2008 OUTLOOK: The Falcons will score points next season. They return the bulk of last year's high-powered offense. A big trouble area could be the offensive line, but the Falcons might be able to overcome that with several playmakers at tailback and wide receiver.

The defense should be improved following last year's bowl debacle and another season of development. The Falcons must survive a tough early schedule with three of their first four games on the road but return 19 starters from last year's eight-win team.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
Quarterback Tyler Sheehan must establish himself as the starter once fall practice starts. The offensive line has some holes following the graduation of Kory Lichtensteiger, but wide receiver Freddie Barnes is set for a big season. The Falcons have a host of experienced playmakers to fully utilize coach Gregg Brandon's complex offensive system. And that's the scary part for opponents. The Falcons need Sheehan to be consistent to run the offense.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
The Falcons moved some players on the defensive line to fix some problems. They ranked 11th in the MAC in rushing defense. The health of linebacker John Haneline is a priority. The Falcons have talent on defense in end Diyral Briggs, linebacker Erique Dozier, safety P.J. Mahone to be an improved unit, but a challenging early schedule will provide a stiff test.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS
Stability won't be an issue this year, and the Falcons will have one of the better special teams in the conference.

The Falcons return kicker Sinisa Vrvilo and punter Nick Iovinelli. That's good news after both players had a strong first season in the program last year. Roger Williams also returns to handle the kickoff-return duties.

ROSTER REPORT

--Linebacker Glen Stanley is no longer with the team because of academic issues.

--Wide receiver Corey Partridge missed a portion of spring practice after suffering a knee injury.

--Jerett Sanderson was switched from safety to outside linebacker.

--Redshirt freshman quarterback Nathan Brown missed the spring game because of academics.

--Jacob Hardwick, who had 4.5 sacks last year, was moved from defensive end to tackle.

--Calvin Marshall moved from safety to linebacker.

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