Nevada

College Basketball Lines: Tuesday, November 18th

Shawn Siegel — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:11:26 -0500

Betting odds are a great guide to college basketball action. Unlike fans, who often ride the wave of media predictions, betting lines tend to be a bit more focused and can give you an objective picture of how teams matchup (though lines too can get caught up in the wave of human emotion).

Think some of the lines are misguided? Have upset picks to announce? Discuss tonight's lines below

November 18th: College Basketball Lines

7:00

Georgia Southern
at Florida

Favorite

Florida by 23

Over/Under

7:00

VCU
at Western Michigan

Favorite

VCU by 6.5

Over/Under

7:30

Toledo
at Cincinnati

Favorite

Cincinnati by 21

Over/Under

8:00

Utah St.
at Utah

Favorite

Utah by 2.5

Over/Under

8:00

Butler
at Northwestern

Favorite

Butler by 3.5

Over/Under

8:00

Nebraska
at Saint Louis

Favorite

Nebraska by 1

Over/Under

9:00

Western Carolina
at Texas

Favorite

Texas by 26

Over/Under

10:30

Nevada
at UNLV

Favorite

UNLV by 5.5

Over/Under

Favorite

Over/Under

- Lines as of 11:00 am (from BETUS) - Check all the day's live odds as the day progresses, including odds from other betting sites.

College Hoops Wednesday: Your Commentary

Raphielle Johnson — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:32:17 -0500

Wednesday sets up to be a light day in regards to games of national interest but there are two games out west that you should pay attention to. Nevada makes the trek from Reno to Las Vegas, taking on in-state rival UNLV in arguably the game of the night while Utah State visits Utah. A pair of Top 10 teams are in action as well with Texas hosting Western Carolina while Butler visits Northwestern in Evanston. In terms of games on television viewers can catch of glimpse of Cincinnati on ESPN 360 as they take on Toledo in their final tune-up before the Maui Invitational, and Nebraska visits St. Louis on the same platform.

TV GAMES

Western Carolina @ #3 Texas - 8PM - ESPNU
#10 Butler @ Northwestern - 8PM - Big Ten Network
Utah State @ Utah - 8PM - The Mtn.
Nevada @ UNLV - 10:30PM - The Mtn.

OTHER GAMES

Virginia Commonwealth @ Western Michigan - 7PM
Mount St. Mary's @ American - 7:30PM
Toledo @ Cincinnati - 7:30PM - ESPN360
Nebraska @ St. Louis - 8PM - ESPN360
Oral Roberts @ Stanford - 10PM

ONE PREDICTION

Utah State over Utah: Stew Morrill annually does one of the better coaching jobs nationally and he's got yet another experienced team with four returning starters. With Gary Wilkinson being the lone starter not returning the Aggies will look more to their backcourt, featuring Tyler Newbold and Jared Quayle. Forwards Tai Wesley and Nate Bendall will need to hold their own up front against the Utes but they should be fine in that area. As for the Utes, Jim Boylen's team gave up ninety-four points to Idaho in their season opener and they'll need to shore up the defense on Wednesday night. Looking for a good highlight? Utah's Carlton Brown may be your man.

WAC Basketball Preview: 2009-10

CHN — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:52:28 -0500

Nevada has perhaps the league's best player in Luke Babbitt, but a lack of depth should help keep the likes of Utah State and NMSU in the midst of the league race. .

Conference Rank: 11th

10 year average: 11th

Conference Page

All-WAC Team
Pos.	Player	Team	Yr.

G	Jahmar Young	Nevada	So
G	Mac Hopson	Idaho	Sr
G	Roderick Flemings	Hawaii	Sr
G/F	Jared Quayle	Utah State	Sr
F	Luke Babbitt	Nevada	Fr

Player of the Year - Luke Babbitt Freshman of the Year - Greg Smith (Fresno)
CHN Award Winners		Returning Leaders
CHN All-Americans Luke Babbitt High-Major All-Americans Luke Babbitt (1st Team) Mac Hopson (3rd) Roderick Flemings Armon Johnson Jared Quayle Jahmar Young All-Freshman Greg Smith		Points: Jahmar Young 17.9 Rebounds: Wendell McKines 10.0 Assists: Mac Hopson 5.9 Team Points: New Mexico State 76.3

WAC Standings
Nat'l	Team	League	Tourney

46	Nevada	WAC	1	NCAA
51	Utah State	WAC	2	NIT
75	New Mexico St	WAC	3	NIT
105	Boise State	WAC	4	CBI/CIT
146	Idaho	WAC	5
169	Fresno State	WAC	6
185	Louisiana Tech	WAC	7
197	San Jose State	WAC	8
255	Hawaii	WAC	9

*Click on links for full Top 144 team preview

Poll: Who Do You Think Will Win the WAC?

