Coming off of a 14-0 record the previous year, 2010 set-up as Boise State's best chance yet to make a run at the National Championship. Boise State started off with an impressive victory in the opening week against Virginia Tech. In week three Boise State beat it's other BCS non-conference opponent as it took out talented but jekyl & hyde Oregon State. Boise State then went on a run of terror against non-BCS Conference foes where their closest margin of victory was 29 points against Louisiana Tech. After destroying Fresno State by the tune of 51-0, the Broncos fell to a ranked Nevada team 34-31 in OT by a missed FG. Did Boise's run of easy targets set them up for the loss? It's tough to be in a position like Boise is in. You play in a conference where their isn't anybody else on your level so you basically play 8 easy "gimme" games a year. You try to schedule up but a lot of the bigger name teams don't have anything to gain by playing Boise (and have much more to lose) so Boise ends up only getting big match-ups here and there and it's almost always at their opponents stadium or near their opponents lair. While it's much easier for Boise to run the table than say LSU or Alabama there is also the argument that maybe they aren't as battle tested as they could be if they played in a better conference. Led by 2011 Heisman Candidate Kellen Moore and talented WRs Austin Pettis and Titus Young, Boise State had another great season in 2010 and I think that Boise can play with any team in the country on any given day. The question that we will never know (at least not right now) is how Boise would do if they played big-time talent week in and week out and had to face the grind of a conference schedule that teams in the SEC, Big 12 and Big Ten face instead of having borderline scrimmages every week instead of conference games. Would the attrition of playing against tougher teams and better coaches wear on the team mentally and physically or would it keep them sharper because they know they have to be on their A game every week? That's one of the questions that keeps Boise on the outside looking in when a lot of pollsters make their ballots and I can't say that I blame them. I would love to see Boise get a chance to step up into a bigger pond and play a tougher schedule and see how they could do. Next year Boise again looks like it has a two-team schedule as they open up against a talented Georgia team that severely under-achieved in 2010 and they end it against a tough TCU team that will be starting a new QB this year. In 2010, even if Boise had gone undefeated they would not have played for the National Championship because of a combination of their schedule and the fact that two teams from BCS Conferences went undefeated. In 2011, Boise State's National Championship hopes again rest on them winning out and having other teams fall by the way-side. We caught up with Kevan Lee of the SB Nation Boise State Blog One Bronco Nation Under God (OBNUG) to get his take on the 2010 Broncos and get a quick peak into 2011.
1. Expectations ran high for the Broncos this year. Do you feel that this team met expectations this year?
Boise State fans had some pretty high expectations - like winning a national championship. So no, Boise State did not meet expectations. Now, whether or not those expectations were reasonable or fair is an entirely different question and one that I'm glad you didn't ask. I don't have the answer to that one.
Thing is, this was perhaps the greatest football team in Boise State history. Obviously, there's room for debate about that since the "greatest team" couldn't do what so many previous ones had - go undefeated. Football's a weird game like that, where anything can happen and on-paper greatness can be undone by a series of bounces or a pair of short uprights. What? Was that out loud? My apologies. I do not mean to hijack this Q&A into a discussion about WAC officiating, which is terrible. Just saying.
2. Which player were the biggest surprise of the season?
DE Shea McClellin had the outstanding season that many expected DE Ryan Winterswyk to have. It helped that Winterswyk was double teamed all the time in order to avoid said outstanding season. But still, McClellin made at least one play per game where you thought, "Wow, this kid is really good at football," or "Wow, toeheads can excel in organized sports." (As a toehead myself, I can understand the poignancy of the latter.)
A lot of other players could fall into the "surprise" category, too, but I'd like to point out one really obvious one: Titus Young. He surprised me with the way he became Boise State's clear-cut No. 1 receiving threat despite the presence of Austin Pettis. That, my friend, is not easy to do.
3. Which player are you most excited about for next season?
The combination of Kellen Moore / Doug Martin is going to keep Bronco hearts warmed all offseason long. BSU has college football's best quarterback (blah blah Andrew Luck, yeah I get it) and one of its most dynamic running backs. The returning starters aren't nearly as many as last year, but that fact seems a little easier to swallow with Moore and Martin returning to the backfield.
4. Boise State had a great duo of senior receivers (Austin Pettis and TItus Young). Who steps up to replace them next year?
The players who are most likely to fill in for Pettis and Young will probably come from this group: Tyler Shoemaker, Mitch Burroughs, Chris Potter, Geraldo Hiwat, Aaron Burks, and Kirby Moore.
My money is on Shoemaker to play the Pettis role next year. His style of play is similar to Pettis in that he is a big body with strong hands who can make plays on key downs and distances. Whether he has the route-running and separation skills needed to survive as Boise State's WR1 remains to be seen.
