The WAC lost TCU and picked up both Boise State and Louisiana Tech, making it a 10-team league. UTEP is the defending champ but must replace QB Rocky Perez and All-America tight end Brian Natkin. San Jose State's Deonce Whitaker will try to stake his claim as one of the nation's best running backs.

Boise State Broncos
2000 overall record: 10-2
Conference record: 5-0 (1st in Big West)

Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 3
Kickers: 1

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Brock Forsey* (914 yds)
Passing: Bart Hendricks (3,364 yds)
Receiving: Lou Fanucchi* (796 yds)
Tackles: Quintin Mikell* (118)
Sacks: Shaunard Harts (7)
Interceptions: Four players with 2 each

What's new
Former assistant head coach Dan Hawkins is now the head coach of the Broncos after Dirk Koetter's departure for Arizona State. He led preparations for the bowl game, which resulted in the team's second straight Humanitarian Bowl victory. Needless to say, it has been a smooth transition at the top in Boise.
Battling it out
Both starting corners were first-team All-Big West last season but have graduated. Julius Brown, who made two interceptions as a freshman, is probably the leading candidate to fill one of those spots. The other competitors are Greg Toomes, who saw limited action as the fourth corner last year; redshirt freshman Gabe Franklin, who is inexperienced but has shown a lot of talent; and Randy Selden, a veteran who had an interception in the spring game.
Eye catchers: LBs LaGary Mitchell and Andy Avalos
The Broncos needed to fill some key holes at linebacker but got a couple of pleasant surprises among several unproven candidates. Mitchell was a backup last season and made 11 tackles in limited action, but he had an outstanding spring in the middle of the defense. Avalos redshirted as a freshman a year ago but has proven to be an intense competitor and a big hitter. Both players are listed as starters entering the fall.
Budding star: K Nick Calaycay
The high-scoring offense of Boise State has attracted much attention over the last two seasons, but the highest-scoring player on the team has remained fairly unknown. Calaycay has quietly become one of the better kickers in the country and led the nation in FG percentage last year at 93.8 (15-16). Over the last two seasons, he is 29-of-33 (88%). Look for Calaycay to be a Lou Groza Award candidate in 2001.

Fresno State Bulldogs
2000 overall record: 7-5
Conference record: 6-2 (3rd)

Returning starters
Offense: 9
Defense: 6
Kickers: 2

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Josh Levi* (397 yds)
Passing: David Carr* (2,729 yds)
Receiving: Bernard Berrian* (705 yds)
Tackles: Tim Skipper (107)
Sacks: Orlando Huff (10)
Interceptions: Tierre Sams* (4)

What's new
The Bulldogs must replace all three starters at linebacker after having arguably the best corps in the conference last season. Breaking in these new faces will be the job of Dan Brown, who takes over as defensive coordinator after coaching those linebackers for the previous four years. He is not expected to change the defensive schemes.
Battling it out
Sam Williams and Maurice Rodriguez have a good battle going for a starting spot at outside linebacker. Williams, who has good quickness for that position, saw some time there last year, but Rodriguez had an excellent spring. He led the team with five tackles and a sack in the spring game and was always around the play. This appears to be an even race entering the fall.
Eye catcher: MLB Jamal Jones
The redshirt freshman came into the spring as an unknown entity and impressed the coaches with his play. Jones has a compact build and looks like a middle linebacker. He has good instincts reading plays and is quick to the ball. His solid workouts have put him in position to get some playing time behind Marc Dailey. Budding star: WR Bernard Berrian
He was a reserve receiver to start last season, but moved into a starting position when Rodney Wright went down with an injury. Berrian went on to start the last seven games and led the team in receiving. He had a huge bowl game with seven catches for 162 yds and 2TD vs. Air Force. A solid spring could foreshadow another big year in 2001.

