Conference USA Football Media Days will be held next weekend in Dallas, a sign that the college football season is rapidly approaching.

From now until July 25, when the C-USA West Division teams kick things off Monday afternoon, The News-Star is starting a blog series titled "6 for '16" to discuss a six-pack of relevant topics in C-USA as it pertains to the 2016 season.

Monday's topic centers around the six teams in the West and how the race for the crown will be handicapped. The odds shown are for winning the conference and not limited to the West Division.

Southern Miss

2015 record: 9-5 (7-1)
2015 order of finish: First
Bovada odds: 9/4 (+230)
5Dimes: +255
Offensive starters returning/lost: 7/4
Defensive starters returning/lost: 6/5
Special teams starters returning/lost: 3/1
Key returners: QB Nick Mullens, RB Ito Smith, C Cameron Tom, S D'Nerius Antoine
Key losses: WR Mike Thomas, DB Kalan Reed
Overview: Southern Miss is the favorite for all the right reasons. As the defending champions, the Golden Eagles haven't done much to make us think they'll relinquish their title anytime soon. With Mullens back, USM should have little issue holding the title as the best offense in the league. The defense loses some playmakers, but the offense can produce enough fireworks to win most days/nights. The one wildcard is how the Golden Eagles fair with new coach Jay Hopson after Todd Monken left for the NFL.

Louisiana Tech

2015 record: 9-4 (6-2)
2015 order of finish: Second
Bovada odds: 6/1 (+600)
5Dimes: 13/2 (+650)
Offensive starters returning/lost: 6/5
Defensive starters returning/lost: 3/8
Special teams starters returning/lost: 3/0
Key returners: WR Trent Taylor, S Xavier Woods, DE Jaylon Ferguson
Key losses: QB Jeff Driskel, RB Kenneth Dixon, DT Vernon Butler
Overview: Tech was probably headed toward a transition year in 2016 before reeling in several JUCO additions and three key graduate transfers. The Bulldogs lose a ton, especially on defense, with the linebackers and secondary especially bare in terms of experience in a Bulldog uniform. A tough early-season schedule won't help, but Tech can lean on a senior quarterback, an elite wide receiver corps and its strongest line under Skip Holtz.

Rice 

2015 record: 5-7 (3-5)
2015 order of finish: Fifth
Bovada odds: 20/1 (+2,000)
5Dimes: 23/1 (+2,300)
Offensive starters returning/lost: 7/4
Defensive starters returning/lost: 9/2
Special teams starters returning/lost: 3/1
Key returners: RB Darik Dillard, LB Alex Lyons
Key losses: QB Driphus Jackson
Overview: Pegged as one of the top teams to contend for a title in 2015, Rice floundered big time with a fifth-place finish. Maybe the seat is starting to get warm for coach David Bailiff, maybe not. What we do know is he's an experienced coach and is known for turning programs around. He's not new to Rice, but he can certainly lift the Owls right back to the top of the West race similar to 2014 when they challenged Tech for the title.

UTEP

2015 record: 5-7 (3-5)
2015 order of finish: Fourth
Bovada odds: 25/1 (+2,500)
5Dimes: 30/1 (+3,000)
Offensive starters returning/lost: 8/3
Defensive starters returning/lost: 6/5
Special teams starters returning/lost: 3/2
Key returners: RB Aaron Jones, LB Alvin Jones
Key losses: WR Autrey Golden, LB Jimmy Musgrave, C Eric Lee
Overview: The odds-makers peg UTEP as the No. 4 team in C-USA, although I seem to always have the Miners higher in my preseason predictions only to watch them crash and burn. Injuries marred UTEP's season last year. Star tailback Aaron Jones returns in 2016 behind what should be another rugged team coached by Sean Kugler. Maybe this is the year UTEP breaks through.

UTSA

2015 record: 3-9 (3-5)
2015 order of finish: Fourth
Bovada odds: 100/1 (+10,000)
5Dimes: 125/1 (+12,500)
Offensive starters returning/lost: 7/4
Defensive starters returning/lost: 5/6
Special teams starters returning/lost: 2/0
Key returners: RB Jarveon Williams, WR Kerry Thomas Jr., S Michael Egwuagu
Key losses: TE David Morgan, S Duke Wheeler 
Overview: This is the sleeper of the arms race. UTSA made a splash by changing the tires in the offseason with the departure of national title winner Larry Coker and the hiring of rising star Frank Wilson, LSU's former top assistant. We know Wilson can recruit, but can he coach? That's the main question. His vision may take a few years to resonate in San Antonio.

North Texas

2015 record: 1-11 (1-7)
2015 order of finish: Sixth
Bovada odds: 100/1 (+10,000)
5Dimes: 175/1 (+17,500)
Offensive starters returning/lost: 5/6
Defensive starters returning/lost: 8/3
Special teams starters returning/lost: 3/2
Key returners: RB Jeffrey Wilson, DB Kishawn McClain
Key losses: WR Carlos Harris
Overview: North Texas may be ready to compete quicker than most think. UNT should be more competitive than the 1-11 laugher of a season it put up in 2015. Equipped with new coach Seth Littrell, UNT will open the offense up and rely on its playmakers. The problem is C-USA has plenty of those. At some point, offense can only do so much before the defense needs to make a stand.