WASHINGTON STATE: Coach Bill Doba’s team has struggled after consecutive below .500 seasons. Receiver Jason Hill was second team All-Pac 10 last year. Michael Bumpus, another receiver, was honorable mention All-Pac 10. Quarterback Alex Brink threw for nearly 2,900 yards last year. Defensive lineman Mkristo Bruce was second team All-Pac 10 last year.

HAWAII AT ALABAMA: The series record is 1-1 with both game played in Hawaii. The Tide will play in the newly expanded Bryant-Denny Stadium seating 92,000. Coach Mike Shula said kicker Jamie Christensen should be back this week from a groin injury. There is a battle among guards B J Stabler, Mike Johnson and Marlon Davis. The only two players for certain that will not participate Saturday are receiver Tyrone Prothro and running back Glen Coffee. Former Alabama signees Mike Ford and Marcus Udell will play at Copiah-Lincoln Junior College in Miss.

Hawaii: June Jones, 52-37 at Hawaii, has seen his teams go 12-12 since 2003. Sophomore receiver Davone Bess caught 89 passes for 1,124 yards last year. The Warriors return their top five receivers from last season. Junior quarterback Colt Brennan threw for 4,455 yards and 38 touchdowns. Last year, the Warriors were No. 111 out of 117 in rushing offense (91 ypg). Hawaii was No. 102 out of 117 Division I teams. They allowed 187 yards rushing and 250 yards passing. Hawaii gets $650,000, the largest road-game guarantee in school history. The series record is 1-1.

SOUTHERN CAL AT ARKANSAS: The Hogs have 19 starters returning for Saturday night’s game. Sophomore Steven Arnold has been named the starting field goal kicker. Eleven freshmen played last year for the Hogs. This year the number is expected to be around eight. The Southern Cal game is a sellout (73,000 expected to be in attendance). Freshman flanker Damian Williams is listed as co-starter with senior Cedric Washington. Quarterback Casey Dick, receiver London Crawford (sore knee) and tailback Darren McFadden, all injured players practiced in full pads Tuesday.

USC: Receiver Dwayne Jarrett is a pre-season All-American candidate. Steve Smith, another receiver, has 119 career receptions, No. 11 on USC’s career list. He caught 91 passes for 1,274 yards last year. Offensive tackle Sam Baker is on several pre-season All-American teams. Defensive end Lawrence Jackson was first team All-Pac 10. C J Gable and Allen Bradford are among the players rotating at tailback. Tailback Junior Chauncey Washington is expected to miss the game with a sore hamstring. John David Booty, a junior redshirt, starts the game with Mark Sanchez backing him up. Coach Pete Carroll was a grad assistant at Arkansas in 1977.

SOUTHERN MISS AT FLORIDA: The Gators are dealing with a virus that is going around the team causing high temperatures. Riley Cooper, Jarred Fayson and Percy Harvin are three freshman receivers who will play this season. Coach Urban Meyer called Jemalle Cornelius his possible MVP because of his receiving and special team ability. The offensive line is set with left tackle Phil Trautwein, left guard Jim Tartt, center Steve Rissler, right guard Drew Miller, and left tackle Carlton Medder, in his first start. Freshmen Maurice Hurt and Marcus Gilbert are the second team guards. Sophomore Jason Watkins is the backup tackle. Freshman linebacker A J Jones is out for the year after breaking his foot. The No. 2 linebackers are Ryan Stamper, Dustin Doe and Brandon Spikes. In openers, quarterback Chris Leak is 52- of- 73 for 675 yards with seven touchdowns and no picks. Defensive lineman Stephen Harris is unlikely to play in the opener and might miss the season.

Southern Miss-the quarterback is Jeremy Young slightly ahead of Stephen Reaves, the Michigan State transfer. Right guard George Batiste (6-5, 309) and Chris Clark junior offensive tackle heads up a four returning starters on offensive line. Receivers Cody Hull, C J Barrows and freshman Damion Fletcher are pretty solid. Jay Hopson is the defensive coordinator in his second year. Sean Merrill, a LSU transfer, and Vontre Mason, Diablo Valley College, have helped the defensive line. In the secondary watch for Brandon Sumrall (5-11, 195) junior safety-two year starter sophomore linebacker Gerald McGrath (6-2, 210) could be headed for a monster year. USM led the conference in sacks last year and top pass rusher Robert Henderson returns.

