Philadelphia, PA -- (Sports Network) - 2007 SEASON IN REVIEW: The Army Black Knights finished 3-9 in the first year under head coach Stan Brock. Statistically, they ranked toward the bottom of the FBS in most offensive and defensive categories. Their only victories came against the likes of Rhode Island, Temple and Tulane. With the exception of a season-opening 22-14 loss at Akron, each of Army's losses were by a double- digit margin. The Black Knights closed out the season with six straight setbacks, each one seemingly more lopsided than the previous. With a plethora of underclassmen thrust into key roles, not to mention a new coaching regime, 2007 can easily be labeled a transition year. Still, losing seasons have become the norm at West Point, and the athletic department didn't turn to Brock to post three-win seasons.

2008 ANALYSIS:

OFFENSE: Brock wants to go back to the option, which may not be a bad idea considering the more traditional pro set hasn't produced many wins this decade. The Black Knights certainly have the personnel, with a bunch of running backs but not many proven receivers.

Carson Williams will start the season under center, though he will need to prove to the Black Knights coaching staff that he's got a good grasp of the new offense. Last year, after assuming the starting role in Week 2, Williams guided an Army offense that ranked 95th in passing. He also threw more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (11). For his career, he's thrown 16 TDs and 22 INTs.

If for no other reason than the design of the offense, the running game has nowhere to go but up, after ranking 111th in the nation last season. Army fans remember fondly senior Tony Dace's 104 rushing yards against Navy, the best single-game rushing performance by an Army back in the last three. Sophomore Patrick Mealy (94 carries, 302 yards) had a couple of bland starts last year, though he figures to play into the mix again, as will junior Ian Smith (27 carries, 157 yards). Tony Moore, who rushed for five TDs as a freshman, is back after missing the 2007 campaign with a hip injury.

The most notable departure is Jeremy Trimble, the school's all-time leader in catches, receiving yards and touchdowns. Senior Mike Wright, with all of 21 career catches, is the most experienced pass catcher on this year's roster. If his nagging hamstring injury is no longer an issue, speedster Damion Hunter figures to see plenty of action. The offensive line has a good bit of starting experience, although they struggled most of the season.

DEFENSE: The Black Knights last year allowed 423 ypg, and they ranked 117th in run defense (233 ypg). The most notable returner is junior defensive tackle Ted Bentler (6-2, 280), an Iowa transfer who logged a team-high three sacks in 2007. Defensive tackle Mike Gann (6-2, 270) also saw plenty of time, as did defensive ends Victor Ugenyi (6-3, 253) and Nicholas Emmons (6-4, 250).

Senior middle linebacker Frank Scappaticci (6-1, 224) heads the linebacking corps. Scappaticci had 89 tackles (six TFL) in 12 starts last year. One of the unit's rising stars is SAM linebacker John Plumstead (5-10, 222), who amassed 43 tackles (6.5 TFL) and two sacks despite not cracking the starting lineup until the final three games.

If the defensive line isn't able to apply some pressure, the inexperienced secondary will once again be left out on an island. Senior cornerback Josh Mitchell heads this unit, as he steps into a more prominent role after starting only three games last year. In his limited action, Mitchell did manage a pair of interceptions, including one he returned 65 yards for a score. Penciled in at the other corner spot is sophomore Jordan Trimble, younger brother of Jeremy. The Black Knights will be breaking in two new starters at the safety positions.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Senior Adam DeMarco, last year's backup kicker, will handle the field goals, while sophomore Matt Campbell is slated to handle kickoffs. Senior Andy Rinehard will attempt to replace punter Owen Tolson, the school's second all-time leading punter. The player with perhaps the biggest void to fill is Carlo Sandiego, Jeremy Trimble's replacement at punt and kick returner. The next return Sandiego logs will be his first at the collegiate level. Speedster Damion Hunter, who averaged nearly 20 yards per kick return in 2006, could also see time.

OUTLOOK: On paper, there isn't a whole lot of evidence to support the idea of a major turnaround at West Point. But from all accounts, coach Brock really has his players buying into the whole team mentality. Of course, should Army sputter out of the gate, that "team" mindset will quickly be put to the test. The defense, and especially the secondary, will likely struggle to compete. Army's "winnable" games are against New Hampshire, Temple and Buffalo. That's pretty much it, which is fine with coach Brock.

"I love the way the schedule is laid out," he said. "Not one of the teams we play is going to be easy for us. There are no guaranteed wins on the schedule. Our goal is to go out every week and play to the best of our ability. If we go out and compete every single week, I think well be pleased with the results."

Expecting an improvement upon last season's win total may be a bit optimistic. The Black Knights still have to crawl before they can walk.