Opposite Shoemaker, I think Hiwat gets the call. If the Broncos are serious about filling in for Pettis and Young as closely as possible, they'll need a burner and a deep threat outside. Hiwat would be the obvious choice in that role based on his cameos in-season.
Moore is my pick for the starting slot receiver, although I wouldn't be surprised if he pushes either Shoemaker or Hiwat for playing time at the X or Y spots.
5. How big is the Georgia game to start off the year? Boise will be coming in as the higher ranked team and the favorite but Georgia will have a chip on it's shoulder after having two consecutive disappointing seasons.
This game is just as big as the VT one was last year. If Boise State wins, it has a good road to a BCS berth. If it loses, season over. #collegefootballsigh
The difference will be that not as many people will talk about this one since Georgia may not be a preseason Top 25 team. Psychologically, the remnants of the 2005 disaster still remain for Bronco fans, but as far as the players are concerned, none of them played back then and it won't matter. The more important factors will be how quickly Boise State's new starters gel in the starting lineup. This Bronco team could be very good by November but still a little shaky in September.
Showing posts with label WAC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WAC. Show all posts
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Fresno State Bulldogs: 2010 Exit Survey
Fresno State has been a very consistent program for the last 4 years as they have posted between 7 and 9 victories in each of those seasons. The Bulldogs had a couple of nice victories this year against Cincinnati and Illinois but once again came up short in their bowl game as well as not being able to get over the hump against the likes of Boise State, Nevada and Hawaii. We caught up with Friend of the Blog Todd Kaufman to find out his thoughts on the 2010/2011 Fresno State Bulldogs. Make sure and visit his website for a good mix of football, baseball and basketball.
Fresno State had another respectable year finishing 8-5 but they lost their third straight bowl game. How big of a concern is this for the Bulldog Nation?
Fresno State fans are tired of what I would call "mediocrity." It's a huge concern to Bulldog Nation because this has turned into the same old thing year in and year out.
I think the biggest concern came with Pat Hill's comments during a press conference when he said maybe 8-4 is the best this program is ever going to do from year to year. That raised a whole lot of eyebrows, myself included, and I think it made Fresno State fans wonder if their head coach doesn't believe in better things for this program, why should they?
If there isn't a "Fire Pat Hill" website out there yet, I'm sure there will be soon.
What was your favorite moment of the 2010 season?
I think my favorite moment came early in the season against Cincinnati. Though we found out just how mediocre that team really was later in the season, the Bulldog defense was getting to the quarterback, the offense was rolling, it looked like this was going to be a big year for Fresno State. They put together a very solid effort from start to finish. Probably the most complete game they played all year.
Which player(s) was the biggest surprise of the season?
I think running back Robbie Rouse did a great job this year. I know he dealt with injuries on and off this season but being a first year starter and trying to fill the shoes of All-American Ryan Mathews is a big task. I think he performed admirably this season.
What player(s) are you most looking forward to watching next year?
I'm looking forward to seeing Derek Carr as a first year starter in 2011 and I know I'm not alone in that. He has a tremendous amount of hype from the moment he was recruited, and signed, by Fresno State. He's going to have the pressure of the entire fan base along with the football program on his shoulders. Though that's asking a lot of him, I'm curious to see how he handles it.
He's going to have a brutal non-conference schedule next season to welcome him to Division-I football.
What area(s) does Fresno State need to improve on the most this off-season?
They need to improve their run defense. Though I guess you could say they need to improve their defense as a whole. To get absolutely run over by Ole Miss, Boise State, and Nevada on the ground is something that needs to be fixed. You can't have teams just run the ball down your throat without being able to put a stop to it.
If they can do that, I think they could be so much better than they were this past season.
Fresno State had another respectable year finishing 8-5 but they lost their third straight bowl game. How big of a concern is this for the Bulldog Nation?
Fresno State fans are tired of what I would call "mediocrity." It's a huge concern to Bulldog Nation because this has turned into the same old thing year in and year out.
I think the biggest concern came with Pat Hill's comments during a press conference when he said maybe 8-4 is the best this program is ever going to do from year to year. That raised a whole lot of eyebrows, myself included, and I think it made Fresno State fans wonder if their head coach doesn't believe in better things for this program, why should they?
If there isn't a "Fire Pat Hill" website out there yet, I'm sure there will be soon.
What was your favorite moment of the 2010 season?
I think my favorite moment came early in the season against Cincinnati. Though we found out just how mediocre that team really was later in the season, the Bulldog defense was getting to the quarterback, the offense was rolling, it looked like this was going to be a big year for Fresno State. They put together a very solid effort from start to finish. Probably the most complete game they played all year.
