Hoping to fix a defense which surrendered 37 or more points in nine games last season, coach Rick Minter has scrapped the "46" defense for a more traditional 4-3. It's as good a time as any to switch defenses because the Bearcats return just two starters on the defensive side of the ball. There's not much more coming back on offense, either -- only three starters return. In fact, experience is at a premium throughout the roster. There are only nine seniors on the two-deep depth charts and just one of four team captains is a senior.

DeMarco McCleskey, last year's top rusher, was indicted in July for rape after being suspended during the spring. Under the school's zero-tolerance program, he was immediately suspended and has since left school. In his place, the Bearcats will turn to senior Robert Cooper and sophomore Nathan Wize. Three starters are gone off the offensive line, but that's not as bad as it sounds. Several backups saw action last season because of injuries to starters. The strength of the line should be center Doug Rosfeld, one of the league's best linemen.

The biggest boost for the defense might come on the line, where junior college transfers Mario Monds, Greg Lee and Kirk Thompson are expected to step right in. The secondary features the defense's other returning starter in free safety Freddy Smith, although he is moving to strong safety and isn't even assured of a starting spot. The move allows Tinker Keck to get his old spot back. Keck, who missed most of last season with a torn ACL, was an all-conference performer in 1997 when he made 73 tackles and four interceptions. Danny Adams looks set at one cornerback spot; the other is up for grabs.