College Basketball Preview - 348 Team Ranking - Alphabetical Ranks/Previews

College Basketball: Preseason High-Major All-Americans

CHN — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:27:33 -0500

CollegeHoops.net's Preseason High-Major All-America Team is led by Tulsa big man Jerome Jordan, a potential First Round NBA pick. Jordan, along with the likes of Luke Babbitt and Chris Wright, is part of an impressive forward crop in this year's High-Majors. BYU, Illinois State, Memphis, Nevada, and Tulsa are the only schools with multiple players on the list.

The CollegeHoops.net All-American teams are voted on by staff writers. Coming up later this week is CHN's Mid-Major All-America team.

CollegeHoops.net Preseason High-Major Player of the Year: Jerome Jordan (Tulsa)

CollegeHoops.net First Team High-Major All-America

Jimmer Fredette	BYU	JR	G
Osiris Eldridge	Illinois St	SR	G
Chris Wright	Dayton	SO	F
Luke Babbitt	Nevada	SO	F
Jerome Jordan	Tulsa	SR	C

CollegeHoops.net Second Team High-Major All-America

Kevin Anderson	Richmond	JR	G
Ricky Harris	UMASS	SR	G
Aubrey Coleman	Houston	SR	G
Jonathan Tavernari	BYU	JR	F
Andrew Nicholson	St. Bonaventure	SO	F

CollegeHoops.net Third Team High-Major All-America

P'Allen Stinnett	Creighton	JR	G
Josh Young	Drake	SR	G
Mac Hopson	Idaho	SR	G
Lavoy Allen	Temple	JR	F
Adam Koch	Northern Iowa	SR	F

CollegeHoops.net Honorable Mention High-Major All-American

Jordan Crawford	Xavier	SO	G
Kevin Dillard	Southern Illinois	SO	G
Roderick Flemings	Hawaii	SR	F
Rodney Green	La Salle	SR	G
Armon Johnson	Nevada	SO	G
Willie Kemp	Memphis	SR	G
Roman Martinez	New Mexico	SR	F
Afam Muojeke	Wyoming	SO	G
Dinma Odiakosa	Illinois State	SR	F
Jared Quayle	Utah State	SR	G
Roburt Sallie	Memphis	JR	G
Ben Uzoh	Tulsa	JR	G
Billy White	San Diego St	JR	F
Jahmar Young	New Mexico St	JR	G

Includes players from the following leagues: A10, CUSA, MVC, MWC, WAC (the 5 leagues historically ranked highest behind the BCS conferences).

Other CollegeHoops.net Preseason Awards

- National All-Americans

- Preseason All-Freshman Team

Poll: Who Will Win the WAC?

Shawn Siegel — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:06:17 -0400

Thursday/Friday Football Preview

Raphielle Johnson — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:58:41 -0400

Two of the nation's top 20 offenses get together in Columbia tonight (9 PM on ESPN) for a game that will go a long way in shaping the Big 12 North race. #21 Nebraska (3-1, 0-0 Big 12) visits #24 Missouri (4-0, 0-0) in hopes if getting back to their dominant ways in this series. Gary Pinkel's Tigers have won four of the last six in the series, including the last three meetings in Columbia by an average of 23 points per contest. Things should be a lot closer tonight, and the Huskers may even leave with a victory provided they take full advantage of their scoring opportunities.

That's what cost them in their one defeat of the year, an 16-15 loss at Virginia Tech last month. Nebraska moved the ball throughout due to the production of QB Zac Lee and RB Roy Helu Jr. but could not finish in the red zone. That ultimately cost them when the Hokies finally woke up offensively late. Not falling into that same trap is key tonight because they face an offense that has proven to be nearly as explosive as the 2008 edition even with key personnel losses.

Sophomore QB Blaine Gabbert has made the transition from seldom-used backup to starter in grand fashion, leading the Big 12 in pass efficiency while throwing for over 1,100 yards and eleven touchdowns with no interceptions. And while the skil position players haven't become household names in the fashion of Jeremy Maclin and Chase Coffman they have been productive, especially receivers Danario Alexander and Jared Perry.

