WEST DIVISION

1. Fresno State Bulldogs

Head coach: Tim DeRuyter

2012: 9-4, 7-1 MWC

Bulldog story: The Bulldogs have a pet peeve about being the media’s pick as the favorite of the West Division. "We’re not changing our demeanor," safety Derron Smith said. "We’re not letting people come after us because we have the so-called target on our back. We’re in attack mode. We’re going after every other team just like we did last year when we were coming off a 4-9 year (in 2011)." The no-huddle offense has added wrinkles and is expected to be executed at a faster pace. Quarterback Derek Carr, who endured a sports hernia the entire 2012 seasons, is healthy, providing the sprint-out threat that will prevent defenses from loitering in the tackle box. Davante Adams (102 catches) is the deep threat, and Isaiah Burse can align wide or in the slot. The Bulldogs are equally aggressive on defense. After forcing only nine turnovers in 2011, they had 35 takeaways last year, including eight parlayed into touchdowns. Smith and Phillip Thomas had a gentlemen’s bet on interceptions. Thomas, who completed his eligibility, won, and Smith, who had six picks, is now the leader of the secondary. "If you read your keys correctly, you can make plays," Smith said.

Player story: All signs pointed to a getaway. Carr had a statistically strong season in leading the Bulldogs to a share of the MWC regular-season title. He received an encouraging draft grade from the NFL. "A lot of people thought, ‘he’s going to leave,’ especially some of my family members," Carr said. Then this Carr made a U-turn. Carr said he likes the makeup of the team. He also wanted to win an outright championship The MWC, which expanded to 12 teams, is divided into two groups of six teams, with the division champions meeting in the inaugural league title game. "We’d love to win an outright championship," Carr said. "Everybody probably feels that way. You don’t want (the trophy) to say ‘co-champs.’ " Carr said he is healthy after undergoing hernia surgery. After the operation, Carr said, "they had me walk to the bathroom. The first three days, I was miserable. I never had surgery before. I thought I was going to be like that forever. But within a week, I was running (up the bleachers at) Bulldog Stadium."

2. San Diego State Aztecs

Head coach: Rocky Long

2012: 9-4, 7-1 MWC

Aztec story: On serving as the defensive coordinator, the Long answer is this. "I was bored," Long said of his initial role overseeing the program. "That’s not why I went into coaching. I got into coaching to coach players and be involved." The self-assignment means Long can coordinate his unique 3-3-5 defense in which free safety Nat Berhe (94 tackles) can blitz the running lanes and

5-foot-11, 210-pound Jake Fely can be a roaming middle linebacker. Long turned the offense to Bob Toledo, a former boss and employee. Long was an assistant when Toledo was UCLA’s head coach. Then Toledo was an assistant when Long was New Mexico’s head coach. The Aztecs will run a variation of the West Coast offense. Running back Adam Muema (1,458 yards, 6.2 yards per carry) will need a boost from quarterback Adam Dingwell, who had five starts with so-so results. "He has to get better," Long said of Dingwell. "He’s a great competitor. He has a strong arm. But he needs to complete more passes and be able to throw the deep ball better."

Player story: Left tackle Bryce Quigley is a dynasty fan, and that has only partly to do with the Aztecs qualifying for three consecutive bowls. "I do like ‘Duck Dynasty,’ " Quigley said of the popular Louisiana-based reality show. "They’re just regular guys having a good old time. They’re just out in the woods, shooting guns and blowing up stuff." Quigley also is an outdoorsman. He hunts, fishes on lakes and rides motorcycles into the desert. He lacks one accessory. "I don’t have any tattoos," the full-bearded Quigley said. "If I’m going to get something on my body, it has to mean something."

3. San Jose State Spartans

Head coach: Ron Caragher

2012: 11-2, 5-1 WAC

Spartan story: It would appear to be curious that SJSU went to the University of San Diego to hire a replacement for Mike MacIntyre, who left to coach at Colorado. But at San Diego, Caragher had succeeded Jim Harbaugh, who went to Stanford and is now the San Francisco 49ers’ head coach. The Spartans’ pro-set offense relies on a fullback and tight end, but neither position has a returning starter. But quarterback Dave Fales was the most efficient passer in the FBS last year, running back Tyler Ervin is a projected star, and the top four receivers are back. In the switch from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4, three-year starter Vince Buhagiar moved from middle linebacker to the outside. That opened the way for second-year freshman Christian Tago to start at one of the two inside positions. "He’s going to go through some growing pains," Caragher said. Keith Smith, the Spartans’ leading tackler the past three seasons, is the other inside starter.

