Conference Outlook:

The WAC has sent the most teams to BCS games since its inceptions several years ago with two, Hawaii last season and Boise State the year before that. However, that does not automatically qualify the WAC as the strongest of the non-BCS conferences. There are several teams at the bottom of the league that are normally some of the worst football programs in the country.

1. Boise State - A perennially conference powerhouse, the Broncos should not only have one of the best records in the WAC but also be nationally ranked. Led by running back Ian Johnson, BSU has yet another solid opportunity to reach a BCS game.

2. Hawaii - Gone is head coach June Jones, his run-and-shoot offense and prolific quarterback Colt Brennan. However, the Rainbow Warriors returning a few of their top defensive players and last year's backup Tyler Graunke played reasonably well in Brennan's absence. New coach Greg McMackin is dedicated to keeping the pass happy offense going in the Aloha state.

3. Fresno State - It's another brutal out of conference schedule for the Bulldogs (Rutgers, Wisconsin, UCLA) who aren't afraid to play anyone. Head coach Pat Hill's team returns last season's top rusher, passer and receiver, giving them a good shot of challenging for the conference crown.

4. Nevada - Head coach Chris Ault brings back a load of offensive players from last season to fit into his "pistol" formation. A strong offensive attack will help the Wolf Pack record a winning season, but some holes on the defense will prevent them from being among the conference elite.

5. Louisiana Tech - The WAC's other Bulldogs team hopes to break post a winning season on the back of running back Patrick Jackson.

6. San Jose State - It could be another down year for the Spartans and head coach Dick Tomey after posting a surprise winning season in 2006. Losing quarterback Adam Tafralis's 3,000+ yards through the air will also hurt.

7. Idaho - After another forgettable season, the Vandals look to hopefully add a few more wins this year with running back Deonté Jackson.

8. Utah State - This program is a deathtrap for college football coaches as it appears head coach Brent Guy's days to be numbered. The Aggies should have a decent defense but a fairly anemic offense.

9. New Mexico State - Head coach Hal Mumme's heavily passing team has their best shot in recent years to climb out of the WAC cellar, especially with quarterback Chase Holbrook under center. However, the team lacks much to be desired on the other side of the football.

Players to Watch

Chase Holbrook QB New Mexico State - He should only building off of last year's impressive stats. Holbrook has a great shot of passing for over 4,000 yards this upcoming season in Mumme's offense.

Luke Lippincott RB Nevada - With over 1,400 yards and 15 scores on the ground last season, Lippincott should be the WAC's biggest threat out of the backfield in 2008.

Kevin Jurovich WR San Jose State - Jurovich was Tafralis's favorite option last season and will be a luxury for whoever ends up winning the Spartan's quarterback job.

Joe Monga DT Fresno State - Monga will be a terror for opposing running games and also has proven to be a nemesis against passing attacks, making 6.5 sacks last year.

Solomon Elimimian LB Hawaii - After posting 141 tackles in 2007, Elimimian's nose for the ball will be ever so crucial this year.

Kyle Brotzman K Boise State - Brotzman was perfect last year inside the 40-yard line and will continue to see ample scoring chances with the explosive Broncos offense.

Chris Keagle P Louisiana Tech - Last season, Keagle averaged 41.3 yards per punt, with 21 being called for fair catches and 26 landing inside the 20-yard line.

A.J. Jefferson KR Fresno State - Jefferson took home a pair of kick returns last season and also averaged nearly 39 yards per return. He adds another big play threat to a well-balanced Bulldogs team.

Shiloh Keo SS/PR Idaho - The team's returning interceptor and tackler, Keo averaged nearly 17 yards per punt return last season and scored on one.