| 2008 overall record: 6-6 2008 conference record: 4-4  Returning starters Offense: 7, defense: 4, punter/kicker: 1 Top returners QB Tyler Sheehan, OL Ben BoJicic, S P.J. Mahone, S Jahmal Brown, OL Brady Minturn, OL Shane Steffy, LB Jerett Sanderson Key losses LB Diyral Briggs, LB John Haneline, LB Erique Dozier, RB Anthony Turner, WR Corey Partridge, WR Marques Parks, CB Kenny Lewis, CB Antonio Smith 2008 statistical leaders (* returners) Rushing: Anthony Turner (400 yards)
Passing: Tyler Sheehan* (2,610 yards)
Receiving: Corey Partridge (562 yards)
Tackles: P.J. Mahone* (95)
Sacks: Diyral Briggs (13.5)
Interceptions: Kenny Lewis (4) Spring answers | 2009 Schedule | | Sept. 3 Troy
Sept. 12 at Missouri
Sept. 19 at Marshall
Sept. 26 Boise State
Oct. 3 Ohio
Oct. 10 at Kent State
Oct. 17 at Ball State
Oct. 24 Central Michigan
Nov. 3 at Buffalo
Nov. 12 at Miami OH
Nov. 20 Akron
Nov. 27 Toledo
| | | 1. Clawson expects alot from Sheehan: New head coach Dave Clawson said he saw a lot of potential in quarterback Tyler Sheehan this spring. The senior's number slipped off a little bit last season, but he's still regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in the conference. This will be his third year as starter. 2. Run game looks strong: Clawson said he wanted to put more of an emphasis on the Falcons' run game and during the spring game it looked like the call had been answered. Led by Steven Dunlap, the Falcons managed 221 yards on 56 carries. 3. Barnes poised for big return: Despite injuries, Barnes finished second on the team in receiving last season with 40 catches for 355 yards and should be the Falcons premier receiver this coming year. Barnes actually led the team in receptions in 2007. Fall questions 1. Defense still adjusting: The Falcons' defense returns just four starters and is still adjusting to the new defensive scheme installed by the new coaching staff. The new defense will feature three, four and five-man fronts, but none of them were mastered in the spring. 2. Finding a feature back: Although the running game looks strong, the Falcons have not had a back separate himself from the pack. This might not be a problem if Clawson intends to have a running back by committee system, which could work with several backs standing out in the spring. 3. Building a defensive line: The Falcons dismissed their only returning defensive lineman -- tackle Michael Ream -- before spring practice ended, leaving the Falcons coaching staff with a very green unit. The Falcons already struggled against the rush and this should make things infinitely more difficult. | 
Watson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Missouri Tigers and the Big 12 Conference for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. She also covered college football recruiting for the Dallas Morning News.
