After quite possibly the worst season in team history, Notre Dame can't wait for spring ball to start. Coach Charlie Weis bolstered his defensive coaching staff with respected assistant Jon Tenuta, and shocked many by announcing he no longer would call plays on offense. As the Irish try to restore respect, BYU has a loftier goal, reaching a BCS bowl. The Cougars have won 16 consecutive Mountain West games but need upgrades at several defensive spots.Hawaii comes off the best season in team history but must start over with a new coach (Greg McMackin) and a new quarterback. The Warriors aren't alone, as teams like SMU (June Jones), Southern Miss (Larry Fedora), Navy (Ken Niumatalolo) and Colorado State (Steve Fairchild) welcome new leading men.

Here's a look at the independents and non-BCS programs as spring practice begins:

Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Spring practice starts: March 26
Spring game: April 19
What to watch
• Offensive coordinator Michael Haywood takes on a greater role after Weis surprisingly turned over the play-calling duties. How Haywood and Weis coexist will be fascinating as they try to resurrect the nation's worst offense. Weis said his offensive assistants "won't have to worry about the head coach breathing down their neck," but time will tell whether the "very domineering presence" can actually stay away.

• Change has also come to the defensive coaching staff with the arrival of Tenuta as assistant head coach. Corwin Brown remains the coordinator, but this no doubt will be a collaborative effort, given Tenuta's experience as a respected playcaller.

• Eyes will be on both lines, but particularly the defensive front, which lost star end Trevor Laws to graduation and tackle Derrell Hand to a career-ending injury. Starting nose tackle Pat Kuntz is not enrolled in school, though Weis hopes he can return for the season. Players like Ian Williams, Justin Brown and Paddy Mullen step into the spotlight.

Independents
What to watch
• Ken Niumatalolo is a familiar face for Navy players, but he steps into a new position as head coach. Niumatalolo will keep the triple-option offense, which he knows inside and out, but it's important to put his stamp on the team this spring. The Mids look to replace four of their five starting offensive linemen.

• Carson Williams returns at quarterback for Army, but he needs a fresh set of targets after losing his top three receivers (Jeremy Trimble, Corey Anderson and Justin Larson). Only four starters return on an offense that ranked 116th nationally, making the spring critical for evaluation. Coach Stan Brock plans to tweak the system, so plenty of position competitions could begin.

• Offensive tackle becomes a key spot for Western Kentucky, which must replace starters Terrance Houston and Zach Thuney. The Hilltoppers allowed only 16 sacks last season.

Spring Forward

New coaching staffs are making plans. New offensive and defensive schemes are on the chalkboard. Position battles are about to heat up. The games won't count again until August, but the preparation for the 2008 season is about to kickoff. Here's a quick look at what you need to know about spring practice.

ACC
• Spring primer
• Spring power rankings

Big 12
• Spring primer
• Spring power rankings

Big East
• Spring primer
• Spring power rankings

Big Ten
• Spring primer
• Spring power rankings

Pac-10
• Spring primer
• Spring power rankings

SEC
• Spring primer
• Spring power rankings

Non-BCS
• Spring primer
• Spring power rankings

Conference USA
What to watch
• June Jones wanted a new challenge and got one at SMU, which has never recovered since coming off the death penalty in 1989. Jones brings a dynamic offense to Dallas, but quarterback Justin Willis, who should blend in well with the new system, is suspended from spring practice for an undisclosed violation of team rules.

• Southern Miss drew criticism for dumping longtime coach Jeff Bower, but Larry Fedora is looking like a solid replacement. Fedora recruited extremely well in a short time frame, signing standout wide receiver DeAndre Brown and replenishing both lines. Now he gets to the business on the field as the Golden Eagles try to return to the top of the league.

• Kevin Smith reversed field after saying he'd stay at Central Florida, and his departure leaves a major production hole in the offensive backfield. The search for Smith's replacement kicks off as Phillip Smith tries to cement the starting job before freshman Brandon Davis joins the mix.

Mid-American Conference
What to watch
• Quarterback competition is the flavor in the MAC East as Ohio, Kent State, Akron and Bowling Green -- which signed a juco signal caller (Andrew Beam) to push Tyler Sheehan -- search for clarity under center. Julian Edelman and Giorgio Morgan will contend at Kent State, while four juniors are in the mix at Ohio. The MAC West will feature spring quarterback battles at Eastern Michigan and possibly Northern Illinois.

