Because it is heading into its final year of operation as a football league, the Big West Conference may not have much motivation to prove itself on a national scale.

While the league is generally viewed as one of the weakest in the country, a year ago the Big West shocked a lot of folks by coming up with its share of wins over schools from bigger conferences. Boise State knocked off eventual Mountain West co-champ Utah and another MWC team, New Mexico. North Texas upset Texas Tech of the Big 12, Idaho defeated Washington State of the Pac-10, while the most impressive non-league win was New Mexico State's 35-7 romp over the Pac-10's Arizona State on the road.

As the final year approaches, the Big West has a terrific opportunity to make a national impression on the first full weekend of the season with five games against teams from BCS conferences.

The Big West teams will take on two Big 12 schools, one Pac-10 school, one from the SEC and one from the ACC. In the other game, defending champion Boise State plays at New Mexico, which lost to Texas Tech last week.

On the whole, the Big West coaches aren't heading into this week's games with any trepidation. In fact, the only game that looks out of reach is Idaho's game at Washington, which is one of the Pac-10's preseason favorites.

The best chances for Big West victories will be Boise State' game at New Mexico and North Texas' home game against Baylor Thursday night. New Mexico State, picked for second behind Boise State, has a very winnable game on the road against Lou Holtz's South Carolina team, which has the nation's longest losing streak at 21 games.

Utah State has an outside chance against Texas Tech, which is breaking in a new coach, while improved Arkansas State plays against a North Carolina State team with a new coach, picked for the bottom half of the ACC.

"We are all very excited about the opportunity to play a good Texas Tech team," said first-year Utah State coach Mick Dennehy. "I think you will see a great opener from us."

If the Big West teams can somehow emerge from the opening weekend with a 3-3 mark, they'll be off to a good start that would bode well for the rest of their swan-song season.

Around the Big West

	Bart Hendricks hopes to lead Boise State over Idaho and into the Humanitarian Bowl.

Boise State: Quarterback Bart Hendricks is the returning offensive player of the year in the Big West and the Boise State sports information office is pushing him for All-American honors. But the Heisman Trophy? Well, according to Heismania.com, which uses a mathematical formula to evaluate candidates, Hendricks ranks No. 3 on its list, ahead of candidates such as Purdue's Drew Brees and Florida State's Chris Weinke. ... Cornerback Dempsy Dees, a first team All Big West selection last year, has been nominated as one of 40 players in the nation for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation's top defensive back. ... After having eight games at home last year, counting the Humanitarian Bowl at Bronco Stadium, the Broncos have only five home games this year. In fact, the Broncos must play four of their first five on the road, beginning with New Mexico this Saturday. They also must play at Arkansas, Central Michigan and Washington State with a lone home game against Northern Iowa on Sept. 9

New Mexico State: Senior safety Corey Paul, a projected starter at cornerback, will redshirt this season after fracturing his right ankle on Aug. 23. ... NMSU's starting fullback Keeon Johnson will miss the first game against South Carolina while an academic eligibility matter is resolved. ... Two New Mexico State players have been nominated for postseason honors. Punter Andy Kohl has been nominated for the inaugural Ray Guy Award, while cornerback Donald Malloy has been nominated for the Jim Thorpe Award. ... New Mexico State is 0-7 versus present Southeastern Conference teams. ... The Aggies have led the Big West in rushing three years in a row under coach Tony Samuel. ... After this week, the Aggies have a bye before coming back to play 10 games in a row

Idaho: In the Vandals' final scrimmage last Saturday, the offense was impressive with more than 400 yards of offense. Starting quarterback John Welsh rolled up 184 yards on 25 attempts, while backup Ed Dean threw for 181 yards in 23 attempts. Willie Alderson answered some questions at the running back position by gaining 130 yards, including a 71-yard romp. ... The Vandals will again play most of their home games across the border in Washington State's Martin Stadium. Last year, they averaged 28,222 for four home dates and this year Idaho will play three of its four games in Pullman with only the Nov. 11 game with New Mexico State at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow.

Arkansas State: Special teams have been impressive so far for the Indians, although coach Joe Hollis expected it. "We've got experience at long snapper, punter, kicker, return men and we're better athletically. Special teams should certainly be a positive for us," he said. ... Two centers who have sat out with injuries, returned to practice Monday. Starter Jack Wright is back from an ankle injury, while Andrew Tripp is back from knee surgery. ... Linebacker Eti Taula, who has missed all of fall camp after back surgery, has begun limited drills. ... Punter Andy Shatley is one of three Big West players and 32 overall, who has been nominated for the Ray Guy Award. ... Four players missed practice this week because of a contagious sinus-flu problem.

Utah State: After declaring the quarterback job open after last spring's practices, Utah State coaches didn't take long to settle on returning starter Jeff Crosbie as the No. 1 guy. Jose Fuentes, who looked good late in the spring, didn't return like USU coaches expected and senior Brian Benza moved up to take the No. 2 spot. ... Utah State punter Steve Mullins is one of 32 players to be nominated for the inaugural Ray Guy Award. The former quarterback is also expected to play a lot at wide receiver this year. ... Except for a few nicks and bruises, the Aggies have been almost injury-free this fall. JC transfer Scott Goss has been the most seriously injured, needing surgery on his thumb, but he is expected to play this week. ... Sophomore Jim Newton, the tallest player on the team at 6-10, has emerged as the starting right guard, winning a battle with JC transfer Eric Gwillam and senior Steve Canidate.

North Texas: Coach Darrell Dickey has named junior Richard Bridges as his starting quarterback for the season opener against Baylor Thursday night. Bridges, a junior, started the final six games in 1999 and led the team in passing. Scott Hall and Spencer Stack will alternate on the second team and Dickey said all three quarterbacks will play early in the season. ... North Texas only averaged 13,752 in attendance last year at 20,000-seat Fouts Field, but the school is trying to at least sell out the first game Thursday night against Baylor. More than 12,000 seats were sold by last weekend and school officials are expecting an overflow crowd for the rare Thursday night game. ... Four freshmen at UNT have been lost for the season, including defensive back Dominique Mackay (shoulder), Freddie Johnson (hand), Joey Harrison (ankle) and Evan Cardwell (knee).