1. Case Keenum, Houston (401.8)
2. Colin Kaepernick, Nevada (372.6)
3. Max Hall, BYU (288.3)
4. Austin Davis, Southern Miss (284.6)
5. Tim Hiller, Western Michigan (280.1)
6. Joe Webb, UAB (272.7)
7. Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan (260.2)
8. Trevor Vittatoe, UTEP (258.2)
9. Tyler Sheehan, Bowling Green (244.9)
10. Kellen Moore, Boise State (223.2)

Top Returning Non-BCS Fantasy Running Backs By 2008 Fantasy Points

1. MiQuale Lewis, Ball State (313.3)
2. Vai Taua, Nevada (275.8)
3. Bryce Beall, Houston (264.9)
4. James Starks, Buffalo (260.6)
5. Harvey Unga, BYU (244.5)
6. Damion Fletcher, Southern Miss (220.8)
7. DuJuan Harris, Troy (206.3)
8. Brandon West, Western Michigan (203.9)
9. Daniel Porter, Louisiana Tech (184.2)
10. Eugene Jarvis, Kent State (181.9)

Top Returning Non-BCS Fantasy Wide Receivers By 2008 Fantasy Points

1. Naaman Roosevelt, Buffalo (223.9)
2. DeAndre Brown, Southern Miss (216.0)
3. Tyron Carrier, Houston (205.9)
4. Kris Adams, UTEP (204.8)
5. Aldrick Robinson, SMU (200.2)
6. Ryan Wolfe, UNLV (199.1)
7. Antonio Brown, Central Michigan (192.8)
8. Dion Morton, Colorado State (189.0)
9. T.Y. Hilton, Florida International (185.1)
10. Emmanuel Sanders, SMU (183.3)

Quarterbacks aplenty in Conference USA

Four of the top 15 returning quarterbacks by 2008 fantasy points resided in Conference USA last season. Houston’s Case Keenum led the way and figures to be the No. 1 pick in most 120 leagues this season. Expect the successful run of college fantasy signal-callers from Conference USA to build this season, as SMU’s Bo Levi Mitchell, Tulsa’s Jacob Bower and Memphis’ Arkelon Hall should post solid fantasy numbers. The only C-USA team that should take a significant step back on offense this year is Rice. Without Chase Clement, James Casey and Jarett Dillard around, the Owls won’t top last year’s average of 40 points per game.

Speaking of Tulsa…The Golden Hurricane is doing a little bit of rebuilding on offense, as they lost coordinator Gus Malzahn and quarterback David Johnson. Although the Golden Hurricane have done a fine job of reloading, losing Malzahn is a pretty big loss and the offense may take a small step back this year. Jacob Bower, G.J. Kinne and true freshman Shavodrick Beaver are battling for the starting quarterback job, with Bower holding a slight lead. What does this mean on draft day? Although the Golden Hurricane will miss Malzahn, Bower will still be one of the top 15-20 fantasy quarterbacks (assuming he wins the job) this season. Take him as QB2 in 12 team leagues, but keep an eye on this battle in the fall.

Quarterbacks won’t be the only players making fantasy waves from this conference. Tulane’s Andre Anderson could be one of the first 10 running backs off the board in fall drafts, while Houston’s Bryce Beall isn’t too far behind. Receivers are loaded as well, with SMU, UTEP, Houston, Southern Miss and Tulsa all possessing top-40 fantasy options at this position.

Utah, BYU and Colorado State replacing key fantasy players

It’s going to be difficult for Utah to repeat last year’s undefeated run if they can’t replace quarterback Brian Johnson. Although Johnson never regained the form that watched him rush for nearly 500 yards and 10 scores in 2005, he tossed 27 touchdowns last year and was a solid spot starter. Fantasy owners can expect more from running back Matt Asiata, but the passing game is in the hands of inexperienced Corbin Louks.

Although BYU loses receiver Austin Collie, there’s still a talented core returning in 2009. Quarterback Max Hall should top 10,000 passing yards in his career with a solid season in 2009, running back Harvey Unga is a top-20 fantasy back and Dennis Pitta will be one of the first tight ends off the board in fall drafts. Replacing Collie may be more of a committee approach, led by Luke Ashworth, McKay Jacobson and O’Neill Chambers. Fantasy owners should take a gamble on Jacobson as a WR3 or WR4, but watch this battle closely early in the year.

