Air Force Falcons
2000 overall record: 9-3
Conference record: 5-2 (2nd)

Returning starters
Offense: 3
Defense: 4
Kickers: 0

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Mike Thiessen (713 yds)
Passing: Thiessen (1,687 yds)
Receiving: Ryan Fleming* (930 yds)
Tackles: C.J. Zanotti (84)
Sacks: Matt Gallagher* and Corey Nelson (7 each)
Interceptions: Kurt Duffy (2)
What's new
Ryan Fleming is the best playmaker on the offense, but it is sometimes difficult to get the ball to a receiver in an option offense. No problem. A new package of plays was put in this spring to get him more touches. Fleming has just now recovered from a slightly separated shoulder that hindered him last season. Who could tell he was injured?
Battling it out
Keith Boyea was the backup quarterback last year, and Bryan Blew was third on the depth chart. With the starter having departed, they were battling it out for the top spot this spring. But they got some unexpected competition from Chance Harridge, who was the JV quarterback last season. Harridge spent several practices at the top of the depth chart before Boyea closed strong to take the lead into the fall.
Eye catcher: TE Kevin Runyon
Runyon started three games at outside linebacker last year, but was moved to tight end this spring. He caught everything thrown to him and, along with Harridge, was the biggest surprise of the spring. Runyon distinguished himself enough that he is already slated to be the starting tight end.
Budding star: OT Ben Miller
Last August, Miller won the job and started every game of the season. He was the Falcons' most consistent lineman in 2000 and has continued to improve. Coach Fisher DeBerry thinks Miller could be one of the best offensive linemen to play under him at Air Force, which is more than a 20-year stretch.

BYU Cougars
2000 overall record: 6-6
Conference record: 4-3 (t-3rd)

Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 6
Kickers: 1

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Luke Staley* (479 yds)
Passing: Charlie Peterson* (1,630 yds)
Receiving: Margin Hooks (718 yds)
Tackles: Justin Ena* (107)
Sacks: Setema Gali (6.5)
Interceptions: Tyson Smith (4)

What's new
For the first time since 1961, LaVell Edwards will not be present on the BYU sideline. Utah native Gary Crowton takes over the program and has already added much energy to the practices and a competitive attitude. He also brought in a new strength and conditioning coordinator, Jay Omer from Georgia Tech, who has challenged the players even further. And don't worry, Crowton is a big proponent of putting the ball in the air. Some things at BYU never change.
Battling it out
Quarterback is always the focus of attention in Provo, and there is plenty of competition to be Crowton's first starter. Brandon Doman ended last season as the starter, so he is listed at No. 1. The original first-team QB in 2000, Bret Engemann, is still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, while a third starter from a year ago, Charlie Peterson, broke his collarbone in the spring. Redshirt freshman Todd Mortensen is back from a mission and also in the mix.
Eye catcher: CB Jernaro Gilford
Gilford saw very limited action as a freshman in '99 and then left school after being suspended by the university for the 2000 season. But he re-enrolled in January and returned to the team for spring practice. He was dominant at corner, including a 70-yard interception return for touchdown in the spring game. Gilford is almost an unquestioned starter entering the fall.
Budding star: LB Paul Walkenhorst
As a true freshman last year, he started 10 games and made 48 tackles, including nine behind the line of scrimmage. In the spring, he earned all three linebacker positions but should continue to play outside. He is huge for an outside backer (6-5, 250) and is a determined player with good speed. He is overshadowed by MLB Justin Ena but still could be one of the better linebackers in the Mountain West.

Colorado State Rams
2000 overall record: 10-2
Conference record: 6-1 (1st)

Returning starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 6
Kickers: 1

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Cecil Sapp* (841 yds)
Passing: Matt Newton (2,609 yds)
Receiving: Pete Rebstock (768 yds)
Tackles: Rick Crowell (125)
Sacks: John Howell (5)
Interceptions: Crowell (3)

What's new
Offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild joined the staff of the Buffalo Bills, and coach Sonny Lubick has named co-coordinators to replace him. Both are longtime assistants at CSU and should continue to use the same offensive philosophy. John Benton will continue to coach the offensive line, while Dan Hammerschmidt will switch his position responsibility from receivers to quarterbacks.
Battling it out
Speaking of quarterbacks, Matt Newton is gone after compiling an 18-6 record over the last two seasons. A pair of sophomores is battling to replace him. D.J. Busch played in four games as backup last year and became the first true freshman to play QB for the Rams since 1981. Bradlee Van Pelt is now eligible to play after sitting out the 2000 season as a transfer from Michigan State. The race could be complicated by the August arrival of signee Justin Holland, who is one of only five prep players to pass for more than 10,000 yards.
Eye catcher: C Mark Dreyer
The most critical need CSU had on the offensive line was at center, where they have boasted the all-conference performer for three straight seasons. Dreyer had seen limited time as a backup center and special teams player and entered the spring as a candidate to fill the starting role. After a dominant month of workouts, he separated himself as the best at the position and should be the starter in 2001.
Budding star: HB Joel Dreesen
Lubick says this redshirt freshman is the best player he has brought into the program in his nine years as head coach and thinks he can be a four-year starter. Dreesen just turned 18 and is already the best athlete the Rams have had at the tight end/H-back position. He has great pass-catching skills and is a good blocker. Look for him to be more involved in the offense than those who have played there before him.

