Hawaii is the team to beat, but don’t count out Boise State

If there was ever a year for the University of Hawaii to win a conference championship outright, this is it.

Not only is the schedule a favorable one for the Warriors, but the return of all-everything quarterback Colt Brennan assures Hawaii of its first legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate in the history of the program.

Brennan can’t win the WAC title alone. A new offensive line could pose some problems early on and there is the issue of finding a quality running back who can block like a guard. But with the return of three excellent wideouts and the addition of C.J. Hawthorne at receiver, there’s no reason why the records can’t keep falling.

The main competition will come from defending WAC champion Boise State. Granted, the Broncos lost some talent, but they return Ian Johnson at running back, who, like Colt, is a Heisman Trophy candidate, and four of their top five offensive linemen.

Defensively, the Broncos will have to reload, but one thing that is evident about this program - Boise State knows how to recruit. Every year the coaching staff finds players who fit what it’s trying to get done scheme-wise.

San Jose State, Nevada and Fresno State might not win the WAC, but they will contend. Dick Tomey’s Spartans return a bulk of their players from a team that won its first bowl game since 1991. The Wolf Pack shared the league title with Boise State two years ago and Pat Hill’s Bulldogs will likely rebound in 2007.

It falls off dramatically after that with Idaho, Louisiana Tech, Utah State and New Mexico State still trying to find their way. - PAUL ARNETT