5 reasons

1

Head coach Robb Akey moves across the border for his first head coaching job. He spent the last eight years as an assistant at Washington State, the last four as defensive coordinator and his staff only has two holdovers.

2

The defense is switching from a 4-3 to 3-4 alignment. The move is necessary because the line is thin and the strength of the defense is at linebacker.

3

Redshirt freshman Nathan Enderle is the new quarterback. Growing pains should be balanced by the hope for a long and successful career for the 6-foot-5, 223-pounder from North Platte, Neb.

4

Enderle’s targets are also green. Sophomore Max Komar, who had 17 receptions for 313 yards, leads a group that is high on potential if short on production.

5

State-of-the-art RealGrass Pro has been installed inside the Kibbie Dome, which will look better for the fans and feel better for the players.