Outlook:

Notre Dame, Army and Navy are currently the only three schools in Division I-FBS that lack a conference affiliation, allowing each program to not have to deal with the constraints of a normal conference schedule. All three independents have a rich tradition. However, that does not necessarily guarantee present or future success.

It should also be noted that Notre Dame typically manages to bring in some of the best recruits in the nation on an annual basis, while both of the military academies tend to recruit players that have no business playing Division I football. But Notre Dame plays a much superior schedule, filled with Big 10 and Big East schools and other nationally strong programs, compared to the academies' schedules of mostly mid-major conference foes. Thus, both Army and Navy have better opportunities to post winning seasons.

1. Army - The Black Knights should make significant progress toward posting their first winning season in many years, especially with a much more softened schedule this year.

2. Navy - It should be interesting to see if new head coach Ken Niumatalolo can keep up the winning streak the school went on with Paul Johnson. The truly great head coaches in college football are ones that can win at the academies, so this should be a staunch test for Coach N. Not deviating much from Johnson's option-based offense should help the Midshipman stay competitive.

3. Notre Dame - After last season's mounting losses, it's safe to say that the Fighting Irish can go no where but up. Head coach Charlie Weis has some superb recruiting classes coming in and should get the team to at least a .500 record this season. However, the big question is whether or not this is suitable for the Irish faithful.

Players to Watch:

Carson Williams QB Army - He took the bulk of Army's snaps last year, but may be supplanted for a signal caller with quicker feet.

Kaipa-Noa Kahwaku-Enhadu QB Navy - This Hawaiian is more of a threat on the ground then through the air, but probably does the most damage to commentators' tongues.

Duval Kamara WR Notre Dame - Kamara looks the build off his team-high four touchdowns last year. However, no one will be confusing him for Rocket Ismail, at least not yet.

Michael Walsh DE Navy - Tied for the team lead last season for tackles for a loss with 7.5.

Ted Bentler DT Army - This transfer from Iowa swatted down five passes while playing in the middle of the trenches last year.

Frank Scappaticci LB Army - The Black Knights' returning tackler with 89 tackles Scappaticci will be moved to the middle from the weak-side this year.

Brandon Walker K Notre Dame - Although only a freshman, Walker converted just one field goal on seven attempts over 30 yards last season.

Armando Allen KR Notre Dame - Allen took the bulk of last year's kickoffs for the Irish and has a good shot at replacing Tom Zbikowski on punt returners.