Conference Outlook:

In terms of strength, Conference USA has bounced around from being the premier mid-major conference to being towards the bottom of the heap. When the conference first expanded to 12 members a few years ago after losing several schools to the Big East, C-USA saw itself lose ground to some of the more Western-based mid-major conference. However, the success of a few teams seemed to signal a resurgence of the league, which should continue this season.

East Division

1. Central Florida - Head coach George O'Leary has done a splendid job from taking this program from being one of the worst in the country into one of the top mid-majors in the country. This year's team will be led by its defense and hopes that a true freshman can replace Kevin Smith's outstanding production at running back (led NCAA in rushing yards).

2. East Carolina - The Pirates have a very good shot of taking the division, but much like UCF, will need to replace a very productive running back in Chris Johnson. Otherwise, ECU returns a ton of defensive players and efficient quarterback Patrick Pinkney.

3. Memphis - The Tigers can contend if they can find a quarterback, as they return a boatload of heavily experienced wide outs.

4. Southern Miss - This team will be in a bit of transition under new head coach Larry Fedora, but bring back enough talent to have a decent shot of a winning season.

5. Marshall - Head coach Mark Snyder may be on the hot seat here if the Thundering Herd continue to make very little impact in the C-USA.

6. UAB - Looks like its going to be another rebuilding year for the Blazers, as they continue to search for an offensive identity.

West Division

1. Tulsa - Head coach Todd Graham was able to successfully bring his winning ways from Rice over to the Golden Hurricanes as a replacement for Steve Kragthorpe. This team should be at the top of the West as long as they find a replacement for quarterback Paul Smith.

2. Houston - A strong defense should help the Cougars cruise to another winning record, but will need to fill in a much depleted wide receiving corp.

3. Tulane - The Green Wave will need to find someone to takeover for workhorse back Matt Forte if they even want to sniff the .500 mark.

4. Rice - The Owls lost their winning ways after Graham left for Tulsa. Rice will look to a productive aerial attack and the return of several defensive starters to turn things around.

5. UTEP - Quarterback Trevor Vittatoe's arm will guide the Miners this season, although he's lost many of his targets from last year.

6. Southern Methodist - The Mustangs are hoping that run-and-shoot guru June Jones will be able to generate some excitement in Dallas for a program that has never recovered the NCAA's "death penalty."

Players to Watch

Chase Clement QB Rice - Clement led the Owls in rushing and passing last season and unlike most dual threat quarterbacks, posted good passing statistics (3,300+ yards, 29 touchdowns).

Damion Fletcher RB Southern Miss - After posting over 1,500 yards on the ground last season, Fletcher looks to be the top running back in the conference.

Brennan Marion WR Tulsa - Last season Marion was the Golden Hurricane's most dangerous receiving threat, averaging nearly 32 yards per catch. He will be a great luxury for who ever ends up winning the signal caller job in Tulsa.

Philip Hunt DT Houston - Hunt recorded 10.5 sacks last season and swatted down 10 passes while playing in the trenches.

C.J. Spillman FS Marshall - A tackling machine for the Thundering Herd, Spillman recorded 131 tackles last season.

Jose Martinez K UTEP - The strong legged Martinez only missed three field goals last year on 20 attempts, also nailing one from 57 yards out.

Matt Dodge P East Carolina - Dodge averaged over 41 yards per punt in 2007.

Darius Marshall KR Marshall - Obviously, he picked the appropriate school. Marshall should earn more attempts and fielding kickoffs after averaging 29.3 yards per return and taking one back for a score last year.

Joe Burnett PR Central Florida - After returning one punt for a score last season, a tough UCF defense should mean that Burnett gets more chances this year.