Mountain West Preview

Stewart Mandel's Projected Standings (Projected overall record in parentheses) 1   Utah    6-1  (10-1) QB Alex Smith and WRs Paris Warren and Steve Savoy are the key components of Urban Meyer's unique spread attack. 2   Colorado State    5-2  (6-5) Sonny Lubick's Rams have no shortage of talent on offense but must rebuild around three returning starters on defense. 3   San Diego State    4-3  (7-4) LB Kirk Morrison spearheads the conference's top defense, and the offense should be more explosive. 4   New Mexico    4-3  (6-5) The presence of workhorse RB DonTrell Moore won't be enough to offset heavy personnel losses in other key areas. 5   BYU    3-4  (3-8) The beleaguered Cougars have fallen apart offensively, and a brutal non-conference schedule could affect confidence. 6   Air Force    2-5  (4-7) With just five returning starters and no logical successor to departed QB Chance Harridge, the Falcons could struggle. 6   UNLV    2-5  (4-7) New coordinator Bruce Snyder, a former Arizona State head coach, looks to resuscitate a horrendous offense. 6   Wyoming    2-5  (4-7) QB Corey Bramlet replaces brother Casey for the Cowboys, who showed improvement in Joe Glenn's first season. Photo credit: University of Utah

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

DonTrell Moore, RB, New Mexico: In just two seasons, the home-state hero has run for 2,564 yards and 34 touchdowns, shattering records as he goes.

Alex Smith, QB, Utah: Third string this time last year, Smith wound up starting and competing 65 percent of his passes for 15 touchdowns and just three picks.

Jammal Brimmer, S, UNLV: A returning All-America, Brimmer's coach, John Robinson, often compares him to a former NFL player of his -- Ronnie Lott.

Others: David Anderson, WR, Colorado State; Kirk Morrison, LB, San Diego State; Paris Warren, WR, Utah; Lynell Hamilton, RB, San Diego State; Aaron Francisco, S, BYU.

Poised for a Breakout

Justin Holland, QB, Colorado State: The successor to three-year starter Bradlee Van Pelt was one of the most highly touted recruits ever to sign with CSU.

Others: Joe Harris, RB, Wyoming; JaJa Riley, RB, UNLV; Todd Watkins, WR, BYU.