Team MVP: DeAngelo Williams, running back. Although quarterback Danny Wimprine is certainly deserving of the MVP award, Williams makes this offense go. He helps to take the pressure of the quarterback and is one of the best all around players in the country. Whether it is running, receiving or returning kicks, Williams seems to do it all.

Quarterback: In a conference filled with solid quarterbacks, Danny Wimprine takes the honor as the top quarterback. Although Stefan LeFors is a good player, Wimprine is going to have a big season. Last season, he threw for 3,174 yards and 22 touchdowns. This season, he should top those numbers as the Tigers have one of the best receiving corps in the conference.

Running Back/Fullbacks: Last season, DeAngelo Williams emerged as one of the best backs in Conference USA. He rushed for 1,430 yards, while missing time to a knee injury. Also, he was one of the top targets for Danny Wimprine as he caught 35 passes for 384 yards and three touchdowns, while also averaging 23 yards per kickoff return. The backfield depth is solid with Darron Parquet returning.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: This group of receivers should turn out to be the best in the conference. Maurice Avery, Darron White, Tavarious Davis and Tavares Gideon all return. Avery, a former quarterback, led the team with 49 receptions and 742 yards last season. Darron White finished second as he caught 37 passes for 525 yards and five touchdowns. Overall, four solid receivers return and with Wimprine returning to throw to them, expect big production.

Offensive Line: With all five starters returning and plenty of good depth, the Tigers are set at offensive line. With a solid quarterback and a good running back in place, the line is going to make them even better and this unit has the potential to develop into one of the best in the NCAA.

Defensive Line: If there is a concern about the Tigers team, it is the defense. The defensive line must replace three starters. However, Albert Means returns in the middle. The defense needs a big season from him and he will anchor the line. LaVale Washington is a promising tackle, but the defense needs a big season from Marcus West or Shaka Hill. Plenty of talent, but little experience is the reason for concern.

Linebackers: Like the defensive line, the linebackers took a hit through graduation. All three starters are gone from last season. One of the players expected to step up will be junior Carlton Baker. Also expected to start will be Tim Goodwell and Quinton McCrary. The defense needs the linebackers to contribute right away.

Secondary: With the front six needing time to jell together, the secondary is going to play a big role in the success of the defense. Four out of the five starters return and the players in the secondary have solid size. Look for this unit to be the best on the defense in 2004.

Special Teams: With a healthy DeAngelo Williams returning for kickoffs, the returns are in good shape. Kicker Stephen Gostkowski must get more consistent from field goals of more than 30 yards. Last season, he connected on 19 of 29 field goals. Punter Brandon Roberson only averaged 39.5 yards a punt last season. The kicking duo must be more consistent, but the returns are looking excellent.

Final Thoughts: There are two games on the schedule that will determine how the Tigers season goes. The first game against Mississippi is very winnable, even though it is on the road. The only question is how the defense will be that early in the season. Later in the season, the Tigers will host Louisville. With a manageable schedule and a home game against Louisville, going undefeated is not out of the question. The offense is going to outscore most of the teams on the schedule, assuming they control the turnovers. The defense doesn’t have to be dominating, but it needs to come up with stops at key points. Expect to see the Tigers bowling somewhere and don’t be surprised if they win the conference title.

-- Steve Lassan