Granted, Utah and San Diego State are loaded with many of the newly expanded league's current stars, but don't expect the Cowboys to just ride off into the Laramie sunset without a fight.

Sixth-year Wyoming head coach Joe Tiller welcomes back 19 returning starters from a 6-5 team that won its last three games of the 1995 season, including a 34-31 victory over the Aztecs at Jack Murphy Stadium.

The Cowboys are blessed with one of the nation's best wide receivers and an offensive front that can block out the sun.

Senior Marcus Harris, who has 150 receptions for 2,868 yards and 25 touchdowns in his career, is a Heisman Trophy candidate.

The first-team All-American has the opportunity to become the only receiver in NCAA history to produce three consecutive 1,400-yard seasons. He was second nationally last year in receiving yards with 1,423, and sixth in receptions with 78.

"Those individual marks are fine and good, but what I really want to do is help us win a WAC title," the 6-2, 216-pound Minneapolis resident said.

"This is my last chance. It would be great to end my college career with a win at the Holiday Bowl."

Tiller isn't ready to talk title just yet. Since taking over for the legendary Paul Roach in 1991, the Cowboys are a mediocre 29-28-1. Not to say Tiller hasn't had his moments on the field, but being a serious contender for a conference championship hasn't been one of them.

That could change this season thanks to 10 returning starters on offense, eight on defense and arguably the best place-kicker in the league since Hawaii's Jason Elam.

"But it's like I told our guys last spring, potential doesn't put wins on the scoreboard," Tiller said. "In order to succeed, you have to perform on the football field each and every weekend.

"Led by Steve Scifres, we've got an experienced offensive line and I believe the premier kicker in the league in Cory Wedel. We also have a talented secondary.

"But as I said, none of this translates to wins without performance and effort. We have the potential to be a good football team and hopefully can contend for a title if we reach that potential."

For that to happen, Harris, quarterback Josh Wallwork and running back Len Sexton must make the most of an offensive line that averages 6-4 and 290 pounds.

Scifres is a serious Outland Trophy candidate, and provides the pass protection and run blocking that makes Wyoming's high octane offense go.

"Steve is one of those guys who will be playing football on Sunday," Tiller said. "He is a great leader to a bunch of guys who are willing to work hard.

"Wallwork will be our starting quarterback, despite a bad spring. But if he falters, we won't hesitate to put in Jeremy Silcox."

Wallwork finished 10th in the nation in passing efficiency by tossing 21 touchdowns and throwing for 2,363 yards. Off-season surgery hampered him this spring.

Tiller said Sexton also had a bad spring. He rushed for five touchdowns and 810 yards in 1995, but redshirt freshman Tim Beasley caught everyone's eye in practice.

Defensively, Tiller expects Wyoming to be as good as last year, and maybe even better due to depth and experience.

"I like our defense, Tiller said. "I feel our strength is in the secondary, which is important in a passing league like ours. Our weakness is at defensive end, but we are strong at tackle."

The Cowboys yielded 370 yards and 28 points a game last season, not bad by WAC standards. They also appear solid in the kicking game with Wedel, although the punter won't be settled until after fall camp.

Wedel connected on 14 of 18 field goals and all 39 of his extra points en route to scoring 81 points last season. He also is outstanding on kickoffs.

"Overall, I feel like we have a solid nucleus coming back," Tiller said. "What I like is the commitment on and off the field. Obviously, we're very excited about the upcoming season."

Game day Sept. 14
Where Laramie, Wyo.
Starters back 19
Last meeting UW 52, UH 6
Series record UW 10, UH 8