Big West
NEVADA WOLF PACK
Last season: 9-3 overall, 6-0 Big West, first place.
Coach: Jeff Tisdel, first year
Players to watch: LB Deshone Myles, Jr.; LB Mike Crawford, Sr.; FS James Johnson, Sr.; WR Demond Wilkins, Sr.; OL Jeff Hadwick, Sr.; DT James Cannida, Jr.
Key newcomers: QB John Dutton, Soph.; RB Alex Gresham, Jr.; WR Greg Russell, Jr.
Quick kicks: Nevada QBs have led the nation in total offense last three years.
Outlook: Wolf Pack appear vulnerable after losing head coach, top runner, top quarterback and top two receivers. Lots of questions, but Nevada has had answers last few years when replacing stars. Tough conference schedule won’t help.
UTAH STATE AGGIES
Last season: 4-7, 4-2 Big West, tied for second
Coach: John L. Smith, 2nd year, 4-7; 57-28 overall, 7 years
Players to watch: RB Abu Wilson, Sr.; QB Patrick Mullins, Sr.; DE Danilo Robinson, Sr.; LB David Gill, Sr.; K Micah Knorr, Sr.
Key newcomers: WR Nakia Jenkins, Jr.; DL Adam Jones, Jr.; OL Mark Rommel, Jr.
Quick kicks: John L. Smith, the former Vandal head coach, isn’t the only familiar face at USU. Other UI-turned-USU staffers: Art Valero, Bob Petrino, Mike Cox, Paul Petrino and Artie Holmes.
Outlook: The Aggies are the team most likely to bounce Nevada from the top rung, according to preseason magazines. That could happen, if brutal schedule (Utah, Southern Miss, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and Brigham Young) doesn’t destroy the club. RB Wilson is legit, after running for 1,476 yards last year.
IDAHO VANDALS
Last season: 6-5 overall, 4-3 Big Sky, tied for second
Coach: Chris Tormey, 6-5, 2nd year
Players to watch: LB Ryan Phillips, Sr.; DE Barry Mitchell, Sr.; WR Robert Scott, Soph.; LB Jason Shelt, Sr.; OL Richard Zenk, Sr.
Key newcomers: QB Ryan Fien, Sr.; WR Antonio Wilson, Jr.; CB Ryan McGinnis, Jr.
Quick kicks: UI’s Kibbie Dome is the only domed stadium in Big West. Big Sky had three (Northern Arizona, Idaho, Idaho State).
Outlook: Might be league’s most balanced team. UI should have nice run-pass mix, if UCLA transfer Fien shines at QB. Defense has six returning starters, but secondary is unproven.
NORTH TEXAS STATE
Last season: 2-9 overall as I-A independent
Coach: Matt Simon, 9-13-1, 3rd year.
Players to watch: LB Brett Renfro, Sr.; CB Avery Wright, Sr.; OT Robert Waddle, Jr.; P Toby Gowin, Sr.; TE Brian Waters, Soph.
Key newcomers: DE Robert Grant, Jr.; OG Hunter Hunter, Jr.
Quick kicks: Each year, the Eagles try to play one home game at Texas Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. This year, it’ll be against Army. Next year: Texas A&M. Ouch!
Outlook: Dealt a blow recently when QB Josh Gulley transferred to Cal. Still, Eagles could be a surprise team with 15 returning starters, including all three linebackers.
BOISE STATE BRONCOS
Last season: 7-4 overall, 4-3 Big Sky, tied for second
Coach: Tom Mason (interim head coach)
Players to watch: DE Chris Wing, Sr.; WR Ryan Ikebe, Sr.; DL Sione Fifita, Sr.; QB Tony Hilde, Sr.; MLB Jeremy Haener, Sr.
Key newcomers: RB Reggie Ethridge, Jr.; CB Walter Reed, Sr.; FS Marcell Yates, Fr.
Quick kicks: CB Reed comes from the track program, where he won Big Sky sprint titles.
Outlook: Broncos must have big year from QB Hilde, who was magical two years ago, merely good last season. Rebuilt secondary not a good sign in pass-oriented conference. Coach Pokey Allen, on medical leave due to recurrence of cancer, is receiving alternative treatments in Vancouver, B.C.
NEW MEXICO STATE AGGIES
Last season: 4-7, 3-3 in Big West, tied for third
Coach: Jim Hess, 7th year, 21-45; 133-98-5 overall, 21 years
Players to watch: RB Denvis Manns, Soph.; WR Duane Gregory, Jr.; OL Jim Breckenridge, Sr.; DB Dorian Williams, Sr.; LB Gary Jessie, Jr.
Key newcomer: SS/P Max Wade, Soph.
Quick kicks: Aggies’ grad Joe Pisarcik earned dubious fame quarterbacking the New York Giants in 1978. Trying to run out the clock and protect a 17-13 lead, Pisarcik and running back Larry Csonka butchered a handoff the Eagles picked up and returned for a touchdown.
Outlook: RB Manns was the top freshman rusher in the country last year, but offense must find adequate replacement at QB for graduated Cody Ledbetter. Last year, Aggies gave up per-game averages of 238 yards rushing, 240 yards passing and 35 points.
, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: PREDICTED FINISH: 1. Nevada 2. Utah State 3. Idaho 4. North Texas 5. Boise State 6. New Mexico State