Which player(s) was the biggest surprise of the season?
I think running back Robbie Rouse did a great job this year. I know he dealt with injuries on and off this season but being a first year starter and trying to fill the shoes of All-American Ryan Mathews is a big task. I think he performed admirably this season.
What player(s) are you most looking forward to watching next year?
I'm looking forward to seeing Derek Carr as a first year starter in 2011 and I know I'm not alone in that. He has a tremendous amount of hype from the moment he was recruited, and signed, by Fresno State. He's going to have the pressure of the entire fan base along with the football program on his shoulders. Though that's asking a lot of him, I'm curious to see how he handles it.
He's going to have a brutal non-conference schedule next season to welcome him to Division-I football.
What area(s) does Fresno State need to improve on the most this off-season?
They need to improve their run defense. Though I guess you could say they need to improve their defense as a whole. To get absolutely run over by Ole Miss, Boise State, and Nevada on the ground is something that needs to be fixed. You can't have teams just run the ball down your throat without being able to put a stop to it.
If they can do that, I think they could be so much better than they were this past season.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Pre-Season Preview: Hawaii Warriors
2009 Record: 6-7 (3-5 in WAC)
2009 Bowl: None
Final 2009 AP Ranking: Not Ranked
Head Coach: Greg McMackin (13-14 at Hawaii, 8-8 in the WAC)
Non-Conference Schedule: USC (9/2), at Army (9/11), at Colorado (9/18), Charleston Southern (9/25), UNLV (12/4)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 22.8 points per game (7th in WAC)
Rushing Yards/Game: 100 (8th in WAC, 109th in Nation)
Passing Yards/Game: 337 (1st in WAC, 3rd in Nation)
Total Yards/Game: 437 (5th in WAC)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 29.5 points per game (5th in WAC)
Rushing Yards/Game: 201 (5th in WAC)
Passing Yards/Game: 201 (4th in WAC)
Total Yards/Game: 403 (3rd in WAC)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: -0.85 per game (last in WAC)
Penalties: 50 yards per game (4th in WAC, 113th in Nation)
Returning Starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 7
Kicker/Punter: 2
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Bryant Moniz, Jr (182 of 319 for 2396 yds, 14 TD, 10 INT)
Rushing: RB Alex Green, Sr (86 carries for 453 yds, 5.2 ypc, 2 TD)
Receiving: WR Greg Salas, Sr (106 rec, 1590 yds, 8 TD, 8.2 rec/game)
Tackles: FS Spencer Smith, Sr (77); SS Mana Silva, Sr (74)
Sacks: LB Corey Paredes, Jr (4)
Interceptions: SS Mana Silva, Sr (6)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Athlon Sports: #94
Pre-Snap Read: #70
2010 Pre-Season WAC Prediction
Athlon Sports: #6
Phil Steele: #5 (tied with Utah State)
Sports Illustrated: #6
Bowl Predictions:
Phil Steele: Hawaii Bowl (vs. SMU)
Hawaii started off 2009 with 2 wins before dropping 6 straight games (5 in the WAC). Hawaii started to right the ship at the end of the season with a 4 game winning streak that included a win over Navy before dropping their season finale to Wisconsin. Hawaii finished 6-7 last year but had a team that returned just 1 starter on defense. This year they are a more experience team and it should translate to better results on the field. Outside of USC and Boise State every game on the schedule is winnable. We caught up with Tombo Ahi of the Hawaii blog UHfanblog.com earlier this summer to find out more about the 2010 Warriors of Hawaii.
What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the Warriors?
The defensive tackles will be the heart of the team. Lots of talented players will be competing for time, including Vaughn Meatoga, Haku Correa and Kaniela Tuipulotu. Whoever starts, the second and third string will rotate in extensively and will not represent a big drop-off in talent. On the other hand, the defensive ends are largely unproven and some freshmen may see the field early on. The offensive line will have to replace three starters, so they too are unproven and will need to gel quickly. If they do, the talented and experienced receiving corps will have a field day.... as long as the QB situation is resolved quickly in fall camp. Incumbent starter Bryant Moniz did not participate in spring practice due to personal reasons and will have to win back the starting job.
Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test?
UH opens with USC at home. No matter what kind of offseason drama USC has gone through, they're still USC, and they'll likely have something to prove in their opening game. After that is a very important road trip to New York to play Army followed by a swing over to Boulder to play Colorado. UH cannot come out of the first three games 0-3.
What team on the schedule do you fear the most?
USC.
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
Being that this team is known for their passing offense, the running backs get little attention. But the rotation of senior running backs Alex Green and Chizzy Dimude will put on a show this season. Green was the backup last year, but actually had more carries than the starter and had some brilliant runs, averaging 5.3 yards a carry. Dimude didn't get much playing time, but he showed some flashes of what he can do. He's quick, tough and can outrun a lot of guys. Ridiculous prediction: 1500 yards of combined offense between the two.
