ESPN College Football

1. Offensive player of the year: Rusty Smith, QB, FAU -- Smith had a tough go last year, but said he's healthy and free of distractions this season. He has several weapons that could make the Owls one of the most dangerous offenses in the country.

2. Co-defensive players of the year: Brandon Lang, DE, Troy and Alex Carrington, DE, Arkansas State -- These players put up similar numbers as juniors last season and are in line to have similar success for their senior campaigns. Look for both players to be at the top of the conference in sacks and tackles for loss.

3. Newcomer of the year: Dudley LaPorte, TE, FIU -- It took awhile for LaPorte, a transfer from Santa Barbra City College, to find an FBS team, but he'll definitely help out an FIU offense that's looking for more playmakers. LaPorte was the nation's top junior college tight end last season.

4. Comeback player of the year: Jason Harmon, TE, Florida Atlantic -- Harmon was a first team all-conference selection in 2007 after amassing 63 catches for 825 yards and five touchdowns. But he suffered a knee injury during 2008 spring practice and missed all of last season.

5. Freshman of the year Josh Jarboe, WR, Troy -- Jarboe is still working his way up the depth chart, but teammates say he's putting in the work, coming along and should be a factor in the offense. If Jarboe lives up to the hype, he could be one of the most dangerous players in the league.

6. Most exciting player: T.Y. Hilton, WR, FIU -- Hilton opened eyes last year as a freshman with the first 1,000-yard receiving season in FIU history. He also was one of the top kick returners in the country.

7. Coach of the year: Larry Blakeney, Troy -- The Trojans could make Sun Belt history by winning their fourth consecutive conference title. Only North Texas can claim a similar feat. The Trojans return several of their key playmakers on both offense and defense.

8. Game of the year: Florida Atlantic at Troy, Nov. 21 -- This game should decide the Sun Belt title since both teams are poised to be tops in the conference. In the past two seasons, the winner has gone on to win the conference title.

9. Surprise team of the year: North Texas -- Coach Todd Dodge has yet to live up to the reputation he made in the high school ranks, but with his son Riley leading the team at quarterback, the Mean Green might be poised for a big season. All the team needs is some defense.

10. Team that will disappoint: Arkansas State -- Quarterback Corey Leonard has accomplished a lot during his time with the Red Wolves, but he's the lone heralded senior quarterback without a conference title. The Red Wolves have the players to vie for a conference championship, but they'll fall short against FAU and Troy.

1. Offensive player of the year: Dan LeFevour, QB, Central Michigan -- LeFevour suffered some ankle injuries, which resulted in a down season, but he's still the best quarterback in the league and maybe one of the beat dual-threats in the country.

2. Defensive player of the year: Frank Zombo, DE, Central Michigan -- Zombo didn't get a lot of help last year, but still managed to lead the conference in tackles for loss and rank third in the conference in sacks.

3. Newcomer of the year: Ansel Ponder, WR, Western Michigan -- Ponder joins Western Michigan after a season with Hargrave Military Academy. While there, he amassed 760 yards receiving and 11 receiving touchdowns. He had 13 touchdowns overall.

4. Comeback player of the year: Theo Scott, QB, Ohio -- Scott was the Bobcats starter at the beginning of last season, but suffered a broken collarbone and a dislocated shoulder in the second quarter of the second game. He's still competing with Boo Jackson for the starting job.

5. Freshman of the year: Kelly Page, QB, Ball State -- Page steps in for all-everything quarterback Nate Davis, and does so having been groomed for the starting role last season. He has the receivers and running back to be successful, but his offensive line is in question.

6. Most exciting player: Antonio Brown, WR, Central Michigan -- Brown led the conference and was fourth in the country with 178.08 all-purpose running yards per game. He was dynamic on both kick and punt returns and was the team's leading receiver.

7. Coach of the year: Al Golden, Temple -- Temple has gotten better every year Golden has been in charge and this could be his best season yet. If the Owls challenge for the MAC East, which they have the personnel to do, Golden should win the coach of the year award for the turnaround of the program.

8. Game of the year: MAC Championship, Dec. 4 -- Last year's MAC title game was the best and most surprising game of the season. This year's game could be equally as interesting especially since many believe Central Michigan should run away with the title and no one's talking about the threats in the East.

9. Surprise team of the year: Temple -- The Owls are a team no one is talking about and that's probably a big mistake. The Owls finished third in the East last season and were a game away from bowl eligibility. Behind a new (unnamed) starting quarterback, they should be much improved this season.

10. Team that will disappoint: Ball State -- After a fantastic 2008 campaign, the Cardinals are going to have a little trouble getting back to the top of the MAC West, especially with Central Michigan and Western Michigan poised to have stellar seasons behind senior quarterbacks. Still, the season will be a good learning experience for Page and new head coach Stan Parrish.