New Mexico Lobos
2000 overall record: 5-7
Conference record: 3-4 (t-5th)

Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 6
Kickers: 1

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Holmon Wiggins* (727 yds)
Passing: Rudy Caamano* (1,270 yds)
Receiving: Rob Caston (301 yds)
Tackles: Mike Barnett (83)
Sacks: Brian Johnson* (9.5)
Interceptions: Walter Bernard (3)

What's new
The first of a two-stage expansion to University Stadium will be completed for this coming season. The north endzone is being enclosed to add 5,700 seats, which brings stadium capacity to 37,000. Also part of this endzone development will be a new scoreboard with a Jumbotron screen for live replays.
Battling it out
Four of the top six receivers are gone from last year. Kirk Robbins and Dwight Counter have the most experience of the candidates for the starting spots, but they will have competition from as many as six others. Of this group, sophomores Terrence Thomas and Rashaun Sanders have the best big-play ability but have been inconsistent catching the ball. Many receivers should see playing time in this offense, however.
Eye catcher: RB Javier Hanson
Hanson had limited carries as a backup last year but was effective when he touched the ball, scoring three touchdowns. He also showed tremendous ability as a pass receiver, making six grabs for 124 yards with a TD. He had an impressive spring practice and should see a lot more playing time this fall.
Budding star: LB Mohammed Konte
Konte started the final nine games at middle linebacker last year and recorded 63 tackles, which is second-most among returning players. He is very athletic for an inside linebacker with good quickness and a nose for the ball. Expect him to get even more snaps and be one of leaders on defense this season.

San Diego State Aztecs
2000 overall record: 3-8
Conference record: 3-4 (t-5th)

Returning starters
Offense: 11
Defense: 8
Kickers: 1

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Larry Ned* (357 yds)
Passing: Lon Sheriff* (2,163 yds)
Receiving: J.R. Tolver* (808 yds)
Tackles: Jomar Butler* (112)
Sacks: Dylan Robles* and Amon Arnold* (4 each)
Interceptions: Will Demps* and Donte Gamble* (2 each)

What's new
In a welcome change from a year ago, SDSU has a lot of experience on defense. Last year, the Aztecs returned only one starter, but that defense spent a lot of time on the field and held its own in game situations. This year, there are eight returning starters, including three all-conference performers.
Battling it out
The cornerback position opposite Ricky Sharp is still up-for-grabs with several candidates to win the spot. Redshirt freshman Marviel Underwood has great talent but no experience. Donte Gamble started six games last year but has a size disadvatage. John Kent also has experience, having started two games in 2000. The x-factor is true freshman Hubert Caliste, who was an all-state performer in Louisiana with good speed and size.
Eye catcher: G Zac LaMonda
LaMonda was the starting center entering last fall but sustained an injured arch before the first game and missed the entire season. When he was moved to guard this spring, coaches weren't sure if he would be recovered well enough to contribute. He surprised everyone with excellent workouts, however, and is bracketed as a potential starter at quick guard.
Budding star: LB Jomar Butler
Just two years ago, Butler lost his scholarship after finding himself academically ineligible for the '99 season. But he stayed in school, paid his own way and walked back on in the fall of 2000. He earned a spot as a backup linebacker and was in the starting lineup by game three. Butler went on to lead the team in tackles, including three games with more than 15 stops. If he stays healthy, he should be one of better defensive players in the conference this season.

