Strengths · San Jose State welcomes back one of the top cornerbacks in the country in senior Dwight Lowery. The preseason WAC defensive player of the year had nine interceptions in 2006 and was recognized as an All-American by a variety of national publications.

Under the guidance of former Hawaii head coach Dick Tomey, the Spartans have several stellar performers on both sides of the ball, including five All-WAC returnees in Lowery, tailback Yonus Davis, linebacker Matt Castelo, punter Waylon Prather and place-kicker Jared Strubeck.

Davis was a 1,000-yard rusher last season, averaging more than 6 yards a carry, and Castelo was second nationally in tackles with 165.

WEAKNESS · San Jose State isn’t a program that is accustomed to winning. Just how they handle themselves this season will go a long way in determining whether Tomey’s team can challenge for a WAC title.

All through the spring, Tomey’s mantra was, “Last year was last year.” The time for celebration is through. The head coach is looking for three starters up front offensively and a handful of guys on defense from a team that opens the season with three straight road games against Arizona State, Kansas State and Stanford.