Teams with the least returning starters for the 2012 season.
New Mexico State 4
The Aggies return fewer starters than any team in the country. On offense, both tackles and a wide receiver return, while the defense will only see the return of the starting strong side linebacker. Most of the recruits coming into the program are junior college transfers.
Air Force 6
The Falcons return just three starters on both their offense and defense. Don't expect Air Force to go to their sixth consecutive bowl with the addition of three former WAC teams to the Mountain West this season.
Penn State 6
With the recent departures of returning starters Silas Redd and Justin Brown, Penn State is going into the 2012 campaign with just six starters from 2011. Redd and Brown combined for most of the Nittany Lions' offense. Penn State will probably not be relevant in college football this season.
Temple 7
Things are setting up badly for Temple in 2012. The team lost Bernard Pierce in the NFL draft and has moved back to the Big East after a seven year absence. Only two starters return on offense. Preseason rags are predicting the Owls to go 1-6 in conference games.
Boise State 7
After years of dominance, 2012 looks to be the year the Broncos drop off. Only one returning starter comes back on defense. Who will replace Kellen Moore? Chris Petersen has got to be nervous about facing Michigan State on national television August 31st.
Idaho 7
The Vandals are in a precarious position. They were 111th in offense and 101st in defense last season. With few starters returning, it will be hard to return to a bowl for the first time since 2009. The only positive note is that the WAC is very watered-down with the departures of Fresno State, Nevada, and Hawaii.