Replacing quarterback Billy Farris isn’t the only thing bothering Colorado State coach Steve Fairchild this spring. He’s also trying to find a replacement for Gartrell Johnson. John Mosure (162 career rushing yards) and junior college transfer Leonard Mason have the edge going into fall camp, but neither should be considered a fantasy option at this point.

Around the MAC

Expect Ball State’s offense to take a big step back this year. The loss of quarterback Nate Davis is huge and expected starter Kelly Page doesn’t have a snap of collegiate experience. Also, the Cardinals lose tight end Darius Hill and four starters on the offensive line.

Keep an eye on Ohio this year. The Bobcats have two capable quarterbacks returning in Theo Scott and Boo Jackson, along with a cast of options at running back and receiver. If Jackson or Scott assumes sole possession of the job, their fantasy value should see an increase to a QB3 or QB4.

Will new coach Dave Clawson hurt the Bowling Green offense this year? Remember, Clawson was the play-caller behind Tennessee’s dismal showing last year, ranking 115th in total offense, but has experienced plenty of success on the FCS level. Although the cupboard isn’t bare at Bowling Green – namely the return of quarterback Tyler Sheehan – it may be year two before Clawson’s schemes fully take hold with the personnel.

Two fantasy storylines to watch in the Sun Belt

1. MTSU’s hire of Tony Franklin should be one of the more interesting coordinator hires this year. After a failed experiment at Auburn, Franklin is back in the Sun Belt and should have an immediate impact on the Blue Raider offense. Quarterback Dwight Dasher showed promise as a freshman, but struggled last year. Running back Phillip Tanner and receiver Malcolm Beyah are worth a look in upcoming drafts.

2. The pressure is on Todd Dodge and North Texas to win now. A 3-21 record in two seasons isn’t pretty and the boiling point of this relationship could be reached with another two-win season. The good news for the Mean Green is the offense should score plenty of points with Riley Dodge in control. Dodge is worth a look as a QB4 in 120 leagues.

Return of injured players

After missing most of last season due to a knee injury, running back Luke Lippincott is back in Reno. Vai Taua filled in admirably while Lippincott was out and isexpected to share carries this year. How does that impact the fantasy value of Taua? If he gets all of the carries, Taua would be a top-10 fantasy running back. However, with Lippincott back, Taua is now hovering between the 30-40 mark in the 2009 running back rankings.

San Jose State receiver Kevin Jurovich played in only two games last season due to mono, but his return significantly boosts a lackluster passing game. The Spartans averaged less than 20 points last year, but things should change in 2009, with the return of quarterback Kyle Reed and the hire of Terry Malley to help coordinate the offense.

Florida Atlantic has three tight ends with at least 30 catches in a season over the course of their careers. Jamari Grant and Rob Housler played well last season, but the Owls are excited to get Jason Harmon back into the lineup. Harmon missed last season with a torn ACL, but is a top-10 fantasy tight end and gives quarterback Rusty Smith another weapon inside the redzone.

The final image of a fantastic freshman season for Southern Miss receiver DeAndre Brown wasn’t supposed to be exiting the New Orleans Bowl early due to a broken leg. However, he is well on his way towards a full recovery and expects to be ready for the season opener. Anytime a receiver suffers a leg injury, it’s definitely cause for concern. However, Brown’s potential outweighs the risk and he’s a top-15 fantasy receiver option this year.

Three offenses to watch

Wyoming – New coach Dave Christensen is an offensive guru, but needs time to get his players in place. Eventually, the Cowboys should boast some fantasy options, but it may be in 2010 or 2011. 

Hawaii – The Warriors weren’t quite the same on offense without June Jones calling the shots. However, the Warriors seemed to turn things around once Greg Alexander got settled under center. With Alexander returning, the Warriors should raise their scoring average closer to the 30-point mark.

UL Lafayette – With the loss of quarterback Michael Desormeaux and running back Tyrell Fenroy, the Ragin’ Cajuns should take a step back this season. However, with the Sun Belt’s best offensive line leading the way, will another running back emerge into a fantasy starter?

Five players ready for a breakout fantasy season

Diondre Borel, QB, Utah State
Jeremy Avery, RB, Boise State
James Wright, RB, New Mexico
Vincent Brown, WR, San Diego State
Juan Nunez, WR, Western Michigan