• A new chapter at Northern Illinois begins as Jerry Kill takes over for longtime coach Joe Novak. Kill first must assess player availability after a wave of major injuries depleted the squad last season. He then needs to install new schemes for a team that had stagnated, particularly on offense, toward the end of Novak's run.

• Led by quarterback Dan LeFevour, the offensive nucleus returns to Central Michigan, allowing the spotlight to shift to defense this spring. The Chippewas must find replacements for linebackers Red Keith and Ike Brown and build depth around Nick Bellore.

Mountain West Conference
What to watch
• BYU should enter the season ranked in the top 20 and carry the label as this season's non-BCS darling, but there's still work to be done this spring. Coach Bronco Mendenhall gave up defensive coordinator duties to Jamie Hill. Though Mendenhall will continue to call plays, he and Hill must evaluate a unit that needs new bodies in the secondary and at linebacker.

• It wasn't the end Colorado State had hoped for longtime coach Sonny Lubick, but the program now turns to one of its own to rebuild. Steve Fairchild's first priority will be a passing attack that loses wide receivers Johnny Walker, Damon Morton, Luke Roberts and George Hill. Quarterback is also a concern because Billy Farris didn't play much last season before injuring his elbow.

• Several quarterback competitions kick off, none more intriguing than the one at Air Force, which loses longtime starter Shaun Carney. Shea Smith backed up Carney last season and will go up against Eric Herbort. The Falcons also must replace superstar Chad Hall, one of several ball carriers lost to graduation.

Sun Belt Conference
What to watch
• Offense will be the focus for Troy after losing two-time Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year Omar Haugabook and coordinator Tony Franklin, who took the same position at Auburn. Tanner Jones and Jamie Hampton both took snaps last season and will compete for the starting job with Jonathan Chandler and Levi Brown.

• Gary DeLoach returns to North Texas for his second stint as defensive coordinator. He takes over a unit that ranked last in the Sun Belt and 113th nationally in yards allowed (486.4 per game). A chief concern is the defensive line, which loses standout Jeremiah Chapman and fellow end Montey Stevenson, who combined for 26.5 tackles for loss last season.

• Louisiana-Monroe owned the Sun Belt's second-ranked rushing offense last season but lost standout back Calvin Dawson, the league's leading rusher, along with three starting linemen. Josh Andrews will get a shot at left tackle, but center could be a trouble spot. The Warhawks are also dealing with the departures of four assistant coaches, most recently co-offensive coordinator Nate Kaczor.

Western Athletic Conference
What to watch
• Greg McMackin's first assignment as Hawaii coach is clear-cut: identify a starting quarterback after the loss of Colt Brennan. Tyler Graunke, who performed well in place of Brennan last season at Nevada, was suspended for violating team rules but expects to return for spring practice. He will compete with Inoke Funaki, who appeared in five games last season.

• Quarterback also is a priority at Boise State, which breaks in a new starter for the second straight season. Bush Hamdan has held the top spot before, but fell to fourth on the depth chart last season. He will compete with Nick Lomax and Mike Coughlin this spring.

• Fresno State loses arguably its two top defenders in linebacker Marcus Riley and defensive end Tyler Clutts. Coach Pat Hill will be looking for playmakers at both spots. The offense returns its nucleus, but will be working under new coordinator Doug Nussmeier.

 

 

[More at http://sports.espn.go.com]
 

