Local college football conference capsules

(in predicted order of finish)

ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE

Atlantic Division

1. Clemson - Tommy Bowden's team is loaded with 17 starters back, including quarterback Cullen Harper and running backs James Davis and C.J. Spiller. Harper set 21 school records last season, Davis ran for more than 1,000 yards, and receiver Aaron Kelly caught 88 passes, 11 for TDs. But the offensive line has to be rebuilt. In his 10th season at the helm, Bowden has his best chance to win his first ACC title with the Tigers.

2. Wake Forest - The Demon Deacons quietly have become an ACC power under Jim Grobe, winning 20 games the last two seasons. Before Grobe was hired in December 2000, Wake had won only 38 games over the previous 10 seasons. The defense returns nine starters and should carry the team while quarterback Riley Skinner and the offense figure things out. If they don't, Grobe will. He is that good a coach, spurning feelers from Miami, Arkansas, Michigan, and even Nebraska, if offseason rumors were true. Sam Swank, the best kicker in the ACC and maybe the country, is a huge asset in close games.

3. Boston College - see capsule.

4. Florida State - This has become assistant (and designated head coach) Jimbo Fisher's team, although Bobby Bowden remains the ceremonial figurehead. Bowden wants to retire with a bang, but this team doesn't look as if it can do it. The core of the offensive line is back to protect quarterback Drew Weatherford and should help an anemic ground game start working again. Seven starters are back on defense. There's still the lingering mess from last season's academic scandal (six starters must finish their suspensions), which could trigger another middle-of-the-pack finish for FSU and the end of the road for Bowden.

5. North Carolina State - Tom O'Brien is slowly building a foundation in Raleigh, but it may not stabilize right away this season with the Wolfpack playing South Carolina, East Carolina, Clemson, and South Florida in the first month. The Wolfpack should get better, especially if freshman quarterback Mike Glennon (younger brother of Virginia Tech QB Sean Glennon) blossoms into the star O'Brien thinks he can be. A veteran offensive line and running back Jamelle Eugene help provide hope for respectability.

6. Maryland - After three losing seasons in four years, Maryland fans could be losing faith in the program. New offensive coordinator James Franklin inherits nine starters, including the entire line. Chris Turner looks to be the starter at quarterback, but that could change if Jordan Steffy shows he's fully recovered from a concussion that cost him the job last season. The Terps' 6-7 record in 2007 included an overtime loss at Wake Forest, a 1-point loss to Virginia, and a 3-point loss at North Carolina. With a few breaks in 2008, Ralph Friedgen's team could turn into a sleeper.

Coastal Division

1. Virginia Tech - The Hokies lost a lot from their ACC championship team, but they should be good enough to win their division, even with only four returning starters on defense. The rest of the programs in the division are in rebuilding mode, and Hokies coach Frank Beamer still has play-makers such as defensive back Kam Chancellor and quarterbacks Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor. Beamer knows how to fix things quickly, so a return trip to the ACC title game (in Tampa) is very likely.

2. North Carolina - Coach Butch Davis laughed when he heard the media picked the Tar Heels to finish second in the division, asking if voters had passed a sobriety test before making their selections. Well, the sober fact is that the Tar Heels return 19 starters from a team that lost six games by 7 points or less. With a veteran defense, a great recruiting class, and an offense led by quarterback T.J Yates (who threw for a school-record 2,655 yards in 2007), UNC could surprise some people. All of Yates's favorite targets are back, most notably Hakeem Nicks (74 catches, 958 yards, 5 TDs).

3. Miami - Coach Randy Shannon is trying to rebuild pride in the program. The Orange Bowl is demolished and the 'Canes are now playing home games in Dolphin Stadium. To rebound from a 5-7 season, Miami will need an immediate impact from its strong recruiting class, led by freshman linebackers Arthur Brown and Sean Spence and a trio of first-year quarterbacks - Robert Marve, Jacory Harris, and Cannon Smith. Junior running back Javarris James will add some sizzle on offense.

4. Georgia Tech - Paul Johnson molded winning teams at Georgia Southern and Navy. Now he's ready to shake up the Yellow Jackets with his option-based offense. Tech fired Chan Gailey despite posting his sixth straight winning season. It was an 0-6 record against Georgia that proved to school administrators it was time for a change. It will be up to fleet-footed quarterback Josh Nesbitt to make the transition to the option work.

5. Virginia - Coach Al Groh has some major rebuilding to do, finding a replacement for All-America defensive end Chris Long and an assortment of talented players who propelled the Cavaliers to a 9-4 record last season. Groh hopes sophomore quarterback Peter Lalich emerges as a leader. Saturday's opener against Southern Cal could set the tone for a long season in Charlottesville.

