WAC preview

A capsule look at the teams in predicted order of finish:

FRESNO STATE

Key players: QB Tom Brandstater, Sr.; TE Bear Pascoe, Sr. Returning starters: 10 offense, 6 defense.

Notes: After going 4-8 in 2006 — coach Pat Hill's first losing season since 1998 — Fresno State went 9-4 last fall and is looking to win the league for the first time since tying for the 1999 championship. If the Bulldogs make it through the nonconference season without a loss, they'll be making a run for the BCS.

BOISE STATE

Key players: RB Ian Johnson, Sr.; OT Andrew Woodruff, Sr.; K Kyle Brotzman, So. Returning starters: 4 offense, 7 defense.

Notes: The Broncos slipped from the top of the WAC last year, but to No. 2. ... Johnson has rushed for 3,417 yards and scored 45 career touchdowns.

NEVADA

Key players: QB Colin Kaepernick, So.; QB Nick Graziano, Jr.; RB Luke Lippincott. Returning starters: 8 offense, 4 defense.

Notes: The Wolf Pack attack could have a diverse look behind Kaepernick and Graziano. Graziano was the starter a year ago, but a foot injury ended his season five games in and Kaepernick took over — playing well enough to be named WAC freshman of the year. At 6-foot-6, Kaepernick is 5 inches taller than Graziano, but still raw.

LOUISIANA TECH

Key players: RB Patrick Johnson, Sr.; S Antonio Baker, Jr. Returning starters: 8 offense, 5 defense.

Notes: In his first season, coach Derek Dooley took the Bulldogs from 3-10 to 5-7 and 4-4 in the WAC ... Johnson needs 1,170 rushing yards to break the school record.

HAWAII

Key players: LB Solomon Elimimian, Sr.; LB Adam Leonard, Sr.; QB Inoke Funaki, Jr. Returning starters: 4 offense, 5 defense.