Given the nature of both offenses this game will likely come down to which defense can make the key stops. Nebraska has the statistical edge, ranking fourth in the Big 12 in total defense while the Tigers are eighth in that category. Bo Pelini also has one of the nation's best defensive ends in senior Ndamukong Suh, and the Blackshirts will need to live up to the tradition of their name if Nebraska is to beat Missouri on the road.

The pick here: Missouri, due to their recent dominance in the series and they're defense should be able to do enough to slow down Helu Jr. on the ground. Tigers by a touchdown.

Friday: Louisiana Tech (2-2, 1-0 WAC) @ Nevada (1-3, 0-0) 9 PM on ESPN

Two of the expected challengers to Boise State will play on Friday night in Reno with the home team looking to build upon the momentum gained in their 63-28 beating of in-state rival UNLV last week. Nevada has had few problems in regards to offensive production outside of their shutout loss to Notre Dame but turnovers have been a killer in their three losses.

For the season Chris Ault's team is a minus-12 in turnover margin, with Nevada giving the ball away fourteen times (ten lost fumbles). They were even a minus-3 against the Rebels but when you put up 773 yards of offense the turnovers can be accounted for. Mike Ball (184 yards), Colin Kaepernick (173 yards) and Luke Lippincott (170 yards) were outstanding last week in helping the Wolf Pack rush for 559 yards last week, so if starting RB Vai Taua (elbow) can't go tomorrow night then it won't be a huge issue.

But they will receive a stiffer test from the Bulldogs, who had a solid night on the ground last Wednesday against Hawaii in their conference opener. Daniel Porter led the way for Derek Dooley's team on the ground against the Warriors, rushing for 160 of Louisiana Tech's 352 rushing yards, and Nevada will also have to account for WR Phillip Livas. What may do them in on the road however is their rushing defense (allowing 187 ypg), which ranks seventh in the conference.

Going up against a rushing attack that's tied for third nationally, Tech will need to hope that the Wolf Pack are charitable with the football on Friday night. Look for Kaepernick and company to do a better job of ball security.

Nevada Basketball Preview: #46

Joel Welser — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:44:36 -0400

Overall Rank: #46

Conference Rank: #1 Western Athletic Conference

2008-09: 21-13, 11-5

2008-09 postseason: CBI

Coach: David Carter (First year at Nevada, 0-0 overall)

Coach Mark Fox left Nevada for Georgia and new Coach David Carter has taken over the reigns at Nevada. Coach Carter has been an assistant with Nevada for ten years and certainly knows the program and the players. Besides losing a couple recruits, the Wolf Pack should have a smooth transition from one coach to another.

Key Losses: G Lyndale Burleson, F Malik Cooke

Key Newcomers:

Despite the loss of some recruits, Nevada still has some decent players coming into the program. Walk-on transfer Keith Olson is the most likely to make an impact this season. The 6-9 power forward will have to wait until December to play but the former Northern Arizona Lumberjack is a quality big man when he is healthy. Marko Cukic will also get the opportunity to provide some depth up front. Point guard Keith Fuetsch and wing Patrick Nyeko round out the recruiting class. Fellow incoming freshmen Devonte Elliott and Jerry Evans will at least miss the first semester for academic reasons and even if they are eligible after the fall semester will probably redshirt barring an injury to one of the key returning players.

Backcourt:

The newcomers may have to provide some depth, but there are six players returning who are quite experienced. On the perimeter the superstar is point guard Armon Johnson. As a sophomore last season Johnson tallied 15.5 points and 4.3 assists per contest. He is not much of a shooter, but he obviously can find ways to score. At 6-3 he even has good size for a point guard and he uses that size to help out on the glass and get to the basket. Brandon Fields was the team’s sixth man last year, but he has starting experience. Even in limited action he averaged 9.1 points per game. Nevada hopes Ray Kraemer can take over the sixth man duties after seeing limited minutes last season. The senior is a pretty good shooter and could provide a spark off the bench if he can hold off the newcomers for playing time.

Frontcourt:

Dario Hunt started 27 games last year, but it was Joey Shaw who emerged as the bigger scoring threat. Like Fields in the backcourt, Shaw spent the season coming in off the bench, but now he will likely step into a starting role. The 6-6 senior is a decent shooter and will use his size and strength to attack the basket. That size and strength also comes in handy on the glass. Hunt does more of the dirty work around the basket. He is not much of a scorer, but he is a great shot blocker and a decent rebounder. Most importantly, he clears up space for Luke Babbitt.