WESTERN KENTUCKY AT GEORGIA: Fullback Brannan Southerland is the starter for the opener. Senior Steve White is the backup. Junior Jason Johnson and Des Williams should be ready to play. Freshman Shaun Chapas will be redshirted this season. Redshirt freshman defensive back Bryan Evans is expected to play in the Western Kentucky game after an MCL injury. Freshman tailback Knowshon Moreno is preparing to avoid a redshirt this season and contribute this year. Junior cornerback Paul Oliver has intercepted at least one pass in several consecutive practices. The Bulldogs have only six healthy offensive linemen for the opener due to suspension of starting tackle Daniel Inman and reserve Ian Smith and a shoulder injury to guard Zeb McKinzey. The only backup who has taken a snap in a game is sophomore Seth Watts. Freshmen Chris Davis, Josh Davis and Kevin Perez are on standby. Freshman linebacker Darius Dewberry is back after a shoulder injury. Sophomore Kenneth Harris will start at flanker with juniors Mikey Henderson and A J Bryant spelling him.

WKU: Senior Justin Haddix quarterbacks the Hilltoppers from Division I-AA. Running back Lerron Moore has over 3,500 career yards.

LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE AT LSU: Tiger coaches are trying to replace Sklyer Green on the return team with some combination of Daniel Francis, Chevis Jackson, and Trindon Holliday. Tailback Alley Broussard is not 100% and may not be until midseason. Justin Vincent and Jacob Hester are the top two tailbacks. The rest of the tailbacks are freshmen including Charles Scott, who will play a lot. LSU’s offensive line is very inexperienced with tackles—Peter Dyakowski and Ciron Black—ever having started a game. The top three receivers-seniors Dwayne Bowe and Craig Davis and junior Early Doucet—have underachieved. Davis is struggling with a hamstring injury. Redshirt freshman Brandon LeFell will play this year. The Tiger roster unveiled Monday had few surprises. The lineup of JaMarcus Russell, Matt Flynn and Ryan Perrilloux is the pecking order at quarterback.

ULL: Quarterback Jerry Babb is third in the ULL career record book for offensive plays and yards and in the top four in several other categories. Running back Tyrell Fenroy was the Sun Belt Freshman- of -the Year. Offensive tackle Brandon Cox was first team All-Sun Belt last season.

MEMPHIS AT OLE MISS (SUNDAY): Heralded defensive line signee Jerrell Powe (6-3, 330), who attended Hargrave Military Academy last year, has been denied certification by the NCAA Clearinghouse. Memphis offensive linemen Blake Butler and Willie Henderson will be an interesting matchup for the Rebel defensive line with four new starters.

MEMPHIS: The Tigers lost running back DeAngelo Williams, who accounted for 41% of the offense last season. Joe Doss takes his place after running for 440 yards last year. Memphis has three returning receivers in Ryan Scott, Earnest Williams and Maurice Jones. Quarterback Martin Hankins will run the spread offense. Six starters return on defense including all-conference free safety Wesley Smith, an Oxford native. Defensive lineman Jada Brown and Corey Mills are two Ole Miss transfers. Memphis has won two- of- the- past three meetings.

SOUTH CAROLINA AT MISSISSIPPI STATE (THURSDAY): South Carolina defeated Mississippi State, 15-0, Thursday night in Starkville. The Gamecock defense shutout the Bulldogs with twelve- of- 23 players on the depth chart either first or second year players. It was the first shutout for USC since 1997. State gained only 161 total yards. The only touchdown of the game came on a Syvelle Newton 54-yard pass to tailback Cory Boyd, who led the team in rushing with 93 yards and collected 160 total yards. South Carolina’s play came immediately after the defense stopped State on fourth-and-one. Middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley led the team with 11 tackles. Ryan Succop kicked three field goals, punted for an average of 48 yards and ran with a punt for a first down. Five players on defensive two-deep are freshmen—linebacker Rodney Paulk, defensive end Eric Norwood, and defensive back Emanuel Cook, Darian Stewart and Captain Munnerlyn. The only senior on the defensive two-deep is cornerback Fred Bennett, who had an interception. Coming into the game, the offensive left tackle Gurminder Thind had zero starts and right tackle Jamon Meredith had little experience. Steve Spurrier said Sunday that South Carolina will likely open the 2008 season against N C State. Quarterback Mitchell was 12- of- 22 for 91 yards. Spurrier is now 1-2 in Starkville. South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier is 16-1 in opening games. USC is 7-18 in road openers. Defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis has not been cleared, but he is expected to redshirt. Spurrier is 5-2 against State.

