5 p.m.

Sep. 24 at UC Davis, 6 p.m.

Oct. 8 Portland St., 5 p.m.

Oct. 15 Montana St., 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 at S. Utah, 5 p.m.

Oct. 29 at North Dakota, 11 a.m.

Nov. 5 N. Arizona, 11 a.m.

Nov. 12 Cal Poly, 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 at Idaho St., 1:30 p.m.

WEST VIRGINIA Sep. 3 Missouri, 9 a.m.

Sep. 10 Youngstown St., 11 a.m.

Sep. 24 BYU, TBA Oct. 1 Kansas St., TBA Oct. 15 at Texas Tech, TBA Oct. 22 TCU, TBA Oct. 29 at Oklahoma St., TBA Nov. 5 Kansas, TBA Nov. 12 at Texas, TBA Nov. 19 Oklahoma, TBA Nov. 26 at Iowa St., TBA Dec. 3 Baylor, TBA

WILLIAM & MARY Sep. 1 at N.C. State, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Hampton, 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 Norfolk St., 3 p.m.

Sep. 24 Elon, 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 at New Hampsh., 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 at James Mad., 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 Delaware, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 Maine, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Stony Brook, 11 a.m.

Nov. 12 at Towson, 9 a.m.

Nov. 19 Richmond, TBA

WISCONSIN Sep. 3 LSU, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 Akron, 311:30 a.m.

Sep. 17 Georgia St., 9 a.m.

Sep. 24 at Michigan St., TBA Oct. 1 at Michigan, TBA Oct. 15 Ohio St., 5 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Iowa, TBA Oct. 29 Nebraska, 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Northwestern, TBA Nov. 12 Illinois, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 at Purdue, TBA Nov. 26 Minnesota, TBA

WOFFORD Sep. 1 at Tennessee Tech, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Mississippi, 1 p.m.

Sep. 17 Johnson C. Smith, Noon Sep. 24 ETSU, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 1 at Samford, Noon Oct. 8 at W. Carolina, 3 p.m.

Oct. 22 The Citadel, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 29 Mercer, 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 5 at Furman, 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 12 at Chattanooga, 11 a.m.

Nov. 19 VMI, 10:30 a.m.

WYOMING Sep. 3 N. Illinois, 7:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 at Nebraska, 9 a.m.

Sep. 17 UC Davis, 1 p.m.

Sep. 23 at E. Michigan, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Colorado St., TBA Oct. 8 Air Force, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 at Nevada, TBA Oct. 29 Boise St., 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 Utah St., TBA Nov. 12 at UNLV, Noon Nov. 19 San Diego St., 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 26 at New Mexico, TBA

YALE Sep. 17 Colgate, 10:30 a.m.

Sep. 24 at Cornell, Noon Oct. 1 Lehigh, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 8 Dartmouth, 10 a.m.

Oct. 15 at Fordham, 10 a.m.

Oct. 22 Penn, 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Columbia, 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Brown, 9:30 a.m.

Nov. 12 Princeton, 9:30 a.m.

Nov. 19 at Harvard 9:30 a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN ST. Sep. 1 Duquesne, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 at West Virginia, 11 a.m.

Sep. 17 Robert Morris, 1 p.m.

Oct. 1 South Dakota, 1 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Illinois St., Noon Oct. 15 N. Iowa, 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 at S. Dakota St., Noon Oct. 29 Indiana St., 1 p.m.

Nov. 5 at N. Dakota St., 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 S. Illinois, 9 a.m.

Nov. 19 at Missouri St., Noon

STEPHEN F. AUSTIN Sep. 3 at Texas Tech, 5 p.m.

Sep. 10 West Alabama, 4 p.m.

Sep. 17 at McNeese St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 Abilene Christian, 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 Sam Houston St., 1 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Nicholls, 1 p.m.

Oct. 15 SE Louisiana, 1 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Incarnate Word, 4 p.m.

Nov. 5 Cent. Arkansas, 1 p.m.

Nov. 12 at Houston Baptist, Noon Nov. 19 Northwestern St., 1 p.m.

50 TVs, NFL Sunday Ticket, ESPN Game Plan

STETSON Sep. 3 Sacred Heart, 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 Warner, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 Jacksonville, 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Davidson, 10 a.m.

Oct. 8 at Brown, 9:30 a.m.

Oct. 15 Valparaiso, 10 a.m.

Oct. 22 at Campbell, 1 p.m.

Oct. 29 at Dayton, 10 a.m.

Nov. 5 Marist, 11 a.m.

Nov. 12 at San Diego, 1 p.m.

Nov. 19 Drake, 10 a.m.

l Officia U W E Party Watch n Locatio

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THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

COLLEGE FOOTBALL 2016

VANDALS’ 2016 SCHEDULE

ALL TIMES PACIFIC

SEPT. 1: vs. Montana State, 6 p.m.

SEPT. 10: @Washington, 2 p.m.

SEPT. 17: @Washington St., 11 a.m.

SEPT. 24: vs. Troy, TBD SEPT. 8: @ Louisiana-Monroe, 4 p.m.

OCT. 15: vs. New Mexico St. , TBD

OCT. 22: @ Appalachian St., TBD NOV. 5: @Louisiana-Lafayette, 2 p.m.

NOV. 12: @ Texas St., 1 p.m.

NOV. 19: BYE, no game scheduled NOV. 26: vs. South Alabama, TBD DEC. 3: vs. Georgia St., TBD

GIVEN A CHANCE

It has all come together for quarterback Linehan, thanks to Petrino

TYLER TJOMSLAND tylert@spokesman.com

Quarterback Matt Linehan, with Idaho’s Kibbie Dome in the background, has gone from an unrecruited high school player to the centerpiece of the Vandals offense.

By Josh Wright R Correspondent

S

cott and Kristen Linehan could see it in their oldest son. They could see he had what it takes to be a successful college quarterback – the natural leadership, the drive, the tall (but still skinny) frame. Matt Linehan just needed a school to give him an opportunity. And in late 2012, that opportunity didn’t look like it would materialize.

Linehan had just finished an excellent senior season at St. Mary’s High School in Orchard Lake, Michigan. He had grown to 6 feet, 3 inches tall after starting high school at around 5-8, 125 pounds. He was the son of an NFL offensive coordinator and former college QB.

And what was his plan?

“I was going to quit,” Linehan says. “I was done playing football because I hadn’t gotten any offers. I thought about the juco route and didn’t think it was the best route for me. So I was going to play D-II basketball.”

A couple of hours after a mid-August practice, Linehan leans forward in his chair in a Kibbie Dome media work room and marvels at how all of the pieces fell into place for him to land at Idaho. He’s gone from unrecruited to second-team preseason All-Sun Belt and the centerpiece of a Vandals team that expects to be in a bowl game come December or January.

To make it even more special, the redshirt junior stars at the same school – and wears the same jersey number, 10 – that his dad did three decades ago.

None of this would have happened, Linehan and his parents say, if weren’t for Paul Petrino – a coach with the same fiery persona as his QB.

FILE The Spokesman-Review

Matt Linehan, here sacked in a game last year, and the Vandals have a bowl game as a goal.

coaches. This felt different, though.

Petrino and Scott Linehan had coached together at Idaho in 1992-93 and at Louisville in ’99. They stayed in contact as they hopped between college gigs and on to the NFL (and back to college for Petrino).

“I remember watching (Matt) throw the ball warming up before the game when I was with the Falcons and they were at the Rams,” Petrino says. “He was out there playing catch with his dad prior to the game.”

Matt Linehan hadn’t even thought of playing

THE PETRINO-LINEHAN CONNECTION

Petrino was introduced as Idaho’s head football coach on Dec. 3, 2012. Three days later, he offered Linehan a scholarship.

As soon as Petrino was hired, Linehan decided on a whim to send UI’s new head man the same recruiting tape he had sent to so many other

at Idaho until Petrino was hired. The previous regime under Robb Akey didn’t have the same connection to the Linehans that Petrino had.

Matt had watched the Vandals play a few times on TV and knew his dad and mom had played there (Kristen was on the UI basketball team for two years), but that was about it.

“He was a little kid when we moved from the Northwest and went to Louisville and then got into the NFL,” said Scott, now the Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator. “So he didn’t have a background with our Northwest ties other than going home to see family in the summer.”

Scott grew up in Sunnyside, Washington, and traveled to watch two older brothers, Rick and Ron, play at UI. Matt, meanwhile, had moved a lot with his family across the Midwest and East Coast as Scott took different NFL coaching jobs.

Minneapolis, Miami, St. Louis, Detroit – these were the cities Matt knew, and they were all big.

“Frankly, I didn’t think he would like (Moscow),” Kristen says.

But Matt took to the small town immediately during his recruiting visit in January 2013, just like he quickly realized he wanted to play for Petrino. He committed to UI on the trip and the See LINEHAN, T21

UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO VANDALS Dec. 3, 2012 UI hires Paul Petrino

April 26, 2014 The day after spring camp ends, Idaho announces

as head coach after he served as offensive coordinator at Arkansas, Illinois and Louisville.

it’s been banned from the 2014 postseason because of low APR scores.

2012

2013 3

2014 Feb 6. 2013 Matt Linehan and Trent Cowan,

both of whom have familial ties to Idaho, are part of Petrino’s first signing class.

Oct. 17, 2015 The Vandals snatch their first road win since 2011 by beating Troy on the strength of four Austin Rehkow field goals.

2015

Oct. 18, 2014 Idaho snaps a 13-game losing streak, the longest in the FBS, by knocking off New Mexico State – its lone win of 2014.

Nov. 28, 2015 Linehan, playing with an injured foot, throws for 309 yards to help UI defeat Texas State and finish 4-8, their best record under Petrino.

March 1, 2016 The Sun Belt drops Idaho and New Mexico State, effective after the 2017 season, which puts UI’s FBS status in limbo.

July 25, 2016 Sun Belt coaches tab UI to finish eighth out of 11 teams, further cementing to Idaho players they’re being slighted by their conference peers.

2016 April 28, 2016 Idaho announces it will become the first FBS school to drop to the FCS ranks, sparking outrage from some current and former players.

Aug. 4, 2016 Idaho makes its bowl aspirations clear as it opens fall camp with a healthy Linehan, who had offeseason foot surgery.

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

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GREAT EXPECTATIONS - VANDALS LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

5,000+

Paul Petrino is the son of a former college college coach, and he loves recruiting players who grew up with similar backgrounds. That shows on Idaho’s roster.

At least seven players on this year’s team are football coach’s sons. The list includes Zach Cable, whose father, Tom, is the Seahawks’ offensive line coach and was the head coach at Idaho; Matt and Mike Linehan, whose dad, Scott, is the offensive coordinator for the Cowboys; and Ty Graham, whose father, John, is an assistant at Eastern Washington. All three of Idaho’s quarterbacks – Matt Linehan, Gunnar Amos and Mason Petrino – are coach’s sons.

Idaho Vandals head coach Paul Petrino has over a half-dozen players on his roster who are sons of football coaches.

Associated Press photo

The Vandals’ offense has garnered most of the headlines in the preseason, but the team could use a pick-me-up from the defense.

Last year, Idaho opponents gobbled up nearly 6,000 yards of offense. It marked the ninth consecutive season that the UI defense gave up at least 5,000 yards. For context, the Idaho offense has eclipsed 5,000 yards of offense only three times the last decade, including last year.

“If we want to reach our goals, we have to be higher than (96th) in the country in rushing the ball. So to me that’s a point of emphasis all the way around.”

Kris Cinkovich Idaho offensive coordinator

96TH Departed running back Elijhaa Penny rushed for 1,159 yards last season, but Vandals offensive coordinator Kris Cinkovich wasn’t totally satisfied. Idaho ranked 96th in the FBS in rushing offense with 147.2 yards per game. The Vandals’ rushing attack will be led by speedy Aaron Duckworth, slimmed-down Isaiah Saunders and, if healthy, Denzal Brantley.

IN THE TRENCHES Since Petrino took over, Idaho has a track record of sticking young offensive line into live action. Returning starters Steven Matlock and Jordan Rose played as true freshmen, and they’ll be joined in the starting lineup this season by another true frosh – Noah Johnson. Johnson joined UI in January after graduating a semester early from Fayetteville (Ark.) High School. He got first-team reps in the spring and has been a mainstay with the first five O-linemen in the fall.

TYLER TJOMSLAND tylert@spokesman.com

Senior tight end Trent Cowan is always a threat with the ball, but has also beefed up to improve his run-blocking ability.

13

DOUBLE TROUBLE

Idaho collected a mere 13 sacks in 2015, tied for the third-fewest in the FBS, and Petrino has emphasized creating a more disruptive pass rush from his defense this year – a task that can’t just be shouldered by the defensive line and front seven.

“It’s everybody,” Petrino said. “That’s the secondary doing a good job of covering them. That’s our linebackers (doing their job). Petrino expects to unleash sophomore outside linebacker Kaden Elliss on quarterbacks more this fall. He was second on the team last year with four QB hurries.

Cowan, Watson give Vandals dual threat at tight end

By Josh Wright Correspondent

MOSCOW – Trent “Buck” Cowan was one of the most productive tight ends in the FBS last year. Not far behind him was his teammate, Deon Watson.

Cowan and Watson came to Idaho as wide receivers with Idaho pedigrees and made the switch to a hybrid tight end role in spring 2015. Now, they’re poised for huge senior seasons for an offense loaded with receiving options.

“When Coach (Paul Petrino) had Deon and Trent become hybrid receiver/tight end guys, that like doubled our depth right away,” offensive coordinator Kris Cinkovich said. “And then those guys are on the field all the time. They’re both really good players. Really good, accomplished players.”

Cowan had the fourth-most receiving yards among FBS tight ends last year (624 on 48 catches) and was named to the preseason watch list for the Mackay Award, given to the nation’s best tight end.

QB Matt Linehan, his roommate for several years, calls him the hardest-working player on the team. That shows

BETTER BOOTER Last year, Austin Rehkow was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award, given to the nation’s top placekicker, and a first-team Sun Belt Conference punter. But the Spokane native wants to cap his decorated career with more.

His specific goals: improve in the percentage of his kickoffs that reach the end zone and rank at the top of the FBS in net punting. “Whether it be a 70-yard punt or a 35-yard punt we drop inside the 5, whatever’s going to make it harder for the offense, that’s ultimately my goal,” Rehkow said.

MIKE BRESKE R Josh Wright, Correspondent

UI STATS

Total offense Passing offense

Defensive yards allowed

DEPTH, EXPERIENCE BOLSTERS DEFENSE

7,000 yards 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 2006

COACH Erickson

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Akey

Akey

Akey

Akey

Akey

Akey*

Petrino

Petrino

Petrino

*Gesser coached last four games of 2012 OVERALL

12 10 8 6 4 2 0

W

L

CONFERENCE

0

W

L

Ind.

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Avg. points/ 16.9 game

21.5

19.6

32.6

26.6

20.3

15.8

18.2

22.9

30.1

-9

-14

-10

+2

-7

-17

-8

-9

-6

Turnover margin -1

SOURCE: Staff research

in the time he’s spent in the weight room. The 6-foot-3 Camas, Washington, product is up to 230 pounds after playing at 220 last season. (He weighed 205 to 210 in his first two years as a receiver).

One reason for bulking up was to help improve his run blocking, something he noticed was improved during preseason camp.

“He really pretty much does everything right,” Linehan said of Cowan. “There’s not a whole lot of negative. To see him have to transition from receiver to tight end, having to gain all the weight, he was very committed to that.”

Watson, a fifth-year senior from Coeur d’Alene, has used his athleticism and basketball player’s frame (6-4, 221) to contribute since he was a redshirt freshman in 2013. Last year, he caught 42 passes for 551 yards and led UI with seven receiving TDs. One more year of he and Cowan on the field at the same time is an enticing prospect for UI players and coaches.

“Deon’s a great player,” Cowan said. “He’s going to cause a bunch of mismatches. And if they go heavy to him, we can go back to me and a bunch of other wide receivers or vice versa.”

MOLLY QUINN mollyq@spokesman.com

Tony Lashley, who missed MOSCOW – Mike some of fall camp, is also Breske’s last two defensive expected to return after coordinator jobs have been being injured most of 2015. on the Palouse, first at They’ll be joined by Washington State and now several impact defenders: at Idaho.

Kaden Elliss, a linebacker If you’re wondering if he who was second on the has a fondness for the Breske team in tackles as a true area’s rolling wheat fields freshman last year; senior tackle or chose UI so he could stay in Tueni Lupeamanu, the leader of the region, think again. the line; and junior cornerback “There’s nothing wrong with Dorian Clark, who had a great the area,” Breske said. “But in fall camp, Breske said. this profession, you go where With a strong core back, the you go.”

Vandals are looking to improve The Vandals are entering Year on the 13 sacks they had last year 2 of Breske’s 3-4 defensive – their lowest total since 2008 – scheme, and they’re hoping to and 17 takeaways. show more than the occasional “Our defense believes we are glimmer of promise they did going to be dominant this year,” defensively last year. They Elliss said. “We believe we’re allowed 42.1 points per game last going to get a ton of sacks, a ton year, tied for fifth-most in the of turnovers. We believe we’re FBS and nearly five more points going to shut teams down and per game than in 2014. play how we did when we Breske expects increased played well last year, because depth and experience to lead to there were some games we better results. Fifth-year senior played really well against solid Jayshawn Jordan, who moved to opponents and others games we safety from cornerback, returns didn’t against teams we should after missing all but three games have played really well against.” last year to injury. Linebacker

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SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

COLLEGE FOOTBALL 2016 EAGLES’ 2016 SCHEDULE

ALL TIMES PACIFIC

SEPT. 3: @Washington St., 5 p.m.

SEPT. 10: @N. Dakota St., 12:30 p.m.

SEPT. 17: vs. Northern Iowa, 4 p.m.

SEPT. 24: @Northern Arizona, 4 p.m.

OCT. 1: vs. UC Davis, 1 p.m.

OCT. 8: vs. Northern Colorado, 1 p.m.

OCT. 15: BYE, no game scheduled OCT. 22: @Montana St., 11 a.m.

OCT. 29: vs. Montana, 12:30 p.m.

NOV. 5: @Cal Poly, 6 p.m.

NOV. 12: vs. Idaho St., 3:30 NOV. 18: @Portland St., 7:30 p.m.

EXPECT SUCCESS Superstar Kupp epitomizes attitude at Eastern Washington

TYLER TJOMSLAND tylert@spokesman.com

FCS player of the year Cooper Kupp could have left for the NFL after his junior season, but he preferred to stay and build on the success at Eastern Washington.

Story by Jim Allen R jima@spokesman.com, (509) 459-5437

A

s Cooper Kupp considered his future last winter, he felt pulled by the chance for pro football fame and fortune.

And yes, the glory. But what about the guts? Like many other Eastern Washington football players, Kupp’s competitive fire was stoked in Cheney. That meant a lot to the All-American wide receiver even as the Eagles were coming off a disappointing 6-5 season. Said Kupp: “We knew we had guys and coaches who were going to put everything they had into making sure that we were better this year and that we weren’t going to take a step backwards.”

Call it high expectations, something Kupp shares with the entire Eastern program. Four years ago, the lightly recruited kid from Yakima joined a program that was coming off another disappointing 6-5 season in 2011.

Three Big Sky Conference titles later, expectations haven’t changed. Deep playoff runs are the norm, not 6-5. Those lofty goals have become second nature at Eastern, which has made a habit of exceeding them for as long as most fans can remember.

Barely four decades ago, the Eastern Washington College Savages were playing NAIA ball and losing to Whitworth. By five touchdowns. A decade later, the Eastern Washington University Eagles had jumped two classifications and made the second round of the NCAA I-AA playoffs.

That could have happened only with a persistent – and controversial – push from then EWU President H. George Frederickson.

The Eagles have always done it their own way, overcoming tiny budgets as well the region’s long-held perception of EWU as a commuter school. They’ve done it with some gimmickry – rivals see red at Roos Field in more ways than one – but mostly with innovative coaching that goes back long before current boss Beau Baldwin.

Baldwin says it all the time – the 2010 national title was won on the backs of those who came before. There was Dick Zornes, who guided the Eagles through the warp-speed transition from NAIA to Division II to I-AA.

DAN PELLE danp@spokesman.com

Cooper Kupp has established himself as one of the best receivers in the country.

It was a place many felt the Eagles didn’t belong, but they fit right in. Mike Kramer followed with more success, including a 1-AA semifinal appearance in 1997. His successor, Paul Wulff, led three more postseason runs before leaving for Washington State and leaving a winning tradition for Baldwin.

Kupp may be the current poster boy for high expectations at Eastern, but Baldwin provided the canvas.

“Not a day goes by that I’m not thankful to have him working for us,” said athletic director Bill

Chaves, who was on the job for only a few months when Wulff departed for Pullman.

“I thought Beau was the right person at the right time, and he loves the Spokane area and the state of Washington,” Chaves said.

Baldwin also loves to recruit in-state kids. More than half the roster consists of Evergreen State kids who didn’t measure up to Pac-12 standards – until they arrived in Cheney.

In the last four years, Eastern has played all four Pac-12 programs in the Northwest, getting outscored by an average of only 47-40 and beating Oregon State in the 2013 season opener.

“It’s a tribute to our players and coaches, they way they approach the season – we have as good a chance to win as anyone,” Chaves said.

It’s the same story in the Big Sky Conference, where Montana and Montana State once stood a shoulder above the crowd; both schools are 1-4 in their last five meetings with the Eagles despite the advantages of tradition, fan base and facilities.

Eastern is still chasing excellence in the latter.

With 8,600 seats, Roos Field is among the smallest stadiums in the conference, and is showing its age at 49.

But Chaves has great expectations, too, as he works to replace or improve the stadium.

“Not a day goes by when I’m not working on it,” Chaves said.

EASTERN EAGLES Dec. 10, 1986 EWU admitted to the 1-AA Big Sky Conference seven

Dec. 13, 1997 First appearance

years after leaving the NAIA ranks for NCAA. Eags membership effective July 1, 1987.

1980

in the 1-AA semifinals.

1990

Sept. 18, 2004 Woodward Field expands to 8,700 seats.