Cam Newton to the Pro Bowl Report: Rams, Rob Chudzinski can talk Brees, Saints set records, beat Panthers, 45-17 Panthers hang tough, lock down 4th-quarter win over Texans Dayton Fliers: Smith is special Panthers play close-to-complete game Carolina Panthers Steve Smith: Insanely Competitive or Just Insanely Insane? Defense struggles like never beforee Detroit Lions far from flawless against Carolina Panthers, but keep playoff drive alive Panthers' Newton listed as probable Good day to have Aaron Rodgers in Fantasy Football Williams always thinks pink Carolina Panthers team report: Chris Gamble not ready to practice Vick active for Eagles, Umenyiora sits for Giants Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers develop quarterbacks differently Panthers vs Cardinals: Kevin Kolb and Cam Newton Provide Hope Panthers Dominate Waiver Wire, Sign WR Seyi Ajirotutu NFL Trade Rumors: 49ers Should Blame Carolina Panthers for Frank Gore's Demands Newton wows Panthers fans to cap impressive week Smitty's status as a Carolina Panther Carolina Panthers 2011 Preview: Get Your Cam-Eras Ready! Chizik discusses new book, Cam Newton Cam Newton up for four ESPYS The Carolina Panthers’ draft hinges on Cameron Newton’s play Saveology Joins with ProCamps to Offer North Carolina the NFL Experience Jimmy Clausen returns to ND, picks up diploma Swing Points: Week 2 - Carolina Panthers Draft Recap: Carolina Panthers What Is Steve Smith's Future With Carolina Panthers? No kick in draft for Panthers Carolina Panthers 2011 NFL Draft: The Art of Mocking Carolina Panthers Draft To Affect DeAngelo Williams' Free Agency Decision Carucci: Dareus is top prospect in NFL Draft Reviewing the Jake Delhomme Rumors Panthers’ GM Hurney the last one to still believe in Clausen? Hitting the Carolina Panthers hot spots Williams running from Carolina? Not so fast Santorelli and Clemmensen to the rescue Panthers hire Wisconsin's John Settle as running backs coach; replaces Jim Skipper Hitting the NFC South hot spots Carolina May Hire Jon Gruden’s Brother Jay as an Assistant Coach Giants' Fewell heading to Panthers? Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons: Carolina, Please Make My New Year Happy! In Luck? Panthers secure No. 1 pick in draft, perhaps chance to draft Stanford's Luck Charles Johnnson's future with Panthers uncertain Panthers' Wharton, Pugh, Hudson Downgraded To Out Panthers post-game report Steve Reed grades the Panthers' victory Carolina Panthers Are 0-5: Hooray Bye Week! Poll: Who should QB after the bye week? Panthers WR LaFell returning to his comfort zone Carolina Panthers Vs New Orleans Saints: Las Vegas Line & Pick Against the Spread Clausen replaces Moore as Carolina QB Giants CB Aaron Ross inactive, Panthers Otah out Notre Dame football appears more capable of handling adversity as Brian Kelly wins debut over Purdue Prognosis for other rookie QBs: Watch and learn Clausen Plays To Impress For NFL Scouts At Notre Dame Pro Day Irish legend Joe Theismann backs Jimmy Clausen's decision to go pro A mandatory exam for Notre Dame's next coach Notre Dame and quarterback Jimmy Clausen look well-armed heading into Charlie Weis' fifth season Notre Dame alumni defeats Japan 19-3 Timpview's Badger off to Notre Dame Ex-Notre Dame back Walker is signed by Broncos Weis opens up Irish's Saturday practice to the media Nate Montana :Notre Dame Walk-On Roundtable: From where should Weis coach? Weis’ next big call: on field or in booth Notre Dame lands highly rated LB on signing day Notre Dame looks at old pros for grad assistant posts Nation’s top junior did it all himself Verducci is Notre Dame's new OL coach: NFL vet worked in Cleveland, Buffalo, Dallas and Cincy End of the line for Oliver My Top 10 Wish List for 2009 ND Football Warriors, Irish in final tune-up Michael Floyd returns to Notre Dame offense after injury Irish 2-minute drill Sunday quick slants from Weis Notre Dame 28, Stanford 21 Notre Dame staves off San Diego State Clausen, Irish ready for season to start now Backup role is Ok with Crist It's true: Weis really is letting offensive coordinator call plays Local College: ND Football —'Moving forward' the theme for Irish Notre Dame Football Position Preview: Quarterback Paterno nabs Hall of Fame slot Clausen on list ND cornerback Darrin Walls won't play in '08 Notre Dame Inside Slant Living out an Irish football dream Parcells, Parmalee pulling for Notre Dame turnaround Outside linebacker