Like last year, just three teams make up the INDEPENDENTS, yet all three have a strong say on the outcome of the National Championship BCS game for 2008 when they take on no less than 15 combined opponents that sported winning records last season. Rest assured, without a conference affiliation, this self-governing group holds plenty of veto power when it comes to dashing the dreams of many BCS Championship Game aspirants.

Here is my take on the INDEPENDENTS for 2008. Returning starters are listed alongside each team's name (returning QB's designated with an *).

INDEPENDENTS

ARMY - *4 / 5
Team Theme - BUILDING BROCKS

At first glance, nine returning starters doesn't appear to be enough, not for a team that has suffered eleven losing years in a row, averaging less than three wins per season. A deeper look paints a different picture. 2nd year coach Stan Brock was forced to use seven different starting combinations on the OL in 2007. As a result five players return who started at least one game. So does JR QB Carson Williams who started 10 games for the Cadets last year. They've added new wrinkles to the playbook during the off-season. "I don't think it's a secret that we've worked hard on our offensive scheme," contends Brock. With continuity on the sidelines (read: no coaching changes), and a team that tied with Navy for fewest penalties per game last season (4.0), look for continued improvement from this disciplined contingent.

PLAY ON: vs. Texas A&M (9/27)

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NAVY - *4 / 8
Team Theme - HOLO-HOLOCAUST

Polynesia has made its way to the Navy, and it looks to be a perfect fit. New head coach Ken Niumatalolo is the first Samoan coach in Division 1-A football history, while 5'11" native Hawaiian QB Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada has helped the Middies become the first team in NCAA history to lead the nation in rushing three straight years. Niumatalolo takes over for Paul Johnson (Georgia Tech) knowing he's got some huge running shoes to fill. Five straight bowl games and five straight Commander-In-Chief trophies are on the line. Not to mention that the Midshipmen finally defeated Notre Dame for the first time in 45 tries last season. In fact, Navy has been so dominant the past five seasons they actually own a better road record than Florida, Tennessee and Wisconsin! As they say on the islands, this team is holoholo (on a ride).

PLAY ON: vs. Ball State (9/5)

NOTRE DAME - *9 / 7
Team Theme - TO HELL WITH MICHIGAN

In spite of his gruff demeanor in the past and last year's dreadful season, Charlie Weis is doing his best to change his public persona. Normally defensive everywhere other than the playing field, he realizes this year's team will not be as good as next year's, but knows there will be improvement. Maybe its humility, maybe not, but Charlie is talking a different tune these days. The best move he made in the off-season was hiring Jon Tenuta as the new DC. The former Georgia Tech defensive specialist couldn't have got here soon enough. Weis' previous four teams have allowed an average 366 YPG, hardly the kind credentials associated with good teams. With SO QB Jimmy Claussen another year wiser and off a strong showing in spring camp, here's hoping - for Charlie's sake - the memories of last year's 38-0 losses at the hands of Michigan and USC remain in the past.

PLAY ON: as dog vs. Michigan (9/13)