Dec. 15 2005 Quarterback Erik Meyer

June 12, 2010 Installation begins of the red SprintTurf field that later

is the first Eagle to win the Walter Payton Award.

became known as “The Inferno.”

(Former Eagle star and All-Pro lineman Michael Roos donates $500,000 toward the new turf.)

Dec. 4, 2004 EWU appears in the second round of the Division I-AA playoffs for the first time since 1985.

The Eagles win third straight Big Sky title and their fourth in five years.

They claim a record fourth straight win over rival Montana earlier in the season.

2 2010

2000

Nov. 14, 1992 Eastern clinches its first Big Sky title.

Nov. 24, 2014

Jan. 4, 2008 EWU hires former offensive coordinator Beau Baldwin to lead the program after Paul Wulff leaves for WSU.

Jan. 7, 2011 Eastern wins its first FCS national championship in football defeating Delaware 20-19 in Frisco, Texas.

Jan. 6, 2012 QB Bo Levi Mitchell wins Payton award.

Jan. 8, 2016 Kupp wins third major award of the season, capturing FCS Offensive Player of the Year.

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

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GREAT EXPECTATIONS - EAGLES

RUN STOPS WITH SOMMER

EWU senior defensive tackle Matt Sommer prefers to lead by example.

By Jim Allen jima@spokesman.com, (509) 459-5437

Matt Sommer is ready to go out the way he came in – as a champion. The 300-pound defensive tackle was part of two straight Big Sky Conference title teams in 2013 and 2014. He expects to earn a third in this, his senior season.

“He’s been an anchor up front and he’s had an impact every year,” coach Beau Baldwin said. “He’s a class act and does things right in the classroom and treats people right. I’m excited for him to have a great senior year.”

Sommer is excited too, but it doesn’t always show. “I haven’t been a huge vocal guy in front of

TYLER TJOMSLAND tylert@spokesman.com

the players – I like leading by example,” he said.

To back that up, the run-stopping Sommer has 71 career tackles in his 40-game Eastern career, and his 24 starts are second among returning defensive players, behind linebacker Miquiyah Zamora’s 32.

Last year, Sommer was a third-team all-Big Sky selection after starting all 11 games.

If defensive improvement starts on the line, Sommer will be the one to step up. The Eagles struggled last year, especially on third down in November. Tough run defense on first and second down will help the Eagles get off the field.

“Not making the playoffs last year was pretty tough on all of us,” he said. “We weren’t happy with the way the season ended.”

Eastern opponents will undoubtedly focus on all-American wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who last year caught 114 balls for 1,642 yards and 19 touchdowns. But they’d better be aware of the other threats, especially Kendrick Bourne (73 catches, 998 yards and eight scores).

THE TURNOVER BATTLE

It’s trite but true – win the turnover battle and you likely win the game. Last year the Eagles went 6-5 while giving up seven more turnovers than their opponents. That’s a 15-turnover drop from 2014 when they went 11-3. Want more proof? The 2010 national championship team was plus-13.

WHO NEEDS FIELD GOALS?

Everyone. Last year, Eagle opponents converted 12 of 16 field-goal attempts, while Eastern attempted just six field goals – the lowest figure since the school moved to Division I play more than three decades ago. On the other hand, few were more important than Jordan Dascalo’s game-winning 44-yarder as time expired to give the Eagles a 43-41 win at Northern Colorado.

GET OFF THE FIELD

A big key to success for the Eagles will be third-down defense. Last year, opponents converted 49 percent of their chances (84 of 169), including 68 percent in the Eagles’ November losses to Northern Arizona, Montana and Portland State.

SEEING STARS

Included in the most recent recruiting class are some of the highest-rated athletes ever to commit to Eastern.

Among the players rated at two stars or higher by Rivals.com and Scout.com are quarterback Eric Barriere, running backs Antoine Custer, Tamarick Pierce and Jason Talley and offensive lineman Conner Crist.

.800

That’s Eastern’s winning percentage against both Montana and Montana State in the past five meetings with each school. EWU has won four straight against the Griz, a streak that ended last year. The Eagles are on a four-game win streak against the Bobcats.

EWU senior wide receiver Kendrick Bourne has made 125 catches for 1,812 yards and scored 19 total touchdowns for the Eagles since becoming a fulltime player in 2014.

73

Wins by EWU coach Beau Baldwin since he took over the program in 2008. Baldwin is 73-30 overall and 50-14 in Big Sky Conference games, tops for any Eastern coach.

17

The total turnovers forced by last year’s Eastern defense. Opponents had 24.

9

That’s how many straight winning seasons Eagles have posted since beginning the streak in 2007.

COLIN MULVANY PHOTO colinm@spokesman.com

EWU STATS

Total offense Passing offense

QUARTERBACKS R Jim Allen, jima@spokesman.com

Defensive yards allowed

TAYLOR ENJOYS DIVERSE QB TALENT

8,000 yards

6,000

4,000

2,000

0 2006

2007

COACH Wulff

Wulff

2008

2009

Baldwin Baldwin

OVERALL

W

2010

2011

Baldwin

Baldwin

L

2012

2013

Baldwin Baldwin

CONFERENCE

W

2014

2015

Baldwin

Baldwin

L

15 12 9 6 3 0

0 2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Avg. points/ 19.5 game

33.6

29.4

33.7

31.5

32.4

33.7

39.5

44.1

28.9

+12

+2

+15

+13

-2

+1

-5

+8

-7

Turnover margin +2

SOURCE: Staff research

MOLLY QUINN mollyq@spokesman.com

“Now we’re hitting the The quarterback ground running and tradition at Eastern focusing more attention Washington helped lure a to detail,” Taylor said. top coach to Cheney last Taylor certainly has year. the credentials to Troy Taylor, a star at Cal succeed. Until Jared Goff in the early 1990s and a broke his record last successful high school Taylor year, Taylor was the coach in Folsom, career passing leader at Cal, California, was eager for a new with 8,126 yards. He later challenge. served as an assistant coach “I knew they were prolific, and radio analyst for the Bears but I also was impressed that before serving for four years as there was a lot of carryover co-head coach at Folsom High from what we did at Folsom – School, near Sacramento, attacking the whole field,” California.

Taylor said of the Eagles’ Along with coach Beau passing game.

Baldwin, Taylor has installed a Now that passing game is in simpler offensive system.

Taylor’s hands. He’s working Says Baldwin: “It’s less with three dissimilar about what we’re doing and quarterbacks in Gage Gubrud, more about how we operate Reilly Hennessey and Jordan between plays that takes West – any of whom could things off the QB and allows start this year. him to do less “They’re all different but communication.” they’re all guys with a great For Hennessey, that means work ethic and great focus, more time on fundamentals and I really like all of them,” and “using good technique and said Taylor, who said he got a being good with our eyes and good feel for the Eagles’ quick with our feet.” system during spring ball.

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SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

COLLEGE FOOTBALL 2016

PIRATES’ 2016 SCHEDULE

ALL TIMES PACIFIC

SEPT. 3: vs. Central (Iowa), 1 p.m.

SEPT. 10: @Whittier, 11 a.m.

SEPT. 17: @La Verne, 11 a.m.

OCT. 1: @George Fox, 2 p.m.

OCT. 8: vs. Puget Sound, 1 p.m.

OCT. 15: @Pacific Lutheran, 1 p.m.

OCT. 22: vs. Linfield, 1 p.m.

OCT. 29: @Pacific (Ore.), 1:30 p.m.

NOV. 5: vs. Willamette, 12:30 p.m.

NOV. 12: @Lewis & Clark, 1 p.m.

DOING THE WORK Pirates’ continued excellence on field continues to generate wins

TYLER TJOMSLAND tylert@spokesman.com

Last year, preseason All-American tight end Nick Kiourkas had the most yards (603) and touchdowns (eight), while averaging 16.3 yards a reception for Whitworth.

By Thomas Clouse R tomc@spokesman.com, (509) 459-5495

T

he Whitworth Pirates pillaged every opponent they faced last year, save one monster that continues to bully the program, as it embraces the expectation of becoming the dominant Division III football program in the Northwest.

Behind an emerging defense and the up-tempo, pass-first offense of former Shadle Park coach Alan Stanfield, the Pirates raced to a nine-win season and reached the NCAA Division III playoffs for only the third time in program history. But the Pirates’ reward for earning an at-large postseason bid was to again face powerhouse Linfield, which earlier had crushed the Bucs 52-10. The playoff result was similar, a 48-10 thrashing.

“Whitworth, as a whole, is about winning Northwest Conference championships,” coach Rod Sandberg said. “We are definitely not there yet. You are not there until you beat them.

“But that’s not where our focus is. Our focus is doing the work to become champions. Then the winning and losing will take care of itself.”

The Pirates, who enter the season with a preseason ranking of No. 19 and have been picked by coaches to finish second in the league, return virtually all of the scoring punch that averaged 32.1 points per game. But the biggest difference in Year Two of the Sandberg era came on defense.

In 2014, the Pirates gave up just better than 34 points a game. If you take away the 100 points Whitworth surrendered to Linfield last season, the Bucs only gave up about 15 points a game, almost a three-touchdown improvement.

“Defensively, I think two major things happened,” Sandberg said. “That first year, we had to play a lot of young guys, even freshmen.

It’s hard to beat good teams in the good league we are in when you have to play a lot of freshmen.”

In addition to full year in the system of defense coordinator Adam Richbart, the defenders got stronger prior to 2015, he said.

“To play Richbart’s defense, you have to play physical,” Sandberg said. The scheme “is a lot more complex than most. Having a second year

TYLER TJOMSLAND tylert@spokesman.com

Kiourkas’ emphasis in Whitworth’s attack is carrying the ball more than blocking.

to learn it makes a massive difference.”

On offense, the Pirates return starting quarterback Ian Kolste, who has so many targets to throw to that Sandberg pointed out that the team may have all-conference-caliber receivers as backups.

But arguably the best of the group is a Spokane kid who has been playing Stanfield’s up-tempo offense for seven years: Nick Kiourkas.

The 6-3, 210-junior tight end from Shadle Park has been named a preseason All-American. While he didn’t have the most catches last season,

Kiourkas had the most yards (603) and touchdowns (eight), while averaging 16.3 yards a reception.

“He’s just a rock in the middle,” said Stanfield, who coached Kiourkas at Shadle Park. “He’s one of the fastest, strongest kids we have. He’s a guy you know will catch the tough ones.”

Kiourkas is a tight end in name only. He’s not asked to set the edge on running plays. Mostly, he sneaks through the middle of the defense to force linebackers or safeties to try to cover him.

“For seven years, that’s been my world,” Kiourkas said of Stanfield’s offense. “Just watching practice, it looks complicated. But it’s easy to me.”

In addition to Kolste, the team returns sophomore kicker Rehn Reiley, another preseason All-American, and a long list of receiving threats, including starter Mike McKeown (55 receptions), Garrett McKay (53), Kevin Thomas (Gonzaga Prep, 38) and both leading rushers Duke DeGaetano (800 yards) and Griffin Hare (Gonzaga Prep, 193).

Facing all those offensive threats in practice can only make the defense better, Richbart said.

“He’s a pain in my” behind, Richbart said of Stanfield. “In one sense, it’s great because it stretches us. It’s good for our guys. But, it’s an obvious challenge because we are getting ready to play teams that are very different.”

WHITWORTH PIRATES 2013 Oak Harbor’s 6-1, 188-pound Ian Kolste arrives at Whitworth to play quarterback.

He starts three games as a freshman.

Dec. 16, 2013 Sept. 6, 2014 Whitworth hires The Pirates open the Sandberg era with a Rod Sandberg, who was the defensive coordinator for Division III football power Wheaton (Illinois) College.

It’s Sandberg’s first job as head coach.

2013 Nov. 19, 2013 After 19 years Whitworth parts ways with longtime coach John Tully, who won the most games (100) of any coach in Pirates’ history. Tully’s departure followed a disappointing 4-6 overall record and 2-4 campaign in the Northwest Conference.

dominating 63-10 rout of Lewis & Clark at the Pine Bowl. Some 10 receivers caught passes as the Pirates piled up 357 passing yards.

2014

2014 After becoming injured his sophomore year, Kolste is granted a medical hardship waiver.

Nov. 14, 2015

2015 Summer 2015

Whitworth brings in 46 recruits and four transfers in Sandberg’s largest recruiting class to date. The team returns nearly all of its top offensive players, including quarterback Kolste, pre-season All-American tight end Nick Kiourkas and all-conference place kicker Rehn Reiley.

Nov. 15, 2015

Pirates take down Lewis & Clark 47-19 in the Pine Bowl to secure a 9-1 overall record (6-1 NWC). It was only the fifth time in school history that the Pirates had reached nine wins.

Pirates are selected for an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III playoffs. It marked only the third time in program history that the Pirates had reached the playoffs. The Pirates lost 48-10 to Linfield in the opening round.

2016 Sept. 12, 2015

2015

2016

A year after the defense gave up a total of 341 points to its opponents in 10 games, the Pirates open the 2015 season and defensive coordinator Adam Richbart’s crew sacks the Whittier quarterback six times in a 47-11 win that was over by halftime.

In Kolste’s second shot as a sophomore, he throws for 2,810 yards and 19 touchdowns and leads the team to 9-2 record and a berth into the NCAA Division III playoffs.

Kolste returns this season as a junior.

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

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RICHBART SAYS DEPTH RAISES THE BAR (East Valley), who chose to focus on baseball.

“We are nearly five players deep at

By Thomas Clouse tomc@spokesman.com, (509) 459-5495 every position, which is great for us,” Richbart said. “There is competition all around, with older guys battling to keep When Whitworth hired Rod Sandberg their spots, too. When players go on the to lead the football program in December scout team, they are competing to keep a 2013, the first defensive coach he brought spot on the depth chart. It just raised the on board was Adam Richbart. bar for everybody.”

Sandberg coached Richbart when he The team returns defensive ends Daniel played at Wheaton College (Illinois) and Portillo and Mac Shaw, who was injured then brought him to Spokane to help for much of last year, and 262-pound rebuild the Pirates’ defense.

Aaron Powe received fifth year of A year after giving up 34 points a game, eligibility. The team also returns leading the Pirates led the conference and was tackler Patch Kulp at linebacker and gets third in NCAA Division III in turnover TYLER TJOMSLAND tylert@spokesman.com Luke Peterson back from injury. margin (plus-1.8 per game) and was sixth On the outside, all-conference in the nation in turnovers gained (30) as And this spring, the program brought in 46 linebacker Dalin McDonnell returns, as Sandberg said. “He has a tremendous the team qualified for the NCAA playoffs does cornerback Taylor Roelofs. for only the third time in program history. amount of loyalty and I wanted to reward freshmen and four transfers.

“Some returning starters are getting Now Richbart has several returning that.”

In the offseason, Sandberg promoted challenges from guys coming up from starters and juniors and seniors are Richbart said he had to move players Richbart to associate head coach. behind them,” he said. “The competition is “I’d known him as an athlete. He knows just to fill positions in 2014. Then last year, competing to fill holes, including the loss just pushing everybody.” of all-conference linebacker JT Phelan the team started to develop some depth. me better than anyone on the staff,”

WHITWORTH DEFENSE

Whitworth defensive coordinator Adam Richbart says the Pirates are nearly five-deep at every position.

TYLER TJOMSLAND tylert@spokesman.com

Mt. Spokane product Chase Naccarrato was productive on the FCS level with Montana, but chose to transfer to Whitworth for his final season.

MORE THE MERRIER

Montana transfer Naccarato gives Pirates another threat in passing game

By Thomas Clouse

with the way we like to throw the ball, we need to bring in a boat-load of players every year.”

For Naccarato, 22, he gets to pursue his passion in front of those people he cares about most.

“It’s going to be fun to play in front of my friends and family,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to it.”

Halfway through training camp, Naccarato had to deal with some nagging injuries. But he said learning Alan Stanfield’s uptempo offense wasn’t a problem at all.

“This is my fourth offense in five years,” he said. “I’m familiar with picking things up. I played at a higher level. I think I bring a lot of experience to the table.”

“I think we could be the best receiver corps in the country.”

tomc@spokesman.com, (509) 459-5495

Whitworth’s high-octane offense returns all of its receivers this season. The Pirates weren’t looking for another pass catcher, but the program got just that as Chase Naccarato decided to transfer from Montana to return to his hometown to play for the Pirates.

Last year at Montana, the 5-foot-8, 170-pound junior speedster caught 45 passes for 245 yards.

“I left Montana for personal reasons,” said Naccarato, who played high school ball at Mt. Spokane. “My first love was football. I wasn’t ready to be done. I just wanted to come home to finish my career.”

Chase Naccarato Whitworth senior wide receiver, after going through practices with last year’s starters Nick Kiourkas, Michael McKeown, Garrett McKay and Brett Moser

Naccarato joins a deep receiving corps that returns all of its top performers. It also gets the services of Brett Moser, who missed last season as he dealt with cancer.

“We really, really have a very talented and deep receiver corps,” coach Rod Sandberg said. “But

WHITWORTH STATS

Total offense Passing offense

But in 2015, the defense allowed only 21.2 points a game, which is an improvement of about two touchdowns per game. And if you take away the 100 points the Pirates surrendered to Linfield in the two losses, the defense allowed 14.9 points per game.

Defensive yards allowed

5,000 yards

TYLER TJOMSLAND PHOTO The S-R

4,000

41ST 3,000

DISTANT THIRD In 2015, Whitworth quarterback Ian Kolste threw for 2,810 yards, ranking No. 22 in yardage for all of Division III. But he ranked 12th in the nation in passes completed per game with 24.5.

The Pirates were tied for 38th nationally with 269.5 passing yards a game. In comparison, Northwest Conference foe Puget Sound was seventh with 347.1 and Linfield was 13th with 297.2.

D-UP While offensive coordinator Alan Stanfield pushes the number of plays on offense, the defense did a much better job in coach Rod Sandberg’s second season. In 2014, the Whitworth defense allowed an average of 34.1 points per game as the team finished with a 6-4 record.

When adding in the 519 yards quarterback Ian Kolste added on the ground, he averaged 270.8 yards per game in total yards, which ranked 41st in the nation.

2,000

1,000

0 COACH

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Tully

Tully

Tully

Tully

Tully

Tully

Tully

Tully

OVERALL

12 10 8 6 4 2 0

W

L

CONFERENCE

W

2014

2015

Sandberg Sandberg

In the first year of running Whitworth’s offense, Stanfield increased the number of offensive plays per game from 73.2 a contest in 2013 to 90.5 in 2014, an increase of 17.3 plays per game.

L

0 2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Avg. points/ 27.5 game

29.2

30.4

22.4

24.4

27.5

32.4

28.5

38.5

32.1

Turnover margin +15

+24

+9

-2

+7

+8

+8

+19

+4

+17

SOURCE: Staff research

17 MORE

MOLLY QUINN mollyq@spokesman.com

PILING UP In addition to running more plays, Whitworth scored 100 more points and gained 859 more yards – or an average of 86 more yards and 10 more points a game – in 2014 over the last year under coach John Tully.

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College football 2016 HUSKIES’ 2016 SCHEDULE

ALL TIMES PACIFIC

SEPT. 3: vs. Rutgers, 11 a.m.

SEPT. 10: vs. Idaho, 2 p.m.

SEPT. 17: vs. Portland St., 5 p.m.

SEPT. 24: @Arizona, TBA SEPT. 30: vs. Stanford, 6 p.m.

OCT. 8: @Oregon, TBA

OCT. 22: vs. Oregon St., TBA OCT. 29: @Utah, TBA NOV. 5: @California, TBA NOV. 12: vs. Southern Cal, TBA NOV. 19: Arizona St., TBA NOV. 25: @WSU., 12:30 p.m.

NO LABELS HERE Huskies offense deliberately unpredictable

FILE The Spokesman-Review

Washington quarterback Jake Browning, left, is being given more to process with the Huskies offense this season.

By Adam Jude R Seattle Times

I

n a Pac-12 North Division where their rivals rely on signature offensive styles, the Huskies’ offense isn’t easily labeled. It’s not Washington State’s Air Raid passing attack. It’s not Oregon’s blur tempo. It’s not Stanford’s pound-you-into-submission force. Those characterizations might be overly simplified – no offense is entirely one thing – but there isn’t a simple descriptor for the Huskies’ offense. It’s many things, by design: It’s part spread, part pistol, part trickery – and, for many Husky fans the past two seasons, part maddening. En route to a 7-6 finish last season, the Huskies ranked ninth in the Pac-12 in total offense (403.1 yards per game) and ninth in scoring (30.6 points). They averaged 6.0 yards per play, which ranked seventh in the conference.

The Huskies ran just 67.2 plays per game last season – among Pac-12 teams, only Oregon State (65.8) and Stanford (66.3) averaged fewer – and they plan to continue to operate at a deliberate pace, in large part because they believe that’s the best way to set up their own defense for success.

That UW defense, the Pac-12’s best in 2015, has made life difficult for the UW offense throughout fall camp this month. Part of that, UW coaches say, is because they have introduced new plays and new formations on offense, and it’s taken time for sophomore quarterback Jake Browning et al to find a rhythm with those.

“We had a stretch there with some back-to-back days that were pretty good,” offensive coordinator Jonathan Smith said this week. “But we’ve come back to reality a little bit, too. So we’ll find out. I feel better than I did a year ago, no doubt.”

The No. 14 Huskies, a 22-point favorite against Rutgers for their Saturday opener, are giving Browning more to process in his second year. Depending on what formation a defense is showing, UW coach Chris Petersen said Browning has many options to alter or tweak a play call.

“There might be 20 things where it’s like, ‘If (the defense) gives us this, you’re going to this,’ ” Petersen said. “That’s different than a lot of college football. A lot of college football is run fast and we’ll catch ’em off guard and we’re going.”

The Huskies’ “multiple” offense features many two- and three-tight-end formations, and they move – or “motion,” in the vernacular – their tight ends, and others, before the snap more than most. That’s often a

Associated Press

Running back Myles Gaskin has his eyes on another 1,000-yard season.

way to help the QB read the defense.

The goal, Petersen said, is to be balanced – about 50-50 on run-pass plays – and unpredictable. One week they might throw the

ball 52 times, as they did against Arizona State last November; another game, they might have only 21 pass attempts, as they did a week later against Oregon State.

