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

Four quarterbacks in the league who had huge years in 2008 are back to try and lead their respective teams to a conference crown, while several newcomers will try to replace stars and establish their reputations as their teams compete for the title.

Nathan Brown of Central Arkansas (10,558 yards passing, 100 TDs in his career) and Rhett Bomar of Sam Houston State (8,175 career yards and 47 TDs at SHSU and Oklahoma) have departed for the NFL.

Derrick Fourroux returns for his fourth year behind center for a McNeese State team, while two other seniors Bradley George of Texas State and Brian Babin of Southeastern Louisiana, lead high-powered attacks. Junior Jeremy Moses has helped return Stephen F. Austin to contention.

Northwestern State's John Hundley also returns and could mature into a top- notch signal-caller as a senior, while Central Arkansas, Sam Houston State and Nicholls State are looking to break in newcomers.

Whatever team gets the most consistent quarterback play will likely win this arms race.

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 captured the league's automatic bid. 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 averaged 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 after moving to the NFL.

All-Southland running back Karrington Bush (1,065 yards rushing, 7.8 average, 11 TDs) can stretch the defense. He is also a special teams ace, averaging 25.1 per kick return.

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)

An NCAA by-laws ruling late last season prevented Central Arkansas with being eligible for the Southland title, due to their transitional status in FCS, but the Bears were very much the people's champion. Clint Conque's team will have to be satisfied with the same recognition this year, as it is ineligible again for the title in its final transition year.

"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, but the Bears will miss All-American tight end Marquez Branson (45 catches, 16.3 average, 11 TDs).

Senior running back Brent Grimes (879 yards, 18 TDs) added a running threat to the Bear passing game in 2008 and is back along with fullback Nick Cowger.

UCA's defense led the league, allowing an average of 25.7 points last season and returns nine starters from that unit. Buck Buchanan Award candidate and league 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 head up the linebacking corps.

Strong safety Pieri Feazell (68 tackles led team, seven pass breakups) and cornerback Anthony Gambles (12 pass breakups, three interceptions, two forced fumbles) should 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. But in order for McNeese State to return to championship form, they need to improve 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 combined TDs), one of few Cowboys to stay healthy last season, will try and maintain an offense that ranked third nationally (464 yards, 37.6 points per game). Fourroux will again team with All-American running back Todd Pendland (1,431 yards rushing, 12 TDs, 6.5 average). Pendland ranked sixth in the country in rushing last season.

The Cowboys have been known for their defensive reputation over the 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)

Former LSU assistant Bradley Dale Peveto inherits a Demon squad that battled for the Southland title until the final weekend under ex-coach Scott Stoker. But since making the playoffs three times from 2001-04, the Demons have gone just 20-24.

"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 rolled up 26.7 points-per-game last season ranking seventh in the conference.

Losing All-Southland running back Byron Lawrence (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, but 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 Northwestern State a formidable pass rushing attack.

The secondary returns all-conference selections in free safety Wesley Eckels (67 tackles, six pass breakups) and former Mississippi transfer Gary Riggs at strong safety (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, sixth)

After going winless in 2007, Stephen F. Austin was competitive in 2008 and beat Southeastern Louisiana 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, 20 interceptions) brought the offense back from the dead in 2008, as it more than doubled it productivity (35.0 points average, up from 16.0). Losing wideout Dominique Edison (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 blossom.

In order for the Lumberjacks to improve, the defense needs to make the same type of strides this season that the offense made in 2008. SFA allowed 40 points per game last season, but Buchanan Award candidate linebacker Jabara Williams (132 tackles, three interceptions), defensive end Tim Knicky (fifth nationally in sacks with 11 and eighth in tackles for loss with 20.5) hope to change that.

Linebacker Derrick Choice (98 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss) and free safety Cory Barlow (89 tackles) 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 sixth)

Like most teams in the SLC, Sam Houston State can score the football but has trouble stopping teams. 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 Bomar. Junior Bryan Randolph made great strides in the spring and will start at quarterback.

With the loss of wideout Catron Houston (52 catches, 1,002 yards, nine TDs), new targets need to emerge. Chris Lucas (45 catches, 13.2 average) and Jason Madkins (23 catches, 13.9 average) are prime candidates to step into Houston's role.

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 nationally ranked defense.

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

With 13 starters returning, coach Mike Lucas is hopeful the Lions will be competetive 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 behind center, the offense should stay consistent. 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 of Jay Lucas (career 2,710 yards rushing, 5.9 average, 22 TDs).

Although the defense allowed 32 points-per-game last season, the unit returns some proven talent. 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, one TD) and cornerback Brian Reynolds (40 tackles) need help from others to improve the depleted defense.

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

Since 2005, Nicholls State has progressively declined with 2008 being the pinnacle. Although the team did 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 to replace off-injured Vincent Montgomery at quarterback will be between between redshirt freshmen Jake Witt and LaQuintin Caston.

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 in the option attack. Antonio Robinson (20 catches, 25.1 average, six TDs) returns as the top wideout.

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

One major loss is safety-returnman Lardarius Webb (1,833 all-purpose yards). The two-time Buchanan Award finalist was a third-round draft choice of the Baltimore Ravens.