Who to Watch:

Babbitt was one of the most hyped recruits ever to play for Nevada and he certainly lived up to the hype. As a freshman he led the team with 16.9 points and 7.4 rebounds. He even hit more three-pointers than anybody else on the team and connected on 42.9 percent of those attempts. Defending against a 6-9, 225 pound center who hits three-pointers that consistently is nearly impossible. Of course Babbitt will score in the paint as well and most teams have no choice but to simply foul him or let him have an easy bucket. But when you foul Babbitt it is almost like giving him two points anyway.

Final Projection:

With Babbitt and Johnson this team has two of the best, if not the best, players in the Western Athletic Conference. Fields, Shaw and Hunt are experienced players who are talented enough to make this team about more than just two players. The WAC is getting much more competitive after bottoming out two years ago and Nevada will end up on top of the conference if they can find enough depth to keep their legs fresh in March.

Projected Post-season Tournament: NCAA

Projected Starting Five:

Armon Johnson, Junior, Guard, 15.5 points per game

Brandon Fields, Senior, Guard, 9.1 points per game

Joey Shaw, Senior, Forward, 7.4 points per game

Dario Hunt, Sophomore, Forward, 3.6 points per game

Luke Babbitt, Sophomore, Forward, 16.9 points per game

Next Top 144 Teams
47		48		49		50

College Basketball Preview - 144 Teams in 144 Days - Alphabetical Ranks/Previews

Thursday/Friday Football Preview

Raphielle Johnson — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:31:54 -0400

After three weeks of the ACC the SEC takes center stage on Thursday night when #4 AP/5 Coaches Ole Miss (2-0) visits Columbia to take on South Carolina (2-1, 0-1 SEC) (7:30 PM on ESPN). Houston Nutt's Rebels haven't been tested thus far in blowouts of Memphis and Southeast Louisiana, two teams that had no answers from QB Jevan Snead and company. But that's a good thing for the Rebels, who had to deal with a flu bug that's run rampant through the locker room in recent weeks. Look for Ole Miss to be more than ready for this challenge.

"You are ready to play a game like this; it is going to be a great atmosphere," noted Coach Nutt earlier this week. "Our guys are looking forward to it. I know as coaches, we are. I think our players are even more so." The area in which the Rebels will need to improve is special teams (they rank 105th in net punting), and that phase of the game becomes even more important with much tougher opponents to deal with. Ole Miss hasn't won an SEC opener since 2003, and the Gamecocks won last season's meeting by the final score of 31-24.

South Carolina has looked much better on offense since their pedestrian performance at NC State (a 7-3 win), scoring 37 in a loss to Georgia and following that up with 38 points in their win over Florida Atlantic. QB Stephen Garcia has completed 62.7% of his passes this season, and his improvement as a signal caller is key for South Carolina with the graduation of top receivers Kenny McKinley and TE Jared Cook. Despite their struggles at Georgia the defense has been solid, ranking 15th nationally in total defense. To say the least Jevan Snead and company haven't seen a unit like this in 2009.

LB Eric Norwood is the SEC's best linebacker, but the secondary is young. If Dexter McCluster and company can take advantage of that youth Ole Miss make some big plays through the air. This will be a close affair but the Rebels will have enough to pull out a close road victory.

Friday: #21 Missouri (3-0) @ Nevada (0-2) 9 PM on ESPN

Chris Ault's team hasn't looked good at all in losses to Notre Dame and Colorado State; Friday night provides another shot at a solid opponent. Luckily for the Wolf Pack the game is in Reno, and that should mean a better showing from QB Colin Kaepernick and company. Nevada is a minus-8 in turnover margin through two games and the defense has yet to force a turnover. They're dead last nationally in turnover margin, 107th in total defense and 110th in scoring defense. In fact the only defensive category in which they don't rank in the triple digits is rushing defense...they rank 99th in that category.