“Ideally, still, you’re a balanced run-pass team,” Petersen said. “We just always feel like – a good team in our eyes, for our style, is we can run the ball. And a lot of things get set up off that.”

The hope is that UW’s offense, the youngest in school history last year, will benefit from some of its growing pains. The coaches are confident in Browning, and sophomore Myles Gaskin gives them a proven running back with designs on another 1,000-yard season.

Petersen also brought in former colleague Jeff Tedford, the longtime California coach, to be a consultant for the offense. On game days, the plan is for Tedford to travel with the team and to be in the coaches’ box with Smith.

UW’s offensive game plan has always been a collaborative effort anyway – with Petersen, Smith and assistants Chris Strausser and Keith Bhonapha all having input – and Tedford gives them another experienced presence to lean on.

Going up against the Pac-12’s top defense each day in practice, the Huskies hope, should also pay off on Saturdays.

“I know we’ve got a long way to go,” said Strausser, UW’s offensive line coach. “We line up against a really talented defense every day, and that’s really challenging to walk away from (feeling) really, really confident. But with that being said, I think we feel good about the guys. … There definitely is more of a comfort level.”

Beyond being “multiple,” the Huskies’ offense probably won’t be easily defined again this season. But it should be better.

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL 2016

BRONCOS’ 2016 SCHEDULE

ALL TIMES PACIFIC

SEPT. 3: @Louisiana-Lafayette, 9 a.m.

SEPT. 10: vs.Washington St., 7:15 p.m.

SEPT. 24: @Oregon St., TBA OCT. 1: vs. Utah St., TBA OCT. 7: @New Mexico, 6 p.m.

OCT. 15: Colorado St., TBA

OCT. 20: vs. BYU, 7:15 p.m.

OCT. 29: @Wyoming, 4 p.m.

NOV. 4: vs. San Jose St., 7:15 p.m.

NOV. 12: @Hawaii, 4 p.m.

NOV. 18: vs. UNLV, 6 p.m.

NOV. 25: @Air Force, 12:30 p.m.

KYLE GREEN Idaho Statesman

Shadle Park graduate and Boise State quarterback Brett Rypien leads the Broncos against visiting Washington State on Sept. 10.

NO ROCK UNTURNED Rypien’s preparation rituals have become legendary at Boise State

By Dave Southorn Idaho Statesman

T

his summer, Brett Rypien had a nightmare. He talked to his father, Tim, the next morning.

“Apparently in it, he wasn’t prepared for the Washington State game,” Tim said.

“That’s pretty ironic in a lot of ways.”

Boise State’s sophomore quarterback will be more than ready for the Sept. 10 home opener against the Cougars, where his uncle, Mark, starred before launching an 11-year NFL career.

Being prepared is perhaps the trait that most helped Rypien, a Shadle Park graduate, post an unparalleled debut season last year, a trait he’s grown up with his entire life.

“Honestly, I have bad dreams like that all the time, like I hadn’t watched any film on who we’re playing, didn’t know what was in the game plan,” Rypien said. “That might be normal, I don’t know.

But preparation, my uncle was big into that. It’s something I took from him: my parents are always overprepared.

“It’s the biggest thing to being a quarterback, the one thing I can always pride myself on, knowing I’m ready.”

It started from something as simple as laying out his baseball uniform before games when he was 5 years old, and it has turned into a yearlong process to be perfectly confident for a dozen or so fall days.

“Of course, it evolved and changed. He took it to heart and everything that he did to get ready, he took it to the nth degree,” Tim Rypien said.

That mindset was key in allowing the young Rypien to hit the ground running last September, when he was pressed into duty in the Broncos’ third game, the first true freshman to play quarterback at Boise State since Tony Hilde in 1993.

Rypien started the final 10 games, earning first-team All-Mountain West honors and completing 63.6 percent of his passes for 3,353

Associated Press

Brett Rypien completed 63.6 percent of his passes for 3,353 yards and 20 TDs last season.

yards and 20 touchdowns to eight interceptions.

“If you knew Brett, you weren’t surprised,” former Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore said.

“There are a lot of people that can throw the ball great, but it comes down to making great decisions, and the No. 1 part is being prepared.”

Preparation is what first-year co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Zak Hill noticed when he was hired in January.

“Brett’s a special player. He prepares like no other,” Hill said. “He’s a very hard worker, he’s very dedicated, he cares about football and cares about the people around him. He’s kind of got that ‘it’ factor.”

Said senior offensive lineman Mario Yakoo: “He’s the smartest quarterback I’ve played with since I’ve been here. Brett’s taken it to the next level. I’ve never seen somebody as dedicated as him. ... He enjoyed being thrown into the fire, compared to some people that might shy away from the limelight, but he wanted it.”

That maniacal approach is most apparent to the guys who live with Rypien. Junior running back Jeremy McNichols said the quarterback grasped

the playbook within months, even though it took him “a long time.”

“At home, he’s always watching film on his iPad. He’ll come to my room and be like, ‘I need you to do this on this play.’ ... It’s been (like that) since January,” McNichols said.

Sophomore defensive end Jabril Frazier, another housemate, can’t help but be inspired, even if it means getting up early.

“We won’t have meetings until 8 o’clock, and he’s there at 6 o’clock. I’m still in bed, like, ‘Man, I wish I was like that guy,’ ” Frazier said.

Frazier said Rypien will often ask him about defensive concepts, trying to get into the mind of the guys trying to stop him.

The concept of leading by example has been put forth by Rypien, despite only a year and a half on campus. Head coach Bryan Harsin said Rypien spent the offseason watching every snap he took to hone in on needed areas of improvement.

“We microwaved him to get him out there. We like them to marinate a little bit, but we had to throw him out there fast,” Harsin said. “He self-evaluates the way we all should. He’s honest about it. He can put the good with the bad.

“Some guys can’t always lead because they don’t do all the work. He works. He puts in the time, he’s there early, he’s there late, first on, last off.”

Last summer, Rypien was willing to take a backseat during player-run practices, but it was his show this year. His sophomore year of high school, he organized summer workouts, a first at the school.

With the Broncos this summer, Rypien said “it was more about the quantity,” that he would get running backs, tight ends and receivers with him to watch game or practice film, “because I want them thinking like me a little bit.”

Once a week, he would try to work with two or three receivers at a time to get in as many throws as possible.

“He’s always looking for that extra edge,” Tim Rypien said.

Your Coug Gear Here

FIND ND D

Spokane (509)309-2050 618 W. Riverside Avenue Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. wsuconnections.com

\ʝʦɠ 8 \ʝʦɠ 8ʜʖɃʑUʣLʤɨ ʝʨȸHɍ VWʝȾɏ 8ʜʖɃʑUʣLʤɨ ʝʨȸHɍ VWʝȾɏ

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GREAT EXPECTAT COUGARS’ 2016 SCHEDULE SEPT. 3: vs. E. Washington, 5 p.m.

SEPT. 10: @ Boise St., 7:12 p.m.

SEPT. 17: vs. Idaho, 11 a.m.

OCT. 1: vs. Oregon, TBA OCT. 8: @Stanford, TBA OCT. 15: vs. UCLA, TBA

“I think last year at this time it was clouded a little more with optimism than true confidence. True confidence is where after you take a shot or something, you’re still confident.

So we’ll find out but I do feel like we’re a little ahead of that.”

Mike Leach WSU head football coach

“We know what we have, we know we have the ability to be a really good team. I think that gives you the extra get-up in the morning when you’re feeling sorry for yourself on Friday, and all your friends are back home and you’re here.”

Parker Henry Cougars senior defensive back

QB Luke Falk, left, and WR Gabe Marks are two big reasons for growing optimism in Pullman.

TYLER TJOMSLAND tylert@spokesman.com

PELLUER OK WITH DOING DEFENSE’S DIRTY WORK When a person is part of a legacy like the Pelluers, it can be tough to stand out above the crowd. Sure, Peyton Pelluer will likely be a four-year starter for the Washington State defense. Just like his dad, Scott.

Maybe the junior will win some All-Conference honors or have a long, notable NFL career. Either way, he will be following in uncle Steve’s footsteps.

For Peyton Pelluer, a fourth-generation WSU football player, the sum of his family name’s football achievements will likely always outweigh his own contributions.

Fortunately for Pelluer, he excels even without an extra Pelluer helping of glory.

As the middle linebacker in Washington State’s defense, Pelluer is never going to rack up many sacks, nor is he likely to return many interceptions. Pelluer is simply tasked with doing the hard, painful tasks that make the defense work.

The Cougars like to force most plays to the middle, where a collision between blockers and would-be tacklers take place. Pelluer is in the center of it all, sifting through the colliding bodies so he can wrestle a ball carrier to the ground. Every time he loses that struggle, the defense pays dearly.

“This defense is all about forcing plays to your teammates and the people who run to the ball,” Pelluer said. “It’s predicated on effort and running to the ball.”

24

WSU STATS

Total offense Passing offense

Turnovers forced by the WSU defense after forcing only eight in 2014. New defensive coordinator Alex Grinch emphasized takeaways in his first season and the Cougars tripled their previous season total.

Defensive yards allowed

7,000 yards 6,000 5,000

27.7

4,000

Points allowed per game by the WSU defense, which gave up 35.0 in 2014. The WSU defense came up big when the offense struggled in wins over Wyoming, Colorado and Miami.

3,000 2,000 1,000 0 COACH

14

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Doba

Doba

Wulff

Wulff

Wulff

Wulff

Leach

Leach

Leach

Leach

Returning starters off last year's 9-4 team. The Cougars are finally an experienced team, with Luke Falk, Gabe Marks, Cole Madison, Shalom Luani, Riley Sorenson and Hercules Mata'afa all coming back after earning All-Conference honors in 2015.

OVERALL

W

CONF E RE NCE

L

W

L

12 10 8 6 4 2 0 2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Avg. points/ 24.6 game

7

25.7

12.7

12

19.6

29.8

20.4

31

31.8

31.5

-2

-25

-7

-1

-4

-9

-5

-17

-1

Home games to be played in Martin Stadium, the most since 1999. The Cougars will play many of their most difficult games – against teams like Oregon, UCLA and Washington – in front of their home fans.

Turnover margin +6

SOURCE: Staff research

MOLLY QUINN mollyq@spokesman.com

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TIONS - COUGARS ALL TIMES PACIFIC OCT. 22: @Arizona St., TBA OCT. 29: @Oregon St., TBA NOV. 5: vs. Arizona, TBA

NOV. 12: vs. California, TBA NOV. 19: @Colorado, TBA NOV. 25: vs. Washington, 12:30 p.m.

Confidence evident at WSU, but Cougs are . . .

FAR FROM FINISHED

Stories by Jacob Thorpe R jacobt@spokesman.com, (509) 710-8070

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ULLMAN – Don’t let anybody tell you that people aren’t paying attention to Washington State football. The evidence is overwhelming.

Season ticket sales are up by 2,000 from a comparable point last season, and will likely break the school record, which is believed to be just under 14,000.

The Cougars sold out just two games last season, but have already sold out the Oct. 1 game against Oregon, and there are scarcely any tickets remaining for the team’s season-opener against Eastern Washington or the Apple Cup. Matt Zollinger, the assistant athletic director in charge of ticket sales and service, is even more optimistic.

“I expect all our games to continue trending in the right direction with the goal of selling out all seven games this season,” Zollinger said.

The boundaries of increased expectations of the Cougars this year extend well outside the fan base. The Cougars received votes in the Associated Press Top-25 preseason poll for the first time since 2002, with a few writers ranking WSU in the teens.

These writers see a team that won nine games last season, improving as the year went on. A program that fired its defensive coordinator the previous offseason, lost to FCS Portland State in the opener, struggled against weak opponents Rutgers and Wyoming, but later in the year was beating tough, talented teams on the road.

The Cougars return an All-Conference quarterback and wide receiver in Luke Falk and Gabe Marks, talented and experienced offensive linemen and running backs, and the major players from a defense that shut down Miami in the team’s 2015 Sun Bowl win.

And the hype is building. On June 15, the MGM Grand sports book in Las Vegas gave the Cougars 150-to-1 odds of winning the 2017 college football playoff. As of Aug. 22, WSU is now given 60-to-1 odds.

See WSU, T21

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY CO UGARS Nov. 16, 2011 WSU athletic director Bill Moos flies to Key West, Florida, to meet with Mike Leach.

Jan. 15, 2012

Nov. 29, 2011 Paul Wulff is fired after

Wide receiver Gabe Marks becomes the first consensus four-star recruit to commit to Mike Leach’s fledgling program.

leading the Cougars to a 9-40 record over four seasons.

2011

2012

Nov. 19, 2011 WSU’s fifth consecutive losing season is ensured by a loss at home to Utah in overtime

Nov. 23, 2013

Dec. 21, 2013

Oct. 10, 2015

Dec. 27, 2015

The Cougars end a decade-long bowl drought by defeating Utah, ensuring a .500 record.

WSU plays in the New Mexico Bowl, its first bowl game in a decade, but lets a 15-point lead slip away in the final minutes against Colorado State.

The Cougars upset Oregon at Autzen Stadium in overtime, gaining national recognition just a month after losing to FCS Portland State.

Gabe Marks, a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist in 2015, announces he will return for his senior year, joining a team full of returning starters “to get the Cougars back to a Rose Bowl.”

2013

Nov. 30, 2011

Aug. 30, 2012

Mike Leach is announced as the 33rd coach in school history.

Leach’s first game at WSU is a 30-6 blowout loss at his alma mater, BYU.

Sept. 8, 2012 Inauguration of the $65 million southside stadium project the third phase of Martin Stadium’s capital projects.

2 2014

2015

June 3, 2014

Nov. 8, 2014

Washington State unveils the $61 million Cougar Football Complex, an 84,192-squarefoot building with a weight room, offices, training rooms and locker room.

Luke Falk makes his first start.

The walk-on quarterback leads the Cougars to a 39-32 win at Oregon State and is named the Pac-12 offensive player of the week.

Dec. 26, 2015 WSU beats Miami in the Sun Bowl, capping a nine-win season.

GRINCH NOT RESTING ON LAURELS

TYLER TJOMSLAND tylert@spokesman.com

Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch has changed the mindset at WSU.

WSU’s defensive coordinator search following the 2014 season lasted longer than anyone predicted, and was more successful than any but the true Pollyannas dared to dream.

Alex Grinch, who two years ago was the safeties coach at Missouri, took less than a season to overhaul the WSU defense. Former starters were relegated to the bottom of the depth chart, schemes were made more complex but clearer to the players, and the Cougars started moving before the snap.

More than anything else, Grinch brought a sense of purpose to the defense. That purpose was to create turnovers.

Before Grinch coached a practice at WSU, he told reporters “The brainwashing needs to begin in earnest so the guys under- stand their responsibility is to get the ball back for the offense.”

And that’s exactly the affect Grinch had on the defense.

The Cougars won nine games last season because the defense forced 24 turnovers, triple the 2014 tally. The team beat Miami in the Sun Bowl thanks to two late takeaways when the Hurricanes offense was in prime scoring position.

Now that Grinch has a full year under his belt and a deep, talented secondary that knows his system, WSU’s ball-hawking ways should be even more apparent this year.

“I think the biggest thing is you have a better idea how people might attack you after a year’s time,” Grinch said.

“That doesn’t make it any easier, but by the same token you have hundreds of snaps to study. That’s probably the biggest thing. There are things we know we’ll see because we had a year against them.”

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Mt. Spokane favored, but league wide open

GRAB BAG GSL 3A R Greg Lee, gregl@spokesman.com, (509) 844-8168

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oing into the 2016 season, the Greater Spokane League 3A football teams are still a bit of a mystery. The best hope is that the four teams will be competitive among themselves. And that nonleague and crossover games with the 4A GSL teams will get them ready to go toe-to-toe when they start playing each other in October. Mt. Spokane is given the nod to earn what is believed to be one play-in berth.

The league has applied to glue-in with a western Washington district but won’t find out from the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association definitely if they’ll receive a second berth until October.

NORTHEAST 2B

ASOTIN JUMPS INTO FRAY WITH LRS

By Josh Horton joshho@spokesman.com

League schedulers were not generous to Northeast 2B newcomer Asotin.

The Panthers’ first league foe?

Four-time defending Northeast 2B champion Lind-Ritzville/Sprague.

The Broncos will host Asotin for the highly-anticipated Week 1 league matchup.

“We don’t have a lot of time to slip up,” Asotin coach Jim Holman said of playing LRS, which won state titles in 2012 and 2013. “We need to hit full stride. The intensity has been higher in the first weeks of practice than it has in the past.”

Starting this season, Northeast 2B teams will only play nine league games. The league sits at 10 teams with the addition of Asotin, making it possible for a nine-game, round-robin schedule.

It’s a big adjustment for Asotin, which played only three league games in its previous league, the Southeast 2B. While it will take some getting used to, Asotin is expected to compete from Day 1 in Northeast 2B. Blake Magnuson, who passed for 1,301 yards and rushed for 465 last season, is a big reason why.

“He’s the center point of our offense,” Holman said.

The Panthers also return their top three rushers from last season, seniors Jake Dilling and Pate Earl and junior Colton Ball, all of whom were all-league picks last season.

While dominant in years past, LRS graduated many of its key players from last season, opening the door for teams like Asotin to snatch the league crown.

Junior quarterback Bryce Esser, junior tailback Mason Brausen and senior lineman Pake Taylor are important returners from last season’s team, which lost to Okanogan 35-28 in the State 2B playoff quarterfinals.

DAVENPORT

The Gorillas run-happy offense will be led by senior Loren Boggs, a first-team all-league selection last season at running back.

“He’s a load, he’s tough to bring down,” Wilbur-Creston coach Darin Reppe said. “With their team, they run the football very, very well there.”

In addition to Boggs, Davenport returns four starters on its offensive line, as well as fullback Layne Smith.

Senior lineman Pierce Jeske will help bolster Davenport’s offensive and defensive lines.

LIBERTY

DAN PELLE danp@spokesman.com

Mt. Spokane all-league defensive back Jared Mehring, top, breaks up a pass during practice.

MT. SPOKANE WILDCATS

For a second straight year under third-year coach Terry Cloer, the Wildcats have some rebuilding to do.

It worked out well last year with Mt. Spokane finishing 8-2 and earning the top 3A seed. They return just one starter on offense and three on defense.

“It’s a lot like last year,” Cloer said. “We have a lot of question marks with personnel but we’ll figure things out.”

Mt. Spokane has advanced to play-in games seven of the last eight years.

Two-way lineman Risone Ama, running back/linebacker Dillon Lionello, wide receiver/defensive back and slotback/DB Cole Hattenburg are the returning starters.

Cloer expects running the ball and run defense to be his team’s strengths.

“If we can get through the nonleague and 4A part of our schedule with a better than .500 record and healthy we will be in a great position to contend for the title and make a run in the playoffs,” Cloer said.

“We need more juniors to step up like last year.”

ROGERS PIRATES

It was a magical season as the Pirates made the postseason for the first time in coach Ben Cochran’s second year.

Rogers finished 4-6.

The Pirates graduated 13 starters but bring back eight including all but one starter on the offensive line.

Anchoring the line are seniors Markus Robinson (5-foot-9, 265 pounds) and Ben Saxton (6-1, 240).

“We are a better team this year,” Cochran said.

“We have no superstar attitudes.”

Rogers plans to start 22 different players.

“We will be two-platooning,” Cochran said. “This helps with a lot of guys getting reps and keeps us

fresh.” Cochran expects the Pirates to battle for a play-in berth. “Our returners are key,” he said. “We have some young guys that are really stepping up. I think we’ll surprise.”

SHADLE PARK HIGHLANDERS

The Highlanders bring back eight starters and 25 lettermen overall.

Sophomore Carson Doyle started half the season at quarterback as a freshman.

He’s joined in the back field by returning starting running backs senior Ryan Wier and junior Xavier Hicks.

The Highlanders want to play faster with a no-huddle attack.

“We’re young but we’re a cohesive group,” coach James Mace said. “Many gained valuable time last year.”

Mace sees his team challenging for a postseason berth.

“We expect to be competitive and play with anyone,” Mace said. “Outcomes will be determined by our ability to execute and limit mistakes.”

NORTH CENTRAL INDIANS

Things don’t seem as rushed for second-year coach Tom Griggs.

Having been at NC for a full year, he’s excited to see what the second year will bring.

The Indians are coming off a 1-9 season. They return 10 starters.

Senior center Neil Slotvig will be counted on to be a key leader. Seniors Jharen Pangelinan (RB), Kaleb Moses (strong safety), Khanian Charlton (RB) and Christian Barnes (wide receiver/free safety) must carry much of the load.

“We had a great spring camp,” Griggs said. “The kids were committed to summer weights. We are looking to shake some things up this year.”

The senior-laden Lancers are expected to be a major contender this season, returning first-team all-league wide receiver Chase Burnham and senior running back Tyler Haas.

“Liberty should be really tough,” Davenport coach Justin Young said. “They return a majority of their seniors and they’ll be really competitive.”

Their defensive will be led by senior linebacker Thomas Canning, a second-team all-league selection last year.

NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN

The Crusaders return their second-team all-league running back, sophomore Silas Perreiah, and three of the league’s senior lineman in Jonathan Seaman-cwik, Devon Zwanzig and Simon Williams.

“I’m not sure exactly how we’ll be,” said coach Jim Nendel, “but we have a big line and some guys who can move people.”

Quarterback is a question mark for Northwest Christian after losing David Olds to graduation.

Senior Chris Terry is vying for the starting position, but the Crusaders could also move all-league wide receiver Ryan Ricks under center.

AROUND THE LEAGUE

With an undersized, yet athletic team, Reardan is gearing toward running an option offense, with senior Justis Anderson under center. … Colfax returns 15 lettermen from 4-6 team last year, including senior quarterback Caleb Brown. … Kettle Falls brings in a new head coach in Loren Finley, who spent the last season as the offensive coordinator at Chewelah. … Wilbur-Creston is toiling through low numbers in fall camp.

Only 24 players turned out for the Wildcats. Tucker Odegaard, W-C’s starting running back last season, is being moved out to wide receiver in the team’s new spread offense.

