[paintmered]

I'm really glad to see UC football starting to get some interest. Last year was a successful season against an absolutely brutal schedule. This year's schedule looks to be a little more sane. I'm a little worried about going into San Diego St. just because I'm not sure how the team will respond traveling cross country. I feel pretty good about Oregon State even though Beaver fans are already writing it off as a victory.

As for the Big East, I think the conference will be stronger overall this year than last year. The top three are still WVU, Louisville and Rutgers. South Florida and UC are next in line. The good news is, WVU and Louisville travel to Nippert this year and depending on how well the defense can hold up, they might pull out another marquee win in Clifton.

I think UC was about as underrated as they come last year. That team's core was comprised of sophomores that have started for two seasons. The loss of Celek and McCullough hurt, but the new offense doesn't use the tight end and there's plenty of talent at LB to replace McCullough. So depending on how the quarterback position shakes out. Is Mauk going to be healthy? Can Grutza be a big time college QB? The freshmen Colleros and Anderson will likely get a look too. Kelly has shown he's not afraid to throw a true freshman in there as quarterback. Special teams is also a big question mark. Kicker, punter and long snapper must all be replaced for 2007.

So how does it all add up? I think overall UC is a better team than they were last year. I'm not sure if it is going to translate into a better record though. Here are my predictions:

Thu., Aug. 30 vs. Southeast Missouri State Win
Thu., Sep. 6 vs. Oregon State Win
Sat., Sep. 15 at Miami (Ohio) Win
Sat., Sep. 22 vs. Marshall Win
Sat., Sep. 29 at San Diego State Loss
Sat., Oct. 6 at Rutgers Loss
Sat., Oct. 13 vs. Louisville Win
Sat., Oct. 20 at Pittsburgh Win
Sat., Nov. 3 at USF Loss
Sat., Nov. 10 vs. Connecticut Win
Sat., Nov. 17 vs. West Virginia Loss
Sat., Nov. 24 at Syracuse Win

That works out to 8-4 (3-3). I think worst case, this team only wins 6. Best case, they win 9....maybe even 10.

Regardless, things are looking up for UC football and momentum is beginning to build. It was enough for me to go and pick up a pair of season tickets for 2007. Go Cats!