The team went 6-7 last season, its final defeat coming to San Jose State in its first bowl game, the Cure Bowl in Orlando.

Coach Trent Miles’ squad returns nine starters on defense, six or seven on offense and has a depth that it hasn’t since he took over three seasons ago.

Continuing the position group breakdown.

Offensive line

Who is competing? The group returns starters Sebastian Willer and Michael Ivory at tackles, Alex Stoehr at guard and Gabe Mobley at center. Additionally, backups Akil Hawkins, Davis Moore, Tyler Simonsen and Dom Roldan return. Hunter Atkinson has moved from tight end to tackle. Stoehr's back is healthy and Roldan has dropped a significant amount of weight. Mobley in on the Rimington watch list.

Key stat? The line paved the way for an offense that averaged 26.9 points and 335.9 passing yards per game. However, it also allowed 33 sacks and the running game averaged less than 100 yards per game.

Who has the edge? Assuming the four returning starters hold on to their jobs, the most interesting battle will be at guard where Roldan, Simonsen and Moore will likely battle. The group did a lot of cross-training in the spring, so the competitors at guard may change during camp.

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