They're going to have their hands full with a Missouri offense that has adjusted thus far to the many personnel losses. The Tigers rank 26th nationally in total offense and 20th in scoring offense, with sophomore QB Blaine Gabbert (68.1% comp., 8 passing TDs, 0 INT) ranking eleventh nationally (and first in the Big 12) in pass efficiency. Derrick Washington and Kendial Lawrence have done a good job in the running game, and receivers Danario Alexander and Jared Perry have gotten the job done in the passing game. It's not every day that you have to replace players the caliber of Chase Daniel, Jeremy Maclin and Chase Coffman but head coach Gary Pinkel has found the formula through three games.

The question for Missouri will be how they defend a player the caliber of Kaepernick. They held him in check in last year's 69-17 beating in Columbia, highlighting just how important he is to the Nevada attack. RB Vai Taua and WRs Brandon Wimberly and Tray Session must step up and make plays if the Wolf Pack are to entertain any thoughts of the upset. Nevada plays better than they did in their first two games but it won't be enough; Missouri wins a game that plays out closer than many expect it to.

The Ultimate Schedule: WAC

Raphielle Johnson — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:19:25 -0400

WAC Scheduling “Rules”:

- Five non-conference games (as a result of playing at Hawaii, you get to make up travel costs with an extra home game)

- Eight conference games

Week 1: Oregon @ Boise State (September 3^rd)

Things got a little heated in last season’s meeting, which was won by the Broncos. Boise State picked up two personal fouls for late hits, one of which resulted in an ejection (Oregon QB Jeremiah Masoli was knocked out of the game on one of those hits). Of course the rematch coincides with the new mandate that teams must shake hands prior to the game. Let’s just say that Masoli and friends were none too thrilled with that prospect, and RB LaGarrette Blount told Sports Illustrated’s Austin Murphy in the offseason that “we owe them an ass whuppin’.” The national media may place more focus on Alabama/ Virginia Tech, but this may be the game of the weekend.

Other Games Considered: Nevada @ Notre Dame (9/5), Louisiana Tech @ Auburn (9/5), Idaho @ New Mexico State (9/5)

Week 2: Louisiana Tech @ Navy (September 12^th)

Before playing Army last season the Bulldogs had never faced a service academy team in football. It probably wouldn’t be a good idea to mention that Louisiana Tech managed just 152 yards of offense in the 14-7 loss, and Navy’s a much better team than the Black Knights. But Derek Dooley’s team should perform better on offense this season with Ross Jenkins firmly entrenched as the starter.

The Bulldogs ranked second in the WAC and thirteenth nationally in rush defense, allowing opponents to rush for just under 104 yards per game. A performance like that against the team that’s led the nation in rushing each of the last four seasons would be improbable, but the Bulldogs just need to do enough to ensure a win.

Other Games Considered: Fresno State @ Wisconsin (9/12), Utah @ San Jose State (9/12)

Week 3: Boise State @ Fresno State (September 18^th)

The Bulldogs haven’t had much success against Boise State in recent years, dropping three straight and seven of the last eight meetings. If Pat Hill’s team wants to entertain any thoughts of winning the WAC they need to defend their home turf in front of a national television audience. Things got beyond out of hand on the “Smurf Turf” last season, with Boise State romping to a brutally efficient 61-10 win. Fresno State won’t be able to match the Broncos score for score; if the defense can slow down the vaunted BSU attack they just might stick around for a bit.

Other Games Considered: Nevada @ Colorado State (9/19), San Jose State @ Stanford (9/19)

Week 4: Missouri @ Nevada (September 25^th)

For the second consecutive season the Wolf Pack will host a team from the Big 12, and the thought of beating Missouri is a bit more realistic than beating Texas Tech last season. The Tigers will be working with a new quarterback (Blaine Gabbert) among other newcomers at the skill positions, and while the defense returns First Team All-Big 12 selection Sean Witherspoon (155 tackles) Colin Kaepernick could be in position to make some things happen. Things got out of hand in Columbia last season, with the Tigers blowing out Nevada 69-17. But Chase Daniel, Jeremy Maclin and Chase Coffman won’t be on the field in Reno, which gives the home team a puncher’s chance.

Other Games Considered: Fresno State @ Cincinnati (9/26), New Mexico State @ New Mexico (9/26)

Week 5: New Mexico State @ San Diego State (October 3^rd)

Not exactly a marquee game, but it is a matchup between two teams working with new coaching staffs. Brady Hoke and DeWayne Walker hope to change the culture at their respective schools, and a game like this could be a springboard into bigger things. You have to learn how to win before aspiring to win championships. The solutions for both teams go beyond one side of the football; they struggled on both sides of the ball in 2008. This will either be a low-scoring game because both teams struggle offensively or a high-scoring game due to the play of both defenses.