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Gonzaga Prep defends 4A title, but will get pressed by CV, Mead

BACK FOR MORE

JESSE TINSLEY jesset@spokesman.com

Gonzaga Prep coach Dave McKenna, watching his team on the first day of practice on Aug. 17, says the current Bullpups learned a lot from last year’s championship team.

GSL 4A R Greg Lee, gregl@spokesman.com, (509) 844-8168

A

year ago, few would have predicted the Gonzaga Prep football team would finish 14-0 and win the State 4A title. That combination of excellence is rare at any level but especially in 4A, where parity is common. The 2016 Bullpups aren’t the Bullpups of last year. That’s not to say they can’t achieve similar success, though. Last year the top three teams advanced to play-in games. Only two earn postseason berths this season. Three teams – G-Prep, Central Valley and Mead – are heavily favored to occupy the top three spots in league. The bad news is one very good team will miss the postseason.

FERRIS SAXONS

GONZAGA PREP BULLPUPS

The Bullpups were ranked No. 1 in the preseason rankings. That’s more out of respect from the body of work from a year ago.

G-Prep certainly has the goal of finishing in that spot. But the Bullpups, who return nine starters, have some holes to fill – specifically in their front seven on defense, at quarterback and running back.

Coach Dave McKenna says there are capable candidates for those positions.

“Building off what we did last year as a program, these kids hopefully will take that and run with it,” McKenna said.

Ryan Gross, a starter at wide receiver last year, slides over to quarterback. Backup Kasey Anthony will start at running back and first team all-league defensive back Sam Lockett will also see some time at running back.

The Bullpups bring back three starters and a couple of backups on a solid offensive line.

Devin Culp, who gave the University of Oregon an oral commitment this summer, returns at wide receiver.

“What we can take from last year is how we practiced, how hard you have to practice,” McKenna said. “These kids practiced extremely hard this summer, they got after it, they know how to compete and that’s where it starts.”

McKenna enjoyed the ride last year. It was made all the more merry because his son, senior middle linebacker Conor McKenna, was a big part of the Bullpups’ suffocating defense.

McKenna’s excitement for another year was evident the first day of practice.

“I was thinking about having a kid go through it how fast the season goes,” McKenna said. “But (for the first day) for this journey, I’m excited to enjoy it with these kids.”

CENTRAL VALLEY BEARS

New coach, some familiar names and high expectations.

That sums up the Bears as they launch a new era under coach Ryan Butner, a 17-year assistant for Rick Giampietri.

Giampietri, the godfather of the GSL, stepped down as head coach last spring. But he will remain as an assistant, heading up the defense.

CV returns 13 starters, eight on defense, off a team that advanced to the first round of the playoffs.

The defense is anchored by four-year starters Jordan Talafili (tackle) and Travis Hawkins (linebacker).

Two-year starting quarterback Tanner Sloan graduated but Butner is high on senior Conner DeGeest, a first-team all-state pitcher. He’s joined in the backfield by Tre’von Tuggles, who transferred at the end of first semester last year from University.

The shifty Tuggles is the top returning rusher in the GSL. He rushed for 665 yards and eight TDs in league a year ago.

Also back on offense is speedy slotback Braedon

JESSE TINSLEY jesset@spokesman.com

Devin Culp, left, and assistant coach Bob Cassano prepare to defend 4A state title.

Orrino, receiver Rhett Foley and tight end Correy Quinn.

Another offensive threat is placekicker Ryan Rehkow, who has committed to Brigham Young University. He has a big leg and can dig the offense out of a hole as a punter, too. He was first-team all-league last year.

The Bears must retool their offensive line. It’s not a matter of bodies but a matter of who will start.

“Our depth at the skill positions is as good as it’s been in recent years,” Butner said. “Our team expects to be in the hunt come Week 9.”

Week 9, by the way, is when CV visits G-Prep.

That game may decide the league title.

Interlake coach Dave Myers, a finalist for Giampietri’s job, was hired by Butner to be the team’s offensive coordinator. The Bears have tweaked their spread offense.

Myers’ Interlake teams averaged more than 30 points a game with athletes far less talented than the Bears.

“If we can grasp the offense quickly, we can take pressure off of our defense,” Butner said.

MEAD PANTHERS

Second-year coach Benji Sonnichsen smiled when asked if he’s enjoyed having a year to prepare for his second campaign.

He was hired in mid-June last year and had to cram much learning into a couple months. The Panthers showed signs of their potential for this season when they managed to finish 6-4. They were competitive in every game.

The Panthers return 17 starters, 10 on offense, including quarterback Payton Loucks and Thomas Dammarell, who shared time at quarterback last year but will be used primarily at wide receiver this fall.

Returning starter EJ Bade will probably get most of the carries at running back.

The Panthers will push the tempo with a no-huddle offense.

“Our team is unified and has worked hard this off season,” Sonnichsen said. “We are curious to find out how good we can be.”

The Saxons can’t wait to see how improved they are over 2015, when they had their first losing season (3-7) under 11-year coach Jim Sharkey, whose teams have captured five league titles, finished state runner-up and won a state title (2010).

Ferris brings back 15 starters, led by seniors Logan Bunker (QB) and Jonny Via (RB), who will miss a couple games as he recovers from a summer knee injury.

Leading the Saxons on defense is senior cornerback Max Thompson.

Most of the Saxons’ returners are poised to make names for themselves. They got valuable playing time behind a small senior class a year ago.

Ferris could be a dark horse if teams picked to finish higher stumble.

“We have lots of returners and a large motivated senior class,” Sharkey said. “We should be much more competitive but the schedule is tough. So we will need to limit our mistakes and create turnovers.”

UNIVERSITY TITANS

Adam Daniel takes over as head coach after three years as an assistant for Rob Bartlett, who has moved into administration.

This is Daniel’s second head coaching job. He coached two years at Newport before moving to U-Hi. U-Hi graduated 16 starters. So Daniel inherits a rebuilding job.

Four-year starters Clayton Fincher (center/defensive line) and Ethan Jones (LB/TE) and three-year starters Bryan Brayley (RB/DB) and Marcus Miller (DB/WR) will be counted on heavily as leaders to a young team.

“Our skill positions have plenty of speed and athleticism and are the most experienced group on our team,” Daniel said.

Daniel will lean on the intangibles.

“Our team chemistry is as strong as I’ve ever been around,” he said. “We have a bunch of kids who love to work hard. Our strength is our commitment to one another and a bunch of kids who are scrappy and love to fly around and hit people.”

LEWIS AND CLARK TIGERS

The Tigers have been play-in qualifiers the last two years. To do so for a third straight year would be a mighty accomplishment for a team that lost much to graduation.

LC returns just six starters. The Tigers are led by seniors Cameron Duncan (DB/RB) and James Aargon (RB/defensive end).

Coach Dave Hughes installed a run-based, play-action offense when he was hired as an assistant in 2003. The Tigers are changing to a spread run-pass option attack this season.

“We figured this was a good time with the younger group that we have,” Hughes said. “We are excited to have talented underclassmen ready to step up and fill the shoes of the new Tiger football team.”

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GAR-PAL, COLTON HAVE TALENT BUT TOUCHET FAVORITE SOUTHEAST 1B LEAGUE

By Josh Horton joshho@spokesman.com

It’s hard to see anyone knocking off Touchet in Southeast 1B, according Garfield-Palouse coach Willy Woltering.

“They have a good program,” Woltering said. “They always have 20 to 30 kids. I think every kid in that high school plays football.”

The Indians fell in the State 1B title game last season to Liberty Christian, 58-50, and should be in the mix again this season. Touchet is ranked fourth in the Associated Press 1B preseason poll.

The Vikings will rely heavily on their run game with Weagraff and Springstead, although Woltering says he is forced to do so due to a lack of experience at receiver.

GARFIELD-PALOUSE

Colton returns seven starters – with only three seniors –from a 6-4 team that finished third in the league last season.

Senior wide-outs Brady Chadwick and Grant Kinzer – who teamed to catch 73 passes for 1,528 yards and 26 touchdowns

Gal-Pal returns junior quarterback Evan Weagraff, senior tailback Cameron Springstead and senior all-league lineman Mason Bates, and should contend with Touchet.

COLTON

last season — will be viable options in the passing game. But replacing all-league quarterback Carter Dahmen, who threw for 3,993 years and 52 touchdowns last year, will be difficult for the Wildcats.

POMEROY

Pomeroy boasts up-and-coming sophomore quarterback Jace Gwinn, who will lead the Pirates this season.

“He’s going to be pretty good,” Colton head coach Clark Vining said.

FAMILIAR TALE Once again, Colville will be the team to beat in NEA

TYLER TJOMSLAND tylert@spokesman.com

Receiver Nick Annanie hauls in a pass at Lakeside High School, which has three candidates vying to become the Eagles’ starting quarterback.

NORTHEAST A LEAGUE R Josh Horton, joshho@spokesman.com

U

ntil anyone can upend Colville, the Indians are the team to beat in Northeast A. “I think Colville is definitely the class of this league,” Deer Park coach Keith Stamps said. “Until someone is willing to go out and beat Colville, I think everyone is chasing them.” The Indians went 7-0 in league last season and made it to the quarterfinals of the State 1A playoffs, losing to eventual state champion Royal 21-7.

This season, according to Colville head coach Randy Cornwell, the Indians lose much of their size and experience from last year. Adapting to a smaller, younger and more athletic team is the primary challenge for Cornwell.

“The last couple of years we’ve been able to pound away at teams and overwhelm them at the line of scrimmage,” said Cornwell, who is entering his 19th season as coach of the Indians.

“We’re going to be more of a finesse team and throw the ball more than we have in the past and utilize those athletes.”

Senior Noah Bagley, an all-league offensive lineman last year, is being moved to fullback this season to take advantage of his speed.

“None of our backs could keep up with him when we pulled,” Cornwell said.

The Indians defense returns all-league linebacker Tristan Lewis, a junior, and all-league defensive back Kameron Stroebel, a senior.

Cornwell hasn’t determined who will be under center, but says junior Andrew Sanchez and sophomore Ben Knight are in the hunt.

DEER PARK

The Stags’ backfield operates in harmony,

which each of their feature backs complementing the other.

Tyson Lim, known for his speed and shiftiness, and Dean Lockwood, a physical runner who thrives between the tackles, will be at the center of Deer Park’s run-first offense this season.

“We’re as talented at the skill spots as we’ve been in the last few years,” Stamps said.

Senior quarterback Connor O’Dea, a first-year starter, will be tasked with guiding the Stags’ gifted offense.

LAKESIDE

NEA defensive coordinators are glad they don’t have to deal with quarterback Cameron Gay anymore.

“He was a generational player. He was phenomenal,” Stamps said of Gay, a three-time all-league selection who threw for over 2,400 yards last season.

Eagles coach Brian Dunn has three candidates for Gay’s replacement: junior Caden Wickwire, sophomore Dillon Dennis and sophomore Kasen Hunsaker.

“We’re waiting for one of them to take the job,” Dunn said.

Despite the hole at quarterback, the Eagles possess leaders in two-time all-league lineman, Tim Jarrad and all-league linebacker Garrett Brown.

FREEMAN

One word to describe Freeman? Solid.

The Scotties, off a 6-3 season, are projected to compete with the top of the league again.

Returning starting quarterback JT Neely will manage an offense with vital weapons in running back Ben Darcy and wide receiver Desmond Parisotto.

MEDICAL LAKE

Senior Kyle Thompson, who hasn’t played football since junior high, is the Cardinals’ starting quarterback this season.

Thompson came out for the team in the spring, and after the two other quarterbacks quit, he became the starter, even though Mo Owen, who is in his first year as Cardinals head coach, said he would have started him anyway.

Speedster Keyhon Ross, a junior who took third in the State 1A 100-meter dash last spring, will be a dynamic weapon for the first-year signal-caller.

TIGERS HAVE BIG TASK WITH GRADUATIONS NORTHEAST 1B NORTH

CUSICK

Head coach Troy Hendershot, who

By Thomas Clouse served eight years as defensive tomc@spokesman.com, (509) 459-5495 coordinator and takes over for Chris Burch, said he’s confident his team can The Republic Tigers are doing the win games even with a small turnout. best they can to appear threatening after While small in number, the team is graduation took nine seniors off a team high in quality. It includes quarterback that twice made it to the state semis.

Tanner Shanholtzer, lineman Roddy “I told our younger kids, ‘You were Pierre, lineman C.J. Balcom and playing one of the better teams in the all-league performer Caleb Ziesmer; state in practice,’ ” coach Chuck Wilson running back Canon Keogh; running said. “We have some kids, if they stay back Colton Hansen; and receiver Dylan healthy, who can be pretty good Hendershot, all juniors. ballplayers.”

“That junior class is really solid,” Most coaches in the eight-man Hendershot said of his team. “But we Northeast 1B North had the same will only suit up 11 players in Week 1 concerns about injuries, where the loss because of grades and not enough of one premium two-way athlete can practices. Then we’ll be getting stronger quickly dash a school’s hopes. as the weeks go on.”

SELKIRK

Wilson and Hendershot said the Rangers have probably the most players turning out in the league, but many of them are young.

“I think they graduated 14 seniors from last season,” Hendershot said.

“That was one of the toughest teams they’ve ever fielded. They have a huge freshman class coming in. But, I expect them to be hurting.”

NORTHPORT

Wilson and Hendershot said they believe coach Kevin Dionas has turned things around at Northport, which finished 1-9 in 2015.

Northport returns quarterback Kade Middlesworth; senior Isaiah Kessel; senior Chris Hill; senior Joe Laffoon;

junior Billy Rizzo and sophomore Jeremiah Kessel.

The Mustangs also get back all-league linebacker Ryder Gilmore and second-team all-leaguer Aiden Middlesworth, both seniors.

We have “exceptional senior leadership and a great group of underclassmen, who are highly motivated to make the 2016 season a memorable one,” Dionas said.

INCHELIUM

Hendershot said Inchelium has a lot of returning talent but he didn’t know what to expect from Columbia, which has six starters returning from a team that finished 1-9 last year.

“I’ve learned that you don’t every take anybody lightly,” he said.

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ACH HAS NEW ISAAK, LOT OF EXPERIENCE NORTHEAST 2B SOUTH

By Thomas Clouse tomc@spokesman.com, (509) 459-5495

While most coaches expected Odessa-Harrington to run away with the Northeast 1B South last year, the Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors battled all the way to a state title.

And while ACH lost starting quarterback Dallas Isaak to graduation, the Warriors will replace him with … of course … another Isaak: first-cousin sophomore Maguire Isaak.

“If Maguire develops like we hope he will, we will get better as we go on,” coach Brandon Walsh said. “We feel like we are ahead of where we were a year ago.”

Many in the state agree. ACH was ranked No. 2 in the Associated Press

preseason poll, while conference rival Odessa-Harrington was No. 5.

Other than replacing the departed Isaak for the newer Isaak, virtually the entire state championship team returns.

“Granted, coming into the season last year, we didn’t expect to win a state title,” Walsh said.

“It’s cool to be on the other side of it, to have the high expectations and see how the kids respond to that.”

Forgive Odessa-Harrington coach Jeff Nelson if he doesn’t share the same enthusiasm about Walsh finding another Isaak to lead his team.

Dallas Isaak “was one of the better athletes I’ve ever seen in eight-man football,” Nelson said.

“It seems like they have an Isaak every year. They will be able to make up for (Dallas’) loss. They are going to be better this year than last.”

ODESSA-HARRINGTON

As for the Titans, Nelson returns six starters, including all-league performers Gaven Elder, a junior; and senior lineman John DeWulf. He also returns senior Colby Sooy, junior quarterback Colton Hunt, senior Chance Messer, senior Caleb Behrens and junior Jayd Jennings.

“We are going to have to stay healthy, that’s for sure,” Nelson said. “Right now we have 20 kids. It always comes down to whether you can avoid key injuries.

Nelson said he’s focusing more on defense this preseason.

“We were one of the worst tackling teams I saw last year. That’s one of the reasons we had to score 80 points half the time,” he said. “You can’t miss tackles in eight-man football.”

Damian Maes-Leander at running back and most of its offensive line including Tim Hahn, Kameron Goetz and Tommy Millwood. On defense, the Warriors bring back Payton Nielson, Chris Christopherson, Parker Zappone, Alex Dye and Hayden Loomis.

The Warriors and Titans play on Oct. 28 at Coulee City.

“That will be a big game for us,” Walsh said. “It’s always kind of a rivalry game.

But that will be a fun one.”

AROUND THE LEAGUE

Both coaches expect Entiat to be young. Neither had any information about newcomer Yakama Tribal or Pateros, which canceled several games last season. ... “Wellpinit is going to be tough. They always have good athletes,” Nelson said.

“Clearly ACH is the top dog, but anybody ALMIRA/COULEE-HARTLINE ACH returns seniors Charles Hunt and can beat anybody on a given night.”

League may have area’s most wide-open race

NO LOCK IN GNL

COLIN MULVANY colinm@spokesman.com

East Valley senior Colin Spendlove is one of the most dynamic receivers in the area “who has a knack for making plays,” according to his coach.

GREAT NORTHERN LEAGUE R Jim Allen, jima@spokesman.com, (509) 459-5437

I

s there a more wide-open football race this year than the Great Northern League? Let’s see: Defending GNL co-champion Clarkston was picked last by three of the five GNL coaches – and first by another. Pullman got two first-place votes, but another coach picked the Greyhounds to finish at the bottom. Then there’s East Valley. The Knights were picked last by one coach, in the middle of the pack by two others and at the top of the standings by another coach. Parity is nothing new for the GNL, which hasn’t had an outright champion since 2010.

“There’s a little bit of uncertainty,” said EV coach Adam Fisher, who noted that Clarkston lost heavily to graduation. “There are just a lot of question marks around the league,” Fisher said.

Fisher hopes that skill at the talent positions will make the difference for the Knights, who finished 5-4 overall and in the middle of the pack at 2-2 in the GNL. EV has two of the most dynamic receivers in the league – “in the whole area,” Fisher insists – in seniors Colin Spendlove and Rodrick Jackson. Both are returning all-leaguers who “are very explosive.”

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Spendlove is also a baseball star “who has a knack for making plays,” according to Fisher. Jackson already has football offers from UTEP and Idaho.

“They’re very explosive at any level,” said Fisher, who returns 11 starters overall.

EV looks solid everywhere else. Two-way linemen Pat Coleman, Adam Kirk and Randy McDonald are back along with running back/defensive back Nik Young. The Knights hope to get a boost from two transfers from Ferris, running back Aldre Bracey and tight end/linebacker Treyshaun Bracey.

CHENEY

The Blackhawks will defend their 2015 co-title with defense. Coach Bobby Byrd has

four all-GNL returnees, including linebackers Chris Fuentes and Cade Vanwormer, and defensive backs Cameron Hardt and Andrew Witt.

“If we can put some things together offensively and maintain our solid defensive performances from last year, I think we can battle for a league title,” said Byrd, who returns seven starters and 20 lettermen off a team that went 9-2 overall and 3-1 in league.

The biggest challenge: replacing five offensive linemen. “We have a good group to replace them but they’re untested at the varsity level,” Byrd said.

Other returning starters are defensive back Chase Reed, defensive lineman Kylar Peterson, fullback Logan Kendall and wide receiver Cameron Hardt.

WEST VALLEY

The Eagles will field one of their most experienced teams in Craig Whitney’s 12 years as head coach.

Sixteen starters return including five all-GNL performers in two-way lineman Zach Duffie, receiver/defensive back Connor Whitney, offensive lineman Avery Richards, defensive lineman Connor Koker and kicker Chase Howat.

Eight of nine starters return on the lines.

“I really like our chances,” Whitney said.

“We must hang on to the football and make tackles – every week will be a tough one in the GNL.”

PULLMAN

The Greyhounds went 0-4 in league last year, but three of those losses were by a combined 13 points.

“We have a great group of young men that I am thankful to get to coach and be around – the outlook is awesome,” coach Dan Lucier said.

Pullman returns five starters, highlighted by all-league tight end/defensive end Ben Moos and Jake Cillay, who played fullback last year but is moving to quarterback.

Other key contributors figure to be linemen Lennon Rock and Dietrick Mueller, receiver Joe Tingstad and running back/linebackers Jed Byers and Cameron Lang.

CLARKSTON

No one in the GNL lost more to graduation than the Bantams, who will rebuild around five returning starters.

The most important are two returning all-GNL first-teamers in quarterback A.J. Davis and wide receiver Hunter Hansen. Both also were all-league defensive backs.

“If our players learn quickly to adjust to varsity level speed, we should be competitive in our league,” coach Brycen Bye said.

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www.NWPrepsNow.com AREA SCHEDULE R Fall prep sports listings at NWPrepsNow.com

PREDICTIONS

GSL 4A 1. Gonzaga Prep 2. Central Valley 3. Mead 4. Ferris 5. University 6. LC GSL 3A 1. Mt. Spokane 2. Shadle Park 3. Rogers 4. North Central GNL 1. West Valley 2. East Valley 3. Cheney 4. Clarkston 5. Pullman NEA 1. Colville 2. Freeman 3. Deer Park 4. Lakeside 5. Medical Lake 6. Riverside 7. Newport 8. Chewelah NE 2B 1. Liberty 2. Asotin 3. LRS 4. Davenport 5. Colfax 6. NW Christian 7. Reardan 8. Kettle Falls 9. Springdale 10. Wilbur-Cres.

NE 1B NORTH 1. Cusick 2. Republic 3. Selkirk 4. Northport 5. Inchelium 6. Columbia NE 1B SOUTH 1. ACH 2. Odessa-Harr.

3. Entiat 4. Yakama Tribal 5. Wellpinit 6. Pateros SE 1B 1. Touchet 2. Garfield-Pal. 3. Pomeroy 4. Colton 5. Sunnyside Chr. 6. St. John-End. IEL 5A 1. Coeur d’Alene 2. Lewiston 3. Lake City 4. Post Falls IEL 4A 1. Sandpoint 2. Lakeland 3. Moscow IML 1. Timberlake 2. Bonners Ferry 3. Priest River 4. Kellogg CIL 1. Grangeville 2. St. Maries 3. Orofino WHITE STAR 1. Kendrick 2. Deary 3. Clark Fork 4. Lakeside 5. Kootenai 6. Timberline 7. Lewis County WHITE PINE 1. Kamiah 2. Lapwai 3. Genesee 4. Wallace 5. Troy 6. Clearwater 7. Potlatch

SEPT. 2

Yakama Tribal at Inchelium, 3 p.m.