Hawaii Warriors
2000 overall record: 3-9
Conference record: 2-6 (t-6th)

Returning starters
Offense: 9
Defense: 5
Kickers: 1

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: James Fenderson (651 yds)
Passing: Timmy Chang* (3,041 yds)
Receiving: Ashlet Lelie* (1,110 yds)
Tackles: Jacob Espiau* (126)
Sacks: Pisa Tinoisamoa* and Chris Brown* (4 each)
Interceptions: Nate Jackson* (7)

What's new
The main emphasis for the 2001 season will be stopping the run. The Warriors ranked 105th in the nation in that area last year, allowing more than 200 yards per game. Defensive linemen Joe Correia and Chris Brown have switched to linebacker to add depth at that position. The results won't be known until the fall because the team didn't do much full speed work in the spring.
Battling it out
Hawaii lost its top two rushers from last season, and Thero Mitchell is the only experienced returner. He has seen limited time as a backup (11 carries with two TD last year). Redshirt freshman Chad Kapanui, who was recruited as a quarterback, is also in the race along with senior Tui Ala. Incoming freshman Mike Bass could also be a factor in August.
Eye catcher: DE Wayne Hunter
Hunter sat out last season after transferring from Cal. At 6-5, 286, he is a physically impressive player who is expected to have a big impact on the defense this season. He didn't get much contact work in the spring, but was an eye catcher on the scout team last year.
Budding star: G Vince Manuwai
The 6-2, 296-pound junior is a two-year starter and versatile contributor. He played at both guard and tackle last year and was one of two players named as "most inspirational" on the team. He earned honorable mention All-WAC honors and certainly has the talent to be even better than that this season.

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
2000 overall record: 3-9
Conference record: n/a

Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 8
Kickers: 2

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: John Simon* (565 yds)
Passing: Luke McCown* (2,544 yds)
Receiving: James Jordan (1,003 yds)
Tackles: Bobby Gray* (119)
Sacks: Brandon Avance* and Brian Bradford (3 each)
Interceptions: Jason Olford* (4)

What's new
The Bulldogs are playing in a conference for first time since 1995, when they were a member of the Big West. They have always been a road-warrior program but will now get more games at home because of the conference schedule. This doesn't mean they will back down from the big boys, though. Tech will play Oklahoma State, Kansas State and Auburn this season.
Battling it out
Two of the top four receivers last season were seniors, which opens a couple of spots for competition in the four-receiver set. As many as six guys are battling for those positions. D.J. Curry, Allen Stark and Damien Newton all had a good spring. Junior college transfer Ahmad Harris is another player with the ability to put up big numbers.
Eye catcher: RB Joe Smith
Smith sat out last season as a transfer and didn't really get to show what he could do until this spring. He had many solid workouts, culminating with a 12-carry, 68-yard performance with one TD in the spring game. He is much more of a power runner than the typical back at Tech. Last year's leading rusher, John Simon, is a smaller back who was also the team's second-leading receiver. Lining him up in the slot should allow plenty of opportunities for Smith at running back if he continues to progress.
Budding star: QB Luke McCown
Despite not playing the first four-and-a-half games, the true freshman threw for more than 2,500 yards and showed incredible leadership ability for such a young player. He set four Division I-A single-game freshman passing records and has athleticism to scramble, as well. McCown has already proven himself against top-notch competition, throwing for a combined 851 yards vs. Miami and Auburn.

Nevada Wolfpack
2000 overall record: 2-10
Conference record: 1-7 (9th)

Returning starters
Offense: 10
Defense: 8
Kickers: 1

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Marquis Starks* (457 yds)
Passing: David Neill* (2,334 yds)
Receiving: Nate Burleson* (921 yds)
Tackles: Jorge Cordova* (91)
Sacks: Cordova* (5)
Interceptions: Paul Jolley* (3)

What's new
One of the primary points of emphasis this off-season has been to establish a running game, after ranking 112th of 114 teams last year with just 68 yards per game. The Wolfpack is trying to build size and strength on the line and has brought in Steve Morton to coach the group. They also recruited a couple of running backs, and Oregon transfer Herman Ho-Ching will be eligible in the fall.
Battling it out
Ho-Ching is battling all three starters from last season for the No.1 job. Adrien Dugas began 2000 as the starter but was injured in the third game and missed rest of the year (received a medical hardship). Josh Griffin and Marquis Starks started the remaining games at RB as freshmen last year. So, all have experience, but Ho-Ching looks to be the most talented of the bunch.
Eye catcher: WR Jermaine Brown
Brown started two years ago opposite Trevor Insley but lost his spot last year and had just 11 catches all season. He had a great spring, however, and should get significantly more action this year. He has good hands and is a good route runner. He is listed No. 2 at one receiver spot behind Tim Fleming but has closed the gap entering the fall.
Eye catcher: LB Daryl Towns
As a true freshman last year, he started four games and made 56 tackles, including six for loss. Towns kept that momentum and had a really strong spring, solidifying himself as the starter. His toughness makes up for a lack of size, and he has shown a good knack for finding the ball.