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
Senior slotback Greg Salas. He had nearly 1600 yards receiving last year and should be the go-to guy again this year. He doesn't have blazing speed, but he knows how to get open, makes tough catches and fights for the yards-after-catch.
Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?
Junior defensive tackle Vaughn Meatoga. He's one of the most talented players, a leader and should be the heart of the heart of the defense. If he and the other tackles can cause havoc, they'll open up the rest of the defense to make plays.
What player needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?
Sophomore linebacker/defensive end Paipai Falemalu. He played defensive end all of last year, but was moved to linebacker after spring practice. He may be jumping back and forth throughout the season. Regardless of where he plays, he needs to be on the field. He recorded 5.5 tackles-for-loss as a backup and should be able to double that total.
Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
UH was woeful in converting red-zone scoring opportunities last year. Junior college transfer Darius Bright is a 6-5, 225 lb wide receiver who may need to forgo a redshirt year to play this season. He could make a huge impact in red zone scoring if he can consistently out-jump and out-muscle defenders.
Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
This is a complete guess, but true freshmen Beau Yap and Dustin Elisara may see some playing time at defensive end. This position is thin and unproven, so the coaches may call on these guys to fill out the depth chart.
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
UH was plagued with injuries last season and it was hard to watch the toll it took on the team. They started turning it around in the later half of the season but still wound up with a losing record. This year, a winning record is an absolute must. Any sort of winning record is a success, but my ridiculous prediction is a 9-4 regular season record.
Make sure to keep up to date on Hawaii and the WAC this year by visiting UHfanblog.com. You can also follow Tombo Ahi on Twitter @tomboahi.
Previous WAC Previews:
Boise State Broncos
Fresno State Bulldogs
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
New Mexico State Aggies
Next Up: Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns
Previous Pre-Season Previews
ACC- Boston College Eagles, Clemson Tigers, Duke Blue Devils, Florida State Seminoles, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Maryland Terrapins, North Carolina Tar Heels, North Carolina State Wolfpack Virginia Cavaliers, Virginia Tech Hokies, Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Big 12- Iowa State Cyclones, Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas State Wildcats, Missouri Tigers, Oklahoma Sooners, Oklahoma State Cowboys, Texas Longhorns, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, Syracuse Orange, UConn Huskies, USF Bulls, West Virginia Mountaineers
Big Ten- Illinois Fighting Illini, Indiana Hoosiers, Iowa Hawkeyes, Michigan Wolverines, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Northwestern Wildcats, Ohio State Buckeyes, Penn State Nittany Lions, Purdue Boilermakers, Wisconsin Badgers
Conference USA- East Carolina Pirates, Houston Cougars, Marshall Thundering Herd, Rice Owls, SMU Mustangs, Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Tulane Green Wave, UTEP Miners
Independent- Army Black Knights, Navy Midshipmen, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
MAC- Ball State Cardinals, Bowling Green Falcons, Buffalo Bulls, Central Michigan Chippewas, Temple Owls, Toledo Rockets
MWC- BYU Cougars, Colorado State Rams, UNLV Rebels, Utah Utes
Pac-10- Arizona Wildcats, Arizona State Sun Devils, California Golden Bears, Oregon Ducks, Oregon State Beavers, Stanford Cardinal, UCLA Bruins, USC Trojans, Washington Huskies, Washington State Cougars
SEC- Alabama Crimson Tide, Auburn Tigers, Florida Gators, Georgia Bulldogs, Kentucky Wildcats, LSU Tigers, Mississippi Rebels, Mississippi State Bulldogs, South Carolina Gamecocks, Vanderbilt Commodores
Sun Belt- FIU Golden Panthers, North Texas Mean Green, Troy Trojans
2009 Bowl: None
Final 2009 AP Ranking: Not Ranked
Head Coach: Greg McMackin (13-14 at Hawaii, 8-8 in the WAC)
Non-Conference Schedule: USC (9/2), at Army (9/11), at Colorado (9/18), Charleston Southern (9/25), UNLV (12/4)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 22.8 points per game (7th in WAC)
Rushing Yards/Game: 100 (8th in WAC, 109th in Nation)
Passing Yards/Game: 337 (1st in WAC, 3rd in Nation)
Total Yards/Game: 437 (5th in WAC)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 29.5 points per game (5th in WAC)
Rushing Yards/Game: 201 (5th in WAC)
Passing Yards/Game: 201 (4th in WAC)
Total Yards/Game: 403 (3rd in WAC)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: -0.85 per game (last in WAC)
Penalties: 50 yards per game (4th in WAC, 113th in Nation)
Returning Starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 7
Kicker/Punter: 2
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Bryant Moniz, Jr (182 of 319 for 2396 yds, 14 TD, 10 INT)