UNLV Runnin' Rebels
2000 overall record: 8-5
Conference record: 4-3 (t-3rd)

Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 7
Kickers: 1

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Jeremi Rudolph (1,005 yds)
Passing: Jason Thomas* (1,708 yds)
Receiving: Nate Turner* (947 yds)
Tackles: Sam Brandon* (82)
Sacks: Anton Palepoi* (8)
Interceptions: Three players with 2 each

What's new
The Rebels won't play a Saturday game until their fourth of the season. The opener is on Thursday, August 30 vs. Arkansas on ESPN (it will be UNLV's first ESPN appearance since '94). The second and third games (vs. Northwestern and Colorado State) will both be part of ESPN's new Friday night package.
Battling it out
Four starters return on the offensive line, but unanimous all-conference selection John Greer is gone from the right tackle spot. Neither of the leading candidates to replace him played a down for UNLV last season. Junior college transfer Matt Williams enrolled in January and competed with redshirt freshman Jimy Zoll during spring drills. Both looked good, but Williams has a slight lead entering the fall.
Eye catcher: TB Joe Haro
The top three tailbacks from 2000 do not return, which opened the door for someone new to step up and impress. That player was Haro. He came to Vegas as a running back, was moved to defense and missed the second half of last season with a leg injury. He made his return to running back this year and closed with 52 yards and a TD on just eight carries in the spring game. Haro has good speed and will also be looked at as a kick returner this fall. He is listed as co-No.1 at tailback with Jabari Johnson.
Budding star: FS Sam Brandon
Brandon was originally a wide receiver but moved to defense last year and led the team in tackles. He has good size (6-3, 200), receiver speed and is a big hitter. He should get some attention with the increased exposure of program this season. John Robinson has even compared Brandon to Ronnie Lott and Dennis Smith because of his hitting ability.

Utah Utes
2000 overall record: 4-7
Conference record: 3-4 (t-5th)

Returning starters
Offense: 10
Defense: 6
Kickers: 2

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Adam Tate* (660 yds)
Passing: Darnell Arceneaux (1,375 yds)
Receiving: Steve Smith (743 yds)
Tackles: Wes Tufaga (87)
Sacks: Garrett Smith* (7)
Interceptions: Andre Dyson (4)

What's new
The Utes will have a new offensive coordinator, as Craig Ver Steeg comes in from Illinois. The familiar one-back set is gone and will be replaced with a traditional two-back look that includes a fullback. The goal is to make the offensive attack more versatile, especially in the passing game with more receiving options. There is also a short-yardage benefit for an offense that was a dismal 31 percent on third down last year.
Battling it out
The quarterback race is wide open, and three young players are vying for the spot. Sophomore Lance Rice, who started the final three games last year, is a good leader and makes good decisions. He is being challenged by strong-armed Ryan Breska, who redshirted last year as a transfer from Purdue. Redshirt freshman Brett Elliott is also in contention but missed some of spring drills with a thumb injury. He ended well, however, with two TD passes in the spring game.
eye catcher: WR Morgan Scalley
After returning from a mission, Scalley enrolled in January as a true freshman and went through spring drills. Despite having not played football since '98, he had the highest score on the team in pre-camp agility testing and showed good speed, good hands and toughness across the middle during workouts. Although very much a question mark entering the spring, the former Utah Mr. Football should be part of the rotation at receiver this fall.
Budding star: SS Arnold Parker
Parker played as a redshirt freshman last year and started four games in the defensive backfield, making 55 tackles. He is unquestionably one of the Utes' best players and is a difference maker on the defensive side. He has great speed and strength and can also play corner and even linebacker. The coaches want to move Parker around some but plan to keep him on the field at all times.

Wyoming Cowboys
2000 overall record: 1-10
Conference record: 0-7 (8th)

Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 6
Kickers: 0

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Nate Scott* (645 yds)
Passing: Jay Stoner (1,552 yds)
Receiving: Ryan McGuffey* (696 yds)
Tackles: Kwabena Peprah (115)
Sacks: Patrick Chukwurah (7)
Interceptions: Eric Lee* and Jacque Finn* (2 each)

What's new
The Cowboys averaged a meager 10.0 yards per catch last season but hope to change that with the help of sophomore wide receiver Leonard Jones. The Cowboys have several solid possession receivers, and Jones should now give them a game-breaking deep threat. Jones is listed second on the depth chart behind Wyoming's top receiver, Ryan McGuffey.
Battling it out
There is a good competition at running back between senior Nate Scott and sophomore Derek Armah - the team's leading rushers last season. Scott is the speedy, big-play guy, while Armah is the tough, between-the-tackles runner. They complement each other well, and both will see plenty of action. Scott seems to have the edge for the starting spot right now.
Eye catcher: DT Damon Roark
He transferred to Wyoming last year but missed the entire season with a knee injury. This spring, Roark showed great progress from the surgery, however, and put himself into position to be a starter. He has quick feet and excellent strength but is most recognized for the type of strong work ethic that can be contagious to a unit.
Buddy Star: DE/OLB Tim Glynn
Glynn had a tremendous spring and appears ready to become a playmaker for the Wyoming defense. He was originally recruited as a quarterback, moved to tight end, then linebacker before ending up at his current "bandit" position. Last season, Glynn had 29 total tackles, including 20 unassisted, while playing as a reserve. He also recovered three fumbles and seems to always be around the ball.