Player story: After a semester at Nevada, Fales decided it was not the right fit. But he did learn how to get fit from Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick. "He let it be known he was going to out-work everybody," said Fales, who transferred to a junior college before joining the Spartans. With skills to strike a receiver’s hands against the tightest coverages, Fales earned the highest efficiency rating among FBS quarterbacks in 2012. "It’s online," Fales said of the stats. "It’s exciting for my family. They can brag. In that sense, it’s cool. For me, I have to stay focused. If you’re not winning and performing, things can go the other way."

4. Nevada Wolf Pack

Head coach: Brian Polian

2012: 7-6, 4-4 MWC

Pack story: Polian had a childhood typical of a son of one of the NFL’s top general managers. He spent three Super Sundays holding Buffalo coach Marv Levy’s headset wires. After being named successor to Chris Ault, who retired as Nevada head coach in December, Polian made a pact with the Pack’s quarterback. Polian promised to retain the pistol offense, but asked quarterback Cody Fajardo to help convince offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich not to take a more lucrative job at Temple. Fajardo made 17 unanswered calls, leaving four voice messages that said: ‘Coach, don’t do me like this.’ Rolovich called back at the 11th hour, literally, affirming "our relationship is too strong for the money (Temple’s) paying." The pistol is a formation in which the quarterback and running back are aligned in a row. Under Ault, the read-option was the primary scheme. Polian said Rolovich’s experience with the run-and-shoot will be incorporated into the offense. Assistant head coach Jim Hofher, whom Polian describes as his consigliere, will contribute ideas from the spread attack. "I think you’re going to see the fingerprints of those systems," Polian said. Fajardo will receive help from running back Don Jackson, a junior-college transfer who succeeds 1,883-yard rusher Stefphon Jefferson. Kendall Brock, a converted slotback, and 235-pound Xavier Stephens will get their share of carries.

Player story: Fajardo had initially committed to cross-state rival UNLV before Nevada called. Fajardo said it was an easy choice to trade the Rebels’ red jersey for the Wolf Pack’s redshirt. Fajardo wanted to spend a year serving as an apprentice to Kaepernick. "UNLV wanted me to play right away, but I wanted to get bigger and stronger and learn from Kap, one of the best guys in the pistol offense," said Fajardo, who is a dual threat as a passer and scrambler. Fajardo also is a competitor. He made friends with the other quarterbacks attending the past week’s Mountain West Conference media preview, but admitted thinking: "How many pizzas are they eating? I’ll have one more."

5. UNLV Rebels

Head coach: Bobby Hauck

2012: 2-11, 2-6 MWC

Rebel story: If last season was tough, think about how it was when Hauck took over in 2010. "When we first got here, we weren’t very good," said Hauck, who is 6-32 in three seasons. "We weren’t close to winning or in the ballpark of being a good team. Last year we were a pretty solid team that couldn’t get over the top." Five of their losses were by eight points or fewer. The offense will continue to rely on running back Tim Cornett (who rushed for more than 100 yards eight times), and there are new coordinators on offense (Timm Rosenbach) and defense (Tim Hauck). The defense returns 10 starters, but the lone loss was linebacker John Lotulelei, their leading tackler and a Baldwin High alumnus. "If we had to lose one, the preference is it wouldn’t be him," Bobby Hauck said. He acknowledged that "defense and UNLV have not been synonymous" in the past. "We have to make (defense) a priority, I’d say a quest," he said. Middle linebacker Tani Maka, a UCLA transfer, is a start.

Player story: It was against Minnesota when Cornett felt a "pop" in his left shoulder. That also happened to be the 2012 opener. "I’m the type of competitor who can’t be off the field," said Cornett, who was diagnosed with a labrum tear but opted to delay surgery until the end of the year. Cornett rushed 242 times, mostly with the ball cradled in his right arm. "It was hard holding the ball in my left hand," said Cornett, who endured repeated stingers. There were a few times when the shoulder would slip from the joint. He was held out of contact drills in the spring. "I’m stronger now than I ever was," he said.

6. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors

Head coach: Norm Chow

2012: 3-9, 1-7 MWC

Warrior story: While athletic director Ben Jay did the do-si-do, declaring the nickname to be "Warriors" before amending it to "Rainbow Warriors," Chow had more definitive plans in the offseason. He installed a spread-passing attack, named Ohio State transfer Taylor Graham as the starting quarterback, and brought in offensive coordinator Aaron Price and graduate assistant Jordan Wynn to assist in crafting game plans. Chow remains the primary play-caller. On defense, more zone concepts were introduced to balance the press coverages. The Rainbow Warriors turned recruiting into a year-long activity. With training camp opening this Wednesday, the 104-player roster still is being edited.