Rushing: RB Alex Green, Sr (86 carries for 453 yds, 5.2 ypc, 2 TD)
Receiving: WR Greg Salas, Sr (106 rec, 1590 yds, 8 TD, 8.2 rec/game)
Tackles: FS Spencer Smith, Sr (77); SS Mana Silva, Sr (74)
Sacks: LB Corey Paredes, Jr (4)
Interceptions: SS Mana Silva, Sr (6)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Athlon Sports: #94
Pre-Snap Read: #70
2010 Pre-Season WAC Prediction
Athlon Sports: #6
Phil Steele: #5 (tied with Utah State)
Sports Illustrated: #6
Bowl Predictions:
Phil Steele: Hawaii Bowl (vs. SMU)
Hawaii started off 2009 with 2 wins before dropping 6 straight games (5 in the WAC). Hawaii started to right the ship at the end of the season with a 4 game winning streak that included a win over Navy before dropping their season finale to Wisconsin. Hawaii finished 6-7 last year but had a team that returned just 1 starter on defense. This year they are a more experience team and it should translate to better results on the field. Outside of USC and Boise State every game on the schedule is winnable. We caught up with Tombo Ahi of the Hawaii blog UHfanblog.com earlier this summer to find out more about the 2010 Warriors of Hawaii.
What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the Warriors?
The defensive tackles will be the heart of the team. Lots of talented players will be competing for time, including Vaughn Meatoga, Haku Correa and Kaniela Tuipulotu. Whoever starts, the second and third string will rotate in extensively and will not represent a big drop-off in talent. On the other hand, the defensive ends are largely unproven and some freshmen may see the field early on. The offensive line will have to replace three starters, so they too are unproven and will need to gel quickly. If they do, the talented and experienced receiving corps will have a field day.... as long as the QB situation is resolved quickly in fall camp. Incumbent starter Bryant Moniz did not participate in spring practice due to personal reasons and will have to win back the starting job.
Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test?
UH opens with USC at home. No matter what kind of offseason drama USC has gone through, they're still USC, and they'll likely have something to prove in their opening game. After that is a very important road trip to New York to play Army followed by a swing over to Boulder to play Colorado. UH cannot come out of the first three games 0-3.
What team on the schedule do you fear the most?
USC.
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
Being that this team is known for their passing offense, the running backs get little attention. But the rotation of senior running backs Alex Green and Chizzy Dimude will put on a show this season. Green was the backup last year, but actually had more carries than the starter and had some brilliant runs, averaging 5.3 yards a carry. Dimude didn't get much playing time, but he showed some flashes of what he can do. He's quick, tough and can outrun a lot of guys. Ridiculous prediction: 1500 yards of combined offense between the two.
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
Senior slotback Greg Salas. He had nearly 1600 yards receiving last year and should be the go-to guy again this year. He doesn't have blazing speed, but he knows how to get open, makes tough catches and fights for the yards-after-catch.
Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?
Junior defensive tackle Vaughn Meatoga. He's one of the most talented players, a leader and should be the heart of the heart of the defense. If he and the other tackles can cause havoc, they'll open up the rest of the defense to make plays.
What player needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?
Sophomore linebacker/defensive end Paipai Falemalu. He played defensive end all of last year, but was moved to linebacker after spring practice. He may be jumping back and forth throughout the season. Regardless of where he plays, he needs to be on the field. He recorded 5.5 tackles-for-loss as a backup and should be able to double that total.
Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
UH was woeful in converting red-zone scoring opportunities last year. Junior college transfer Darius Bright is a 6-5, 225 lb wide receiver who may need to forgo a redshirt year to play this season. He could make a huge impact in red zone scoring if he can consistently out-jump and out-muscle defenders.
Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
This is a complete guess, but true freshmen Beau Yap and Dustin Elisara may see some playing time at defensive end. This position is thin and unproven, so the coaches may call on these guys to fill out the depth chart.
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
UH was plagued with injuries last season and it was hard to watch the toll it took on the team. They started turning it around in the later half of the season but still wound up with a losing record. This year, a winning record is an absolute must. Any sort of winning record is a success, but my ridiculous prediction is a 9-4 regular season record.
Make sure to keep up to date on Hawaii and the WAC this year by visiting UHfanblog.com. You can also follow Tombo Ahi on Twitter @tomboahi.
