In the past couple of seasons, the Western Athletic Conference has been known for a variety of big names.

For example, coaches such as Dick Tomey, June Jones or Pat Hill have graced the league's sidelines. At quarterback, big names such as former Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan or New Mexico State's Chase Holbrook have received national attention.

But in 2008, one of the interesting story lines to follow is the progress of the league's running backs. The WAC's top five running backs return in Boise State's Ian Johnson, Idaho's Deonte' Jackson, Nevada's Luke Lippincott, Louisiana Tech's Patrick Jackson and Fresno State's Ryan Matthews.

"The backs in this league are production guys, not just moles," Nevada head coach Chris Ault said. "The running backs in the league will keep defenses in checks and balances."

Fans around the country certainly know about Johnson because of his consistent success and because of his performance in the Fiesta Bowl win against Oklahoma two years ago and he's certainly a favorite to win the Offensive Player of the Year this season.

"Ian is a great back and he's got to be considered the best because of what's he's accomplished," Holbrook said.

But the league could soon find out about the others. Lippincott looks to build on last year's 1,420-yard season, while Idaho's Jackson and Fresno State's Matthews will just be sophomores.

"I like our back the best and we have some good depth behind me, guys that could make an impact this year," Fresno State tight end Bear Pascoe said. "There are a lot of good backs in the league and guys that can run hard and make big plays."

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Idaho coach Robb Akey hopes year No. 2 is better than his inaguaral season on the Vandals' sidelines. Last year, the team went 1-11, with its only win against Cal-Poly.

"This year is better, better chemistry and more consistency," Akey said. "In our first spring, I was playing more detective and principal, while our players and coaches were learning each other. This past spring we just jumped right into things. I can't go through another year like last year. My wife took all of the sharp objects out of the house. I've never lost that many games in a season before."

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Holbrook, who has thrown for nearly 8,500 yards and 60 touchdowns in two seasons, has received some preseason accolades. Both Lindy's and Phil Steele's preseason football magazines rank him among the top quarterbacks. Phil Steele's magazine has the Aggie quarterback position as the seventh best in the nation.

"Those accolades are nice, but I still have to go out and perform," Holbrook said. "I just want to help us win and get to a bowl."

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