This is a big week for the non-AQs as several teams open spring practice, including the top two Sun Belt teams in Middle Tennessee and Troy and most of the Mid-American Conference.

Here’s a look at the teams opening spring this week and the biggest issue they face:

Fresno State, March 15

Biggest issue: Coach Pat Hill said the Bulldogs would utilize their newfound athleticism and speed and add some spread concepts to the offense this spring. Hill did emphasize that the running game would still be a focus, but finding a new every-down back will be a challenge.

Troy, March 15

Biggest issue: The Trojans are looking for a new quarterback after Levi Brown, the first Sun Belt player to pass for 4,000 yards, graduated. Jamie Hampton, the 2008 starter, is back from a knee injury and will be the favorite to start in 2010.

Louisiana-Monroe, March 15

Biggest issue: Yet another team with another new head coach and system. Louisiana-Monroe is trying to balance its depth chart this spring and just get a feel for the type of team is can be under new coach Todd Berry. There’s talent on the roster, but putting it in the right spots will be the challenge.

BYU, March 15

Biggest issue: For the first time in three years, BYU is looking for a new starting quarterback. Riley Nelson, James Lark and Jake Heaps will be competing in one of the most intriguing quarterback battles of the spring.

UNLV, March 15

Biggest issue: UNLV will be rebuilding under new head coach Bobby Hauck. He’d like to implement his power running game this spring, but probably won’t have the players to do it just yet. This is going to be a time to learn what’s there and what type of team he can field in the fall.

Eastern Michigan, March 16

Biggest issue: What isn’t an issue when you have a winless season? Eastern Michigan will be better after a year that included several injuries and several young players learning the ropes. Coach Ron English is confident he can right the ship and that will start this week.

Middle Tennessee, March 16

Biggest issue: The Blue Raiders became the first 10-win team in Sun Belt Conference history, but keeping that level of play up will be tough with new offensive and defensive coordinators. The offense will be the biggest concern since Mike Schultz was hired earlier this month and hasn’t had enough time to analyze his personnel. That will come this week.

Temple, March 16

Biggest issue: Bernard Pierce will be the workhorse in the running game, but finding a passing game to complement Pierce should be a priority. The Owls also have some holes to fill on defense, but overall, this team should be building off the momentum from its stellar season in 2009.

Toledo, March 17

Biggest issue: The Rockets were one of the more disappointing teams in the MAC last season, but it did find some good young talent to build with in 2010. The offense should be the strong side of the ball while the defense has some major holes to fill, including finding a replacement for safety Barry Church.

Louisiana Tech, March 17

Biggest issue: Louisiana Tech is transitioning into a spread offense this spring under new head coach Sonny Dykes and offensive coordinator Tony Franklin. Louisiana Tech has a lot of holes to fill with most of its offensive production gone, so this spring will be about finding players to step into key roles.

Memphis, March 17

Biggest issue: New coach Larry Porter inherits a team that lost almost all of its scoring from a year ago. The are holes at running back, quarterback and wide receiver, and while there’s talent available at those spots, those players have yet to show that they’re capable of being go-to guys for the Tigers.

Central Michigan, March 18

Biggest issue: The defending MAC champions will have a tough time repeating this year after losing its head coach and most of its offensive talent. The defense should be strong, but finding a leader like quarterback Dan LeFevour won’t be easy in coach Dan Enos’ first season.

Western Michigan, March 18

Biggest issue: While replacing quarterback Tim Hiller will be at the top of coach Bill Cubit’s list, I think finding a running game to replace all that Brandon West brought to the Broncos will be more important. The running game has been strong for WMU for quite some time and there wasn’t a back that really distinguished himself as a successor to West. Finding that guy will start this spring.

Central Florida, March 19

Biggest issue: The Knights are coming off a great season and expectations will be high. The defense carried the squad last season and while several linemen need to be replaced, the focus will be on getting the offense up to par. There will be competition at quarterback and on the offensive line. The offense has the potential to be one of the best in Conference USA, but it needs to realize that this spring.

Bowling Green, March 19

Biggest issue: The Falcons relied on quarterback Tyler Sheehan and receiver Freddie Barnes in coach Dave Clawson’s first season, but with those two gone, it’s going to be a chore replacing all that offense. This might be a rebuilding year for BGSU.

Buffalo, March 20

Biggest issue: New coach Jeff Quinn hasn’t had the greatest offseason with the transfer of starting quarterback Zach Maynard. Finding a replacement will be the utmost priority as well as finding some playmakers in the running and receiving games.

Miami (Ohio), March 20

Biggest issue: Mike Haywood is another coach who didn’t have the ideal first season, but did find some pretty decent talent along the way. The key will be to build around quarterback Zac Dysert and find some playmakers who can turn some of those close losses into wins.