Rice Owls
2000 overall record: 3-8
Conference record: 2-6 (t-6th)

Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 9
Kickers: 2

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Jamie Tyler* (400 yds)
Passing: Ben Wulf (449 yds)
Receiving: Gavin Boothe* (313 yds)
Tackles: Dan Dawson* and Rashard Pittman* (88 each)
Sacks: Brandon Green* (4)
Interceptions: Dawson* (7)

What's new
The Owls have a new quarterbacks coach in John Bland, and they are trying to open up the offense a little bit. They still only use one receiver, but the tight ends are now getting involved in the passing game, as well as the running backs on occasion. They hope this dimension will make defenses commit fewer players to the running game and open up some lanes for the ball carriers.
Battling it out
The weakside linebacker spot is up-for-grabs between Joe Bob Thompson and Jeff Vanover. Vanover played a few positions last year as a freshman and has great speed, but Thompson is a senior and a two-year starter. Vanover is listed as the starter entering the fall, but there is still a long way to go.
Eye catcher: WR Gilbert Okoronkwo
Where has this guy been? Okoronkwo has played three years and never done anything spectacular, but he had a great spring and excelled with the increase in passing. He is still listed behind Gavin Boothe at the lone receiver position, but he is an even better target at 6-3, 204 pounds. The Owls actually have enough talent at wideout to possibly put two receivers on the field at once. Imagine that!
Budding star: QB Jeremy Hurd
Hurd earned the starting job as a redshirt freshman last fall but broke a finger on his throwing hand in the opener. He returned later in the season but sustained a knee injury which prevented him from ever getting into a groove. He improved as a passer during the spring and is the Owls' best runner from the QB position.

San Jose State Aztecs
2000 overall record: 7-5
Conference record: 5-3 (4th)

Returning starters
Offense: 9
Defense: 4
Kickers: 2

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Deonce Whitaker* (1,577 yds)
Passing: Marcus Arroyo* (2,344 yds)
Receiving: Rashied Davis* (785 yds)
Tackles: Josh Parry (122)
Sacks: Marshall Blount (6)
Interceptions: Three players with 3 each

What's new
Fitz Hill had been an assistant at Arkansas for the last 11 years but now leads the Spartans in his first job as a head coach. After looking back at last year's team, he decided to focus on discipline and reducing mistakes during spring workouts. He will also give Deonce Whitaker a new look by switching to a two-back set and getting him more involved in pass routes.
Battling it out
Only end Brandon Miles returns as a starter on the line, and he looks like a good bet to get one of the starting spots there. But as many as nine players could be in the running for those other positions this fall. Kevin Michaelis, Larry Dawson and Tim Mathewson all looked promising in the spring, while transfer David Bridgewater was moved across the ball in the final week of drills to add depth there.
Eye catcher: WR Charles Pauley
Pauley enrolled in January and immediately impressed the coaches. He is a smaller receiver but runs good routes with the ability to make people miss and gain yards after the catch. He will be fighting for a starting spot in the fall, but will certainly get plenty of snaps even if he doesn't win the job.
Budding star: CB Alex Wallace
He joined the team last August, transferring so late that he did not even make the media guide. It didn't take him long to get noticed on the field, though. Wallace won the starting corner spot and had a terrific season that included three interceptions and nine pass breakups. He was also a star on special teams, blocking three kicks and returning punts on occasion. He averaged 40 yards per interception return and 17 per punt return while earning second-team All-WAC honors.

SMU Mustangs
2000 overall record: 3-9
Conference record: 2-6 (t-6th)

Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 10
Kickers: 1

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Kris Briggs* (828 yds)
Passing: Josh McCown (1,969 yds)
Receiving: John Hampton* (572 yds)
Tackles: Vic Viloria* (130)
Sacks: Markus Prett* (6)
Interceptions: Ruben Moodley* and Tommy Dorsey* (2 each)

