MIDDLE TENNESSEE
Key players: QB Dwight Dasher, So.; RB Desmond Gee, Jr.; WR Patrick Honeycutt, Jr.; LB Danny Carmichael, Jr. Returning starters: 4 offense, 5 defense.

Notes: Dasher is expected to start the next three seasons at quarterback, but first he’ll have to beat out senior Joe Craddock. Coach Rick Stockstill has to figure out how to shore up a run defense that twice allowed more than 300 yards in a game late last season.

LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE
Key players: RB Tyrell Fenroy, Sr.; QB Michael Desormeaux, Sr.; WR Jason Chery, Sr.; LB Antwyne Zanders, Sr. Returning starters: 8 offense, 6 defense.

Notes: Fenroy seeks his fourth 1,000-yard season. Desormeaux was always a threat to run as well last season, but coach Rickey Bustle hopes he’ll become a better passer. Meanwhile, the pressure’s on Bustle, now in his sixth season, after only three victories in 2007.

NORTH TEXAS
Key players: WR Casey Fitzgerald, Sr.; RB Micah Mosley, So.; LB Craig Robertson, So. Returning starters: 8 offense, 5 defense.

Notes: Expect competition for the starting quarterback job between sophomore Giovanni Vizza and freshman Riley Dodge, the son of coach Todd Dodge. Whoever wins it can look forward to throwing to Fitzgerald, who had 1,322 yards receiving and 12 TDs last season.

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL
Key Players: RB A’mod Ned, Sr.; LB Scott Bryant, Jr.; S Jeremiah Weatherspoon, Sr.; QB Paul McCall, Jr. Returning starters: 9 offense, 5 defense.

Notes: After going 1-11 last season, coach Mario Cristobal will need to improve fast. FIU scored 15 points per game last season. If McCall can’t produce, sophomore QB Wayne Younger is likely to get a shot.

More news

AP

Slain UConn CB's family wants $5M

CFT: Stabbed to death following an altercation at a school-sponsored dance in October 2009, Jasper Howard‘s parents are seeking significant financial compensation for the parties they believe are at least partly responsible.

CFT: SEC's Slive no fan of plus-one playoff model

Headlines

• Label

Sandusky charity to shut down, transfer programs

CFT: Tennessee TE booted following felony arrest

CFT: Potential Cal starter kicked off team

Friends, fans mourn loss of Stewart

CFT: Ohio St. 'not facing any major ... violations'

CFT: Pitt FB suffers stroke, career likely over

CFT: Notre Dame AD expects to be at playoff table

Judge refuses to delay Sandusky's trial