If there was an actual league for the independents, Notre Dame would likely have won it for the last 10 years -- and that hasn't exactly been one of the greater stretches in Irish history.

Independent status has become college football's dinosaur, and it's nearing extinction because just about everyone other than the Irish wants the strength in numbers that comes with conference affiliation.

But when you have your own TV deal and don't have to share BCS revenues with anyone else, the upside of independence is difficult to relinquish. Last season, ND almost grabbed that $13 million BCS payday for the second time in three years.

	Inside the Independents
	Can the UConn offense be even better this year? How many miles will Troy State go for a win this season? And is a switch to the 3-4 enough to help Navy's defense? Find out in the Independents team-by-team story lines.

It was an almost magical season in South Bend -- one that mixed cause for concern with great optimism. Notre Dame did not score an offensive touchdown in either its first two games or its last two games, but it still managed to exceed all expectations under first-year head coach Tyrone Willingham.

The Irish won their first eight games and seemed like a virtual lock to play in a major bowl. Then, an unexpected home loss to BC turned momentum toward a near disaster at 1-7 Navy followed by one of the worst beatings in school history at the hands of USC.

After the dust settled, it was hard not to wonder what it all meant about the start of the Willingham era. Will future teams be more like the one that stepped up to the challenge against Michigan and Florida State, or will they be more like the squad that couldn't move the ball in the final two games?

Time will tell, of course, but it might not be fair to use the next three or four months as an indicator. The Irish must replace four starters on the offensive line, and departed WR Arnaz Battle and CB Shane Walton were two of the team's top playmakers in 2002.

Notre Dame fans have loftier expectations, but an eight-win season would be a solid encore for Willingham. After all, the last two times ND had nine or more wins and a New Year's Day bowl appearance, it was followed with a losing record the next year.

As for the other independents, their numbers are dwindling. Only Connecticut, Navy and Troy State are also members of the club this season, and of that group, only Navy won't be part of a conference in 2004.

Army will join its military brethren in 2005 after serving its final two years in Conference USA, but don't expect anyone else to choose the independent designation. Newly approved provisional I-A member Florida A&M is already seeking conference affiliation before playing a single game at the major college level.

The winds of change are blowing through college football, and everyone wants to be where the money is.

Game of the Year
Navy at Notre Dame, Nov. 8. You have to admit that the Middies are due. Despite holding an eight-point lead with five minutes remaining in last year's game, they lost to the Irish for the 39th straight time, extending the NCAA record for dominance of one opponent over another. Chances are it won't be as close this season, but if Navy does manage to break the streak, it will certainly be a large story.

Offensive Player of the Year
Terry Caulley, RB, Connecticut. Last season, Caulley was the nation's leading freshman rusher, ranking 10th overall at 125 yards per game -- the best average for a true freshman since Ron Dayne in 1996. At only 5-foot-7, Caulley depends on speed and elusiveness and is a threat to go the distance on any play. With four starters returning on the offensive line -- and considering that he only saw action in 10 games last year -- there's a good chance his numbers will improve in 2003.

Defensive Player of the Year
Courtney Watson, LB, Notre Dame. A finalist for the Butkus Award as the nation's best linebacker last year, Watson was at the center of the defense that made everything happen for the Irish. He led the team with 90 tackles and also intercepted four passes, one of which he returned for a TD. If Notre Dame has another good season in 2003, Watson will probably be a big reason why.

Brad Edwards is a researcher for ESPN.