Other Games Considered: UNLV @ Nevada (10/3), Hawaii @ Louisiana Tech (9/30)

Week 6: Louisiana Tech @ Nevada (October 9^th)

The winner becomes Boise State’s biggest challenger while the loser has to hope for some serious help if they’re to remain a part of the championship chase. Nevada’s won the last four meetings, including coming back from a 31-14 deficit to steal a 35-31 decision in Ruston last year. The Bulldogs will need a big day from QB Ross Jenkins, but they won’t need to ask him to match Colin Kaepernick play for play. Both teams have the talent necessary to pose a threat to Boise State; whether or not they get to play the Broncos with something on the line will likely be decided by this game.

Other Game Considered: Fresno State @ Hawaii (10/10)

Week 7: Boise State @ Tulsa (October 14^th)

There could be some serious fireworks in Tulsa when the Broncos step onto the field. Two of the nation’s best offenses in 2008 are poised to rack up points in 2009, even though the Golden Hurricane haven’t decided on a starting quarterback just yet. G.J. Kinne, Jacob Bower and Shavodrick Beaver are all possibilities to start, and all three will likely see snaps. The options available to Tulsa head coach Todd Graham could make preparation a bit more difficult for the Broncos. This could be a game in which the team with the ball last wins.

Other Games Considered: San Jose State @ Fresno State (10/17), Nevada @ Utah State (10/17)

Week 8: Louisiana Tech @ Utah State (October 24^th)

There are some, despite the hiring of a new head coach, who believe that the Aggies can make a move up the WAC standings. But the Bulldogs have won the last four meetings and used a pair of pick-sixes to win 45-38 in Ruston last season. In order for Gary Andersen’s team to move up in the standings the defense needs to improve. Utah State ranked eighth in the conference in both scoring and total defense. Hence the decision to hire the former Utah defensive coordinator, who helped lead the Utes to an undefeated season last year. If the Aggies take care of the football they’ll be in the game throughout.

Other Game Considered: Boise State @ Hawaii (10/24)

Week 9: Bye Week (October 31^st)

Utah State at Fresno State may be the game with the biggest impact on the conference race, and neither has been projected to be a title contender. Boise State hosts a San Jose State team that could match them defensively but still has a number of questions to answer on offense. Hawaii’s trip to Nevada has the ability to be a wild affair, but you have to wonder about the ability of the Warrior defense to stop Colin Kaepernick.

Week 10: Boise State @ Louisiana Tech (November 6^th)

Boise State has won the last seven in the series, and they haven’t been very close either. It’s another case of a team getting into a shootout with the Broncos, only to find that they don’t have the bullets necessary to survive. Provided both teams take care of business in the weeks leading up to this matchup it should be a frenzied atmosphere with a national television audience tuning in. A good individual matchup to watch will be Tech WR Phillip Livas against Boise State CB Kyle Wilson.

Other Games Considered: Nevada @ San Jose State (11/8), Utah State @ Hawaii (11/7)

Week 11: San Jose State @ Utah State (November 14^th)

One of these two teams, if not both, may be in the position of needing wins to become bowl eligible in mid-November. The Spartans have had a tough time winning in Logan, including a loss there in 2005. SJSU won in Logan in 2007, but the final margin was just three points. The Spartans won at home 30-7 last season, holding the Aggies to 190 yards of offense and ten first downs. The lone touchdown for Utah State came with less than two minutes remaining in the game when the Spartan starters were on the bench. Expect a closer meeting in the rematch.

Other Games Considered: Fresno State @ Nevada (11/14), Louisiana Tech @ LSU (11/14)

Week 12: Louisiana Tech @ Fresno State (November 21^st)

The battle of the Bulldogs and the winner will do themselves a favor in the caliber of their bowl game. Daniel Porter gashed Fresno State to the tune of 189 yards in the 38-35 Louisiana Tech win, so he’ll be a focal point for Fresno State’s defensive efforts. Fresno State rushed for just sixty-three yards in the loss while allowing Louisiana Tech to rush for 280. Phillip Livas also had an impact, returning a punt eighty-one yards for a touchdown. Louisiana Tech did practically nothing in the air but the dominant performance on the ground was all they needed. Fresno State had better take care of that if they want to entertain any thoughts of winning.

