Sun Belt Preview

Stewart Mandel's Projected Standings (Projected overall record in parentheses) 1   North Texas    7-0  (9-2) The only champion in the conference's three-year history should keep bulldozing opponents with RB Patrick Cobbs. 2   Troy    5-2  (6-5) The defensive-minded Trojans join the league with recent wins over Mississippi State and Marshall to their credit. 3   New Mexico St.    5-2  (5-6) Two-headed QB monster Buck Pierce and Paul Dombrowski form a nice rushing-passing combo. 4   Middle Tenn. St.    5-3  (5-6) The Blue Raiders have talented athletes on offense, but will likely continue to struggle on defense. 5   Idaho    3-4  (3-9) Nick Holt left defending national champion USC to resuscitate a program that's won six games since 2001. 6   La.-Lafaytte    2-5  (3-8) The Ragin' Cajuns showed an ability to score last season but were porous on defense and must rebuild up front. 7   Utah State    2-5  (2-9) The Aggies, bound for the WAC next season, play a brutal schedule -- seven of 11 games on the road. 8   Arkansas St.    2-5  (2-9) The Indians are young on defense and need to find some consistent sources of offensive production. 9   La.-Monroe    1-6  (2-9) This is a team that lost 73-7 to Auburn, 59-14 to Ole Miss, 58-20 to Idaho and 23-21 ... to Stephen F. Austin.

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

Patrick Cobbs, RB, North Texas: Despite missing two games, Cobbs led the nation in both yards (152.7) and points (11.5) per game.

Kerry Wright, WR, Middle Tennessee: Wright ranked fifth nationally in receiving yards per game (106.7), finishing with 1,280 yards.

Travis Cox, QB, Utah State: A highly efficient passer, Cox threw just seven interceptions in 415 attempts last year and finished with 2,791 yards.

Others: Demarcus Ware, DE, Troy; Terrance Washington, S, Utah State; DeWhitt Betterson, RB, Troy.

Poised for a Breakout

Travis Thompson, LB, North Texas: A transfer from Oklahoma A&M who had 95 tackles last season, he's expected to start.

Others: Jason Stephens, TE, Utah State; Emmanuel Marc, RB, Utah State; Evan Cardwell, DT, North Texas.