After seeing Utah become the first non-BCS team to play in a BCS bowl in 2004, another mid-major program could find itself crashing the big boys' party in 2006. With the system tweaked and the creation of a fifth bowl, an extra game and less strict criteria for automatic berths outside the big five conferences, it could open up a spot for some of the top mid-major programs to take center stage during bowl week.

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After its sensational inaugural campaign in the Mountain West, TCU is again slated as the favorite in 2006. However, Utah, BYU and Colorado State are more than capable of capturing the crown. Once again the MWC should be competitive. Nine deep, there are no cupcakes and the winner could ultimately land a spot in the BCS.

In 2005, newcomers TCU made short work of their first ever MWC schedule of opponents. Running the table in conference play, the Horned Frogs clinched the league title and finished with an overall record of 11-1. Last year no other team finished better than 5-3 in conference and a lot of teams never saw TCU coming. Led by its lightning quick defense and deadly trio of tailbacks, conference mates took this southwest unknown for granted and it came back to bite them in the butt.

CONFERENCE FAVORITE: TCU Horned Frogs (11-1 overall, 8-0 conference, 1st in MWC)

Returning Starters: 16 (8 offense; 6 defense, punter, kicker)

Skinny: Taking the nation by storm last year, Gary Patterson's team boasts big time talent on both sides of the ball. In 2005 the offense set a school record for touchdowns while the defense led the nation with 40 forced turnovers and was first with a +21 turnover margin. Quarterback Jeff Ballard returns from a season where he went 8-0 as a starter. 2006 bodes well for the Horned Frogs to earn its fourth 10-win year in six tries under Patterson.

Best Bet: Nov. 11, at New Mexico. After a convincing 49-28 home victory last year, playing in Albuquerque in 2006 should bode for a more favorable spread and a similar result. Its 9-3 ATS record last year bodes well against conference foes.

TEAM ON THE RISE: UNLV Rebels (2-9, 1-7; 9th in MWC)

Returning Starters: 14 (7 offense; 5 defense, punter, kicker)

Skinny: Despite a miserable 2005, things should begin to smooth out as Mike Sanford begins his second season as a collegiate head coach. A shade better ATS with a 4-7 mark last year, the Rebels should play tough even if out skilled. In his first year he installed the spread option attack that he helped develop at Utah and now has the options with his signal callers. Not only does last year's starter, Shane Steichen, return, but also available is USC transfer Rocky Hinds that has every chance to start. More transfers lead the way from big time programs that could pave the way for future success at UNLV. Mil'von James from UCLA and Eric Wright from USC lead the secondary while Tony Cade, who began his career at Oklahoma, will compete for a starting safety job.

Best Bet: Sept. 2 vs. Idaho State. After beating Idaho last year at home, the 2006 season can open on a high note with another win against a non-conference opponent.

TEAM ON THE DECLINE: New Mexico Lobos (6-5, 4-4; 5th in MWC)

Returning Starters: 14 (8 offense; 4 defense, punter, kicker)

Skinny: After graduating DonTrell Moore, one of six players in Division I-A history to gain at least 1,000 yards in all four years, the Lobos will have to rely on two-year starting quarterback Kole McKamey. He is the unquestioned leader of the offense, but without a consistent running game the defense will have to flourish in order to produce a successful season. The loss of No. 1 wide receiver Hank Baskett III also limits the offense. 4-7 ATS in 2005, don't expect too much of an improvement this fall, as the program should slip a few spots in the conference standings.

Best Bet: Sept. 9, at New Mexico State. Defeating the Aggies each of the past three years, the Lobos should again take care of their intrastate rival.

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TEAM TO WATCH OUT FOR: BYU Cougars (6-6, 5-3; 2nd in MWC)

Returning Starters: 14 (8 offense; 4 defense, punter, kicker)

Skinny: Another explosive season is ready for the offense, led by the league's most potent arm, senior John Beck. Fully capable to challenge for the top spot in the conference, the only thing keeping this team from an even better 2006 is the defense allowing too many yards and far too many points. Last year's 91st ranked defense must take steps forward, especially with the likes of Arizona, Tulsa and Boston College on the non-conference schedule. This unit was unable to get stops on a consistent basis and it hurt backers who expected a better showing, seeing Brigham Young go 6-5 ATS.

Best Bet: Oct. 28, at Air Force. Two straight wins over the Air Force Academy by 17 and 21 points, respectively, in the past two years. BYU's high-powered offense should make it three for three.