Other Games Considered: Hawaii @ San Jose State (11/21), Boise State @ Utah State (11/20)

Week 13: Nevada @ Boise State (November 27^th)

The WAC title could be on the line the night after Thanksgiving, and in the case of the Broncos they could be chasing a BCS berth as well. New Mexico State the following weekend won’t pose much of a challenge, so it may all come down to beating a Nevada team that gave them all they wanted in Reno last year. Boise State has won the last seven games in the series, with the majority of those wins being blowouts. Boise State survived last season despite turning the ball over four times, stopping the Wolf Pack late in the fourth quarter to hang onto the 41-34 win. Nevada can compete; whether or not they can compete against Boise State on the road has proven to be another matter in the past.

Other Game Considered: Navy @ Hawaii (11/28)

Week 14: San Jose State @ Louisiana Tech (December 5^th)

Louisiana Tech was dominant in last year’s 21-0 win, holding the Spartans to 148 yards of offense and a paltry six first downs. It’s hard to predict the same, but Dick Tomey’s team has never been known to light up a scoreboard. Kyle Reed was decent last year and the hope this season is that Reed can help lead an offensive resurgence. By the time December 5^th rolls around we’ll know what kind of answer the Spartans have for their offensive issues, and someone could be playing for a bowl berth as well.

Other Games Considered: Wisconsin @ Hawaii (12/5), Fresno State @ Illinois (12/5)

WAC Football Preview

Raphielle Johnson — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 03:15:22 -0400

Boise State looks for a return to the BCS

The last decade has been a rather successful one for the Boise State football program, and the last two seasons have been rather special. Under Chris Petersen Boise State has won thirty-five of thirty nine games, and they’ve also finished the regular season undefeated on two separate occasions. Because Utah was ranked higher in the final BCS poll Boise State ended up taking on TCU in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl instead of going back to the BCS, but that shouldn’t take away from an outstanding campaign. And last season’s 12-1 outfit was expected to be even better in 2009, meaning that the Broncos could be poised to once again crash the BCS party.

Quarterback Kellen Moore had an outstanding rookie season, throwing for nearly 3,500 yards and twenty-five touchdowns. Only six starters return on each side of the football, but with just three seniors on the preseason two-deep the Broncos could be poised for a sustained run at the top of the WAC. Boise State finished 2008 ranked second in the WAC in total offense and first in total defense, numbers that should replicate themselves in 2009. Boise State’s credentials are known; a season-opening grudge match with Oregon will determine how realistic their BCS aspirations are.

The better question may be who finishes second behind the Broncos: Fresno State, Louisiana Tech or Nevada? Louisiana Tech improved their win total by three games under Derek Dooley, finishing in a three-way tie for second in 2008. Nine starters return on offense with First Team All-WAC performers Daniel Porter and Phillip Livas (as a punt returner) leading the way. Quarterback Ross Jenkins had a solid campaign for the Bulldogs, who were expected to rely on Georgia Tech transfer Taylor Bennett when the season began.

Jenkins didn’t put up the greatest numbers but he kept his turnovers to a minimum while making sure the ball ended up in the hands of the Bulldogs’ best playmakers. Look for more out of him in 2009. Defensively Louisiana Tech returns seven starters, including leading tackler FS Antonio Baker (115 tackles). Baker and defensive tackle D’Anthony Smith were both First Team All-WAC selections last season and will be expected to make the same impact in 2009. But while Louisiana Tech hosts Boise State they have to visit both Fresno State and Nevada.

Speaking of the Wolf Pack, Chris Ault has the pleasure of welcoming back one of the nation’s most underrated quarterbacks in junior Colin Kaepernick. As well as Kellen Moore played at Boise State last season it was Kaepernick who was named WAC Offensive Player of the Year, accounting for nearly 4,000 yards of total offense and thirty-nine combined touchdowns.

Seven starters return on both sides of the football for Nevada, and the fact that they get both Bulldogs (Fresno State and Louisiana Tech) in Reno. If the Wolf Pack can improve a defense that ranked sixth in the WAC in total defense, they may be able to go into the regular season finale at Boise State with a shot at the conference title.

There was the question of whether or not Pat Hill would stick around after last season, but he’s back and the Bulldogs are hungry to improve upon a disappointing 2008 season. Things started off pretty well for Fresno State, winning at Rutgers in the season opener. But the defense faltered, finishing seventh in the conference in total defense, and the offense turned the ball over twenty-four times (the defense forced just thirteen turnovers). But they were still able to get to a bowl game, losing to Colorado State in the New Mexico Bowl.