Columbia at Wellpinit, 3 p.m.

Deer Park vs. Rogers at Albi, 5 p.m.

Mullan at St. Regis (Mont.), 6 p.m.

Mead vs. Post Falls at Roos Field (Cheney), 6:05 Republic at Almira/Coulee-Hartline, 7 p.m.

Lakeside (WA) at Bonners Ferry, 7 p.m.

Sunnyside at Cheney, 7 p.m.

Bridgeport at Chewelah, 7 p.m.

Moscow at Clarkston, 7 p.m.

Wallace vs. Clearwater Val. at Kibbie Dome, 7 Central Valley at Coeur d’Alene, 7 p.m.

Salmon River at Colton, 7 p.m.

Lakeland at Colville, 7 p.m.

Joseph at Deary, 7 p.m.

Gonzaga Prep at Eastside Catholic, 7 p.m.

North Central at East Valley, 7 p.m.

Medical Lake at Kellogg, 7 p.m.

Lakeside (ID) at Kendrick, 7 p.m.

Lewis and Clark at Lake City, 7 p.m.

Walla Walla at Lewiston, 7 p.m.

Kettle Falls at Liberty, 7 p.m.

Asotin at Lind-Ritzville/Sprague, 7 p.m.

Orofino at Marsing, 7 p.m.

Priest River at Newport, 7 p.m.

Entiat at Northport, 7 p.m.

St. John-Endicott at Odessa-Harrington, 7 p.m.

Selkirk at Pateros, 7 p.m.

Kamiah at Pomeroy, 7 p.m.

Sunnyside Christian at Rainier Christian, 7 p.m.

Colfax at Reardan, 7 p.m.

University at Sandpoint, 7 p.m.

Davenport at Springdale, 7 p.m.

Cusick vs. Tekoa-Rosalia at Rosalia, 7 p.m.

Freeman vs. Timberlake at Spirit Lake, 7 p.m.

Lewis County vs. Timberline at Weippe, 7 p.m.

Garfield-Palouse at Troy (ID), 7 p.m.

Shadle Park at West Valley, 7 p.m.

Northwest Christian at Wilbur-Creston, 7 Peninsula vs. Mt. Spokane at Albi, 7:30 p.m.

SEPT. 3

SEPT. 16

Columbia at Entiat, 3 p.m.

Northport at Wellpinit, 3 p.m.

Kootenai at Mullan, 3:30 p.m.

Touchet at Almira/Coulee-Hartline, 7 p.m.

Liberty at Asotin, 7 p.m.

Mead at Central Valley, 7 p.m.

Post Falls at Cheney, 7 p.m.

Newport at Chewelah, 7 p.m.

Lewiston at Clarkston, 7 p.m.

Timberline at Clearwater Valley, 7 p.m.

Reardan at Davenport, 7 p.m.

Lewis County at Deary, 7 p.m.

Colville at Deer Park, 7 p.m.

Mt. Spokane at Eastmont, 7 p.m.

Highwood at Kellogg, 7 p.m.

Springdale at Kettle Falls, 7 p.m.

Garfield-Palouse at Lakeside (ID), 7 p.m.

Riverside at Lakeside (WA), 7 p.m.

Grangeville at McCall-Donnelly, 7 p.m.

Freeman at Medical Lake, 7 p.m.

Coeur d’Alene at Moses Lake, 7 p.m.

Lind-Ritzville/Sprague at NW Christian, 7 p.m.

Republic vs. Odessa-Harrington, 7 p.m.

Inchelium at Pateros, 7 p.m.

St. Maries at Priest River, 7 p.m.

Bonners Ferry at Sandpoint, 7 p.m.

Selkirk at St. John-Endicott, 7 p.m.

Cove (Ore.) at Sunnyside Christian, 7 p.m.

Clark Fork vs. Tekoa-Rosalia, 7 p.m.

Lethbridge at Timberlake, 7 p.m.

Lewis and Clark at University, 7 p.m.

Colton at Wallace, 7 p.m.

Colfax at Wilbur-Creston, 7 p.m.

West Valley vs. North Central at Albi, 7:30 p.m.

SEPT. 17

Lake City vs. Hillcrest at Idaho Falls, 1 p.m.

SEPT. 22

Inchelium at Wellpinit, 3 p.m.

Central Valley vs. Mt. Spokane at Albi, 4:45 p.m.

Lewis and Clark vs. Mead at Albi, 7:15 p.m.

Mountain View (Vancouver) vs. Ferris at Albi, 1

SEPT. 23

SEPT. 8

Coeur d’Alene vs. Mead at Albi, 5 p.m.

Clarkston at Grangeville, 7 p.m.

Cheney vs. North Central at Albi, 7:30 p.m.

SEPT. 9

Almira/Coulee-Hartline at Columbia, 3 p.m.

Sandpoint vs. Mt. Spokane at Albi, 5:30 p.m.

Timberlake at Moscow, 6 p.m.

Lake City at Central Valley, 7 p.m.

Riverside at Chewelah, 7 p.m.

Lakeside (ID) at Clark Fork, 7 p.m.

Asotin at Colfax, 7 p.m.

Tekoa-Rosalia at Colton, 7 p.m.

Pateros at Cusick, 7 p.m.

Kettle Falls at Davenport, 7 p.m.

St. Maries at Deer Park, 7 p.m.

Bonners Ferry at Freeman, 7 p.m.

Deary at Genesee, 7 p.m.

Skyline at Gonzaga Prep, 7 p.m.

East Valley at Lakeland 7 p.m.

Kendrick vs. Lewis County at Nezperce, 7 p.m.

Hermiston at Lewiston, 7 p.m.

Reardan at Liberty, 7 p.m.

Wilbur-Creston at Lind-Ritzville/Sprague, 7 p.m.

Priest River at Medical Lake, 7 p.m.

Okanogan at Newport, 7 p.m.

Odessa-Harrington at Northport, 7 p.m.

Springdale at Northwest Christian, 7 p.m.

Kellogg at Orofino, 7 p.m.

University at Post Falls, 7 p.m.

Wallace at Potlatch, 7 p.m.

Rogers at Pullman, 7 p.m.

Ferris vs. Ralston Valley at Denver, 7 p.m.

Pomeroy at Selkirk, 7 p.m.

Kootenai at Timberline, 7 p.m.

Inchelium at Touchet, 7 p.m.

Colville at West Valley, 7 p.m.

Sunnyside Christian at Yakama Tribal, 7 p.m.

Shadle Park at Lakeside (WA), 7 p.m.

Kamiakin vs. Lewis and Clark at Albi, 8 p.m.

SEPT. 24

Kamiah at Wallace, 3 p.m.

SEPT. 29

N. Central vs. Lewis and Clark at Albi, 4:45 p.m.

Central Valley vs. Rogers at Albi, 7:15 p.m.

SEPT. 30

SEPT. 10

Pomeroy at Selkirk, 4 p.m.

Entiat vs. Evergreen Lutheran at Tacoma, 5 p.m.

SEPT. 15

St. John-Endicott at Columbia, 3 p.m.

Selkirk vs. Odessa-Harrington, 3 p.m.

Clark Fork at Mullan, 3:30 p.m.

University vs. Shadle Park at Albi, 5 p.m.

Omak at Kellogg, 6 p.m.

Davenport at Asotin, 7 p.m.

Freeman at Chewelah, 7 p.m.

Orofino at Clarkston, 7 p.m.

Camas at Coeur d’Alene, 7 p.m.

Lind-Ritzville/Sprague at Colfax, 7 p.m.

Almira/Coulee-Hartline at Cusick, 7 p.m.

Lake City at East Valley, 7 p.m.

Cheney vs. Eisenhower at Yakima, 7 p.m.

Sunnyside Christian at Entiat, 7 p.m.

Lewis County at Garfield-Palouse, 7 p.m.

Rogers at Gonzaga Prep, 7 p.m.

Parma at Grangeville, 7 p.m.

Touchet at Ione, 7 p.m.

Lakeside (ID) at Kootenai, 7 p.m.

Post Falls at Lakeland, 7 p.m.

Deer Park at Lakeside (WA), 7 p.m.

Sandpoint at Lewiston, 7 p.m.

Wilbur-Creston at Liberty, 7 p.m.

West Valley at Moscow, 7 p.m.

Medical Lake at Newport, 7 p.m.

Kettle Falls at NW Christian, 7 p.m.

Springdale at Reardan, 7 p.m.

Pateros at Republic, 7 p.m.

Timberlake at St. Maries, 7 p.m.

Colton at Tekoa-Rosalia, 7 p.m.

Deary vs. Timberline at Weippe, 7 p.m.

Northport at Yakama Tribal, 7 p.m.

North Central vs. Ferris at Albi, 7:30 p.m.

Lakeland vs. Rogers at Albi, 4:45 p.m.

Shadle Park at East Valley, 5 p.m.

Troy (ID) at Kendrick, 7 p.m.

Echo at Pomeroy, 7 p.m.

Gonzaga Prep vs. Ferris at Albi, 7:15 p.m.

Cusick at Inchelium, 3 p.m.

Odessa-Harrington at Wellpinit, 3 p.m.

Lakeside (ID) at Mullan, 3:30 p.m.

Ferris vs. Shadle Park at Albi, 5 p.m.

East Valley at Cheney, 7 p.m.

Chewelah at Deer Park, 7 p.m.

Colton at Elgin, 7 p.m.

Lakeside (WA) at Freeman, 7 p.m.

Pomeroy at Garfield-Palouse, 7 p.m.

Wallace at Genesee, 7 p.m.

Reardan at Kettle Falls, 7 p.m.

Clark Fork at Kootenai, 7 p.m.

Sandpoint at Lake City, 7 p.m.

Liberty at Lind-Ritzville/Sprague, 7 p.m.

Riverside at Medical Lake, 7 p.m.

Lewiston at Moscow, 7 p.m.

Priest River at Orofino, 7 p.m.

Almira/Coulee-Hartline at Pateros, 7 p.m.

Wenatchee at Post Falls, 7 p.m.

Northport at Republic, 7 p.m.

Columbia at Selkirk, 7 p.m.

Asotin at Springdale, 7 p.m.

Tekoa-Rosalia at St. John-Endicott, 7 p.m.

Bonners Ferry at St. Maries, 7 p.m.

Lakeland at Timberlake, 7 p.m.

Kendrick vs. Timberline at Weippe, 7 p.m.

Gonzaga Prep at University, 7 p.m.

Kellogg at West Valley, 7 p.m.

Davenport at Wilbur-Creston, 7 p.m.

Entiat at Yakama Tribal, 7 p.m.

Mead vs. Mt. Spokane at Albi, 7:30 p.m.

OCT. 1

Lummi at Touchet, 4 p.m.

Grangeville at Lewiston JV, 6 p.m.

OCT. 6

University vs. North Central at Albi, 7:15 p.m.

OCT. 7

Cusick at Columbia, 3 p.m.

Wellpinit at Entiat, 3 p.m.

Timberline vs. Lewis County, 4 p.m.

Rogers vs. Mead at Albi, 5 p.m.

Wilbur-Creston at Springdale, 6 p.m.

Ferris at Central Valley, 7 p.m.

Cheney at Clarkston, 7 p.m.

Pomeroy at Clearwater Valley, 7 p.m.

St. John-Endicott at Colton, 7 p.m.

Medical Lake at Colville, 7 p.m.

Lind-Ritzville/Sprague at Davenport, 7 p.m.

Freeman at Deer Park, 7 p.m.

Sandpoint at Eastmont, 7 p.m.

Tekoa-Rosalia at Garfield-Palouse, 7 p.m.

Mt. Spokane at Gonzaga Prep, 7 p.m.

St. Maries at Grangeville, 7 p.m.

Kendrick at Kootenai, 7 p.m.

Post Falls at Lake City, 7 p.m.

Chewelah at Lakeside (WA), 7 p.m.

Coeur d’Alene at Lewiston, 7 p.m.

Colfax at Liberty, 7 p.m.

Lakeland at Moscow, 7 p.m.

Inchelium at Northport, 7 p.m.

Reardan at NW Christian, 7 p.m.

Declo at Orofino, 7 p.m.

Odessa-Harrington at Pateros, 7 p.m.

Kellogg at Priest River, 7 p.m.

Republic at Selkirk, 7 p.m.

Bonners Ferry at Timberlake, 7 p.m.

Sunnyside Christian at Touchet, 7 p.m.

Lakeside (ID) at Wallace, 7 p.m.

Pullman at West Valley, 7 p.m.

Almira/Coulee-Hartline at Yakama Tribal, 7 p.m.

Shadle Park vs. Lewis and Clark at Albi, 7:30 p.m.

OCT. 8

Kettle Falls at Asotin, 4 p.m.

OCT. 13

University vs. Ferris at Albi, 4:45 p.m.

Gonzaga Prep vs. Mead at Albi, 7:15 p.m.

OCT. 14

Mt. Spokane vs. North Central at Albi, 5 p.m.

Wellpinit at Almira/Coulee-Hartline, 7 p.m.

Lewis and Clark at Central Valley, 7 p.m.

West Valley at Cheney, 7 p.m.

Lake City at Coeur d’Alene, 7 p.m.

Davenport at Colfax, 7 p.m.

Northport at Cusick, 7 p.m.

Kootenai at Deary, 7 p.m.

Clarkston at East Valley, 7 p.m.

Colville at Freeman, 7 p.m.

Bonners Ferry at Kellogg, 7 p.m.

Clark Fork at Kendrick, 7 p.m.

Sandpoint at Lakeland, 7 p.m.

Timberline at Lakeside (ID), 7 p.m.

Northwest Christian at Liberty, 7 p.m.

Springdale at Lind-Ritzville/Sprague, 7 p.m.

Deer Park at Medical Lake, 7 p.m.

Lakeside (WA) at Newport, 7 p.m.

Entiat at Odessa-Harrington, 7 p.m.

Grangeville at Orofino, 7 p.m.

Yakama Tribal at Pateros, 7 p.m.

Touchet at Pomeroy, 7 p.m.

INTERMOUNTAIN LEAGUE

Lewiston at Post Falls, 7 p.m.

Timberlake at Priest River, 7 p.m.

Asotin at Reardan, 7 p.m.

Columbia at Republic, 7 p.m.

Inchelium at Selkirk, 7 p.m.

Garfield-Palouse at St. John-Endicott, 7 p.m.

Colton at Sunnyside Christian, 7 p.m.

Kettle Falls at Wilbur-Creston, 7 p.m.

Rogers vs. Shadle Park at Albi, 7:30 p.m.

OCT. 15

Lewis County at Mullan, 1 p.m.

Wallace at Prairie (ID), 1 p.m.

OCT. 20

North Central vs. Rogers at Albi, 4:45 p.m.

Shadle Park vs. Mt. Spokane at Albi, 7:15 p.m.

OCT. 21

Inchelium at Columbia, 3 p.m.

Mead vs. Ferris at Albi, 5 p.m.

Entiat at Almira/Coulee-Hartline, 7 p.m.

Priest River at Bonners Ferry, 7 p.m.

Springdale at Colfax, 7 p.m.

Pomeroy at Colton, 7 p.m.

Lakeside (WA) at Colville, 7 p.m.

Republic at Cusick, 7 p.m.

Liberty at Davenport, 7 p.m.

Riverside at Deer Park, 7 p.m.

Newport at Freeman, 7 p.m.

Timberlake at Kellogg, 7 p.m.

Lind-Ritzville/Sprague at Kettle Falls, 7 p.m.

Clarkston at Lakeland, 7 p.m.

Deary at Lakeside (ID), 7 p.m.

Lake City at Lewiston, 7 p.m.

Chewelah at Medical Lake, 7 p.m.

Asotin at NW Christian, 7 p.m.

Yakama Tribal at Odessa-Harrington, 7 p.m.

Coeur d’Alene at Post Falls, 7 p.m.

Cheney at Pullman, 7 p.m.

Wilbur-Creston at Reardan, 7 p.m.

Moscow vs. Sandpoint at Lake City, 7 p.m.

Northport at Selkirk, 7 p.m.

Orofino at St. Maries, 7 p.m.

St. John-Endicott at Sunnyside Christian, 7 p.m.

Garfield-Palouse at Touchet, 7 p.m.

Central Valley at University, 7 p.m.

Pateros at Wellpinit, 7 p.m.

East Valley at West Valley, 7 p.m.

G-Prep vs. Lewis and Clark at Albi, 7:30 p.m.

OCT. 22

Lapwai at Wallace, 1 p.m.

Clark Fork vs. Lewis County at Nezperce, 2 p.m.

OCT. 27

Pateros at Entiat, 7 p.m.

Mt. Spokane vs. Rogers at Albi, 7:15 p.m.

OCT. 28

Republic at Inchelium, 3 p.m.

Shadle Park vs. North Central at Albi, 5 p.m.

Odessa-Harrington at ACH, 7 p.m.

Wilbur-Creston at Asotin, 7 p.m.

West Valley at Clarkston, 7 p.m.

Selkirk at Cusick, 7 p.m.

Northwest Christian at Davenport, 7 p.m.

Kendrick at Deary, 7 p.m.

Pullman at East Valley, 7 p.m.

Colton at Garfield-Palouse, 7 p.m.

Central Valley at Gonzaga Prep, 7 p.m.

Colfax at Kettle Falls, 7 p.m.

Tekoa-Rosalia at Kootenai, 7 p.m.

Lewis County at Lakeside (ID), 7 p.m.

Medical Lake at Lakeside (WA), 7 p.m.

Reardan at Lind-Ritzville/Sprague, 7 p.m.

Deer Park at Newport, 7 p.m.

Columbia at Northport, 7 p.m.

Sunnyside Christian at Pomeroy, 7 p.m.

Freeman at Riverside, 7 p.m.

Liberty at Springdale, 7 p.m.

Touchet at St. John-Endicott, 7 p.m.

Mead at University, 7 p.m.

Ferris vs. Lewis and Clark at Albi, 7:30 p.m.

OCT. 29

Mullan at Timberline, 1 p.m.

Troy (ID) at Wallace, 2 p.m.

NOV. 3

Touchet at Colton, 7 p.m.

Pomeroy at St. John-Endicott, 7 p.m.

Garfield-Palouse at Sunnyside Christian, 7 p.m.

NOV. 4

Elgin vs. Tekoa-Rosalia at Rosalia, 7 p.m.

WHITE STAR LEAGUE R Greg Lee, gregl@spokesman.com, (509) 844-8168

KENDRICK IN WAY There’s no doubt that the White Star League road goes through Kendrick this year.

The Tigers, a 2015 state playoff qualifier, return every player from a year ago.

“Kendrick was all juniors last year,” Clark Fork coach Brian Arthun said. “Kendrick can overtake Deary.”

Deary romped to the league title, advancing to the State 1A Division II championship game.

Despite some losses to graduation, the Mustangs are picked to take the league’s other eight-man state playoff berth.

That leaves Clark Fork, Lakeside and Kootenai playing for third and middle-of-the-pack finishes.

Clark Fork has its biggest turnout (22) in a decade. The Wampus Cats return five starters led by three-year starting quarterback Wade Stevens, a second-team all-league pick last year.

“I see us being in the middle of the pack,” Arthun said. “Fortunately, we play (Kendrick and Deary) later in the year. We need to progress steadily to compete with them.”

Lakeside must overcome a road-heavy early schedule. The Knights play five of their first six games on the road.

Coach Chris Dohrman will lean heavily on returning first team all-league quarterback Bryar Sanchez. Also returning in the backfield are running backs Jordan Davidson and Bishop Fischer.

“So far what I’ve noticed is I have a lot of kids who know what we’re doing from the last couple of years,” Dohrman said. “So we want

to build on the last two seasons.”

Lakeside must rebuild its offensive and defensive lines.

“If we get those guys to come along we should do pretty well this season,” Dohrman said. “I think we can be right there with Kendrick and Deary. We played Kendrick tough for a half last season.”

Dohrman said the key for his team is simple.

“We need to take care of the things we can take care of – tackle, make stops, limit mistakes, limit our negative plays,” he said. “If we do those things we’ll give ourselves a chance to win.”

Kootenai must replace two starters. Most of the Warriors’ experience is on the offensive and defensive lines.

Tanner Anderson, a three-year starter at fullback, returns. Senior Hunter Whipple is moving to quarterback. He was an all-league selection at linebacker last year.

“Things are looking good right now,” Kootenai coach Doug Napierala said. “Our lack of depth is going to hurt but we’ve got some good kids. It boils down to execution, alignment and assignments.”

G Mullan had to drop out of the league for a second straight year because it doesn’t have enough players. But the Tigers, with seven at practice so far, plan to play nonleague six-man games with six White Star teams.

Coach Stetson Spooner said two other players had to quit because of religious reasons. Of Mullan’s seven players, four are freshmen.

WALLACE JOINS UP FOR FOOTBALL WHITE PINE LEAGUE

By Greg Lee gregl@spokesman.com, (509) 844-8168

File this under if you can’t beat them join them.

Wallace football teams haven’t had much success against District II teams when it comes to postseason. And playing as a 1A Division I team in 1A Division II league didn’t do much to prepare the Miners for the playoffs either.

So Wallace has joined the District

II-based Whitepine League for football only.

The top three teams earn playoff berths. Wallace, as the lone Division I team in District I, used to play the Whitepine’s third-place team in a play-in game to decide a playoff berth.

“We haven’t been in a league the past two years and it’s hurt us overall,” second-year Wallace coach Jared Young said. “We haven’t been getting the week-in and week-out competition to get us better prepared for the playoffs against District II. This will be better for us.”

Wallace may have picked a good year to join. The Miners won’t challenge for the league title but they should contend for a playoff berth. Young picks Kamiah as the league favorite.

Of the Miners’ three potentially difficult matchups, Kamiah and Lapwai are home games.

Wallace returns four two-way starters.

The Miners’ strengths are in the offensive and defensive lines, receiver and tight end.

“Realistically, we’re fighting for the third spot,” Young said.

ST. MARIES BUILDING ON 2015 SUCCESS CENTRAL IDAHO LEAGUE

By Greg Lee gregl@spokesman.com, (509) 844-8168

The St. Maries football team is coming off its most successful season in some time.

