LAST SEASON: 6-5

STARTERS BACK: 11

STARTERS LOST: 14

THE BIG QUESTION

Weber State has running backs galore, a returning starter at quarterback and a strong offensive line. But its defense is green, to put it mildly. All four starting DBs from a year ago are gone. Younger players will need to step up, and quickly, if the Wildcats hope to contain anyone. Addendum to the "Big Question": The Wildcats also have a brand-new kicking game. Weber State will lean on transfer Conor Foley to get it done, but he's been inconsistent in preseason.

THE BIG GAME

Portland State comes to town for homecoming on Sept. 23. The Vikings cut short Weber State's playoff bid in 2005, and the Wildcats want another shot. "That is still a bad taste in our mouths. We blew it," said Wildcats quarterback Ian Pizarro.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Junior running back Adrian Conway's 2005 season was cut short by injury. The Wildcats, who rely so much on the running game, will need him to perform if they are to reach their goal of returning to the playoffs. Conway claims to be stronger and more fit than ever.

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

There were so many close games against good teams last season the Wildcats have to believe they've got a fighting chance at a playoff spot this year. Montana, Montana State, Eastern Washington and Portland State all were winnable games in 2005, and if they can close the door on a couple of them in '06, they'll be in the running for the Big Sky title.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

There are two tough nonconference games on the Wildcats' schedule, against Div. I-A's Colorado State and against Cal Poly, ranked No. 6 in Div. I-AA. With no pushovers on the schedule, the 'Cats could fall behind early, lose confidence and tailspin.

KEY STAT

The Wildcats allowed, on average, exactly the same number of points they scored in 2005 - 25.2. And their 6-5 record showed it. This season, they should be able to put more points up on the board. But will they be able to stop their opponents from scoring?

BRAVE NEW WORLD

Weber State fans who can't travel no longer have to miss road games. The Big Sky Conference signed a three-year contract with Sportscast Network, which will stream video of every Wildcats game. The cost is $59.95 for all content from Weber State for the 2006-2007 academic year, or $99.95 for a BSC pass, which gets the viewer all content from every school in the conference. Video casting isn't the same as catching your school on regular television, but for those who are enthusiastic about their schools only, it works.

- Lauren Gustus