Philadelphia, PA (My Sportsbook) - Add high-powered offenses, big-time arms and three FCS championship appearances and you have the 2009 Southland Conference race.

Four quarterbacks in the league had huge years in 2008 and are back to try and lead their respective teams to a conference crown.

Senior Derrick Fourroux returns behind center for a McNeese State team that should challenge for a league title especially since the Central Arkansas must replace all-conference selection Nathan Brown (a career 8,148 yards passing, 78 TDs).

Texas State, with senior Bradley George leading the offense, can compete with the top dogs after winning the league in 2008, while Jeremy Moses of Stephen F. Austin looks to keep the Lumberjacks competitive.

Brian Babin of Southeastern Louisiana will look to bring the Lions back to 2004 form when the team averaged a whopping 38.6 points-per-game and Sam Houston State, without all-Southland quarterback Rhett Bomar (a career 6,157 yards of total offense, 49 TDs) will try and stay near the top of the standings.

Northwestern State's John Hundley is back behind center while an open competition at Nicholls State will determine the starting quarterback.

1. Texas State (8-5 overall, 5-2 conference, first in 2008)

Although Central Arkansas beat them out in the standings, the Bobcats were named the official SLC champion and were the only team to make the FCS playoffs from the conference. With 13 starters returning, coach Brad Wright is confident.

"It's good to have a ring in your pocket," said Wright. "It's something to build on because it hasn't happened much around here."

George (2,660 yards passing, 26 TDs, 60.1% completion percentage) will lead a talented offense that put up 36.4 points-per-game last season. However, the loss of Cameron Luke (a career 142 catches, 17.1 average, 32 TDs) at wide receiver leaves a big hole.

All-Southland running back Karrington Bush (1,065 yards rushing, 7.8 average, 11 TDs) should make up for the lack of depth at wideout with his ability to stretch the defense especially on special teams, averaging 25.1 per kick return with one TD.

Only five starters return on defense excluding Courtney Smith (116 tackles), the team's leading tackler. Defensive end Travis Houston (12 tackles for loss, seven QB hurries, 6.5 sacks) and Arizona transfer Ron Jackson will look to help improve a rush defense that allowed 175 yards-per-game last season.

Both the linebacking unit and secondary should have better seasons with two starters from each group returning. Marcus Clark (85 tackles, eight QB hurries) and Joe Bell (69 tackles, two interceptions, one TD) lead the linebackers while Iowa State transfer cornerback Drenard Williams and strong safety Kenneth Hampton (six pass breakups, two interceptions) lead the pass defense.

2. Central Arkansas (10-2, 6-1, n/a)

The Bears will again look to stay atop the league under coach Clint Conque, back for his 10th season. Central Arkansas finished first in the league's standings in 2008 but was not awarded the championship due to the Bears transition into FCS.

"We have a lot of depth, athleticism and experience," said Conque. "I think we have a chance this season."

Senior Robby Park (58% completion percentage) and Arkansas transfer Nathan Dick will battle for the starting quarterback job. Junior wideout Willie Landers (44 catches, 16.7 average, seven TDs) should put less pressure on the quarterback with his big play ability.

Senior running back Brent Grimes (879 yards, 18 TDs) added to the offensive charge in 2008 and is back along with blocking fullback Nick Cowger (eight catches, two TDs).

The defense led the league allowing just 25.7 points-per-game last season and returns nine starters from that unit. Payton Award candidate and defensive player of the year, Larry Hart (21 tackles for loss, 12 sacks) will anchor the defensive line at the end position, while senior James Lancaster (11 tackles for loss, four pass breakups) will lead the linebacking corps.

Strong safety Pieri Feazell (68 tackles led team, seven pass breakups, one TD) and cornerback Anthony Gambles (12 pass breakups, three interceptions, two forced fumbles) need to help the defense improve on the 262 yards passing per game it allowed last season.

3. McNeese State (7-4, 4-3, tied for second)

The Cowboys have dominated the league since 2000, winning six titles with the last in 2007. Coach Matt Viator begins his fourth season with the team after going 25-10 in the previous three seasons. In order for McNeese State to return to championship form, they need to improve in a few areas.

"To start, we have to stay healthy," said Viator. "We really haven't done that the last couple of years."

Fourroux (2,652 yards of total offense, 29 TDs), one of few Cowboys to stay healthy last season, will try and maintain an offense that ranked third nationally. Having All-American running back Todd Pendland (1,431 yards rushing, 12 TDs, 6.5 average) back doesn't hurt, as he ranked sixth in the country in rushing last season.

The Cowboys have been solid defensively in recent years, but not in 2008. The Cowboys allowed 29 points-per-game and return just three starters in defensive end Terrance Freeman (5.5 sacks), linebacker Deron Minor (67 tackles, two forced fumbles) and strong safety Darell Jenkins (five tackles for loss, one TD).

McNeese State added Nebraska transfer cornerback Shawn Sullivan and Tulane transfer safety Devin Holland to try and fill the many holes on defense.

4. Northwestern State (7-5, 4-3 tied for second)

Since making the playoffs three times from 2001-04, the Demons have gone just 20-24. The team showed signs of life in 2008 and now under new coach Bradley Dale Peveto, will look to once again compete for a title.

