For starters: TCU has most returnees, but Utah has favorable schedule

TCU coach Gary Patterson insists there's no such thing as an easy road through the Mountain West Conference.

The defending champion Horned Frogs, who were a perfect 8-0 in league play last season, vow to continue taking things one game at time and not look ahead.

"Hopefully we've got enough good kids back to contend for the title," Patterson said at the league's media blitz in July.

The comment belied the fact that TCU returns 20 starters. BYU and Utah are expected to provide the greatest threat to the Frogs.

The most favorable league schedule, though, belongs to the Utes. Question is, can they take advantage of it?

A look at the league, in projected order of finish:

1. UTAH

Head coach: Kyle Whittingham (7-5, one season)

Returning starters: 15 (6 offense, 8 defense, 1 special teams)

Nonconference games: Sept. 2 at UCLA; Sept. 9 vs. Northern Arizona; Sept. 16 at Utah State; Sept. 30 vs. Boise State

MWC home games: Oct. 5 vs. TCU; Oct. 28 vs. UNLV; Nov. 11 vs. Colorado State; Nov. 25 vs. BYU

MWC road games: Sept. 23 at San Diego State; Oct. 14 at Wyoming; Oct. 19 at New Mexico; Nov. 18 at Air Force

Outlook: The Utes are in prime position to reclaim the league title. They'll face projected front-runners TCU and BYU at home. ... Senior safety Eric Weddle is seeking to join former SDSU linebacker Kirk Morrison as a back-to-back defensive player of the year. ... Utah is 5-0 in bowl games since joining the MWC in 1999.

2. TCU

Head coach: Gary Patterson (43-18, five seasons)

Returning starters: 20 (10 offense, 7 defense, 3 special teams)

Nonconference games: Sept. 3 at Baylor; Sept. 9 vs. UC Davis; Sept. 16 vs. Texas Tech; Oct. 21 at Army

MWC home games: Sept. 28 vs. BYU; Oct. 28 vs. Wyoming; Nov. 18 vs. San Diego State; Dec. 2 vs. Air Force

MWC road games: Oct. 5 at Utah; Nov. 4 at UNLV; Nov. 11 at New Mexico; Nov. 25 at Colorado State

Outlook: The Horned Frogs have never lost an MWC game, going 8-0 in their first season. ... TCU topped the nation in three categories in 2005 — interceptions (26), takeaways (30) and turnover margin (plus-21). ... TCU has won 10 straight games and has the country's second-longest active streak behind Texas (19).