FBS Independent Football Preview 2021
Our FBS Independent preview 2021 finds that many of these teams will be very competitive. Not tied to any conference, four of these seven teams possess postseason chops. The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame are the top contenders, followed by the Liberty Flames, BYU Cougars, and Army West Point Black Knights. The final three teams, the New Mexico State Aggies, Massachusetts Minutemen, and Connecticut Huskies, are unlikely to earn a postseason berth. All three need to build and stabilize their programs.
FBS Independent Preview – Teams
Army West Point Black Knights – As usual, the Black Knights will run a triple option with a focus on the ground attack. The Army infantry includes three running backs. The team is five-deep in this area. There’s plenty of experience at quarterback with Christian Anderson being the projected starter. The offensive line is one of the best in college football. The Army defense, which last year was ranked first in yards allowed per game, includes eight returning starters. The tough D-line includes premium anchor NT Nolan Cockrill, while LB Arik Smith is back as the leading tackler and safety Cedrick Cunningham is the top enforcer in the secondary. Special teams led the nation in blocked punts with seven.
BYU Cougars – The top two prospects to replace NFL-bound quarterback Zach Wilson are freshman Jacob Conover and sophomore Jaren Hall. Additionally, two others are in the mix. Prolific receiver Dax Milne is also gone. However, the receiving unit is sound. It includes All-American tight end Isaac Rex. The top two running backs also return, while the O-line is very sound. The Cougar defense loses seven starters. The linebacking group sees three starters, the team’s top three tacklers, come back. But the D-line and secondary both lack experience. The BYU special teams are top notch.
Connecticut Huskies – Our FBS Independent preview 2021 projects UConn to be the weakest of this group of seven unaffiliated teams. One issue is the fact that the Huskies did not play one game in 2020. Another is their O-line, which sees just two starters return. The receiving group is experienced, while top running back Kevin Mensah returns with hopes of breaking Donald Brown’s UConn career rushing record. He needs 1,200 more yards. The quarterback spot is up for grabs. At tackle, NFL prospect Travis Jones leads the defense. He’s joined on the line by veteran players, while the linebacking unit returns intact. Free safety Diamond Harrell leads a secondary, which, overall, is inexperienced.
Liberty Flames – In a short amount of time, the Flames have become a successful FBS team. We expect them to notch 10 wins this season. The offense is run by legit dual threat QB Malik Willis. Last season, he passed and rushed for a total of 34 TDs. The Liberty O-line, rushing unit, and receivers are all experienced, skilled, and deep. The defense includes a four-man front that is nine deep. The line is anchored by sack masters Durrell Johnson and TreShaun Clark. The linebacking and secondary units are strong. Their special teams are in fine shape.
Massachusetts Minutemen – Former four-star recruit Tyler Lytle arrives at UMass in an attempt to stabilize the quarterback spot. Rico Arnold, a transfer from Charlotte and a Conference USA All-Rookie selection, upgrades the receiving corps. Two other transfers, Kay’Ron Adams (Rutgers) and Brian Parish (North Texas), arrive to anchor the rushing unit and O-line respectively. The defense also features numerous transfers who will populate the linebacking and secondary ranks. The frontline welcomes back three solid vets. This is a deep unit.
New Mexico State Aggies – Junior college transfer Jonah Johnson takes over for two-year starting QB Josh Adkins who transferred to UTSA. Johnson, a dual threat, should make an immediate impact. There is good news upfront, as the Aggies have an experienced and skilled O-line. They also possess a fine stable of receivers and an exciting freshman running back in Juwaun Price. Although the offense looks promising, the other side of the ball appears to be thin. The best part of this D is the line. Yet, we doubt they will be very effective.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish – Once again, the Irish are the best of the Independents. Still, they must replace eight starters on offense, including quarterback Ian Book. Wisconsin graduate transfer Jack Coan will run the offense. Although the QB will be protected by an inexperienced line, Coan does have some solid veteran receivers to toss to. Top rusher Kyren Williams returns to an offense that likes to exploit the ground game. The Irish defense is three deep upfront and will be tough against the rush and in hassling QBs. Veteran MLB Drew White is the leader on this side of the ball. Although three-of-four starters return to the secondary, this is a thin and vulnerable unit.
Independent Football – Ranking
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Liberty Flames
BYU Cougars
Army West Point Black Knights
New Mexico State Aggies
Massachusetts Minutemen
Connecticut Huskies
FBS Independent Preview - Final Word
Only five percent of the FBS teams are independent. Still, we have determined that over 50 percent have bowl potential. This is a fine group of teams; all of which possess the potential to take down some of the best teams in the nation. As noted, our FBS Independent preview 2021 finds the best of these teams to be Notre Dame, Liberty. BYU, and Army. Due to their offense, New Mexico has potential, but their defense is a liability, while UMass has a slew of transfers that may make a difference. UConn is at a big disadvantage having not played one snap in 2020.