MISSISSIPPI STATE: In the loss to South Carolina, an early turning point was State kicker Adam Carlson missing a 38-yard field goal after a Quinton Culberson pick on South Carolina’s first series. Also another crucial time in the game came on fourth- and- six at their own 39-yard line when Succop dodged a State player and ran for a first down. USC ended the drive with a field goal. State had 79 yards rushing on 33 attempts. Mississippi State was only 4-of-14 on third downs. Starting quarterback Michael Henig left the game with a broken collarbone. Tray Rutland, his replacement, was 6-of-15 for 63 yards and two picks. A crowd of more than 50,212 was in attendance. USC has won the last four games in the series after State had won four straight.

CAL AT TENNESSEE: The Vols have worked Austin Rogers, Jonathan Hefney and Lucas Taylor on punt returns. They have used Taylor and Demetrice Morley on kickoff returns. Antwan Stewart held off Morley for the starting strong safety position. Quarterback Erik Ainge has to have help from his receivers. None of the starting receivers have had 30 receptions in a single season. Ainge also has to have some help from the running game. Offensive lineman Cody Pope is awaiting word from the NCAA Clearinghouse. If Pope doesn’t make it, eight of the Vols 22 signees have either been declared academically ineligible, dismissed or still waiting word on being cleared. Tennessee is 0-6 against top ten teams in recent years. The offensive line with Michael Frogg, Aaron Sears, Anthony Park and Eric Young are under the microscope for the Vols. Tennessee is 13-10-3 against Pac-10 teams. Defensive lineman J T Mapu will play 15-20 plays against Cal.

CAL: The Vols, replacing six of their front seven, face perhaps the best running back in the Pac-10 in Marshawn Lynch. Defensive lineman Brandon Mebane was first-team All Pac-10 last season as was cornerback Daymeion Hughes. The safeties are relatively new in Thomas Decoud and Brandon Hampton. Nathan Longshore, who has little or no experience, has been named the starting quarterback. Cal starting corner Tim Mixon is out for the season with a torn ACL, so the Vols might look to pick on his replacement Randy Bundy. The Tennessee secondary, the strength of the Vol defense, is facing sophomore DeSean Jackson, who is a potential superstar, and his teammate Robert Jordan. Cal is 14-8 on the road in the past four years.

VANDERBILT AT MICHIGAN: The Commodores best chances come from receiver Earl Bennett and tailback Cassen Jackson-Garrison, who is recovering from an emergency appendectomy. Michigan was a disappointment last year with a 7-5 record. The Commodores have to stop quarterback Chad Henne and running back Mike Hart. The last time the teams played was in 1969.

KENTUCKY AT LOUISVILLE (SUNDAY): Coach Rich Brooks named Andre Woodson to start over Curtis Pulley. The Wildcats need to get the ball to tailback Rafael Little. Louisville has won three straight and six- of- the- last seven in the series. During the three game win streak against Kentucky, Louisville has run for an average of 237 yards.

LOUISVILLE: Quarterback Brian Brohm returns after tearing his ACL last season. Running back Michael Bush was a first team conference player. During Bobby Petrino’s tenure, the Cardinals have lost only one game at home and averaged nearly 50 points per game.

FLORIDA STATE AT MIAMI: Defensive end Alex Boston underwent a MRI on his injured ankle, but the results were negative. D J Norris and Everette Brown will play before him. Junior walk-on rover Anthony Houllis, who is battling Myron Rolle, has also missed some time with an injury, but he has returned. He is expected to start against Miami. The defensive line is mostly healthy except for reserves Kendrick Stewart, a redshirt freshman and Aaron Jones, a sophomore. Players are still battling for the center, right guard and right tackle positions. John Frady was named the starting center Wednesday. The right guard battle is between Cory Niblock and David Overmyer. Tight end Charlie Graham has also returned to practice. Tony Carter, the starting cornerback, is adjusting to his role as punt returner.

