HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WTVA/AP) - Conference USA will have four new teams next season. This year, there are new quarterbacks and new coaches.
The league had five 3,000-yard passers last season. All are gone, including NCAA record-holder and former Houston Cougar Case Keenum, who became the first FBS quarterback with three 5,000-yard passing seasons.
While losing the most prolific passer, Houston may also have the most ready replacement.
When Keenum got hurt two years ago, David Piland was a true freshman who threw for 2,641 yards and 24 touchdowns in eight games. He was redshirted last year.
Like C-USA runner up Houston, defending league champion Southern Miss has a new coach and is replacing a 3,000-yard passer.
This is the last C-USA season for SMU, Houston, Central Florida and Memphis before those teams head to the Big East.