6. Duke - Duke will be better, but that's not asking for much coming off a 1-11 season. New coach David Cutcliffe knows his X's and O's and is emphasizing speed. Look for junior quarterback Thaddeus Lewis to improve under Cutcliffe, who worked with Peyton Manning at Tennessee and Eli Manning at Mississippi. Lewis still has Eron Riley, who finished second in the ACC last year with nine TD receptions. Opening with James Madison and Northwestern should at least get the Blue Devils over last year's win total.

Compiled by Mark Blaudschun

COLONIAL ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

North Division

1. Massachusetts - see capsule.

2. New Hampshire
Coach: Sean McDonnell (10th year, 60-47).
2007 record: 7-5, 4-4 (tied for second).
Players to watch: RB Chad Kackert (1,101 all-purpose yards, 7 TDs); WR Mike Boyle (842 receiving yards, 7 TDs); TE Scott Sicko (preseason All-American, 619 receiving yards, 6 TDs); P Tom Bishop (second-team All-CAA, 40.4 yards per punt).
Key New Englanders: Boyle, Plymouth, N.H.; RB Robert Simpson, Brockton; SS Hugo Souza, Marshfield; DB Mike Perkins, Hingham.
Outlook: All-America QB Ricky Santos is gone, so the offense shouldn't be nearly as good or as confident as it was with him under center. Sophomore R.J. Toman is the likely replacement, but the offense could shift to the ground with Kackert. Seven starters return on defense, which could become the Wildcats' strength after years of offensive dominance.

3. Hofstra
Coach: Dave Cohen (third year, 9-13).
2007 record: 7-4, 4-4 (tied for second).
Players to watch: QB Bryan Savage (2,668 passing yards, 13 TDs); RB Justine Buries (transfer from New Mexico State); WR Anthony Nelson (first-team All-CAA as punt returner with 15.6-yard average, 543 receiving yards); WR Ottis Lewis (465 receiving yards, 4 TDs); LB Luke Bonus (84 tackles).
Key New Englanders: OT Brian Frederick, Dracut; Lewis, Norwalk, Conn.; DB Tyler Johnston, South Deerfield; DL Elliott Antoine, Newton; DL Joe Garvey, Holden.
Outlook: Cohen turned around a 2-9 squad from his first year into a second-place team in the competitive North, including a 6-0 start. Savage will have to continue to improve at QB as the defense adjusts to losing five all-conference players.

4. Maine
Coach: Jack Cosgrove (16th year, 80-90).
2007 record: 4-7, 3-5 (fourth).
Players to watch: RB Jhamal Fluellen (third-team All-CAA, 1,052 rushing yards, 5 TDs); DE Jovan Belcher (second-team All-American, CAA-leading 10 sacks and 17 tackles for loss); NT Jonathan Pirruccello (40 tackles, 3.5 sacks); DE Jordan Stevens (69 tackles, 2 sacks); LB Andrew Downey (second-team All-CAA, 78 tackles).
Key New Englanders: Pirruccello, Turner, Maine; Stevens, Temple, Maine; QB Adam Farkes, Boston; DB Lionel Nixon Jr., New Haven.
Outlook: With Belcher rushing off the edge, the defense will be asked to carry the team while either Farkes or Michael Brusko emerges as the starting QB.

5. Northeastern - see capsule.

6. Rhode Island
Coach: Darren Rizzi (first year).
2007 record: 3-8, 2-6 (tied for fifth).
Players to watch: QB Derek Cassidy (1,025 passing yards, 527 rushing yards, 10 total TDs); RB Joe Casey (first-team All-CAA, 2,901 career rushing yards); RB Jimmy Hughes (610 rushing yards, 323 receiving yards); WR Shawn Leonard (440 receiving yards, 2 TDs); LB/DB Matt Hansen (73 tackles); DE Chenry Lewis (transfer from Rutgers).
Key New Englanders: Hughes, Westport, Conn; Leonard, Stoughton; Hansen, Providence.
Outlook: Rizzi, a former URI star, looks to revive a program that has had seven straight losing seasons. The offense will shift from Tim Stowers's wishbone to Rizzi's pass-happy attack, but he'll have experienced running backs at his disposal. The team is young, though, with 23 freshmen and transfers.