Previous WAC Previews:
Boise State Broncos
Fresno State Bulldogs
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
New Mexico State Aggies
Next Up: Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns
Previous Pre-Season Previews
ACC- Boston College Eagles, Clemson Tigers, Duke Blue Devils, Florida State Seminoles, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Maryland Terrapins, North Carolina Tar Heels, North Carolina State Wolfpack Virginia Cavaliers, Virginia Tech Hokies, Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Big 12- Iowa State Cyclones, Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas State Wildcats, Missouri Tigers, Oklahoma Sooners, Oklahoma State Cowboys, Texas Longhorns, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, Syracuse Orange, UConn Huskies, USF Bulls, West Virginia Mountaineers
Big Ten- Illinois Fighting Illini, Indiana Hoosiers, Iowa Hawkeyes, Michigan Wolverines, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Northwestern Wildcats, Ohio State Buckeyes, Penn State Nittany Lions, Purdue Boilermakers, Wisconsin Badgers
Conference USA- East Carolina Pirates, Houston Cougars, Marshall Thundering Herd, Rice Owls, SMU Mustangs, Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Tulane Green Wave, UTEP Miners
Independent- Army Black Knights, Navy Midshipmen, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
MAC- Ball State Cardinals, Bowling Green Falcons, Buffalo Bulls, Central Michigan Chippewas, Temple Owls, Toledo Rockets
MWC- BYU Cougars, Colorado State Rams, UNLV Rebels, Utah Utes
Pac-10- Arizona Wildcats, Arizona State Sun Devils, California Golden Bears, Oregon Ducks, Oregon State Beavers, Stanford Cardinal, UCLA Bruins, USC Trojans, Washington Huskies, Washington State Cougars
SEC- Alabama Crimson Tide, Auburn Tigers, Florida Gators, Georgia Bulldogs, Kentucky Wildcats, LSU Tigers, Mississippi Rebels, Mississippi State Bulldogs, South Carolina Gamecocks, Vanderbilt Commodores
Sun Belt- FIU Golden Panthers, North Texas Mean Green, Troy Trojans
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Pre-Season Preview: San Jose State Spartans
2009 Record: 2-10 (1-7 in WAC)
2009 Bowl: None
Final 2009 AP Ranking: Not Ranked
Head Coach: Mike MacIntyre (First Time Head Coach)
Non-Conference Schedule: at Alabama (9/4), at Wisconsin (9/11), Southern Utah (9/18), at Utah (9/25), UC Davis (10/2)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 13.8 points per game (8th in WAC, 118th in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 76 (9th in WAC, 116th in Nation)
Passing Yards/Game: 207 (5th in WAC)
Total Yards/Game: 284 (8th in WAC, 115th in Nation)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 34.5 points per game (8th in WAC, 109th in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 259 (last in WAC, 119th in Nation)
Passing Yards/Game: 183 (2nd in WAC)
Total Yards/Game: 442 (8th in WAC, 109th in Nation)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: -0.33 per game (5th in WAC)
Penalties: 46 yards per game (3rd in WAC)
Returning Starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 7
Kicker/Punter: 1
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Jordan La Secla, Sr (182 of 304 for 1926 yds, 10 TD, 11 INT, 160 ypg)
Rushing: RB Lamon Muldrow, Sr (131 carries for 592 yds, 4.5 ypc, 49 ypg)
Receiving: WR Marquis Avery, Sr (42 rec, 465 yds, 6 TD, 4.7 rec/game)
Tackles: FS Tanner Burns, Jr (94)
Sacks: DT Pablo Garcia, Jr (4)
Interceptions: FS Tanner Burns, Jr (2); CB Peyton Thompson, Jr (2)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Athlon Sports: #110
Pre-Snap Read: #113
2010 Pre-Season WAC Prediction
Athlon Sports: #8
Phil Steele: #9
What do you get when you combine one of the worst offenses in the WAC with one of the worst defenses in the WAC? You get 2-10. That's what San Jose State got last year.The Spartans are only a few years removed from a bowl victory in the New Mexico bowl but the only wins they had last year were a 10 point win over Cal Poly and a 3 point win over a 3-10 New Mexico State team. San Jose State has a new head coach in former Duke defensive coordinator Mike MacIntyre. San Jose State has scheduled 3 heavyweights on their non-conference schedule (Alabama, Wisconsin and Utah) and 2 wins (UC Davis and Southern Utah). I guess they aren't counting on going bowling since they scheduled 13 regular season games. We questioned the San Jose State blog Spartanthunder.com to find out what they thought about the 2010 Spartans.
What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the team?
Strengths- Defense is the only strength, but will be weaker this year due to loss of players to graduation.
Weaknesses- No proven QB, Kicking Game, or Running game to be seen (San Jose State lost its best offensive players and two of its three defensive players).
Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test?
First major test is the first game of the season versus national champion Alabama (good luck)
What team on the schedule do you fear the most?
