Looking forward

College football openers are still more than six weeks away, but the MWC media days allowed the Deseret Morning News to take a first glance at the 2006 season.

BYU

KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: Quarterback John Beck is the MWC's preseason offensive player of the year. Curtis Brown returns as a 1,000-yard rusher. All-MWC tight end Jonny Harline and senior Daniel Coats will battle for reception numbers with leading receiver Nathan Meikle. Tackles Eddie Keele and Jake Kuresa lead a veteran offensive line.

KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: Middle linebacker Cameron Jensen leads a group of eight linebackers into a change from a 3-3-5 front to a 3-4. Returning missionaries Brandon Bradley, Kellen Fowler and transfers Andre Saulsberry (defensive back) and Mosese Foketi (defensive lineman) should figure in as impact players.

TOP NEWCOMERS: Receiver McKay Jacobson is projected

as the MWC newcomer of the year. Freshman defensive linemen Romney Fuga and Matangi Tonga could get significant time with another freshman, Brighton High product Mike Hague.

BEST-CASE SCENARIO FOR 2006: The strength of the Cougars is a senior-laden offense with plenty of weapons for Beck, who could surpass Jim McMahon for passing yards in a career. If the Cougar offense can score 40 or more points a game, it will go a long way to taking pressure off a questionable young defense.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO FOR 2006: If Beck gets hurt, it will be costly. BYU's young defense could have lapses in pass coverage and stopping the run in key third-down situations as opposing offenses stay on the field while Beck and Co. watch. Injuries could decimate this thin defense.

Utah

KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: Utah coach Kyle Whittingham says the Utes will have a great quarterback. The Utes just don't know who it is yet. Brian Johnson, Brett Ratliff and Tommy Grady will compete for the starting job. Wide receiver Brian Hernandez leads a crew of eight quality targets. Linemen Tavo Tupola and Jason Boone are preseason all-conference honorees.

KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: With several returning contributors — perhaps the most in Whittingham's tenure with the program — Utah's defense should once again be solid — especially with all-American defensive back Eric Weddle in the fold. Other players to watch include lineman Kelly Talavou, linebacker Casey Evans and safety Steve Tate. Brice McCain provides extreme athleticism at corner.