South Division

1. James Madison Coach: Mickey Matthews (10th year, 64-44).
2007 record: 8-4, 6-2 (second).
Outlook: The Dukes' option attack was already potent with QB Rodney Landers (1,273 rushing yards) and RB Griff Yancey (665 yards). Now former starter Eugene Holloman, an all-conference RB in 2006, returns after missing most of last season. Back-to-back home games against UMass (Sept. 13) and Appalachian State, the three-time defending national champs, will reveal a lot.

2. Richmond
Coach: Mike London (first year).
2007 record: 11-3, 7-1 (first).
Outlook: London returns to his alma mater after serving as defensive coordinator at Virginia. The team is young - 14 of the 16 returning starters were freshmen and sophomores - but experienced. Richmond has the talent to win this division.

3. Delaware
Coach: K.C. Keeler (seventh year, 52-26).
2007 record: 11-4, 5-3 (tied for third).
Outlook: Joe Flacco is gone to the NFL, but Ohio State transfer Rob Schoenhoft is ready to take his place at QB. The 6-foot-6-inch, 244-pound Schoenhoft could be pressed by Lou Ritacco. The running game will miss Omar Cuff (1,945 yards), who was as valuable to last year's run to the national championship game as Flacco.

4. Villanova
Coach: Andy Talley (24th year, 155-98-1).
2007 record: 7-4, 5-3 (tied for third).
Outlook: Seventeen starters return, including mobile QB Antwon Young, who missed half the season with a knee injury. If Young stays healthy, the Wildcats could contend in the South.

5. William & Mary
Coach: Jimmye Laycock (29th year, 184-134-2).
2007 record: 4-7, 2-6 (fifth).
Outlook: The offense can score, but the defense gives up points just as easily, allowing a league-high 38.8 average last season while ranking last in rushing defense (225.7 yards per game).

6. Towson
Coach: Gordy Combs (17th year, 89-81).
2007 record: 3-8, 1-7 (sixth).
Outlook: Four-year starting QB Sean Schaefer needs help to get this team out of the basement. The defense allowed 177.8 rushing yards per game last year, ninth in the league.

Compiled by Baxter Holmes

IVY LEAGUE

1. Yale
Coach: Jack Siedlecki (12th year, 64-45).
2007 record: 9-1, 6-1 (second).
Players to watch: RB Mike McLeod (Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year, 1,619 rushing yards, 23 TDs) OT Darius Dale (second-team All-Ivy); C Ty Davis (honorable mention All-Ivy); LB Bobby Abare (All-American, 86 tackles); SS Steven Santoro (second-team All-Ivy, 35 tackles, 4 INTs); P Tom Mante (set school record with 41.2-yard average).
Key New Englanders: RT Bryan Kana, Bedford, N.H.; McLeod, New Britain, Conn.; LB Bobby Abare, Acton; DE/SS Larry Abare, Acton; Mante, Westford.
Outlook: The Bulldogs' undefeated season was ruined by rival Harvard in the season finale, 37-6, but Yale is expected to make a strong run at the title again, especially with McLeod in the backfield. McLeod will be running behind four senior starters, and seven starters return from the best scoring defense (13.7) in the Championship Subdivision.

2. Harvard - see capsule.

3. Brown
Coach: Phil Estes (11th year, 59-40).
2007 record: 5-5, 4-3 (third).
Players to watch: QB Michael Dougherty (second-team All-Ivy, 3,039 yards, 19 TDs); WR Buddy Farnham (All-American led league with 78 catches); WR Bobby Sewall (second-team All-Ivy, 533 receiving yards, 304 rushing yards, 12 total TDs); TE Colin Cloherty (second-team All-Ivy, 549 receiving yards); DE Jim Develin (second-team All-Ivy, 6 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss); LB Jonathan May (89 tackles); DT David Howard (4.5 sacks).
Key New Englanders: Farnham, Andover; Sewall, Portsmouth, R.I.; LB Frank Nuzzo, Everett; LB Steve Ziogas, Bristol, Conn.; LB Miles Craigwell, Boston; LB Jesse Spartichino, Lexington; LB/FS Nkosi Still, Hyde Park; DT Joseph McPhee, South Weymouth; DE Clayton McGrath, Longmeadow.
Outlook: The Bears led the league in total yards (424.2 per game) and scoring offense (31.2 points), and it should be the same this year. Dougherty will use his favorite targets - Farnham and Sewall - to keep opposing secondaries busy. However, the Bears' secondary has to improve after allowing a league-worst 273.6 passing yards per game.