"The guys are focused and determined to become a championship football team," said Peveto. "We have a good core of experienced players and leaders back."

Hundley (1,553 yards of total offense, 12 TDs) needs to become one of those leaders to compete with the other offenses in the league. The Demons put up 26.7 points-per-game last season ranking seventh in the conference.

Losing all-Southland running back Byron Lawrence (a career 3,216 yards rushing, 5.0 average, 19 TDs) leaves senior William Griffin (472 yards rushing, four TDs) to try and carry the load.

The Demons return nine starters on defense that allowed just 145 yards rushing per game in 2008 and move from a 4-2-5 set to a 4-3-4 scheme. Defensive end Ladell Love (11 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles) and tackle Albert Smith (six tackles for loss, three sacks) should give Norwestern State a formidable pass rushing attack.

The secondary returns all-conference selections free safety Wesley Eckels (67 tackles, six pass breakups) and former Mississippi transfer safety Gary Riggs (seven pass breakups, three interceptions, two TDs). The two should help improve a pass defense that is known for shutting down opposing quarterbacks.

5. Stephen F. Austin (4-8, 2-5, tied for fifth)

After going winless in 2007, Stephen F. Austin was competitive in 2008 beating Southeastern Lousiana and Nicholls State. Coach J.C. Harper returns to the sideline for his third season.

"Our experience level is higher this season compared to the previous two," said Harper. "We are not going to rely on freshman or newcomers to play significant roles."

Moses (4,026 yards passing, 41 TDs) brought the offensive back from the dead in 2008, as it averaged 35 points-per-game after the unit put up just 16 points- per-game in 2007. Losing wideout Dominique Edison (a career 182 catches, 14.8 average, 28 TDs) to the NFL opens the door for both Duane Brooks (68 catches, 12.7 average, four TDs) and Contrevious Parks (49 catches, 12.1 average, six TDs) to become Moses' favorite target.

In order for the Lumberjacks to compete, the defense needs to improve from the 40 points-per-game it allowed last season. Buchanan Award candidate linebacker Jabara Williams (132 tackles, three interceptions), linebacker Derrick Choice (98 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss) and free safety Cory Barlow (89 tackles, one TD) all return but helped the defense rank last in the conference in most categories in 2008.

6. Sam Houston State (4-6, 2-5, tied for fifth)

Like most teams in the SLC, Sam Houston State can score the football but has trouble stopping teams from scoring. Coach Todd Whitten knows that is a concern.

"Last year, we were no. 5 in FCS in total offense and no. 105 in total defense," said Whitten. "We have to stop people."

Seven starters return to the high-powered offense but the Bearkats need to replace Bhomar. Junior Bryan Randolph made great strides in the spring and will start behind center. However, with the loss of wideout Catron Houston (52, catches, 1,002 yards, nine TDs), new targets need to emerge.

Running back James Aston (1,212 yards of total offense, 5.2 average, 14 TDs) is back and should help the Bearkats stay consistent on offense.

Just three starters return on a defense that allowed 33 points-per-game last season. All-Southland selections defensive end Chris Brown (10 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks) and free safety Billy Skinner (75 tackles, two interceptions) will try and improve the 97th ranked defense.

7. Southeastern Louisiana (5-7, 2-5, tied for fifth)

With 13 starters returning, Southeastern Louisiana, along with coach Mike Lucas, feels they can compete in 2009.

"We think we have all the pieces to the puzzle," said Lucas. "We'll be very athletic and very hungry."

With Babin (2,806 yards passing, 25 TDs) back, the offense should improve. Wideouts Chris Wilson, Simmie Yarborough and Andre Carter combined for 163 catches and 20 TDs in 2008 and are all back to give Babin reliable targets.

Jasper Ducksworth (245 yards rushing, 4.8 average) is still unproven at running back but needs to step up after the loss Jay Lucas (a career 2,710 yards rushing, 5.9 average, 22 TDs).

Although the defense allowed 32 points-per-game last season, the unit returns five proven talents. Buchanan Award nominee, free safety Tommy Connors (108 tackles, four interceptions), linebackers Mark Newbill (100 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss), Ryan Godare (88 tackles) and Quinten Pierre (four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, one TD) and cornerback Brian Reynolds (40 tackles) need to help improve the depleted defense for the Lions to be competitive.

8. Nicholls State (3-6, 3-4, fourth)

Since 2005, Nicholls State has progressively declined with 2008 being the pinnacle. Although the team did not rattle off consecutive wins over McNeese State and Central Arkansas, coach Jay Thomas knows his young players need to step up to bring the Colonels out of their current slump.

"A lot of our young men have the potential to accomplish some great things this season, " said Thomas. "We have a lot to look forward to."

Competition between Jake Witt and LaQuintin Caston will determine the quarterback position but neither have experience.

A rushing attack by committee in 2008 propelled Nicholls State to second in the league in rushing. This season, look for Corey Buchanan (353 yards rushing) to be the top back without the flashy numbers.

Antonio Robinson (20 catches, 25.1 average, six TDs) returns as the number one wideout with big-play ability and will give either Witt or Caston a bullseye.

The defense allowed 35 points-per-game last season and returns five starters from that corps. Leading tackler and all-conference selection, linebacker Garrick Spain (60 tackles) might be the only bright spot for a unit that doesn't have much experience.