The Lumberjacks finished 8-2 with their two losses coming to eventual State 2A champ and Central Idaho League winner Grangeville and state runner-up Aberdeen.

St. Maries knows how it stacked up against the best in the state. The Lumberjacks’ challenge this season is to continue the success.

The Lumberjacks have some holes to fill, but coach Craig Tefft is confident the new players will step up.

“We have 15 seniors back with starting or playing experience,” Tefft said. “The kids got a taste of a great season last year and want to build on that success.”

St. Maries returns starters Kiefer Gibson (quarterback), Donovan Rottini

(running back/defensive line), Dylan Edwards (RB/free safety), Bryant Asbury (wide receiver/linebacker), Jake Seiler (WR/defensive back), Nate Masterson (tight end/DL), Zack Rouse (LB), Dakota Wilson (DL) and Parker Telford (offensive line).

Masterson was the CIL’s player of the year.

All three CIL teams advance to the playoffs for a third straight year.

Grangeville has owned the CIL, winning state titles twice since 2011.

TIGERS TOPS BUT REST MAY CLOSE IN

By Greg Lee gregl@spokesman.com, (509) 844-8168

Timberlake has captured 12 straight outright or shared Intermountain League championships in coach Roy Albertson’s 13 seasons.

While the Tigers are favored to claim a 13th consecutive crown and advance to the state playoffs for a 14th straight year under Albertson, this is the first season in some time that Timberlake should be challenged.

The IML, woefully down in recent years, should be competitive in 2016. In the last six years, Timberlake has outscored IML opponents 988-209. That’s a 43-point average margin of victory.

That margin should be considerably tighter this fall.

“I’d like to have a league where we can play our varsity the whole game,” Albertson said. “If you win by 43 points, you’re only going to play a half-game for three weeks, and how do you get better for the playoffs. That’s hurt us for the playoffs.”

TIMBERLAKE

The IML most valuable player is back in senior quarterback Brandon Hausladen. He’ll also start in the Tigers secondary.

“We have a special bunch of skill kids starting with our quarterback,” Albertson said. “He is talented and has made great strides throwing this summer.”

Ryan Starr, the starting quarterback going into the 2015 season, broke his ankle against Pullman and was lost for the rest of the year.

Hausladen stepped in and did an admirable job running Timberalake’s classic Wing-T offense. The Tigers want the 6-foot-2, 190-pound Hausladen to throw more this fall.

For Timberlake to make a deep run come playoff time, it must stay healthy. The Tigers have razor-thin depth. They’ll carry 22 players on varsity – 16 seniors and six juniors.

As many as eight will start both ways.

The Tigers have one returning starter on the offensive line in Clayton Rundgren. But he’s recovering from an injury and won’t return until late September.

So the first five weeks will be a growing time for a new line.

“The kids are working hard, we’re trying to correct a lot of mistakes but that’s what training camp is all about,” Albertson said.

“Lack of depth really isn’t anything new. That’s always a problem at our level. If we stay healthy we’re going to be a good team when league starts.”

BONNERS FERRY

The Badgers finished 4-5 last year, qualifying for the playoffs.

They believe this is the year they catch Timberlake.

Leading the way is returning all-league quarterback Kaleb Stockton, who may play some at wide receiver. Two other standouts, running back Nick Sabin and wide receiver Caleb Harrington, return.

Coach Cory Kramer wants to get the ball to his playmakers.

The Badgers must survive a difficult nonleague schedule that features games against Lakeland, Lakeside of Nine Mile Falls, Freeman, Sandpoint and St. Maries before opening league at Timberlake. And they only play three games at home including one of three IML games.

PRIEST RIVER

The Spartans return 11 starters off a 1-7 team.

They, too, believe they can close the gap on Timberlake. But it will be much more difficult. QB Anthony Storro and tailback Tommy Anselmo lead Priest River.

“We have a good group of players,” Spartans coach Shane Douglas said. “We could put together a good run if we stay healthy.”

KELLOGG

It was a rough season in coach Tim Kimberling’s first season back in a second go-round as coach. The Wildcats finished 1-7.

Kellogg expects to show improvement but likely won’t challenge for a playoff berth.

Two-way senior linemen Kaleb Johnson and Damien Spencer will be in the middle of Kellogg’s attack.

A kind early season schedule may help build some momentum.

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

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THURSDAY

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www.NWPrepsNow.com

BULLDOGS CHASING ANOTHER CROWN 4A INLAND EMPIRE LEAGUE

playoff game, potential sites could be Lake City or the Kibbie Dome.

By Jim Meehan jimm@spokesman.com, (208) 659-3791

New coaches often inherit teams short on wins and long on challenges.

That’s not the situation at Sandpoint, where George Yarno Jr. takes over a program that advanced to the 4A state championship game last year. Yarno tipped his cap to Satini Puailoa, who returned the program to prominence in his four seasons.

Puailoa is listed as director of football on Sandpoint’s roster.

“I’m excited to take over for a guy that did a great job rebuilding the program and a great coach,” Yarno said. “We’ll see where we’re at. You don’t know until you line up and play somebody else but I feel we’re heading in the right direction.”

The Bulldogs will play three of their first four games at home before construction begins at Memorial Field. Sandpoint will face Moscow in the regular-season finale at Lake City High. If the Bulldogs host a

SANDPOINT BULLDOGS

Yarno said he’ll adjust to his personnel as he blends his philosophies into the program but he made one point clear.

“I’m going to focus on running the ball,” said Yarno, a former All-Big Sky Conference center whose late father, George Sr., played and coached in the NFL. “I’ve always believed in that.”

All-IEL running back Levi Irish (5-foot-4, 190 pounds) should be in for another productive season. Junior Robbie Johnson, who saw time at safety last season, moves over to quarterback. The offensive front lost three first-team All-IEL selections and Chris Collado, who was the league’s offensive lineman of the year.

Several seniors return and Yarno said the unit “has decent size and they’re pretty strong.”

The defense includes safety/fullback Clayton Fournier, All-IEL last year, and middle linebacker/fullback Walker

Jacobson, the 2015 IEL defensive newcomer of the year. Seniors Brock Browning and Zack Alamino are mainstays on the line.

“We’ll try to play as many guys as we can so guys are fresh,” Yarno said, “but in key situations we have to put the best 11 on the field.”

Josh Neilson and Dylan Norman providing versatility at receiver and in the running game. The front features Jack Peed and Nathanael Dansereau.

“We’re going to run the ball, normal Lakeland football,” Kiefer said, “and I think we’re going to be OK at it.”

LAKELAND HAWKS

The Bears should be strong up front, with All-IEL honorees Tanner Newton, Pat Coulter and Wyatt Youngblood, as well as Adam Wallace, Nate Davis and Caleb Couch. Moscow turns to junior quarterback Peyton Broenneke, RB/LB Collin Mattson and Bryson Bennett to operate behind a talented line.

Many of the those names will line up on defense, joined by LB/TE Marshall Kwerer and LB/TE Brysen Gottschalk, because the Bears don’t have much depth.

“If we start losing kids it makes it real tough,” coach Phil Helbling said. “We have to be clever with rotations, getting guys off the field on special teams. We’ve been that way the past few years.”

The Hawks took their lumps last year with just two seniors. Not all the underclassmen returned but the Hawks are a year older and hope to dish out some bruises this fall.

“I still say we’re young,” coach Tim Kiefer said of his 36 varsity players. “We’re probably 50-50 seniors to juniors. A lot of coaches like to see a football team senior-dominated.”

All-IEL defenders Josh Brandt (linebacker), Jared McDaniel (linebacker) and Dylan Vahey (safety) return, along with linebacker Owen Dickens and tackle Jordan Plonka.

Ryan Pote steps in at quarterback with

MOSCOW BEARS

KATHY PLONKA kathypl@spokesman.com

Coeur d’Alene High School Vikings quarterback Colson Yankoff has the size, athleticism and big arm that drew the attention of the Oregon Ducks.

VIKS, BENGALS FAVORED Yankoff leads talented CDA, but Lewiston not ready to concede LAKE CITY TIMBERWOLVES

5A INLAND EMPIRE LEAGUE

By Jim Meehan jimm@spokesman.com, (208) 659-3791

Season after season, Coeur d’Alene is favored to win the 5A Inland Empire League title and expected to compete for a state championship.

Same thing this fall, but the Vikings aren’t alone.

Lewiston, which went from 1-8 in 2014 to 9-2 last year, has similar aspirations.

“I’m putting us as the favorite but you have to get through Coeur d’Alene,” Bengals coach Shawn Nilsson said. “We haven’t gotten over that hump.”

Said Vikings coach Shawn Amos: “If you look at quarterback and skill guys (Lewiston) should be pretty darn good. But you never know in our league. Post Falls is always a physical, hard-playing team and Lake City is our rival.”

COACHING CONNECTIONS

The league’s two new coaches are well-known to their 5A counterparts and to football fans in the Inland Northwest and beyond. Bryce Erickson, son of former Idaho, Washington State and NFL coach Dennis Erickson, takes the reins from Van Troxel at Lake City. Blaine Bennett, who played quarterback at Idaho for Dennis Erickson and later at Whitworth for his father “Shorty” Bennett, is the interim head coach at Post Falls. Longtime Trojans coach Jeff Hinz passed away in July after a near three-year battle with cancer.

COEUR D’ALENE VIKINGS

The Vikings have another talented roster, another premier quarterback and another rugged nonleague schedule.

“They’ll work and they have good attitudes,” Amos said. “Things tend to work out when you have those things.”

Junior quarterback Colson Yankoff leads the offense after splitting time with Austin Lee last season. Yankoff, who has committed to Oregon, has size, athleticism and a big arm.

“We’ll run basically the same stuff,” Amos said.

“We’ll probably end up running him a little more like we did with Gunnar (Amos) because he’s a good run threat, but we’re always striving for that 50-50 balance.”

For good reason. CdA has options at running back in Joe Vang, Caleb Beggerly, Noah Throm

KATHY PLONKA kathypl@spokesman.com

Coeur d’Alene coach Shawn Amos says any of the other three teams could challenge the Viks.

and Gavin Anderson, and at receiver with Cole Ramseyer, Joey Naccarato, Jackson Sumner, Kyler Prendergast, Taylor Dawson, Ross Chadderdon, Sam Matheson and Brody Lundblad (suspended for the first four games). Many of those players are key members of the defense, too.

The lines should be solid with Isaiah Skinner, Alex Marshall, Devin Payton, Gabe Zanetti, Michael McIntire, Gaige Howard, Noah Gunn, Trevor Lucky, Ramseyer and Naccarato.

LEWISTON BENGALS

The Bengals returned to the playoffs last year for the first time since 2008, and many of the reasons for their resurgence are back.

IEL MVP and strong-armed quarterback Colton Richardson has dropped 25 pounds. He’s drawing Division I interest. Receiving targets include Riley Way, Troy Ahlers, Alex Light, Jaret Driskill, Keeshawn Clarke and 6-foot-5 Braeden Wilson, who also plays basketball. Several of those players will pull double-duty in the defensive secondary.

Way and Clarke should see time in the backfield along with Kyler Fletcher and Zachary Moore.

Nilsson likes the potential of his offensive and defensive fronts, but said the units need to stay healthy. All-IEL first-teamer Dustin McLean returns, but the Bengals are replacing four other starters on the offensive line.

“The biggest issue is our depth at a couple of spots,” Nilsson said. “One (OL) spot is still up in the air but the four others are pretty solidified. If we have the right kids on the field, we could have one of our best defensive lines.”

The Timberwolves are talented but not particularly deep. It was a similar situation last year when injury riddled Lake City missed the playoffs for the just the second time in 19 seasons.

“I know this group is hungry and they work their tails off,” Erickson said. “I think we can compete with anyone if we stay healthy.”

Mobile quarterback Matt Duchow triggers the offense. Newcomer Grant Clark has big-play ability at running back and as a kick returner. Jason Pierard and Connor Watkins will be featured in the passing game.

The offensive line could be the team’s best unit with center Brady Nope (6-2, 285), guards Seth Yost (6-7, 320) and Anthony Donofrio (6-5, 305) and tackles Ryan Hinman, Logan Vessar and Kyle Torres.

True to his family roots, Erickson said, “I love to spin it, no doubt, but we’re going to formulate our offense around what our strengths are and our weaknesses are.”

Hinman and Torres will also see time on the defensive front alongside nose guard Cameron Chun. The T-Wolves return All-IEL performers in safety Kyle Kazmierski and outside linebacker Chase Moyer, who was at defensive end last season.

POST FALLS TROJANS

The Trojans probably return the least amount of varsity experience with just four starters and 10 lettermen.

“We’ll have a lot of juniors out there,” Bennett said. “We’re a little green with seniors but it’s a real strong junior class.”

Senior linemen Nate DeGraw and Bradley Noesen, both All-IEL last season, anchor a promising defense. Linebacker Justin Lyon and defensive backs Isiah Gosney and Cameron McKeown are others to watch.

“I think it’ll be the strength of our team,” Bennett said. “We’ve tried to make sure we have some excellent players over there.”

Bennett expects senior Mark Haines and junior Nate Buer to get reps at quarterback. Kaden Nelson, Braden Vaughan and Dusty Weeks will see time in the backfield and in the defensive back seven. Wide receiver/defensive backs include the Mills brothers, Matthew and Michael, and Parker Walton.

PAGE T20

G

THURSDAY

G

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

FOOTBALL 2016 - AFC PREVIEW

Associated Press

Tom Brady’s suspension and Peyton Manning’s retirement make it a more uncertain race for the AFC title this season.

WIDE-OPEN AFC

Departures, suspensions make it tough to gauge conference favorite

By Dennis Waszak Jr. Associated Press

NEW YORK – No Manning. No Brady, for the first four games. No clear-cut favorite in the AFC. With the regular season about to kick off, it’s anybody’s guess who’ll be the conference’s representative at the Super Bowl in Houston in February.

The defending champion Denver Broncos will try to become the first team to repeat since New England in 2004-05. But they won’t have the retired Peyton Manning leading the way. Or even Brock Osweiler, who bolted from the Broncos and headed to Houston.

Instead, Gary Kubiak and the Broncos have been trying to sort out a quarterback mix that includes veteran Mark Sanchez, 2015 seventh-rounder Trevor Siemian and rookie Paxton Lynch, the team’s first-rounder this year.

“You want to see the other guy succeed, you want to see the team succeed,” Sanchez said. “So, whatever it takes to win, that’s what we’ll try to do.”

While their quarterback situation might be a big question mark, the Broncos know they’ve got one of the league’s best defenses back, especially with the return of Super Bowl MVP Von Miller.

“If we’re like last year, our team didn’t worry about the other side of the ball,” defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said. “They worried about how well they played. That’s what we want to do. We have to outplay

All times Pacific

AFC Baltimore Ravens Sept. 11 Buffalo, 10 a.m.

Sept. 18 at Cleveland, 10 a.m.

Sept. 25 at Jacksonville, 10 a.m.

Oct. 2 Oakland, 10 a.m.

Oct. 9 Washington, 10 a.m.

Oct. 16 at N.Y. Giants, 10 a.m.

Oct. 23 at N.Y. Jets, 10 a.m.

Oct. 30 BYE Nov. 6 Pittsburgh, 10 a.m.

Nov. 10 Cleveland, 5:25 p.m.

Nov. 20 at Dallas, 10 a.m.

Nov. 27 Cincinnati, 10 a.m.

Dec. 4 Miami, 10 a.m.

Dec. 12 at New England, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 18 Philadelphia, 10 a.m.

Dec. 25 at Pittsburgh, 1:30 p.m.

Jan. 1 at Cincinnati, 10 a.m.

Buffalo Bills Sept. 11 at Baltimore, 10 a.m.

Sept. 15 N.Y. Jets, 5:25 p.m.

Sept. 25 Arizona, 10 a.m.

Oct. 2 at New England, 10 a.m.

Oct. 9 at Los Angeles, 1:25 p.m.

Oct. 16 San Francisco, 10 a.m.

Oct. 23 at Miami, 10 a.m.

Oct. 30 New England, 10 a.m.

Nov. 7 at Seattle, 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 13 BYE Nov. 20 at Cincinnati, 10 a.m.

Nov. 27 Jacksonville, 10 a.m.

Dec. 4 at Oakland, 1:05 p.m.

Dec. 11 Pittsburgh, 10 a.m.

Dec. 18 Cleveland, 10 a.m.

Dec. 24 Miami, 10 a.m.

Jan. 1 at N.Y. Jets, 10 a.m.

Cincinnati Bengals Sept. 11 at N.Y. Jets, 10 a.m.

Sept. 18 at Pittsburgh, 10 a.m.

Sept. 25 Denver, 10 a.m.

Sept. 29 Miami 5:25 p.m.

Oct. 9 at Dallas, 1:25 p.m.

Oct. 16 at New England, 10 a.m.

Oct. 23 Cleveland, 10 a.m.

Oct. 30 vs. Wash. at London, 6:30 a.m.

Nov. 6 BYE Nov. 14 at N.Y. Giants, 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 20 Buffalo, 10 a.m.

Nov. 27 at Baltimore, 10 a.m.

Dec. 4 Philadelphia, 10 a.m.

Dec. 11 at Cleveland, 10 a.m.

Dec. 18 Pittsburgh, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 24 at Houston, 5:25 p.m.

Jan. 1 Baltimore, 10 a.m.

Cleveland Browns Sept. 11 at Philadelphia, 10 a.m.

Sept. 18 Baltimore, 10 a.m.

Sept. 25 at Miami, 10 a.m.

Oct. 2 at Washington, 10 a.m.

Oct. 9 New England, 10 a.m.

Oct. 16 at Tennessee, 10 a.m.

Oct. 23 at Cincinnati, 10 a.m.

Oct. 30 N.Y. Jets, 10 a.m.

Nov. 6 Dallas, 10 a.m.

Nov. 10 at Baltimore, 5:25 p.m.

Nov. 20 Pittsburgh, 10 a.m.

Nov. 27 N.Y. Giants, 10 a.m.

Dec. 4 BYE Dec. 11 Cincinnati, 10 a.m.

Dec. 18 at Buffalo, 10 a.m.

Dec. 24 San Diego, 10 a.m.

Jan. 1 at Pittsburgh, 10 a.m.

Denver Broncos Sept. 8 Carolina, 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 18 Indianapolis, 1:25 p.m.

Sept. 25 at Cincinnati, 10 a.m.

Oct. 2 at Tampa Bay, 1:05 p.m.

Oct. 9 Atlanta, 1:05 p.m.

Oct. 13 at San Diego, 5:25 p.m.

Oct. 24 Houston, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 30 San Diego, 1:05 p.m.

Nov. 6 at Oakland, 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 13 at New Orleans, 10 a.m.

Nov. 20 BYE Nov. 27 Kansas City, 1:25 p.m.

Dec. 4 at Jacksonville, 10 a.m.

Dec. 11 at Tennessee, 10 a.m.

Dec. 18 New England, 1:25 p.m.

Dec. 25 at Kansas City, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 1 Oakland, 1:25 p.m.

Houston Texans Sept. 11 Chicago, 10 a.m.

Sept. 18 Kansas City, 10 a.m.

Sept. 22 at New England, 5:25 p.m.

Oct. 2 Tennessee, 10 a.m.

Oct. 9 at Minnesota, 10 a.m.

Oct. 16 Indianapolis, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 24 at Denver, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 30 Detroit, 10 a.m.

Nov. 6 BYE Nov. 13 at Jacksonville, 10 a.m.

Nov. 21 at Oakland, 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 27 San Diego, 10 a.m.

Dec. 4 at Green Bay, 10 a.m.

Dec. 11 at Indianapolis, 10 a.m.

Dec. 18 Jacksonville, 10 a.m.

Dec. 24 Cincinnati, 5:25 p.m.

Jan. 1 at Tennessee, 10 a.m.

Indianapolis Colts Sept. 11 Detroit, 1:25 p.m.

Sept. 18 at Denver, 1:25 p.m.

Sept. 25 San Diego, 1:25 p.m.

Oct. 2 vs. Jacks. at London, 6:30 a.m.

Oct. 9 Chicago, 10 a.m.

Oct. 16 at Houston, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 23 at Tennessee, 10 a.m.

Oct. 30 Kansas City, 10 a.m.

Nov. 6 at Green Bay, 1:25 p.m.

Nov. 13 BYE Nov. 20 Tennessee, 10 p.m.

Nov. 24 Pittsburgh, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 5 at N.Y. Jets, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 11 Houston, 10 a.m.

Dec. 18 at Minnesota, 10 a.m.

Dec. 24 at Oakland, 1:05 p.m.

Jan. 1 Jacksonville, 10 a.m.

Jacksonville Jaguars Sept. 11 Green Bay, 10 a.m.

Sept. 18 at San Diego, 1:25 p.m.

Sept. 25 Baltimore, 10 a.m.

Oct. 2 vs. Indy at London, 6:30 a.m.

Oct. 9 BYE Oct. 16 at Chicago, 10 a.m.

Oct. 23 Oakland, 10 a.m.

Oct. 27 at Tennessee, 5:25 p.m.

Nov. 6 at Kansas City, 10 a.m.

Nov. 13 Houston, 10 a.m.

Nov. 20 at Detroit, 10 a.m.

Nov. 27 at Buffalo, 10 a.m.

Dec. 4 Denver, 10 a.m.

Dec. 11 Minnesota, 10 a.m.

Dec. 18 at Houston, 10 a.m.

Dec. 24 Tennessee, 10 a.m.

Jan. 1 at Indianapolis, 10 a.m.

Kansas City Chiefs Sept. 11 San Diego, 10 a.m.

Sept. 18 at Houston, 10 a.m.

Sept. 25 N.Y. Jets, 1:25 p.m.

Oct. 2 at Pittsburgh, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 9 BYE Oct. 16 at Oakland, 1:05 p.m.

Oct. 23 New Orleans, 10 a.m.

Oct. 30 at Indianapolis, 10 a.m.

Nov. 6 Jacksonville, 10 a.m.

Nov. 13 at Carolina, 10 a.m.

Nov. 20 Tampa Bay, 10 a.m.

Nov. 27 at Denver, 1:25 p.m.

