Houston quarterback D’Eriq King’s offseason was like one long test drive. He’s in the driver’s seat and spending eight months playing with all the new switches, buttons and knobs that make his new car hum.

Ed Oliver changes everything. But he can’t be everything. The best player in college football headlines Houston’s defense, and his stage is front and center for the Cougars. He showcases his dominance and strength on every snap 

Kendal Briles already helped propel Florida Atlantic to a conference title. Cougars’ coach Major Applewhite brought him back to Houston, his alma mater, in hopes of doing it again. 

Major Applewhite grew up in Baton Rouge, La., just four hours away from Houston’s campus. He was watching as a teenager when his hometown Tigers barely survived their first encounter with the Cougars back in 1996, rallying from a 34-14 deficit for a 35-34 win.

Mason Fine is already much more than just a good story.

"He’s a guy that can be special," North Texas coach Seth Littrell said. 

North Texas’ defense gave up an average of 49 points in its five losses last season. Sometimes, calculating out the necessary improvements to win a conference title only takes a cursory glance at the schedule. Mean Green coach Seth Littrell knows it, too.

North Texas offense jumped from 117th in scoring in 2016 all the way up to No. 24 in 2017 in coach Seth Littrell’s second season. Now, with an even more experienced quarterback, deep corps of receivers and a 1-2 punch at running back, the Mean Green are in position to kick it into overdrive.

If Seth Littrell ever needs a reminder of the three pillars upon which his program is built, all he has to do is look up from his desk. They’re printed on the shades covering North Texas’ windows looking into Apogee Stadium. 

The Hippos are loaded with senior leadership ahead of one of the program's most anticipated seasons ever, and their signal-caller just committed to UCLA. Excitement is growing in the town just north of Austin.