Key players: QB Karsten Sween, Jr.; RB Devin Moore, Sr. Returning starters: 8 offense, 7 defense.

Notes: With 15 returning starters, the Cowboys have one of the more experienced teams in the league. But that will only help if they have improved from last year's 5-7 finish, going 2-6 in the conference.

COLORADO STATE

Key players: RB Gartrell Johnson, Sr.; RB Kyle Bell, Sr. Returning starters: 8 offense, 6 defense.

Notes: Former Ram quarterback Steve Fairchild takes over as coach for Sonny Lubick, whose 15-year run at Colorado State ended when he was fired after last season. The Rams never recovered from an 0-6 start.

SAN DIEGO STATE

Key players: LB Russell Allen, Sr.; LB Luke Laolagi, Jr. Returning starters: 4 offense, 8 defense.

Notes: It was fitting that Aztecs' first two practices were at the U.S. Marines base in San Diego. Coach Chuck Long's offense could use something like boot camp with only four returning starters — two on the line and two receivers.

UNLV

Key players: RB Frank Summers, Sr. Returning starters: 9 offense, 5 defense.

Notes: The Rebels are 6-29 under coach Mike Sanford. His high-scoring game plan as offensive coordinator at Utah did not follow him to Vegas. Sanford has won two games in each of his first three seasons.