Player story: Code Waianae involved as many as seven UH coaches, with the goal of signing defensive tackle Kennedy Tulimasealii, the top prospect on the recruiting board. The day after Tulimasealii made an oral commitment, coaches from 10 other schools called. Tulimasealii signed in February, but the drama did not cease. He met the NCAA requirements the day before Waianae High’s graduation ceremony. Tulimasealii provides a boost in an area that was depleted by injuries last year. He also is the rare freshman who has inspired others during offseason workouts. Then again, what else was to be expected from a player named after the 35th U.S. president?

MOUNTAIN DIVISION

1. Boise State Broncos

Head coach: Chris Petersen

2012: 11-2, 7-1 MWC

Bronco story: Well, the Broncos can’t get them all. Petersen’s eldest son, Jack, will be a freshman at Santa Clara this fall. "He’s still a Bronco," Petersen mused, a reference to the schools’ shared nickname. Boise has not missed much in recruiting the past 15 years, building and then maintaining one of the nation’s most successful programs. There was some early turbulence in Joe Southwick’s transition to starting quarterback, but he finished with nine scoring passes and zero interceptions in the final four games. Jay Ajayi, who averaged 6.7 yards per carry as a freshman, might be the Broncos’ best offensive threat. The Broncos lost three of the top four tacklers from a year ago. But they have the league’s best safety tandem (Darian Thompson and Punahou alumnus Jeremy Ioane) and disruptive pass-rusher Demarcus Lawrence, who amassed 13.5 backfield tackles and 9.5 sacks. All of the Broncos’ games will be on ESPN this year, and there are blueprints already drawn for further facility upgrades. But Petersen won’t chirp about those feats. He has more than 5,200 Twitter followers, but has yet to post a comment.

Player story: Southwick’s offseason goals were to improve his technique and gain weight. He adopted a wide-base stance that gives him better balance when he releases passes. Trainers for the Tampa Bay Rays and Pittsburgh Pirates answered requests for tips on arm-strengthening workouts. Then Southwick went on the same diet as South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. "Peanut butter and jelly," Southwick said. "I took six PB&J (sandwiches) in a day and gained 3 pounds." Southwick, who weighed between 185 and 190 during the season, is now in the 206-208 range. "The good news is I actually got faster," Southwick said.

2. Utah State Aggies

Head coach: Matt Wells

2012: 11-2, 6-0 WAC

Aggie story: Gary Andersen resigned to become Wisconsin’s head coach, leaving behind 18 returning starters but a brutal schedule involving four road games in the first five weeks. Asked about the schedule maker, Wells joked: "I think he lives in Madison, Wisconsin." The Aggies sped up the offense last year and now can play at various tempos. Quarterback Chuckie Keaton, who threw for 3,373 yards and rushed for another 619, gets more input into the play-calling. Former UH coach Dave Aranda, who joined Andersen in Wisconsin, opened the way for Todd Orlando to become the Aggies’ third defensive coordinator in as many years. This time, Orlando was asked to keep the same 3-4 strategies. "It was a huge benefit to us players that the coaches came in and learned our scheme instead of the other way around," linebacker Zach Vigil said.

Player story: In January, Keaton enjoyed a private screening of the Aggies’ 894 offensive plays in 2012. He did not need to burn copies. Wells said Keaton is skilled at "retaining a bunch of knowledge" and "retrieving that information in a split second." That 5G connection enables Keaton to recognize defenses and react quickly. Keaton said the Aggies can run a play two seconds after the ball has been set down. "We’re not Oregon, but we’re not trying to be Oregon," Keaton said. "It’s just a different pace. It’s like crawling before you walk and running after you walk. We can go from crawling to running."

3. Air Force Falcons

Head coach: Troy Calhoun

2012: 6-7, 5-3 MWC

Falcon story: With an offense rooted in the triple-option, "Air Force" has always been a football oxymoron. But now the Falcons are willing to test the airwaves a skosh. How much they will pass depends on the quarterback duel between Kale Pearlson, who was intercepted four times in 29 passes last year, and Jaleel Awini. There’s experience on the offensive line with four senior starters. The Falcons also bulked up recruiting, adding five prospects each weighing more than 275 pounds. "Not a lot of pilots," offensive lineman Michael Husar said. The Falcons are trying to improve within the academy’s restraints and schedules. Spring training was indoors in February because that month’s average temperature was 32 degrees. With classes beginning Aug. 8, practices are limited to 90 minutes.

