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	Thursday, August 31 Eagles hope to soar back into contention
	By Mike Sorensen Special to ESPN.com North Texas Eagles 1999 record: 2-9 (1-5 Big West) Coach: Darrell Dickey Returning starters: 12 (7 offense, 5 defense) Outlook It's been frustrating for Darrell Dickey in his two years as coach to see his team struggle at the position he played in college -- quarterback. He's used as many as three QBs each season and he may do the same this year with no standout player. Richard Bridges, who started the final six games last year, will get the nod to start the season and could develop into the leader Dickey has been looking for. Sophomore Spencer Stack and freshman Jeremy Pearl could both challenge Bridges for playing time. The Mean Green will have the premier running back in the league in Ja'Quay Wilburn, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards as a junior and a good return man in Ty Jackson. The defense has been the strength of the team for the past couple of years, but the line is depleted and needs four new starters. Linebackers Fred Pertile, Jeff Rogers and Brad Kassell are back, along with defensive backs Lawrence Ellis and Heath Moody. Jason Bell, last year's placekicker, will also handle punting duties this year. Keep an eye on ... Ja'Quay Wilburn. The senior running back is already the school's leading rusher with 2,364 yards and will be looking for his second straight 1,000-yard season this year. His speed and shiftiness will keep defenses off balance and help open up a passing game that has struggled for the past two years. It's a good season if ... The Mean Green can at least contend for the conference title. Two years ago in Dickey's first season, the Mean Green were in the race all season, before finishing a game out of a tie for first. They back tracked a bit last year when they finished last, but in a six-team league, they can contend in a hurry if they pick up a couple of early league wins. With a tough non-league schedule that includes the likes of Kansas State, Baylor, Texas Tech and UNLV, the Mean Green may have to count on a strong league showing to top last year's 2-9 mark.		AROUND THE BIG WEST Arkansas St. Boise St. Idaho New Mexico St. North Texas Utah St. ALSO SEE Final season in wild Big West