The landscape in Region IV has changed somewhat the Waco area powers who held serve the past four seasons are gone. Some new powerhouse teams will rise to the occasion in 2018. The question is, do they come from the Houston area or from South Texas?

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.