Player story: Husar recalled his stand-up performance as a freshman in basic training. From Reveille to 10:30 at night, he was not allowed to sit. He thought: "What am I doing right now? This is ridiculous." Such initial thoughts are common, Husar said, "and you just have to muscle through it. After that, you say: ‘Wow, I just did one of the hardest things for six weeks, and now I’m a better person for it.’ " The demands increased, physically and academically, which is why football became a comforting outlet. Husar is a biology major who aspires to become a doctor. "I love it," he said. "It’s been worth it."

4. Wyoming Cowboys

Head coach: Dave Christensen

2012: 4-8, 3-5 MWC

Cowboy story: "How do you spell it?" safety Marqueston Huff asked of the Paniolo Trophy wagered in the rivalry between Wyoming and Hawaii. The rivalry might be forgotten, but Hawaii’s influence is prevalent. Jason Gesser, a former Saint Louis School and Washington State quarterback, is the Cowboys’ quarterbacks coach. Former UH coach Chris Tormey runs the defense. Gesser has helped modify quarterback Brett Smith’s delivery while eliminating the footwork glitches that were tipping off plays. "It’s great to pick his brain," Smith said of Gesser. Christensen, who will call the plays, said Gesser met the qualifications. "I always tease that he’s the only Washington State quarterback to win 10 games two years in a row but never beat Washington," said Christensen, a UW alumnus. "I told him: ‘Because you never beat the Huskies, that’s why I’ll hire you.’" Tormey is adding more blitz schemes to a defense that made only 14 sacks while yielding 51 percent conversions on third down.

Player story: Smith grew up on the west side of Salem, Ore., an area with a population of about 25,000. In comparison, Laramie, with 30,000 residents, is more populated. "I’m sort of a small-town guy," said Smith, who only surfs the Internet for school work. Smith is using a new over-the-top motion on his throws. He attended the Manning camp, and worked out this summer with Drew Brees and Jeff Garcia. "He’s a big-tine playmaker," Christensen said. "With what we do offensively, he’s the perfect fit."

5. Colorado State Rams

Head coach: Jim McElwain

2012: 4-8, 3-5 MWC

Ram story: McElwain’s success as Alabama’s offensive coordinator did not transfer immediately in his first season as CSU’s head coach. Quarterback Garrett Grayson’s season ended after six games because of a broken collarbone. Conner Smith had as many scoring passes (six) as interceptions. This was Grayson’s first significant injury, McElwain said, "and he really struggled with it from a mental standpoint." Grayson is now healthy, and is expected to reclaim the starter’s job. Outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett is the leader of the defense. Barrett, who was raised in Baltimore, attended Boys Town High, the Nebraska boarding school featured in the Spencer Tracy movie. Barrett said the school taught him good study habits and helped develop leadership skills. "If I didn’t go there," Barrett said, "I’d probably be working some minimum-wage job somewhere."

Player story: Center Weston Richburg knows about hogs, and not just because it’s the vernacular for offensive linemen. He was raised on a farm, where his daily chores involved feeding and caring for cows and pigs. One of his pigs won the blue ribbon at the Fort Worth Stock Show. Richburg used the $14,500 prize money to buy a truck. It was a lesson in sudden-death victories. "Winning is good," Richburg said. "The hog goes somewhere on display, like a zoo. If you don’t win, you’re done for. I learned at a young age, that’s life."

6. New Mexico Lobos

Head coach: Bob Davie

2012: 4-9, 1-7 MWC

Lobo story: Davie said he draws guidance from a sign in Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari’s office: "Coach your team." Davie said he uses the motto from his former high school classmate to focus on areas he can control. Last year’s concern was an overmatched defense, which forced the Lobos to implement a ball-control, triple-option offense to drain the clock. "On defense," Davie admitted, "we got exposed." Running back Kasey Carrier, meanwhile, might have been overexposed. He rushed for 1,469 yards and 15 touchdowns despite a tender hamstring. He was told there was a 3-to-1 ratio in strength between his quadriceps and hamstring, leading to pulled muscles. "I did a lot of exercises this offseason to get my hamstring stronger," Carrier said.

Player story: Weak-side linebacker Dallas Bollema said he was named after a dairy auctioneer. There was no doubt he would root for the Dallas Cowboys. "Yeah, I wasn’t really born with a choice. I’ve been a Cowboy fan since Day 1." He was raised in the one-McDonald’s town of Artesia, N.M. His cradle was his dad’s arms; he would be carried as a toddler while his father performed dairy chores. Later, Bollema worked summers. That work ethic has fueled the offseason conditioning program. "I hate to lose," he said. "It makes me play with a whole different intensity. I’m willing to work hard to help this team."

Stephen Tsai, Star-Advertiser