College football kickoff: Sun Belt story lines

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The highlight of 2011 was Louisiana-Lafayette's dream season in Mark Hudspeth's first year. The Ragin' Cajuns had eight regular-season wins, the program's first bowl berth and a win vs. San Diego State in the New Orleans Bowl pm a 50-yard field goal on the gams's last play. About the only thing left would be claiming the league title outright. … Standing in the way is Arkansas State, also coming off a groundbreaking season. The Red Wolves made a splash by bringing aboard offensive guru Gus Malzahn to head the program after Hugh Freeze moved on to Mississippi. … Then there's Florida International, seeking a third consecutive bowl appearance before moving to Conference USA. … Joining the conference with a full slate for the first time is South Alabama.

Top players

Offense: QB Ryan Aplin (Arkansas State), 6-1, 205. The league's offensive player of the year in 2011; 304-for-476, 3,588 yards, 19 TDs.

Defense: LB Andrew Jackson (Western Kentucky), 6-1, 265. Registered 109 tackles, including 17 for losses, last season.

From the top down

Arkansas State: Offense should pick up where it left off, though former Auburn running back Michael Dyer won't be part of it.

UL-Lafayette: Among returning Cajuns are quarterback Blaine Gautier and bowl-hero kicker Brett Baer.

Florida International: Kedrick Rhodes is the league's top returning rusher.

Western Kentucky: Running back Bobby Rainey is gone, so quarterback Kawaun Jakes must produce by air.

Troy: Quarterback Corey Robinson is capable of big numbers, but ball security must improve.

Middle Tennessee: Turnover margin and run defense must improve.

North Texas: After offseason health scare, coach Dan McCarney looks to continue Mean Green's improvement.

Louisiana-Monroe: Offense will work around dual-threat quarterback Kolton Browning.

Florida Atlantic: New coach Carl Pelini's staff has work to do.

South Alabama: Likely to struggle with first full FBS schedule.

Top men

Larry Blakeney, Troy, 22nd season

Rick Stockstill, Middle Tennessee, seventh

Mario Cristobal, FIU, sixth

Joey Jones, South Alabama, fourth

Todd Berry, UL-Monroe, third

Willie Taggart, Western Kentucky, third

Mark Hudspeth, UL-Lafayette, second

Dan McCarney, North Texas, second

Gus Malzahn, Arkansas State, first

Carl Pelini, Florida Atlantic, first

Contributing: By Eddie Timanus

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College football kickoff: Independents story lines

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By Matt Cashore, US Presswire

Brian Kelly is 16-10 as Notre Dame's head coach.

By Matt Cashore, US Presswire

Brian Kelly is 16-10 as Notre Dame's head coach.

Notre Dame is still trying to get back to a Bowl Championship Series game, but the Irish have a potentially daunting schedule that includes games against Michigan State, Michigan, Miami (Fla.), Stanford, BYU, Oklahoma and Southern California. Five are ranked among the preseason's top 18 teams. In addition, they'll play their first two games without last year's leading rusher, Cierre Wood, who was suspended Sunday for a violation of team rules. … After improving from 7-6 to 10-3 in its first season as an independent, Brigham Young looks to keep it going behind QB Riley Nelson. …Navy soon will be giving up its independent status as the Midshipmen will join the Big East for football only starting in 2015. … Army took a step back last year after earning a bowl bid in 2010 but will continue to rush with the nation's best, led by veteran QB Trent Steelman.

Top players

Offense: QB Riley Nelson (Brigham Young), 6-0, 199. Overcame injuries and more heralded former teammate Jake Heaps to pass for 1,717 yards and 19 TDs and run for 392 yards, despite starting seven games. Heaps ended up transferring to Kansas.

Defense: LB Manti Te'o (Notre Dame), 6-2, 245. Was quite likely ticketed for the first round had he opted for the NFL draft this year after being named second-team All-American. Finished last season with 128 tackles, with 131/2 tackles for loss and five sacks.

From the top down

Notre Dame: The much-improved defense should be impressive, but the Irish have some questions, plus there is that schedule.

Brigham Young: The Cougars might be hard-pressed to win 10 again with road games against Utah, Boise State, Georgia Tech and Notre Dame.

Navy: Hoping to bounce back after a surprising losing season (5-7), the Midshipmen get Notre Dame and Penn State in their first two games.

Army: Schedule looks manageable, but the Black Knights need to improve on their 22 lost fumbles.

Top men

Bronco Mendenhall, Brigham Young, eighth season

Ken Niumatalolo, Navy, fifth

Rich Ellerson, Army, fourth

Brian Kelly, Notre Dame, third

Contributing: By Jack Carey

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