Most feared- #1 ranked Alabama, #4 ranked Boise, #16 Wisconsin, #18 Utah, Fresno and Nevada (all equally feared)
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
Best player nobody talks about- RB, Brandon Rutley
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
Best offensive player- RB Lamon Muldrow
Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?
Best defensive player- S Duke Ihenacho
What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?
Step up player- Any QB on the squad
Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
Best offensive newcomer- Cory Murphy- QB Frosh
Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
Best defensive newcomer- Courtlin Thompson- S
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
Final record 2010- 3 wins and 10 lost (Only wins are southern utah, nm state, and hawaii)- And could lose the hawaii game and be 2 and 11. The season is a disaster even before it has began with a new head coach, and not much to rebuild upon.
Previous WAC Previews
Boise State Broncos
Fresno State Bulldogs
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
New Mexico State Aggies
Next Up: Michael Felder interview
Next Preview: North Texas Mean Green
ACC- Boston College Eagles, Duke Blue Devils, Florida State Seminoles, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Maryland Terrapins, Virginia Tech Hokies
Big 12- Kansas State Wildcats, Missouri Tigers, Oklahoma Sooners, Texas Longhorns, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, USF Bulls, West Virginia Mountaineers
Big Ten- Illinois Fighting Illini, Michigan Wolverines, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Northwestern Wildcats, Ohio State Buckeyes, Purdue Boilermakers
C-USA- Houston Cougars, SMU Mustangs, Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Tulane Green Wave, UTEP Miners
Independent- Navy Midshipmen
MAC- Ball State Cardinals, Bowling Green Falcons, Buffalo Bulls, Central Michigan Chippewas, Temple Owls, Toledo Rockets
MWC- BYU Cougars, Colorado State Rams, UNLV Rebels, Utah Utes
Pac-10- Arizona State Sun Devils, Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, Washington Huskies
SEC- Auburn Tigers, Kentucky Wildcats, Mississippi Rebels, South Carolina Gamecocks, Vanderbilt Commodores
Sun Belt- Troy Trojans
2009 Bowl: None
Final 2009 AP Ranking: Not Ranked
Head Coach: Mike MacIntyre (First Time Head Coach)
Non-Conference Schedule: at Alabama (9/4), at Wisconsin (9/11), Southern Utah (9/18), at Utah (9/25), UC Davis (10/2)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 13.8 points per game (8th in WAC, 118th in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 76 (9th in WAC, 116th in Nation)
Passing Yards/Game: 207 (5th in WAC)
Total Yards/Game: 284 (8th in WAC, 115th in Nation)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 34.5 points per game (8th in WAC, 109th in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 259 (last in WAC, 119th in Nation)
Passing Yards/Game: 183 (2nd in WAC)
Total Yards/Game: 442 (8th in WAC, 109th in Nation)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: -0.33 per game (5th in WAC)
Penalties: 46 yards per game (3rd in WAC)
Returning Starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 7
Kicker/Punter: 1
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Jordan La Secla, Sr (182 of 304 for 1926 yds, 10 TD, 11 INT, 160 ypg)
Rushing: RB Lamon Muldrow, Sr (131 carries for 592 yds, 4.5 ypc, 49 ypg)
Receiving: WR Marquis Avery, Sr (42 rec, 465 yds, 6 TD, 4.7 rec/game)
Tackles: FS Tanner Burns, Jr (94)
Sacks: DT Pablo Garcia, Jr (4)
Interceptions: FS Tanner Burns, Jr (2); CB Peyton Thompson, Jr (2)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Athlon Sports: #110
Pre-Snap Read: #113
2010 Pre-Season WAC Prediction
Athlon Sports: #8
Phil Steele: #9
What do you get when you combine one of the worst offenses in the WAC with one of the worst defenses in the WAC? You get 2-10. That's what San Jose State got last year.The Spartans are only a few years removed from a bowl victory in the New Mexico bowl but the only wins they had last year were a 10 point win over Cal Poly and a 3 point win over a 3-10 New Mexico State team. San Jose State has a new head coach in former Duke defensive coordinator Mike MacIntyre. San Jose State has scheduled 3 heavyweights on their non-conference schedule (Alabama, Wisconsin and Utah) and 2 wins (UC Davis and Southern Utah). I guess they aren't counting on going bowling since they scheduled 13 regular season games. We questioned the San Jose State blog Spartanthunder.com to find out what they thought about the 2010 Spartans.
What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the team?
Strengths- Defense is the only strength, but will be weaker this year due to loss of players to graduation.
Weaknesses- No proven QB, Kicking Game, or Running game to be seen (San Jose State lost its best offensive players and two of its three defensive players).
Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test?
