Coach: Donald Hill-Eley (first season)

Last year: 2-9, 1-7

Conference: Mid-Eastern Athletic

Radio: WEAA (88.9 FM)

Stadium: Hughes (10,000)

Offense: Multiple pro

Defense: 4-3

Top returning players: K Jon Vorosholin, DB Derrell Poland, WR-RB T.J. Stallings, QB Lejominick Washington, SS Thomas Potts, LB Albert Gamble, OL Yannick Boka, TE Vishante Shancoe

Top newcomers: QB Bradshaw Littlejohn, DT Temillolu Omatade, LB Ricardo Scott

Strengths: A fresh approach by a new coaching staff should aid Morgan, which has been in the throes of losing records for more than two decades. Experience is a plus, with eight starters returning on both sides of the ball. Depth is also abundant.

Weaknesses: The team must have some early success to turn around the negative thinking of the past. Three games in 15 days at the start of the season could take a toll. There is no one to shoulder the load carried by departed offensive workhorse Ali Culpepper.

Strongest opponent: Florida A&M.; The third game will tell the Bears their status in the league. The two-time defending champs are favored to win again with the addition of fromer TCU quarterback Casey Printers and a host of junior-college linemen.

Key game: Gardner-Webb. If Morgan can launch itself with a victory in the opener, it could be a productive season at Cold Spring and Hillen.