A Game Of Respect Nevada Belies Conference’s Image

The champion of the Big West Conference is rewarded (?) with a trip to Boise in late December for the Sports Humanitarian Bowl.

Even if that team inhumanely pummels the rest of the conference, as Nevada is expected to do this season.

“Nevada is an exceptional football team,” Utah State coach John L. Smith said.

The Wolf Pack, who crunched Boise State 66-28 and New Mexico State 63-14 last year, are improved in ‘97, so much so that they have an outside shot at the Top 25.

In that regard, keep an eye on the score Saturday as Nevada visits Colorado State, a fringe Top 25 team. A Wolf Pack upset might prompt votes in the polls.

The Big West could use some favorable publicity. Every preseason magazine reads the same way. The list of Division I-A powers begins with the SEC and ends with the Big West at the bottom.

Following is a breakdown of the Big West, in predicted order of finish. Projected overall and conference records in parentheses.

1. Nevada (9-2, 5-0): Potential pitfalls, other than overconfidence, include meshing new starters into the offensive line and secondary. Offense is always powerful. Defense is led by future NFL linebacker DeShone Myles and tackle James Cannida.

2. Utah State (7-4, 4-1): The Aggies have a rugged non-conference schedule (BYU, Colorado State, Utah), but should be competitive. Quarterback Matt Sauk must be more consistent than in ‘96. Defense is biggest question mark.

3. Idaho (7-4, 3-2): Vandals will go as far as untested offensive and defensive lines allow. Both units are surrounded by talent. UI could finish second in conference with victory over Utah State on Oct. 25.

4. North Texas (4-7, 2-3): The Mean Green have high hopes, but must get improved quarterback play to crack top three. Safety Dhati Lewis and linebacker Benny Cherry anchor capable defense.

5. Boise State (3-8, 1-4): An indication of BSU’s outlook: The media guide doesn’t even list honors candidates. Peppy new coach Houston Nutt will need a year or two to rebuild.

6. New Mexico State (2-9, 0-5): Like BSU, Aggies might be in for a long year. New coach Tony Samuel was an assistant at Nebraska, where Cornhuskers were 115-19-1 in 11 seasons. New Mexico State won’t be confused with Nebraska.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: THE BEST OF THE BIG WEST As chosen by Jim Meehan, staff writer

Offense WR Antonio Wilson Idaho 6-3 196 Sr. WR Geoff Noisy Nevada 6-0 195 Jr. T Mike Edwards Nevada 6-6 290 Sr. G Ken Watts Utah State 6-4 312 Jr. C Phillip Armour North Texas 6-4 275 Jr. G Pat Freeman Nevada 6-3 290 Sr. T Mauricio Jordan Utah State 6-7 295 Sr. TE Guillermo Chavez Utah State 6-2 243 Sr. WR Nakia Jenkins Utah State 6-1 215 Sr. QB John Dutton Nevada 6-4 220 Sr. RB Joel Thomas Idaho 5-6 210 Sr. RB Demario Brown Utah State 6-1 216 So. PK Damon Shea Nevada 5-10 180 Jr.

Defense DE Ben Crosland Utah State 6-5 277 Sr. DT James Cannida Nevada 6-2 280 Sr. DT Tim Wilson Idaho 6-0 270 Sr. DE Enrique Ramirez New Mexico State 6-1 236 Sr. LB Deshone Myles Nevada 6-3 240 Sr. LB Benny Cherry North Texas 6-1 225 Sr. LB Jeramy Hunt-Loveless Utah State 6-1 232 Sr. CB Don Morgan Nevada 5-11 190 Jr. CB Arnold Gunn Idaho 5-10 172 Sr. S Dhati Lewis North Texas 6-2 200 Sr. S Johndale Carty Utah State 6-2 187 Jr. P Jason McLean Nevada 6-1 200 Sr.

Best head coach 1. Jeff Horton, Nevada. 2. John L. Smith, Utah State. 3. Chris Tormey, Idaho Best coaching staff 1. Nevada. 2. Utah State. 3. Idaho. Best offensive assistant 1. Jim House, Nevada. 2. Art Valero, Utah State. 3. Bob Petrino, Utah State. Best defensive assistant 1. Nick Holt, Idaho. 2. Bill Michael, North Texas. 3. Ken Wilson, Nevada. Offensive player of the year John Dutton, Nevada. Best offensive line 1. Utah State. 2. Nevada. 3. North Texas. Best wide receivers 1. Nevada. 2. Tie, Idaho, Utah State. Best backfield 1. Nevada. 2. Tie, Idaho, Utah State. Best backup quarterback Eric Bennett, Nevada. Best clutch receiver Nakia Jenkins, Utah State. Defensive player of the year DeShone Myles, Nevada. Best defensive line 1. Utah State. 2. Nevada. 3. North Texas. Best linebackers 1. Nevada. 2. Idaho. 3. New Mexico State. Best defensive backs 1. Idaho. 2. Nevada. 3. North Texas. Best kicking game 1. Nevada. 2. Idaho. 3. Boise State. Hardest hitter DeShone Myles, Nevada.