Dec. 4 at Atlanta, 10 a.m.

Dec. 8 Oakland, 5:25 p.m.

Dec. 18 Tennessee, 10 a.m.

Dec. 25 Denver, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 1 at San Diego, 1:25 p.m.

the other team’s defense. If they hold our team to not much, then we hold them to less. That’s the way we play the game.”

New England knows who its quarterback will be at the start of the season. Jimmy Garoppolo steps in for the suspended Tom Brady, who’ll have to sit four games as a result of his role in the “Deflategate” scandal.

That might make the Patriots’ stranglehold on the AFC East appear looser after winning the division the last seven years. Well, not so fast on writing off Bill Belichick’s bunch.

“Belichick is Belichick,” Buffalo safety Corey Graham said. “He’s one of the best, so when it’s all said and done, you know he’s going to get those guys prepared and make sure they’re ready to go.”

Pittsburgh might have as good a chance to win the AFC crown as anyone, especially if Ben Roethlisberger remains healthy. The Steelers went 10-6 and won a playoff game last season despite a down year for their play-making quarterback because of injuries.

Wide receiver Antonio Brown, among the most dynamic offensive player in the league, broke his own franchise records by catching 136 passes for 1,834 yards. Running back Le’Veon Bell is back from torn knee ligaments and should provide a boost, but will be suspended the first three games of the regular season for missing multiple drug tests.

The Steelers will also have to contend with AFC North rivals Cincinnati, which has made the

Miami Dolphins Sept. 11 at Seattle, 1:05 p.m.

Sept. 18 at New England, 10 a.m.

Sept. 25 Cleveland, 10 a.m.

Sept. 29 at Cincinnati 5:25 p.m.

Oct. 9 Tennessee, 10 a.m.

Oct. 16 Pittsburgh, 10 a.m.

Oct. 23 Buffalo, 10 a.m.

Oct. 30 BYE Nov. 6 N.Y. Jets, 10 a.m.

Nov. 13 at San Diego, 1:05 p.m.

Nov. 20 at Los Angeles, 1:05 p.m.

Nov. 27 San Francisco, 10 a.m.

Dec. 4 at Baltimore, 10 a.m.

Dec. 11 Arizona, 10 a.m.

Dec. 17 at N.Y. Jets, 5:25 p.m.

Dec. 24 at Buffalo, 10 a.m.

Jan. 1 New England, 10 a.m.

New England Patriots Sept. 11 at Arizona, 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 18 Miami, 10 a.m.

Sept. 22 Houston, 5:25 p.m.

Oct. 2 Buffalo, 10 a.m.

Oct. 9 at Cleveland, 10 a.m.

Oct. 16 Cincinnati, 10 a.m.

Oct. 23 at Pittsburgh, 1:25 p.m.

Oct. 30 at Buffalo, 10 a.m.

Nov. 6 BYE Nov. 13 Seattle, 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 20 at San Francisco, 1:25 p.m.

Nov. 27 at N.Y. Jets, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 4 Los Angeles, 10 a.m.

Dec. 12 Baltimore, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 18 at Denver, 1:25 p.m.

Dec. 24 N.Y. Jets, 10 a.m.

Jan. 1 at Miami, 10 a.m.

N.Y. Jets Sept. 11 Cincinnati, 10 a.m.

Sept. 15 at Buffalo, 5:25 p.m.

Sept. 25 at Kansas City, 1:25 p.m.

Oct. 2 Seattle, 10 a.m.

Oct. 9 at Pittsburgh, 10 a.m.

Oct. 17 at Arizona, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 23 Baltimore, 10 a.m.

Oct. 30 at Cleveland, 10 a.m.

Nov. 6 at Miami, 10 a.m.

Nov. 13 Los Angeles, 10 a.m.

Nov. 20 BYE Nov. 27 New England, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 5 Indianapolis, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 11 at San Francisco, 1:05 p.m.

Dec. 17 Miami, 5:25 p.m.

Dec. 24 at New England, 10 a.m.

Jan. 1 Buffalo, 10 a.m.

Oakland Raiders Sept. 11 at New Orleans, 10 a.m.

Sept. 18 Atlanta, 1:25 p.m.

Sept. 25 at Tennessee, 10 a.m.

Oct. 2 at Baltimore, 10 a.m.

Oct. 9 San Diego, 1:25 p.m.

Oct. 16 Kansas City, 1:05 p.m.

Oct. 23 at Jacksonville, 10 a.m.

Oct. 30 at Tampa Bay, 10 a.m.

Nov. 6 Denver, 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 13 BYE Nov. 21 Houston, 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 27 Carolina, 1:25 p.m.

Dec. 4 Buffalo, 1:05 p.m.

Dec. 8 at Kansas City, 5:25 p.m.

Dec. 18 at San Diego, 1:25 p.m.

Dec. 24 Indianapolis, 1:05 p.m.

Jan. 1 at Denver, 1:25 p.m.

Pittsburgh Steelers Sept. 12 at Washington, 4:10 p.m.

Sept. 18 Cincinnati, 10 a.m.

Sept. 25 at Philadelphia, 1:25 p.m.

Oct. 2 Kansas City, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 9 N.Y. Jets, 10 a.m.

Oct. 16 at Miami, 10 a.m.

Oct. 23 New England, 1:25 p.m.

Oct. 30 BYE Nov. 6 at Baltimore, 10 a.m.

Nov. 13 Dallas, 1:25 p.m.

Nov. 20 at Cleveland, 10 a.m.

Nov. 24 at Indianapolis, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 4 N.Y. Giants, 1:25 p.m.

Dec. 11 at Buffalo, 10 a.m.

Dec. 18 at Cincinnati, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 25 Baltimore, 1:30 p.m.

Jan. 1 Cleveland, 10 a.m.

San Diego Chargers Sept. 11 at Kansas City, 10 a.m.

Sept. 18 Jacksonville, 1:25 p.m.

Sept. 25 at Indianapolis, 1:25 p.m.

Oct. 2 New Orleans, 1:25 p.m.

Oct. 9 at Oakland, 1:25 p.m.

Oct. 13 Denver, 5:25 p.m.

Oct. 23 at Atlanta, 1:05 p.m.

Oct. 30 at Denver, 1:05 p.m.

Nov. 6 Tennessee, 1:25 p.m.

Nov. 13 Miami, 1:05 p.m.

Nov. 20 BYE Nov. 27 at Houston, 10 a.m.

Dec. 4 Tampa Bay, 1:25 p.m.

Dec. 11 at Carolina, 10 a.m.

Dec. 18 Oakland, 1:25 p.m.

Dec. 24 at Cleveland, 10 a.m.

Jan. 1 Kansas City, 1:25 p.m.

Tennessee Titans Sept. 11 Minnesota, 10 a.m.

Sept. 18 at Detroit, 10 a.m.

Sept. 25 Oakland, 10 a.m.

Oct. 2 at Houston, 10 a.m.

Oct. 9 at Miami, 10 a.m.

Oct. 16 Cleveland, 10 a.m.

Oct. 23 Indianapolis, 10 a.m.

Oct. 27 Jacksonville, 5:25 p.m.

Nov. 6 at San Diego, 1:25 p.m.

Nov. 13 Green Bay, 10 a.m.

Nov. 20 at Indianapolis, 10 a.m.

Nov. 27 at Chicago, 10 a.m.

Dec. 4 BYE Dec. 11 Denver, 10 a.m.

Dec. 18 at Kansas City, 10 a.m.

Dec. 24 at Jacksonville, 10 a.m.

Jan. 1 Houston, 10 a.m.

NFC Arizona Cardinals Sept. 11 New England, 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 18 Tampa Bay, 1:05 p.m.

Sept. 25 at Buffalo, 10 a.m.

Oct. 2 Los Angeles, 1:25 p.m.

Oct. 6 at San Francisco, 5:25 p.m.

Oct. 17 N.Y. Jets, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 23 Seattle, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 30 at Carolina, 1:25 p.m.

Nov. 6 BYE Nov. 13 San Francisco, 1:25 p.m.

Nov. 20 at Minnesota, 10 a.m.

Nov. 27 at Atlanta, 10 a.m.

Dec. 4 Washington, 1:25 p.m.

Dec. 11 at Miami, 10 a.m.

Dec. 18 New Orleans, 1:05 p.m.

Dec. 24 at Seattle, 1:25 p.m.

Jan. 1 at Los Angeles, 1:25 p.m.

Atlanta Falcons Sept. 11 Tampa Bay, 10 a.m.

Sept. 18 at Oakland, 1:25 p.m.

Sept. 26 at New Orleans, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 2 Carolina, 10 a.m.

Oct. 9 at Denver, 1:05 p.m.

Oct. 16 at Seattle, 1:25 p.m.

Oct. 23 San Diego, 1:05 p.m.

Oct. 30 Green Bay, 10 a.m.

Nov. 3 at Tampa Bay, 5:25 p.m.

Nov. 13 at Philadelphia, 10 a.m.

Nov. 20 BYE Nov. 27 Arizona, 10 a.m.

Dec. 4 Kansas City, 10 a.m.

Dec. 11 at Los Angeles, 1:25 p.m.

Dec. 18 San Francisco, 1:05 p.m.

Dec. 24 at Carolina, 10 a.m.

Jan. 1 New Orleans, 10 a.m.

postseason five straight years.

Quarterback Andy Dalton is recovered from a broken thumb that kept him out of the Bengals’ first-round playoff loss to the Steelers. He was having a breakout season when he got hurt last December, setting a team record with a passer rating of 106.3. But Marvin Lewis’ offense will have a different look this season with coordinator Hue Jackson leaving to become Cleveland’s head coach and wide receivers Marvin Jones (Lions) and Mohamed Sanu (Falcons) signing elsewhere as free agents.

The AFC South could be a toss-up, with Andrew Luck back from an inconsistent and injury-plagued season for Indianapolis. Houston has a new quarterback in Osweiler and running back in Lamar Miller, but star defensive end J.J. Watt is still recovering from back surgery. Jacksonville is coming off a surprising 9-7 season, fueled by quarterback Blake Bortles’ breakthrough season with receivers Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns, who combined for 24 touchdowns catches.

Any stumbles by Denver might create an opening in the AFC West for Kansas City, which was a win away from the AFC title game despite not having running back Jamaal Charles for most of the season because of a torn knee ligament.

Oakland also appears to be a team on the rise, led by quarterback Derek Carr. The Raiders could get off to a good start because they face just one playoff team from last season (Kansas City) in their first eight games.

Carolina Panthers Sept. 8 at Denver, 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 18 San Francisco, 10 a.m.

Sept. 25 Minnesota, 10 a.m.

Oct. 2 at Atlanta, 10 a.m.

Oct. 10 Tampa Bay, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 16 at New Orleans, 10 a.m.

Oct. 23 BYE Oct. 30 Arizona, 1:25 p.m.

Nov. 6 at Los Angeles, 1:05 p.m.

Nov. 13 Kansas City, 10 a.m.

Nov. 17 New Orleans, 5:25 p.m.

Nov. 27 at Oakland, 1:25 p.m.

Dec. 4 at Seattle, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 11 San Diego, 10 a.m.

Dec. 19 at Washington, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 24 Atlanta, 10 a.m.

Jan. 1 at Tampa Bay, 10 a.m.

Chicago Bears Sept. 11 at Houston, 10 a.m.

Sept. 19 Philadelphia, 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 25 at Dallas, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 2 Detroit, 10 a.m.

Oct. 9 at Indianapolis, 10 a.m.

Oct. 16 Jacksonville, 10 a.m.

Oct. 20 at Green Bay, 5:25 p.m.

Oct. 31 Minnesota, 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 6 BYE Nov. 13 at Tampa Bay, 10 a.m.

Nov. 20 at N.Y. Giants, 10 a.m.

Nov. 27 Tennessee, 10 a.m.

Dec. 4 San Francisco, 10 a.m.

Dec. 11 at Detroit, 10 a.m.

Dec. 18 Green Bay, 10 a.m.

Dec. 24 Washington, 10 a.m.

Jan. 1 at Minnesota, 10 a.m.

Dallas Cowboys Sept. 11 N.Y. Giants, 1:25 p.m.

Sept. 18 at Washington, 10 a.m.

Sept. 25 Chicago, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 2 at San Francisco, 1:25 p.m.

Oct. 9 Cincinnati, 1:25 p.m.

Oct. 16 at Green Bay, 1:25 p.m.

Oct. 23 BYE Oct. 30 Philadelphia, 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 6 at Cleveland, 10 a.m.

Nov. 13 at Pittsburgh, 1:25 p.m.

Nov. 20 Baltimore, 10 a.m.

Nov. 24 Washington, 1:30 p.m.

Dec. 1 at Minnesota, 5:25 p.m.

Dec. 11 at N.Y. Giants, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 18 Tampa Bay, 10 a.m.

Dec. 26 Detroit, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 1 at Philadelphia, 10 a.m.

Detroit Lions Sept. 11 at Indianapolis, 1:25 p.m.

Sept. 18 Tennessee, 10 a.m.

Sept. 25 at Green Bay, 10 a.m.

Oct. 2 at Chicago, 10 a.m.

Oct. 9 Philadelphia, 10 a.m.

Oct. 16 Los Angeles, 10 a.m.

Oct. 23 Washington, 10 a.m.

Oct. 30 at Houston, 10 a.m.

Nov. 6 at Minnesota, 10 a.m.

Nov. 13 BYE Nov. 20 Jacksonville, 10 a.m.

Nov. 24 Minnesota, 9:30 p.m.

Dec. 4 at New Orleans, 10 a.m.

Dec. 11 Chicago, 10 a.m.

Dec. 18 at N.Y. Giants, 10 a.m.

Dec. 26 at Dallas, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 1 Green Bay, 10 a.m.

Green Bay Packers Sept. 11 at Jacksonville, 10 a.m.

Sept. 18 at Minnesota, 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 25 Detroit, 10 a.m.

Oct. 2 BYE Oct. 9 N.Y. Giants, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 16 Dallas, 1:25 p.m.

Oct. 20 Chicago, 5:25 p.m.

Oct. 30 at Atlanta, 10 a.m.

Nov. 6 Indianapolis, 1:25 p.m.

Nov. 13 at Tennessee, 10 a.m.

Nov. 20 at Washington, 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 28 at Philadelphia, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 4 Houston, 10 a.m.

Dec. 11 Seattle, 1:25 p.m.

Dec. 18 at Chicago, 10 a.m.

Dec. 24 Minnesota, 10 a.m.

Jan. 1 at Detroit, 10 a.m.

Los Angeles Rams Sept. 12 at San Francisco, 7:20 p.m.

Sept. 18 Seattle, 1:05 p.m.

Sept. 25 at Tampa Bay, 1:05 p.m.

Oct. 2 at Arizona, 1:25 p.m.

Oct. 9 Buffalo, 1:25 p.m.

Oct. 16 at Detroit, 10 a.m.

Oct. 23 vs. N.YG at London, 6:30 a.m.

Oct. 30 BYE Nov. 6 Carolina, 1:05 p.m.

Nov. 13 at N.Y. Jets, 10 a.m.

Nov. 20 Miami, 1:05 p.m.

Nov. 27 at New Orleans, 10 a.m.

Dec. 4 at New England, 10 a.m.

Dec. 11 Atlanta, 1:25 p.m.

Dec. 15 at Seattle, 5:25 p.m.

Dec. 24 San Francisco, 1:25 p.m.

Jan. 1 Arizona, 1:25 p.m.

Minnesota Vikings Sept. 11 at Tennessee, 10 a.m.

Sept. 18 Green Bay, 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 25 at Carolina, 10 a.m.

Oct. 3 N.Y. Giants, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 9 Houston, 10 a.m.

Oct. 16 BYE Oct. 23 at Philadelphia, 10 a.m.

Oct. 31 at Chicago, 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 6 Detroit, 10 a.m.

Nov. 13 at Washington, 10 a.m.

Nov. 20 Arizona, 10 a.m.

Nov. 24 at Detroit, 9:30 a.m.

Dec. 1 Dallas, 5:25 p.m.

Dec. 11 at Jacksonville, 10 a.m.

Dec. 18 Indianapolis, 10 a.m.

Dec. 24 at Green Bay, 10 a.m.

Jan. 1 Chicago, 10 a.m.

New Orleans Saints Sept. 11 Oakland, 10 a.m.

Sept. 18 at N.Y. Giants, 10 a.m.

Sept. 26 Atlanta, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 2 at San Diego, 1:25 p.m.

Oct. 9 BYE Oct. 16 Carolina, 10 a.m.

Oct. 23 at Kansas City, 10 a.m.

Oct. 30 Seattle, 10 a.m.

Nov. 6 at San Francisco, 1:05 p.m.

Nov. 13 Denver, 10 a.m.

Nov. 17 at Carolina, 5:25 p.m.

Nov. 27 Los Angeles, 10 a.m.

Dec. 4 Detroit, 10 a.m.

Dec. 11 at Tampa Bay, 10 a.m.

Dec. 18 at Arizona, 1:05 p.m.

Dec. 24 Tampa Bay, 10 a.m.

Jan. 1 at Atlanta, 10 a.m.

N.Y. Giants Sept. 11 at Dallas, 1:25 p.m.

Sept. 18 New Orleans, 10 a.m.

Sept. 25 Washington, 10 a.m.

Oct. 3 at Minnesota, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 9 at Green Bay, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 16 Baltimore, 10 a.m.

Oct. 23 vs. Los Angeles at London, 6:30 a.m.

Oct. 30 BYE Nov. 6 Philadelphia, 10 a.m.

Nov. 14 Cincinnati, 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 20 Chicago, 10 a.m.

Nov. 27 at Cleveland, 10 a.m.

Dec. 4 at Pittsburgh, 5:25 p.m.

Dec. 11 Dallas, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 18 Detroit, 10 a.m.

Dec. 22 at Philadelphia, 5:25 p.m.

Jan. 1 at Washington, 10 a.m.

Philadelphia Eagles Sept. 11 Cleveland, 10 a.m.

Sept. 19 at Chicago, 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 25 Pittsburgh, 1:25 p.m.

Oct. 2 BYE Oct. 9 at Detroit, 10 a.m.

Oct. 16 at Washington, 10 a.m.

Oct. 23 Minnesota, 10 a.m.

Oct. 30 at Dallas, 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 6 at N.Y. Giants, 10 a.m.

Nov. 13 Atlanta, 10 a.m.

Nov. 20 at Seattle, 1:25 p.m.

Nov. 28 Green Bay, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 4 at Cincinnati, 10 a.m.

Dec. 11 Washington, 10 a.m.

Dec. 18 at Baltimore, 10 a.m.

Dec. 22 N.Y. Giants, 5:25 p.m.

Jan. 1 Dallas, 10 p.m.

San Francisco 49ers Sept. 12 Los Angeles, 7:20 p.m.

Sept. 18 at Carolina, 10 a.m.

Sept. 25 at Seattle, 1:05 p.m.

Oct. 2 Dallas, 1:25 p.m.

Oct. 6 Arizona, 5:25 p.m.

Oct. 16 at Buffalo, 10 a.m.

Oct. 23 Tampa Bay, 1:05 p.m.

Oct. 30 BYE Nov. 6 New Orleans, 1:05 p.m.

Nov. 13 at Arizona, 1:25 p.m.

Nov. 20 New England, 1:25 p.m.

Nov. 27 at Miami, 10 a.m.

Dec. 4 at Chicago, 10 a.m.

Dec. 11 N.Y. Jets, 1:05 p.m.

Dec. 18 at Atlanta, 1:05 p.m.

Dec. 24 at Los Angeles, 1:25 p.m.

Jan. 1 Seattle, 1:25 p.m.

Seattle Seahawks Sept. 11 Miami, 1:05 p.m.

Sept. 18 at Los Angeles, 1:05 p.m.

Sept. 25 San Francisco, 1:05 p.m.

Oct. 2 at N.Y. Jets, 10 a.m.

Oct. 9 BYE Oct. 16 Atlanta, 1:25 p.m.

Oct. 23 at Arizona, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 30 at New Orleans, 10 a.m.

Nov. 7 Buffalo, 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 13 at New England, 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 20 Philadelphia, 1:25 p.m.

Nov. 27 at Tampa Bay, 1:05 p.m.

Dec. 4 Carolina, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 11 at Green Bay, 1:25 p.m.

Dec. 15 Los Angeles, 5:25 p.m.

Dec. 24 Arizona, 1:25 p.m.

Jan. 1 at San Francisco, 1:25 p.m.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sept. 11 at Atlanta, 10 a.m.

Sept. 18 at Arizona, 1:05 p.m.

Sept. 25 Los Angeles, 1:05 p.m.

Oct. 2 Denver, 1:05 p.m.

Oct. 10 at Carolina, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 23 at San Francisco, 1:05 p.m.

Oct. 30 Oakland, 10 a.m.

Nov. 3 Atlanta, 5:25 p.m.

Nov. 13 Chicago, 10 a.m.

Nov. 20 at Kansas City, 10 a.m.

Nov. 27 Seattle, 1:05 p.m.

Dec. 4 at San Diego, 1:25 p.m.

Dec. 11 New Orleans, 10 a.m.

Dec. 18 at Dallas, 10 a.m.

Dec. 24 at New Orleans, 10 a.m.

Jan. 1 Carolina, 10 a.m.

Washington Redskins Sept. 12 Pittsburgh, 4:10 p.m.

Sept. 18 Dallas, 10 a.m.

Sept. 25 at N.Y. Giants, 10 a.m.

Oct. 2 Cleveland, 10 a.m.

Oct. 9 at Baltimore, 10 a.m.

Oct. 16 Philadelphia, 10 a.m.

Oct. 23 at Detroit, 10 a.m.

Oct. 30 vs. Cincy at London, 6:30 a.m.

Nov. 13 Minnesota, 10 a.m.

Nov. 20 Green Bay, 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 24 at Dallas, 1:30 p.m.

Dec. 4 at Arizona, 1:25 p.m.

Dec. 11 at Philadelphia, 10 a.m.

Dec. 19 Carolina, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 24 at Chicago, 10 a.m.

Jan. 1 N.Y. Giants, 10 a.m.

