WEST DIVISION
TULSA
Key players: WR Brennan Marion, Sr.; RB Tarrion Adams, Sr. Returning starters: 9 offense, 5 defense.

Notes: Nation’s top offense must replace all-time passing leader Paul Smith. Senior David Johnson is top candidate, but juco transfer Jacob Bower could also play. ... Had three 1,000-yard receivers, 1,000-yard runner and 1,000-yard passer last season.

HOUSTON
Key players: FS Kenneth Fontenette, Sr.; DE Phillip Hunt, Sr. Returning starters: 6 offense, 7 defense.

Notes: Kevin Sumlin is the first black coach for a Bowl Subdivision team in Texas. ... Lost 1,500-yard rusher Anthony Alridge and 1,400-yard receiver Donnie Avery from nation’s fourth-rated offense.

RICE
Key players: QB Chase Clement, Sr.; WR Jarett Dillard, Sr.; FS Andrew Sendejo, Jr. Returning starters: 8 offense, 6 defense.

Notes: Set school records with 377 points and 4,848 yards last season. ... Clement was first player in NCAA history with consecutive games with 300 yards passing and 100 yards rushing.

SMU
Key players: QB Justin Willis, Jr.; WR Emmanuel Sanders, Jr. Returning starters: 7 offense, 6 defense.

Notes: After leading Hawaii to the BCS, June Jones brings his high-powered run-and-shoot offense to Dallas. ... Jones had the biggest turnaround in NCAA history when he took a winless Hawaii team and went 9-4 in 1999. The Mustangs were 1-11 last year.

UTEP
Key players: QB Trevor Vittatoe, Soph.; WR Jeff Moturi, Jr. Returning starters: 5 offense, 8 defense.

Notes: New defensive coordinator Osia Lewis switching from 4-3 to 3-3-5. ... K Jose Martinez was Groza Award finalist.

TULANE
Key players: LB Evan Lee, Sr.; LG Michael Parenton, Sr. Returning starters: 8 offense, 7 defense.

Notes: Andre Anderson is the favorite to replace RB Matt Forte, who ranked second in the nation with 2,127 yards rushing and 23 TDs last season. ... Former defensive line coach O’Neill Gilbert takes over as defensive coordinator.

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

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Friends, fans mourn loss of Stewart

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Judge refuses to delay Sandusky's trial