Three questions for Scott Downing

1 What is the strength of your team?

"I think we've improved our athleticism on defense. . . .Definitely, we've got a great crew of linebackers, with Cristian Sarmento and Joe Kenney. I think our athleticism in the secondary is much better than it's been. Cornerbacks Myles Hayes and Quincy Wofford are the most athletic guys on the team, and probably two of the top athletes in the entire league."

2 How would you rate your schedule?

"Any time you go and open with Hawaii (last year) or Purdue, I think we can draw a lot of positives out of it. Purdue is in the middle of the pack in the Big Ten, but the middle of the pack in the Big Ten means you're expecting a bowl bid. Obviously, the Big Sky has great tradition, great history. You would think that maybe the league should get two playoff teams."

3 What would you consider a successful season?

"Unless your team is perennially in the playoffs, I don't think it is good to put a (win) number out there. What if you go out and maybe surprise someone and win some of your first games? Then you're lowering your expectations. Success is a process. It's doing what's right from Monday through Friday. I prefer to take it game by game, and if we can get into the fourth quarter of games, then we will be in good shape."

Depth chart

OFFENSE

Pos. Starter (Backup) | Comment

QB Bryan Waggener (James Schrenk) | Waggener is a transfer from Florida.

RB David Woods (Tyrone Wilson) | Woods rushed for 715 yards in 2007.

WR Jason Caprioli (Brandon Smith ) | Caprioli is a transfer from New Mexico.

WR Brian Barmann (Gio Machado) | Barmann caught eight passes in '07.

WR Cory Fauver (Ian Kane) | Fauver is top returning receiver.

TE Ryan Chesla (Andrew Emmerling) | Chesla is preseason All-Big Sky pick.

T Ryan Kemp (Andrew Dunkley) | Kemp made nine starts at guard.

G Jacob Thornbrue (John Ellsworth) | Thornbrue is a two-year starter.

C Tim McGraw (Alex Shapiro) | McGraw played in 11 games last year.

G Chris Jones (James Zapp) | Jones has started 20 of 23 games.

T Eric Christensen (Lee Barbiasz) | Christensen adds experience to line.

PK Zak Bigelow (Michael York) | Bigelow made three FGs in lone win.

DEFENSE

Pos. Starter (Backup) | Comment

DE John Eddy (Derek Palmer) | Eddy honorable mention All-Big Sky.

DT Amal Gumbs (Tony Kolone ) | Gumbs played reserve role in '07.

DT Martin Awachie (Dominique Ceja) | Greeley's Carl Freeman also in mix.

DE Josh Mack (Ethan Davis) | Mack made one start in '07.

LB Casey Herron (Logan Zabel) | Herron had three tackles for loss.

LB Cristian Sarmento (Matt King) | Sarmento made 135 tackles.

LB Joe Kenney (C.J. Stemo) | Kenney co-captain for second season.

CB Myles Hayes (Colby Riggins) | Hayes fifth on team in tackles.

CB Quincy Wofford (Eric Brown) | Wofford had two interceptions in upset win against Montana State.

FS Max Hewitt (Chuks Nweke) | Hewitt tied team lead for INTs in '07.

SS Stephen Michon (Ryan Lutz) | Michon started every game in 2007.

P Cameron Kaman (David Woods) | No player has punted as a collegian.