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FOOTBALL 2016 - NFC PREVIEW

CARDS’ ‘OTHER’ RECEIVER HAVING A BIG CAMP Clemson in April 2013 and has played in all of the Cardinals’ 51 games since then. He has 44 catches in GLENDALE, Ariz. – Everyone who those three seasons for 513 pays attention knows the Arizona yards and four Cardinals are loaded at wide receiver. touchdowns.

There’s Larry Fitzgerald, of course, “Those are the guys you Michael Floyd and speedy John Brown.

Brown fall in love with,” coach Last year the Cardinals added J.J. Nelson, Bruce Arians said. “He made it on special who may be the speediest of all. teams, then he made it as a receiver and But there’s another Brown on the he continues to improve in both areas. roster, Jaron, and he’s been the most His value goes up and up and up.” impressive receiver in training camp.

With Fitzgerald, John Brown and Jaron Brown got to the NFL the hard Nelson all sidelined with injuries at one way. He signed with Arizona as an time or another, Jaron has had a lot of undrafted rookie free agent out of

By Bob Baum Associated Press

time with the first unit.

“That’s the main thing. He’s gotten opportunity,” quarterback Carson Palmer said. “For whatever reason, over the years, he just hasn’t been on the field because there’s guys in front of him and he’s been the young guy, the undrafted guy. With Smokey (John Brown) being down for a number of days of practice and then J.J. being down and Larry being down, he’s just gotten the opportunity and seized it.”

Brown said he’s certain Palmer has grown more confident in him.

“That comes in practice and repetition,” he said, “constantly doing

those routes and getting the timing down.”

Making it in the league the way he did makes him appreciate it, maybe more than a drafted player would.

“Can’t take anything for granted,” Brown said. “I came in the undrafted route. Really special teams were part of my entry into the league and still are.”

He plays on all of them – punts, punt returns, kickoffs and kickoff returns.

“He’s got length and speed and he’s tough,” Arians said. “He’s got a defensive player’s mentality. For a receiver to be a core special-teamer, it’s a very unique skill set.”

Associated Press

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton , left, chased by Tennessee’s Brian Orakpo, says his offense has to take advantage of rich talent.

NFC LOOKS FAMILIAR

Cardinals, Panthers, Packers, Seahawks still look like teams with best chances

By Rob Maaddi Associated Press

The last four teams to play for the NFC championship have the same goal: Super Bowl or bust.

Carolina, Arizona, Seattle and Green Bay are still the class of a conference that has far more pretenders than contenders. It’s a smart bet one of the four teams will be in Houston playing for the Vince Lombardi Trophy in February.

Reigning NFL MVP Cam Newton led the Panthers to a 17-1 record before Von Miller and the Broncos stifled them in the Super Bowl. Carolina returns the bulk of its roster except All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman, now in Washington. The offense should be even better because star receiver Kelvin Benjamin is back after a knee injury forced him to miss last season.

“Given the talent we have on the offensive side, it’s about every guy maximizing their role,” Newton said.

“We don’t want to look back and say we didn’t maximize our opportunity with all these talents.”

The last eight teams to lose a Super Bowl have won at least 10 games the next season. But no team has made the title game a year after losing since the 1993 Bills.

“You can never be satisfied,” Panthers coach Ron Rivera said. “We didn’t win the Super Bowl. So that right there is enough for us to stay motivated and keep moving toward our goal.”

The Cardinals were 13-3 last year and are 34-14 under Bruce Arians. A blowout loss at Carolina in the NFC title game was a bitter end to a fine season. Carson Palmer is coming off his best season, but threw four

WSU

Continued from T12 But what has hype ever done for anybody? Sure, it will be helpful to have packed crowds when the Cougars are playing those seven homes games, and all those filled seats (and subsequent donations) should make it easier for the Cougars to someday buy that indoor practice facility they’ve been pining for.

But one gets the impression that defensive coordinator Alex Grinch could do without all the hullaballoo around the program, lest his players think they’ve accomplished something.

“From a coaching standpoint, we’re trying to break their confidence as much as anything else,” Grinch said. “We don’t need to be confident two weeks before a game; we don’t need to be confident (against Eastern Washington). Everything we do is to make sure these guys understand the standard where we play defense around here,

interceptions against the Panthers. Palmer turns 37 in December, so there’s urgency to win now.

Seattle also was knocked out of the playoffs by the Panthers. The Seahawks might have even more depth than they did when they almost won consecutive Super Bowls in 2013-14.

Running back Thomas Rawls – Marshawn Lynch’s replacement – and tight end Jimmy Graham are back from significant injuries that ended their 2015 seasons early. Russell Wilson led the NFL in passer rating and is still improving.

“We know what it takes to win a lot of games,” Wilson said.

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are looking to rebound after Minnesota ended their four-year reign in the NFC North. Star receiver Jordy Nelson is back after missing the season with a knee injury. Running back Eddie Lacy slimmed down. Even Rodgers altered his diet after minor knee surgery in the offseason.

If everyone around him stays healthy, Rodgers should return to MVP form. He had 3,821 yards passing, 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions in a “down” year for him in 2015.

The Vikings round out the top five in the NFC. But they need much more production from Teddy Bridgewater to have a chance to win the conference.

Bridgewater finished in the bottom third of the NFL in most quarterback categories last season.

Minnesota’s offense still relies on Adrian Peterson, who led the league with 1,485 yards rushing last season.

If the 31-year-old Peterson slows down, the Vikings could be in trouble.

and quite honestly they have not reached that standard.”

What the Cougars may have, coming off the most successful season of the Mike Leach era, is a certain certitude that his way works, that the process will be productive, that all the long hours are worth it.

They know the drills they run in the summer equip them with what they need to complete a game-winning drive in the Rose Bowl, that Grinch’s defense is undoubtedly an upgrade over what they were doing before.

“We know what we have, we know we have the ability to be a really good team,” Henry said.

“I think that gives you the extra get-up in the morning when you’re feeling sorry for yourself on Friday, and all your friends are back home and you’re here.”

There are new challenges for the Cougars. WSU will have to avoid the pitfalls that come with recognition. Increased attention does not just mean increased scrutiny, it also brings the

siren-like allure of unearned praise, and if the Cougars want to be distracted by reading about how great they are, there will be no shortage of material.

Sports Illustrated has already profiled Falk, and the author posits that NFL riches after the season are a certainty. ESPN will televise WSU’s Week 2 trip to Boise State, and as long as the wins keep coming the TV cameras will follow.

But a team that is sure of itself because it is sure of its process can avoid such distractions by simply sticking with what works. The Cougars no longer have to rely on belief in alone, as they had to last season when compiling that great record despite going 3-9 the year before.

“I think last year at this time it was clouded a little more with optimism than true confidence,” Leach said. “True confidence is where after you take a shot or something, you’re still confident. So we’ll find out but I do feel like we’re a little ahead of that.”

Whoever wins the NFC East could be an underdog in the playoffs, though a home game comes with winning the division.

The Redskins finished first thanks to a breakout year from Kirk Cousins. They added Norman in free agency to bolster a poor defense. But no team has repeated in the division since the Eagles won four in a row from 2001-04.

The Giants have a new coach, Ben McAdoo, and revamped defense. They re-signed Jason Pierre-Paul and added defensive end Olivier Vernon, defensive tackle Damon Harrison, cornerback Janoris Jenkins and linebacker Kennan Robinson.

With Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr. leading the way on offense, New York could end its four-year playoff drought.

McAdoo is one of four new coaches in the NFC. The Eagles hired Doug Pederson to replace Chip Kelly, who took over in San Francisco. Tampa Bay hired Dirk Koetter.

Tony Romo’s back injury means Dallas might start the season with rookie Dak Prescott at quarterback. If so, it tempers the excitement surrounding running back Ezekiel Elliott, the No. 4 overall pick.

Matthew Stafford and the Lions have to adjust to life without Calvin Johnson, who retired in the offseason.

Drew Brees is playing for a new contract 37 at age, so the Saints could be a surprise team. The Falcons aim for consistency after losing eight of 11 following a 5-0 start.

The Rams try to bring a winner to town in the NFL’s return to Los Angeles. The Bears will go as far as Jay Cutler takes them, usually nowhere.

to being relevant again.

“Matt wants to be pushed, Continued from T4 coached hard and driven,” his next week turned down a father says. “And I can’t think of chance to visit the University of anybody better than Paul to do North Dakota. that. He’s a great motivator, he’s “All I needed was to get here a great coach. But he cares and be around Coach Petrino, about his players. He’s not going and it was a done deal,” Matt to ever let them to do anything says. but to strive to be their best and he demands a lot out of players.

That’s what drives Matt.”

KINDRED SPIRITS When Matt missed spring They’re both coach’s sons. camp after foot surgery, Petrino They’re both competitive to their core. They both have been made sure to pull him aside before and after practices and in around the highest level of meetings. The two would walk football. In these ways, Matt through tape and plays to keep Linehan and Paul Petrino are kindred spirts. They sometimes Matt mentally sharp.

Petrino wanted his starting squabble on the field, but their QB for the fall locked in, even relationship works largely because they’re wired the same while hobbling around. And it made an impression on Matt. way.

“When you’ve got a coach Matt says it was Petrino’s competitive fire – the same trait who cares like that — and unfortunately, we don’t get that Scott and Kristen noticed in enough anymore; you don’t get their son early on – that a coach who cares for their attracted him to the coach players like that as much as he before he committed. Four does — to be able to have that is years later, the intensity they share burns even brighter with special, and I cherish it all the the Vandals seemingly so close time,” Matt says.

LINEHAN

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GREAT EXPECTATIONS - SEAHAWKS

SEAHAWKS SCHEDULE SEPT. 11: vs. Dolphins, 1:05 SEPT. 18: @Rams 1:05 SEPT. 25: vs. 49ers 1:05 OCT. 2: @Jets, 10:00 a.m.

ALL TIMES PACIFIC

OCT. 16: vs. Falcons, 1:25 OCT. 23: @Cardinals, 5:30 OCT. 30: @Saints, 10:00 a.m.

NOV. 7: vs. Bills, 5:30 p.m.

NOV. 13: @Patriots, 5:30 NOV. 20: vs. Eagles 1:25 NOV. 27: @Buccaneers, 1:05 DEC. 4: vs. Panthers, 5:30

DEC. 11: @Packers, 1:25 DEC. 15: vs. Rams, 5:25 DEC. 24: vs. Cardinals, 1:25 JAN. 1: @49ers, 1:25

CALL HIM ‘TATER’ Quarterbacks coach Carl Smith is a team favorite

JOHNNY ANDREWS Seattle Times

Seahawks quarterbacks coach Carl “Tater” Smith, center, monitors his unit as Trevone Boykin, right, looks to pass during training camp.

By Jayson Jenks R Seattle Times

S

ubject: Carl Smith. Occupation: Seahawks quarterback coach; mentor to Russell Wilson. Problem: Many players, maybe even most, don’t know or remember his name. “Carl Smith?” receiver Jermaine Kearse asks.

“The basketball coach?” When informed that Carl Smith is, in fact, the Seahawks quarterback coach who has been there since Kearse joined the team in 2012, Kearse’s face jolts. “Ooooooh, you mean Tater,” he says. Solution: Refer to Carl Smith exclusively as Tater, because that’s how he’s best known and because it becomes clear traditional storytelling methods won’t work with him. So Tater it is, told in eight non-traditional parts. Tater is 68 years old, four years older than coach Pete Carroll (“He’s like my younger brother,” he says of Carroll). Tater is one of Carroll’s favorite people and quite possibly the Most Interesting Man on the Seahawks.

He got fired in 2007 and used his time off to coach high school football and go door to door for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. He has his master’s degree, a real-estate license and enough potato-farming knowledge to host lectures. He dances at practice, occasionally flips his hat backward and has been known to use an emoji or three in text messages.

If he didn’t work for Carroll, he might have the most fun of any coach in the NFL. His philosophy is not as fun or interesting, at least not at first: Do the best job you can, and be good to the people around you, which one of his sons admits is a little “Oprah-ish.”

But like so many things with Tater, it’s more complicated, more meaningful and therefore more interesting than it first appears.

1. TATER

The nickname, what he calls a “good sports nickname,” presents another issue. Mostly because the origin story seems to change depending on the day or year. But that’s how he’s known: Tater.

One of Smith’s coaching buddies was in San Francisco when former Seahawks receiver Ricardo Lockette was with the 49ers. The coach asked Lockette (who rejoined the Seahawks after his 49ers stint) about Carl Smith.

Lockette shook his head.

The quarterback coach for the Seahawks?

Lockette shook his head again. “No,” he said, “our quarterback coach is Tater.”

A couple years ago, Tater said he got the nickname because he worked in the potato fields growing up in Wasco, California. The potato-fields part is true; the nickname part is not.

“I used to tell stories about that,” Tater admits. “This is the true story. It was in the first week I was at Bakersfield Junior College. Gerry Collis, who was the quarterback and defensive backs coach at the time, was saying, ‘Way to throw that tater.’ He said it about five times,

Associated Press

Russell Wilson has benefited from the tutelage of quarterbacks coach Carl “Tater” Smith.

and he just looked, pointed and said, ‘Tater.’

Now, he gave everybody nicknames. He was outstanding at that. But that was it. And everywhere I’ve gone, somebody has shown up from the past.”

2. PETE CARROLL SHOWS UP IN HIS PAST

Here are the places where Carroll and Tater have coached together: North Carolina State (1982), New England (1997-99), USC (2004) and Seattle (2011-present).

Carroll on Tater: “He’s one of my favorite guys in the world.”

And: “Everywhere he’s ever been, I’ve watched different quarterbacks in different settings have the best years they’ve ever had.

Go back and look. Drew Bledsoe, Matt Leinart, all the way through Russell.”

And finally: “I believe in his savvy, wisdom and outlook as much as I can believe in somebody.”

3. THE POTATO FIELDS

He did work in the potato fields. And the watermelon fields. And the cotton fields.

He started when he was 12 or 13 and kept at it even after he got his masters at Cal Poly. At first

he loved the money, but then he learned to love the job.

It takes about nine minutes for Tater to explain the different stages of potato farming.

He gets out of his chair in the middle of the atrium at the Seahawks practice facility to demonstrate, both visually and audibly, how the process unfolds and his variety of job titles — sprinkler, jigger, sewer and trucker.

He is so animated and enthusiastic it’s hard not to care a little more about the plight of the potato. When he’s finished, he sits back down.

“I like talking about this; I’ve told my sons all these stories,” he says, pausing for effect. “They hate ’em. I can’t believe you’re listening.”

His middle son, Tyler: “I know he has decades now in football, but he’d rather give us the lessons he learned in the potato shed or watermelon fields.”

His youngest son, Nick: “When he’d give me 20 bucks to go to the movies, he’d tell me how many sacks of potatoes it would have cost him to make that $20 before giving it to me.”

Tyler: “My dad’s never missed a day of work in football since I’ve been alive. Never, ever.

Saying you were too sick to go to work or school or practice was ridiculous. I never missed a football practice; it wouldn’t have been allowed. He wasn’t a disciplinarian or a hard-charging guy with our sports when we were kids. But just the idea of missing work was like a joke to him. It just didn’t make sense. He sees those times in the potato shed or watermelon fields as glorious days.”

4. HOURS AND HOURS SPENT WITH WILSON

Russell Wilson Year 1: 64 percent, 3,118 yards, 26 touchdowns, 10 interceptions.

Russell Wilson Year 4: 68 percent, 4,024 yards, 34 touchdowns, eight interceptions.

“For me and him, over the past four years, we’ve been through some amazing times,” Wilson says. “We’ve won a lot of football games, See TATER, T23

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A MATCH MADE IN NFL HEAVEN

TATER

Continued from T22 and a lot of that is credit to him and how he helps prepare me in such an amazing way.

“He positively affects everyone around him in everything he does.

And that’s the best thing I can say about Tater: He positively affects everyone he knows and everyone around him. I just really believe he’s a true difference-maker for our team. I tell Tater he’s still got another 10 years left in coaching.”

5. THE LESSON OF ‘DO MORE’

USFL, Philadelphia Stars, mid-1980s. Tater is coaching special teams.

First loss, the head man, Jim Mora, unloads. It doesn’t matter how hard you’re working, how smart you think you are, if we don’t win, it’s not worth a damn. It’s not good enough.

Tater walks to his office. Screw you, he thinks, I’m working my tail off for you. But he keeps walking, lets the emotion drain.

Next game, he goes back at it, watches more tape and works out a return play: touchdown.

“I just nodded to myself,” he says.

“That’s what he was talking about.

There was more in there.”

6. HE APOLOGIZES FOR DANCING

“Sorry,” he says. “It’s the music.”

Russell Wilson apologizes for nothing.

“You should have seen him at the wedding when Earth, Wind & Fire was playing,” he says, referring to his offseason wedding to singer Ciara. “He was grooving the whole night. He even got a couple of dances with Jennifer Hudson. I think that was the highlight of his life – that and the Super Bowl.”

7. NEVER FIRED, ONLY LIBERATED

That’s what he calls his firings.

And his three years away from football after two of those firings — 2000 and 2007-2008? Those are “redshirt” years.

When he got “liberated” as the Jaguars offensive coordinator in 2007, he had promised his youngest son, Nick, he wouldn’t have to move again. Nick was a junior in high school.

“I said, ‘Nick, do you want to go to Pittsburgh and coach Ben Roethlisberger?’ ” Tater says. “He said, ‘No, Dad, you can go.’ He was doing well in school, doing well in football and socially. It was like, OK, he didn’t need to move again. So I sat out. They asked me to come coach, and I wound up coaching the quarterbacks on his high school team for two years.”

Nick: “He did some cool stuff. He got his real estate license and went door to door on the Obama campaign his first term. And he said he was going to learn Spanish, but it never happened.”

Tyler: “He ended up getting a hug from Obama when he got to the White House. When the Seahawks were at the White House to meet Obama, after Obama went down the line and shook the coaches’ hands, (then-Seahawks receivers coach) Kippy Brown piped up and said, ‘Carl went door to door in Florida in ’08.’ And Obama said, ‘Oh, that deserves a hug.’ ”

8. MEANING OF HIS PHILOSOPHY

His philosophy sounds simple and obvious, but he believes in it, and the way he talks, it makes you believe, too. The hard part isn’t understanding his philosophy; it’s actually doing it.

“I got it from my dad,” he says.

“He didn’t tell it to me, but I watched him like you watch your dad when you’re little. I watched him work on chemistry tests and grade tests. I had him in chemistry class as a junior, and I understood how hard he was working and how much he cared even in the face of how little his students cared. He always did the best job he could teaching, and people loved him.”

He learned it from watching his father in the obscurity of a classroom, and his sons learned it from watching him on the big stages of pro sports. But the message never changed.

His oldest son, Tracy, is a special-teams coach with the Oakland Raiders. Tracy ends a long email about his dad with a personal note, the philosophy extended: “He is a great guy and my best friend.

I’ve wanted to be like him for as long as I can remember and I have never seen or heard anything that made me change my mind.”

Associated Press

A winning combo: Seahawks general manager John Schneider, left, bumps fists with head coach Pete Carroll.

Six years in, Carroll-Schneider team still thrives

By Jayson Jenks Seattle Times

I

t was former Seahawks CEO Tod Leiweke who called the relationship between coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider a “fantastic collaboration.”

Back then, in 2010, that description was nothing more than an article of faith. It was and is the type of thing said at every introductory news conference, a promise that so rarely comes true.

And yet six years later, the Carroll-Schneider collaboration has proven to be, well, fantastic.

The Seahawks have made the playoffs five times, been to two Super Bowls and won one of them. It has been the greatest stretch in team history.

This is all brought up because it’s now known Carroll and Schneider will work together for at least four more years. Recently, Schneider signed a five-year extension and Carroll a three-year extension.

From their first day together, Carroll and Schneider have presented a united front. They compliment each other, they make jokes, and during the season Carroll does all of the talking to the media so there is only one message. They are always on the same page.

That has gone on for so long now that either they are both great actors and salesmen or it is true.

Right now is a good time to reflect on two points.

First, to reiterate just how fruitful the dynamic has been. It’s not hard to imagine that years from now people will nostalgically talk about this stretch as the franchise’s glory days.

Second, the challenge of their relationship never ceases to be a challenge. Carroll and Schneider have made it work for six years, and it doesn’t get any easier.

It has been and will always be fragile.

“It’s tremendous because it’s rare,” former Packers general manager Ron Wolf said a couple years ago.

“We kind of had that when Mike Holmgren and I were together at Green Bay. It was about the Packers, and it worked. That’s so important. It seems like such a small thing. Egos get in the way, and eventually when you have success somebody wants to take credit. And it’s

usually somebody that had absolutely nothing to do with it. That’s the downfall of operations.”

Wolf, who is in the Hall of Fame, tacked on this addendum in 2013: “You just hope they can maintain it.

Because at some point that bubble is going to burst.

When that happens, it’s how you react to that.”

Carroll is one of the league’s best coaches; Schneider one of the league’s best general managers. Both have ego, and both have the pedigree to warrant such ego.

But looking back to one example shows how and why their relationship has worked, and it happens to involve their most famous and important player: quarterback Russell Wilson.

Schneider loved Wilson. He loved the way he “tilted” the field his way; you just had to focus on Wilson when he played. Schneider lobbied hard for him.

Carroll and his coaches weren’t immediately convinced. As offensive line coach Tom Cable said, “We were just trying to understand what he could see in a guy who was undersized at that position.”

Carroll said Schneider “convinced” him of Wilson’s value.

Yet when Carroll and his coaches watched Wilson on the field during his rookie season, they saw what Schneider saw.

The Seahawks had just invested pretty heavily in a veteran free-agent quarterback that same offseason, but Carroll named Wilson his starter.

Said offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, “I’ve been in other organizations where that probably wouldn’t have been the case for a lot of reasons, whether it’s ego or money. Because all of those things came into play in that situation.”

Sports is built on ego. It’s nearly impossible to be successful and not be convinced of your abilities. The trick is managing that ego.

So often teams go sideways because of power struggles. It sometimes feels like the NFL is actually a season of “Game of Thrones.”

Carroll and Schneider have thus far made their relationship into a “fantastic collaboration,” and the challenge, as always, will be keeping it that way.

BECOME A MEDICAL MASSAGE THERAPIST 4365 Inverness Drive, Post Falls Idaho 83854

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