4. Penn
Coach: Al Bagnoli (17th year, 107-50).
2007 record: 4-6; 3-4 (tied for fourth).
Players to watch: QB Robert Irvin (missed eight games because of injury after passing for 2,128 yards, 10 TDs in 2006); RB Michael DiMaggio (376 rushing yards, 3 TDs); WR Marcus Lawrence (207 receiving yards, 2 TDs), TE Josh Koontz (140 receiving yards, 2 TDs), OT Chris Kovalcik (honorable mention All-Ivy), CB Chris Wynn (first-team All-Ivy, 5 INTs); LB Jay Colabella (second-team All-Ivy, 46 tackles, 6.5 for loss).
Key New Englanders: Kovalcik, Westwood; NT Joe Goniprow, Barrington, R.I.; LB Brian Levine, Westport, Conn.
Outlook: Irwin returns after sitting out all but two games last season. He'll have help with DiMaggio in the backfield and Lawrence and Koontz as targets, but Irwin will need to shore up an offense that ranked next-to-last in the conference in total yards and passing yards last season. The Quakers' strength is defense with five returning starters, specifically Wynn as the top cover man.

5. Cornell
Coach: Jim Knowles (fifth year, 20-20).
2007 record: 5-5, 2-5 (seventh).
Players to watch: QB Nathan Ford (1,902 passing yards, 6 TDs); RB Luke Siwula (2,195 career rushing yards, 22 total TDs); RB Randy Barbour (477 rushing yards, 6 TDs); WR Bryan Walters (1,702 all-purpose yards, 5 TDs); OT Steve Valenta (second-team All-Ivy), FS Tim Bax (league's top returning tackler with 100); DE Lucas McCarthy (48 tackles, 5 for loss).
Key New Englanders: S Alex Taheri, Burlington, Vt.; RB Anthony Ambrosi, Andover; S Sam Patterson, Sunderland; S Dempsey Quinn, Pittsfield; DL Ricky Ballou, Woodbridge, Conn.
Outlook: This is an experienced team with 30-plus seniors and 15 starters back. The offense was so-so but should improve with a healthy Siwula. The defense will be led by Bax, but to have a chance in the league, the Big Red must cut down on their turnovers. In 2007 they threw 19 interceptions and lost 10 fumbles.

6. Princeton
Coach: Roger Hughes (ninth year, 39-40).
2007 record: 4-6, 3-4 (tied for fourth).
Players to watch: QB Brian Anderson (186 passing yards in lone start against Dartmouth); WR Adam Berry (420 receiving yards, 2 TDs); WR Will Thanheiser (369 receiving yards, 1 TD); DT Matt Koch (37 tackles, 3.5 for loss); P Ryan Coyle (first-team All-Ivy, 43.1-yard average).
Key New Englanders: None.
Outlook: Anderson should win the starting QB job, and he'll have an experienced line, veteran receivers, and a stable of serviceable running backs to help him along. Still, the offense must avoid turning the ball over, which it did a league-high 30 times last season.

7. Columbia
Coach: Norries Wilson (third year, 6-14).
2007 record: 1-9, 0-7 (eighth place).
Players to watch: QB Shane Kelly (transfer from Temple); WR Austin Knowlin (988 receiving yards, 10 TDs); RB Jordan Davis (469 rushing yards, 4.9-yard average); NT Phillip Mitchell (57 tackles); LB Alex Gross(team-high 80 tackles); LB Drew Quinn (62 tackles).
Key New Englanders: Knowlin, Newington, Conn.; DE Conor Joyce, Foxborough; SS Kirk Weller, Hingham; LB Vaughn Hodges, Stamford, Conn.; FB Nico Papas, Watertown.
Outlook: The Lions ranked last in the league in rushing offense and scoring offense. So, that side of the ball isn't the Lions' strength, but thankfully the defense can keep them in games. If the offense is to improve, Kelly - a mobile threat - will need to find Knowlin, who knows how to find the end zone.

8. Dartmouth
Coach: Buddy Teevens (fourth year, 7-23).
2007 record: 3-7, 3-4 (tied for fourth).
Players to watch: QB Alex Jenny (484 passing yards, 5 TDs); QB/WR Tim McManus (385 receiving yards, 2 TDs); RB Milan Williams (657 rushing yards, 3 TDs); DT Rehan Muttalib (25 tackles, 3 sacks).
Key New Englanders: Jenny, Wayland; DT Josh Doherty, Halifax.
Outlook: It's a young team with 14 starters departed, but since the team finished last in nearly every category in the league, it's best to start fresh. Jenny and Williams could spark the offense, and Jenny will be particularly thankful to have left tackle Alex Rapp - the only returning starter on the offensive line - protecting his blindside.

Compiled by Baxter Holmes