Conference USA Preview

Stewart Mandel's Projected Standings (Projected overall record in parentheses) 1   Memphis    7-1  (9-2) QB Danny Wimprine and star RB DeAngelo Williams are two of 11 starters returning from the nation's No. 16 offense. 2   TCU    6-2  (8-3) The Horned Frogs, coming off an 11-2 season, have more QBs and RBs than they know what to do with. 2   Louisville    6-2  (8-3) Stefan LeFors and the offense will be able to score points in bunches, and the experienced D should be respectable. 4   Southern Miss    6-2  (6-5) The defending C-USA champions will be hard-pressed to survive a schedule that includes Nebraska, Cal and Alabama. 5   UAB    4-4  (6-5) Underrated QB Darrell Hackney needs to stay healthy, but the defense should be among the best in the conference. 5   Houston    4-4  (6-5) Kevin Kolb, last season's top freshman QB, needs to find a new target to replace prolific deep threat Brandon Middleton. 7   USF    4-4  (5-6) The Bulls' once-mighty offense faltered last season, and the defense, while still talented, loses its three best players. 7   Cincinnati    4-4  (5-6) New coach Mark Dantonio's veteran team is led by QB Gino Guidugli, but faces a brutal conference schedule. 9   Tulane    2-6  (4-7) The defense was horrendous a year ago, and replacing star QB J.P. Losman and RB Mewelde Moore won't be easy. 10   East Carolina    1-7  (1-10) John Thompson faces an uphill climb rebuilding the Pirates, who have gone from annual contenders to rock bottom. 11   Army    0-8  (1-10) Ex-Chargers and Lions coach Bobby Ross looks to resuscitate the Knights by reverting to a tough, run-first style. Photo credit: Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Cream of the Crop

Myths, realities of title teams What does it really take to win a national championship? By Stewart Mandel Applying the formula Five teams that fit the mold in 2004, and three "contenders" that don't. By Stewart Mandel Profile of a Champion: A statistical breakdown of the 12 national champions from the past 10 years. • Athlon 2004 Previews: All 117 I-A teams • TV Guide: 10 games to watch in '04 • National TV schedule | '04-'05 bowl schedule  And much more ... 8/5  Return of the RBs 8/6  The true freshmen 8/10  SI's Top 25 8/11  ACC preview 8/12  Big 12 preview 8/13  Big East preview 8/16  Big Ten preview 8/17  Pac-10 preview 8/18  SEC preview 8/19  C-USA, Mt. West, MAC 8/20  Inds., WAC, Sun Belt 8/23  SI's All-Americans 8/24  SI's Heisman Preview 8/25  Bowl Projections 8/26  SI.com's Crystal Ball 8/30  Power Rankings

DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis: The electrifying runner/return man led the nation in all-purpose yardage last season (192.1 yards per game).

Michael Bolley, LB, Southern Miss: Carrying on the Eagles' great linebacker tradition, he had 150 tackles, 11 sacks and three forced fumbles last year.

Kevin Kolb, QB, Houston: A true freshman last season, Kolb was one of the nation's most efficient passers, throwing for 3,131 yards with just six interceptions.

Others Stefan LeFors, QB, Louisville; Danny Wimprine, QB, Memphis; Mark Walker, CB, TCU; Trent Cole, DE, Cincinnati; J.R. Russell, WR, Louisville.

Poised for a Breakout

Andre Hall, RB, USF: A junior college All-America last season who ran for 1,488 yards, Hall could provide a spark for the Bulls' punchless offense.

Others: Carlton Baker, LB, Memphis; Montrell Jones, WR, Louisville; Jamison Newby, DE, TCU.