Dan Fox fulfills dream, commits to Notre Dame N.J. linebacker honors mom with Notre Dame selection SU expects to see best of Irish Charlie Weis Appointed To President's Committee For People With Intellectual Disabilities Weis encouraged by Notre Dame's potential Healthy Clausen finds comfort zone, end zone Team captains draw attention at NFL draft Offensive line displays improvement in spring Clausen set for spring Football camp to offer tips from ex-NFL players Spring offers promise of Notre Dame recovery, BYU breakthrough Mike Brey brings winning back to Notre Dame Irish hold off Demons Prospects flock to ND Irish try their luck against Scarlet Knights Irish land top class of non-BCS conference schools Jon Tenuta to join Irish football staff Recruiting race coming right down to the wire Pitt Football Non-Conference Schedule Announced Lots of love for Notre Dame stars of the past The Future is Bright for the Irish Prince Transferring From Notre Dame, 3 Others Seek Eligibility Freshman-led Notre Dame finishes off season with hard-fought win at Stanford Notre Dame Recruits Shine in All-Star Game Rivals.com Football Recruiting Finalists Named For U.S. Army Player Of The Year Team Report: Strategy and Personnel Football: Weis: Clausen could be 'something special' Clausen: a work progressing Weis' Irish legacy can go either way Irish try to avoid going winless at home Notre Dame settles QB question with Clausen The Friday 5 Spot: Media blackout enlightenment, Clausen at QB, and more Jimmy Clausen Has His Starting Job Back Clausen might start for Notre Dame again For Irish, 'it can't get much worse' than 1-8 Middies may be cure for ailing Irish offense A peek into the future of Notre Dame football Weis wants to see signs of hope for next season Clausen, Irish hungry to turn things around Football: Sharpley struggles in start Weekend Watch List: A&M-Nebraska looked good in August Clausen's time will come Clausen or Sharpley? Answer to come Tuesday 'Homecoming' victory leaves Clausen speechless Stage is set for Clausen-Olson showdown If healthy, Clausen will play Monday Morning quarterback ND's Clausen being through in the fire early Timing is everything Weis on Clausen: 'He's far from being the problem' First three Notre Dame losses really strain the brain Weis stunned departed QB Demetrius Jones with announcement that Clausen was starter Clausen had no chance Freshman Clausen will start, but running QB Jones could play vs. Wolverines Michigan QB Henne out vs. Notre Dame Weis says Clausen did well Clausen ND’s rock star Ex-Lion and Spartan Rogers to try comeback in CFL Jimmy Clausen faces misdemeanor charges Hard to chart ND's depth Irish still have eyes on three quarterbacks ... for now College football: No Rebuilding Project Weis not giving any hints on Notre Dame quarterback Will hype devour Clausen? WR Julio Jones tops 2008 ESPN 150 Here Come the Irish 2007 Preview: Notre Dame Offense Area teams take field in 7 on 7 passing games The QB Intrigue at Notre Dame Continues Team Report: Inside Slant Frazer to join Huskies Potter will go from WR to QB in hopes of picking up where Clausen left off Illinois' Benn, ND's Clausen impact newcomers for 2007 Boise State lands wide receiver recruit from California high school Report: Clausen had elbow procedure Frazer Knocked Out Of Notre Dame Quarterback Battle, Signal-Caller To Transfer After Learning He Won't Start NCAA Football Roundup 2007 Fantasy College QB Rankings Kentucky signee facing felony charge Drug Allegation Nearly Sidelines Notre Dame Quarterback Marijuana charge against Notre Dame QB dismissed 2007 Incoming Freshmen Recruiting DVD: Jimmy Clausen Notre Dame heavier on defensive recruiting for '08 Inside Dish: Introducing the next two-sport star Team Report: Inside Slant For Notre Dame, two QBs may be better than one Free fall fallout Number of football early risers up this spring Jabbie outshines highly touted Clausen Next Irish quarterback? Weis isn't giving any clues Sense of charity is Taylor-made Clausen is growing up ACC will face tough, early slate to start next season Potter's switch a Catch-22 Weis, media drenched in open practice Transfer trouble Weis not playing favorites in QB competition Golden boy to share spotlight Best recruits by position Clausen goes to head of the class Scrutiny squarely on Notre Dame's Clausen. Jimmy Clausen is ready to start Notre Dame career. Notre Dame future starts with new quarterback.