North Dakota Fighting Sioux

Location: Grand Forks.

Coach: Chris Mussman, first season.

2007 record: 6-1 NCC (second), 10-2 overall.

Top offensive returnees: Danny Freund, sr., QB (209 completions, 2,860 yards, 24 TD). Brady Trenbeath, sr., WR (54-729, five TD). Mitch Bragelmann, sr., OL. Brian Troen, sr., OL.

Top defensive returnees: Rory Manke, sr., DB (73 tackles, two interceptions). Drake Otto, sr., DB (43 tackles, three interceptions).

Top special teams returner: Brandon Hellevang, jr., K (15-of-25 FG).

n NOTES: Mussman spent nine years on the UND staff, including four as an assistant head coach and the last seven as offensive coordinator. … First season at NCAA Division I. … Return 36 lettermen, 13 on offense, 22 on defense and one on special teams.

Cal Poly Mustangs

Location: San Luis Obispo, Calif.

Coach: Rich Ellerson, seventh season at Cal Poly, eighth season overall (52-38).

2007 record: 2-2 Great West (third), 7-4 overall.

Top offensive returnees: Jonathan Dally, sr., QB (104 completions, 2,238 yards, 29 TD). James Noble, sr., WB (84-469 rushing, three TD). Ramses Barden, sr., WR (57-1,467 yards, 18 TD).

Top defensive returnees: Carlton Gillespie, jr., DE, 21 tackles, four sacks. David Fullerton, jr., SS (34 tackles, three interceptions).

Top special teams returner: Andrew Gardner, jr., K (6-for-8FG, 56-for-57 PAT, 74 points).

n NOTES: In 2007, Cal Poly was first in the nation in total offense. … Return 10 starters on offense. … Defense surrendered 370 yards and 25 points per game in 2007.

South Dakota Coyotes

Location: Vermillion, S.D.

Coach: Ed Meierkort, fifth season at USD, 15th season overall (88-68).

2007 record: 5-3 NCC (fourth), 6-5 overall.

Top offensive returnees: Jacob Arthur, jr., OL. Luke Nordquist, jr. OL. Noah Shepard, jr., QB (164 completions, 2,547 yards, 21 TD). Dan Skelly, jr., WR (27-612, seven TD).

Top defensive returnees: T.J. Simmons, sr., DB (54 tackles, one interception). Ryan Routh, jr., LB (41 tackles, five tackles for loss). Blake Hojer, sr., LB (80 tackles).

Top special teams returners: Tim Stanek, jr., P (40.1 average, 11 punts downed inside 20). Dan Skelly, jr. (five returns, 100 yards).

n NOTES: First season at NCAA Division I. … Coach Meirkort had a previous coaching stop at Wisconsin-Stout. … Return 14 players on defense who saw significant playing time in 2007. … Averaged 8,321 fans per game in 2007.

Southern Utah Thunderbirds

Location: Cedar City, Utah.

Coach: Ed Lamb, first season.

2007 record: 0-4 Great West (fifth), 0-11 overall.

Top offensive returnees: Stephen Boyer, jr., OG; Craig Gritton, sr., WR (33-377 yards, one TD). Jeremy Vilardo, sr. C

Top defensive returnees: DeWayne Lewis, sr., CB (51 tackles, two sacks, one interception). D.J. Senter, jr., S (47 tackles). Robert Takeno, so., LB (82 tackles).

Top special teams returners: Steve Pulver, sr., K, (19-for-19 PAT, 7-for-12 G). Trevor Ward, jr., P, (39.1 average).

n NOTES: Coach Lamb came to SUU from the University of San Diego, where he served as special teams coordinator, recruiting coordinator and defensive backs coach for the past three years. … Return 45 lettermen, including 24 redshirts.

UC-Davis Aggies

Location: Davis, Calif.

Coach: Bob Biggs, 15th season (119-54-1).

2007 record: 1-3 Great West (fourth), 5-6 overall.

Top offensive returnees: Luke McDonough, jr., TE (8-145, two TD). Mario Gonzalez, sr., LG. Joe Trombetta, so., RB, (140-676 yards, eight TD).

Top defensive returnees: John Faletoese, sr., DL (25 tackles, three sacks). Tyler Pringle, sr., LB (69 tackles, two and one half sacks). Jeremy Scott, sr., CB (28 tackles, one interception).

Top special teams returner: Brandon Tucker, so., KR (21.7 kickoff return average).

n NOTES: Biggs is the second winningest football coach in school history. … Return 46 letterwinners. … Averaged 401.7 yards per game on offense in 2007.

Compiled by Cindy Peterson