Two of the key matchups in the game are FSU offensive lineman Shannon Boatman, in his first start, against All-ACC defensive end Baraka Atkins, starting his fourth year and tight end Greg Olsen against linebacker Lawrence Timmons. Olsen caught eight passes in the game last year. In the past four games, the two teams have played FSU has not scored more than 14 points. In the past two games, FSU has scored only one touchdown. The team that has the most rushing yards has won 16- of- the- last 19 games. Over the past four games, FSU has averaged 2.17 yards per rush. FSU returns four- of- five starters on the offensive line and Miami has to replace four starters on their offensive line. Over the past four games in the series, FSU averaged 128 yards passing and Miami has six picks in the that span. FSU quarterback Drew Weatherford was 7- of- 24 for 67 yards in last year’s win. FSU has lost three straight road games and all three times the result was a missed or blocked field goal. The team that has scored first in the game has won the last 14 of 15. For the 11th time since 1990, FSU is playing its opener on the road. They are 9-1 in those games.

MIAMI: Receiver Ryan Moore has been indefinitely suspended from the team. He was originally scheduled to miss the first two games. Lance Leggett and Darnell Jenkins are the only two experienced receivers. Coach Larry Coker said receivers Sam Shields, a freshman, Ryan Hill, a converted defensive back and George Robinson, another freshman, will also help. Offensive lineman Tyrone Byrd was cleared after coming back from a knee injury. Byrd is battling Chris Rutledge for his position. Running back Charlie Jones is the starter, but coach Larry Coker said freshman Javarris James has closed the gap. Romeo Davis has won the starting job at middle linebacker over Darryl Sharpton. Linebacker Glenn Cook who had his knee scoped is questionable for the opener. Freshman right tackle Jason Fox could start in Byrd’s place if his knee doesn’t respond well. Bruce Johnson is the kickoff returner along with Darnell Jenkins. Offensive lineman signee Orlando Franklin will attend prep school this fall.

NOTRE DAME AT GEORGIA TECH: The game matches up two of the best receivers in the nation with Calvin Johnson of the Yellow Jackets and Jeff Samardzija of the Irish. Coach Chan Gailey believes quarterback Reggie Ball might have his best year. The matchup between Tech defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta and Charlie Weiss will be interesting. Notre Dame running back Darius Walker is also threat out of the backfield to catch passes. Running Tashard Choice has been a special back for Tech. Irish running back Travis Thomas has moved to linebacker.

FLORIDA ATLANTIC AT CLEMSON: On the Tiger depth chart, freshman tailback C. J. Spiller is the backup running back to James Davis. Coach Tommie Bowden said his role will be significant in the game. Reggie Merriweather is No. 3. Davis is up to 211 pounds after starting last year at 199. Freshman receiver Jacoby Ford has an edge over Spiller as the punt returner. Howard Schnellenberger coaches FAU. Sophomore linebacker Antonio Clay’s sister was killed in a car wreck Tuesday. She was only 22- years- old.

BOSTON COLLEGE AT CENTRAL MICHIGAN: Quarterback Matt Ryan was 32- of- 48 for 323 yards and three scores in the Eagles, 31-24, win over Central Michigan. CMU quarterback Dan LeFevour was 22- of- 37 for 221 yards and a score. He ran for 72 yards on 14 carries.

WILLIAM & MARY AT MARYLAND: Quarterback Sam Hollenbach has a firm grip on the job. Running back Josh Allen has returned to give the backs a shot in the arm.

RUTGERS AT NORTH CAROLINA: The Tar Heels might use a two-quarterback system. Joe Dailey will start the game, but Cam Sexton will also play. Offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti will utilize the tight ends and H-backs.

NORTHEASTERN VS. VIRGINIA TECH: Sophomore Sean Glennon has been named the starting quarterback. Xavier Adibi and Vince Hall are two of the best linebackers in the ACC.

VIRGINIA AT PITT: UVA is breaking in a new quarterback in Chris Olsen. Its top receiver Deyon Williams is out after foot surgery. Pitt’s strength is on the defensive side of the ball with senior linebackers H B Blades and Clint Session and All-American cornerback Darrelle Revis. The offensive line has been a real weakness even though four starters return for a unit that has not meshed. Quarterback Tyler Palko struggled with a lack of playmaker last year. LaRod Stephens-Howling could be an impact player at tailback.

BRENT BEAIRD IS A SPORTS WRITER FOR THE CLAY COUNTY LINE IN ORANGE PARK, FLA., HE ALSO WRITES FOR RIVALS.COM, SAMSPORTSLINE.COM AND GATOR BAIT MAGAZINE. HE CAN BE HEARD ON ESPN 1460 ON MONDAY AND THURSDAY AFTERNOONS ON THE RUMBLE WITH MIKE DEMPSEY AND TOM MCMANUS.