2008 OUTLOOK: New head coach Kevin Sumlin has energized the program with an outstanding recruiting class and a crisp spring practice. The Cougars, who return 17 starters from an 8-5 team, should contend for the C-USA crown. They will definitely be entertaining under new offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen's pass-happy approach. The schedule gets tough after an easy home opener against Southern -- nonconference games at Oklahoma State, vs. Air Force and at Colorado State.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
The Cougars boast a pair of talented quarterbacks in Case Keenum and Blake Joseph, who gained valuable experience last season, and a stout offensive line. But they need to find playmakers to replace WRs Donnie Avery and Jeron Harvey and RB Anthony Alridge. WR L.J. Castile and TE Mark Hafner should have breakout seasons, and sophomore RB Andre Kohn had a big spring.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
This unit was suspect last season, but senior DE Phillip Hunt wasn't the problem. The 6-2, 250-pound senior led the conference with 10.5 sacks and also had 18 tackles for loss, 10 pass breakups and two forced fumbles. LBs Matt Nicholson and Stephen James emerged this spring and should take some pressure off senior leader Cody Lubojasky.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS
There is a huge void at kickoff returner, where Avery averaged 28.3 yards last year. P Chase Turner returns after averaging 42.7 yards per punt and downing six inside the 20. Left-footed PK Jonathan Gibson will get a shot to replace T.J. Lawrence. Coaches hope he'll be more accurate than Lawrence, who missed nine of 22 field-goal tries.

ROSTER REPORT

--SirVincent Rogers, a 6-4, 315-pound senior, will start at right tackle after missing nearly two seasons with a severe knee injury. His return has provided an emotional lift. Before he was hurt, Rogers proved to be a devastating run blocker.

--Junior DE Phillip Hunt, a first-team all-conference selection last season, has been named to the preliminary watch list for the 2008 Lombardi Award. He's one of 54 standouts on the list. Hunt led C-USA with 10.5 sacks and broke up 10 passes, most in the nation by a defensive lineman.

Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.