Fresno State returns eighteen starters with nine being on defense. Defensive end Chris Carter and linebacker Ben Jacobs led the Bulldogs in tackles last season; in fact the top four tacklers from 2008 return. Offensively Fresno State will need a big year from their running backs, and with the top five rushers from 2008 back they’ve got a chance to do just that. With a new quarterback taking over for the graduated Tom Brandstater the running game becomes that much more important. Fresno State gets Boise State and Louisiana Tech at home, a scheduling quirk that could give them an advantage over the other contenders.

The next tier could be just as hard-fought, with San Jose State, Hawaii and maybe even Utah State jockeying for position. Hawaii didn’t end 2008 on the best note, getting blown out in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl by Notre Dame. Head coach Greg McMackin didn’t help matters with some comments made in poor taste at WAC Media Day, and it remains to be seen if the controversy has any impact on the Warriors. Seven starters return on offense, led by a quarterback in Greg Alexander who progressed as the season went on. The defense may have some problems with just two starters returning. Defensive end John Fonoti and middle linebacker Brashton Satele will need to be leaders in every sense of the word if the Warriors are to exceed expectations.

San Jose State’s issues aren’t on the defensive side of the football; the Dick Tomey era has been defined by tough defensive play. But can the Spartans put up enough points to win a game or two they won’t be expected to. SJSU ranked second in the conference in scoring defense, allowing just under twenty-two points per game. Not a bad number…unless the offense is scoring just under twenty points per game (last in the WAC). Seven starters return on each side of the football, and they’ll be tested early with games against USC, Utah and Stanford to start the season.

There’s intrigue in Logan due to the arrival of Gary Andersen, who over the previous five seasons was the defensive coordinator at Utah. The Aggies return seventeen starters, including ten on offense, and the hope is that the change in messenger can bring about a change in results. There’s an awful lot of experience back, led by QB Diondre Borel, C Brennan McFadden and OLB Paul Igboeli, but how quickly can you teach a team not used to winning how to win? If the Aggies prove to be quick studies could surprise some people.

Fighting to stay out of the cellar are perennial doormat Idaho and rebuilding New Mexico State. Rob Akey dropped into a tough situation in Moscow taking over an Idaho program that had been dropped by the wayside by Dennis Erickson when the Arizona State job opened a couple of years ago. When combining the lack of trust the players may have in the coaching situation (and it’s understandable) with a lack of success rebuilding can take a bit longer than anticipated.

The Vandals return seven starters on offense and nine on defense, making up arguably the most experienced team of the Akey era. QB Nathan Enderle will need to cut down on his seventeen interceptions while staying right around the twenty touchdowns number he posted last season, and the top three rushers from last season also return. Free safety Virdell Larkins, who led the Vandals with eighty-two tackles in 2008, returns to lead a defense that was last in the conference in total defense by sixty yards.

New head coach DeWayne Walker has quite the task ahead of him in taking over for the departed Hal Mumme. The Aggies had offensive capabilities due to the system combined with QB Chase Holbrook, but when you can’t stop anyone you’re going to have a hard time winning football games. Hence the decision to hire Walker, who consistently had UCLA in the top half of the Pac-10 in most of the major defensive categories during his time in Los Angeles.

The task is to take a team that returns seven starters on each side of the ball and teach them how to win consistently (NMSU hasn’t finished above .500 since 2002). Junior Jeff Fleming will start the opener at quarterback, which also happens to be their conference opener (Idaho). New Mexico State got in trouble last season due to turnover margin and the fact that they could neither run the football nor stop the run. Look for those aspects to improve under Coach Walker.

Storyline: Can Boise State get back to the BCS? For all the talk about the Mountain West clamoring for an automatic spot, can the success of the Broncos over the last decade be ignored? And don’t expect a cakewalk through the conference either; BSU will visit Fresno State, Hawaii and Louisiana Tech this year. Not to mention non-conference games against Oregon and Tulsa.

Players of the Year: QB Colin Kaepernick (Nevada) and CB Kyle Wilson (Boise State)

How they’ll finish

1. Boise State

2. Nevada

3. Louisiana Tech

4. Fresno State

5. San Jose State

6. Hawaii

7. Utah State

8. Idaho

9. New Mexico State

Next: WAC Ultimate Schedule