What's new
After closing last season with an embarassing 62-7 loss to TCU, the returning team leaders vowed to be much better in 2001. The players started working toward that goal in January, and defensive line coach Oscar Giles and offensive line coach Danny Baker revamped the strength and conditioning program. The new commitment was already noticeable in the spring through the size and strength of several players.
Battling it out
There is a two-man race at quarterback after Josh McCown decided to transfer. David Page is a good decision-maker who started three games last year. He is battling Kelan Luker, who played as a backup in '99 as a true freshman and has the stronger arm of the two. Although Luker redshirted last year, he probably leads entering the fall.
Eye catcher: MLB D.D. Lee
Lee redshirted as a freshman last year because he was coming off knee surgery at the end of his senior year in high school. He didn't even practice last season, and the coaches weren't sure what to expect from him this spring. He showed good speed and a nose for the ball and turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Lee has a chance to start despite the return of six players who started at least one game at linebacker last year.
Budding star: OLB Jarrian James
Originally recruited as a defensive back, he played linebacker as a true freshman and started the final four games. James finished with 45 tackles - six for loss - and an interception. He has great speed to chase plays down, which he continued to show in the spring. He is a young talent who looks to have a promising future.

Tulsa Golden Hurricanes
2000 overall record: 5-7
Conference record: 4-4 (5th)

Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 8
Kickers: 2

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Ken Bohanon* (802 yds)
Passing: Josh Blankenship* (2,507 yds)
Receiving: Donald Shoals* (1,195 yds)
Tackles: Ashon Farley (115)
Sacks: Drew McLaughlin* (2.5)
Interceptions: C.J. Scott (5)

What's new
There was much anticipation entering last season with new head coach Keith Burns, but this season, the feeling is more of excitement. The five victories last year were the most at Tulsa since 1991, and with many starters returning from that team, a winning season is a real possibility.
Battling it out
The receiver position opposite of Donald Shoals needs to be filled, and that person could see a lot of single coverage. Darrell Wimberly and Montiese Culton are the top candidates. Wimberly played as a true freshman and had only 10 catches, but he did get a lot of snaps. His experience and courage across the middle have him listed at No. 1 after the spring. Culton redshirted last season and has great speed, but he needs to work on his consistency as a pass catcher. If he can master that, he could be a big-play receiver in the near future.
Eye catcher: DT Justin Dixon
He played in 10 games at defensive end last year, then was moved to tackle this spring because of a lack of depth in the interior line. Dixon is undersized for his position but has great quickness and toughness. He spent a lot of time in the offensive backfield during the spring and is listed at No. 1 entering the ball.
Budding star: LB Michael Dulaney
The transfer from Oklahoma seems to be a big-time player and should draw immediate attention in his first year in the conference. He is a run stopper and a big hitter and plays with intensity on every play. He looks like he could be a dominating presence on the inside for Tulsa and gives them a much-needed difference maker in the middle of the defense.

UTEP Miners
2000 overall record: 8-4
Conference record: 7-1 (t-1st)

Returning starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 7
Kickers: 0

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Chris Porter* (681 yds)
Passing: Rocky Perez (2,661 yds)
Receiving: Lee Mays* (1,098 yds)
Tackles: Trey Merkens (112)
Sacks: Menson Holloway (10.5)
Interceptions: D.J. Walker* (5)

What's new
The Miners will have a new look to the kicking game after graduating multiple-year starters Ricky Bishop (kicker) and Glen Beard (punter). The coaches are hopeful that incoming freshmen Bryce Benekos and Matt Smith can take those spots. Only a walkon punter was available for spring drills.
Battling it out
The race to replace Rocky Perez is wide open entering the fall. Wesley Phillips (son of Wade, grandson of Bum) has played a limited amount in his first three seasons but threw three TD passes in the spring game to take a slight lead in the battle. He is competing against redshirt freshman Jon Schaper, who missed most of the spring after his hand was shut in a car door. Schaper has good size, a great arm and athleticism to go with it. He certainly looks like the quarterback of the future.
Eye catcher: DE Godwin Akinduro
He was recruited as a tight end and redshirted last year. Akinduro moved to defensive end in the spring and harassed the quarterback throughout practice sessions, recording a sack in the spring game. He has good speed around the end and will get better as he puts on more size and strength. He is filling the spot of Menson Holloway, who led the WAC with 10.5 sacks last year.
Budding star: TE Joey Knapp
Knapp backed up All-America tight end Brian Natkin last season and still caught 20 passes for 307 yards. Knapp is bigger (6-6, 250) than Natkin and might even be quicker, as well. The tight end is used a lot in this offense, so don't be surprised if he has as big a season as his predecessor did in 2000.