First major test is the first game of the season versus national champion Alabama (good luck)
What team on the schedule do you fear the most?
Most feared- #1 ranked Alabama, #4 ranked Boise, #16 Wisconsin, #18 Utah, Fresno and Nevada (all equally feared)
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
Best player nobody talks about- RB, Brandon Rutley
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
Best offensive player- RB Lamon Muldrow
Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?
Best defensive player- S Duke Ihenacho
What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?
Step up player- Any QB on the squad
Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
Best offensive newcomer- Cory Murphy- QB Frosh
Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
Best defensive newcomer- Courtlin Thompson- S
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
Final record 2010- 3 wins and 10 lost (Only wins are southern utah, nm state, and hawaii)- And could lose the hawaii game and be 2 and 11. The season is a disaster even before it has began with a new head coach, and not much to rebuild upon.
Previous WAC Previews
Boise State Broncos
Fresno State Bulldogs
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
New Mexico State Aggies
Next Up: Michael Felder interview
Next Preview: North Texas Mean Green
ACC- Boston College Eagles, Duke Blue Devils, Florida State Seminoles, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Maryland Terrapins, Virginia Tech Hokies
Big 12- Kansas State Wildcats, Missouri Tigers, Oklahoma Sooners, Texas Longhorns, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, USF Bulls, West Virginia Mountaineers
Big Ten- Illinois Fighting Illini, Michigan Wolverines, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Northwestern Wildcats, Ohio State Buckeyes, Purdue Boilermakers
C-USA- Houston Cougars, SMU Mustangs, Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Tulane Green Wave, UTEP Miners
Independent- Navy Midshipmen
MAC- Ball State Cardinals, Bowling Green Falcons, Buffalo Bulls, Central Michigan Chippewas, Temple Owls, Toledo Rockets
MWC- BYU Cougars, Colorado State Rams, UNLV Rebels, Utah Utes
Pac-10- Arizona State Sun Devils, Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, Washington Huskies
SEC- Auburn Tigers, Kentucky Wildcats, Mississippi Rebels, South Carolina Gamecocks, Vanderbilt Commodores
Sun Belt- Troy Trojans
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Pre-Season Preview: Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
2009 Record: 4-8 (3-5 in WAC)
2009 Bowl: None
Final 2009 AP Ranking: Not Ranked
Head Coach: Sonny Dykes (First Time Head Coach)
Non-Conference Schedule: Grambling State (9/4), at Texas A&M (9/11), Navy (9/18), Southern Miss (9/25)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 29.2 points per game (5th in WAC)
Rushing Yards/Game: 184 (5th in WAC)
Passing Yards/Game: 188 (7th in WAC)
Total Yards/Game: 372 (7th in WAC)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 25.8 points per game (2nd in WAC)
Rushing Yards/Game: 162 (4th in WAC)
Passing Yards/Game: 205 (6th in WAC)
Total Yards/Game: 368 (2nd in WAC)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: +0.58 per game (2nd in WAC)
Penalties: 54 yards per game (5th in WAC)
Returning Starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 6
Kicker/Punter: 2
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Ross Jenkins, Sr (172 of 290 for 2095 yds, 17 TD, 5 INT, 174 ypg)
Rushing: RB Tyrone Duplessis, Soph (70 carries for 277 yds, 3.9 ypc, 30 ypg)
Receiving: WR Cruz Williams, Soph (15 rec, 259 yds, 3 TD, 1.3 rec/game, 17 ypc)
Receiving: WR Phillip Livas, Sr (20 rec, 205 yds, 1.7 rec/game)
Tackles: LB Adrien Cole, Jr (93)
Sacks: DE Matt Broha, Jr (4)
Interceptions: CB Josh Victorian, Sr (3)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Athlon Sports: #84
Pre-Snap Read: #104
Sporting News: #72
2010 Pre-Season WAC Prediction
Athlon Sports: #4
Phil Steele: #4
2010 Bowl Predictions
Athlon Sports: Hawaii Bowl (vs. UCF)
Statistically speaking Louisiana Tech was a pretty decent football team last year. They played a tough out of conference schedule and got handled by Navy and Auburn but put up a good fight against LSU before losing by 8 points. In conference they lost 3 games (Utah State, Idaho, Fresno State) by a total of 5 points and only lost to Boise State by 10. If Tech wins those 3 games they go 7-5 instead of 4-8 but that's why they play the games. They had a 5 game stretch from October 24 through November 21 in which they lost 5 games by a total of 23 points and two of those were the LSU and Boise State game (the other three were the three they lost by a combined 5 pts). Derek Dooley departs from the Bulldogs this year with a career record of 17-20 (12-12 in conference) to take over at Tennessee. Sonny Dykes comes from Arizona to take over at Louisiana Tech. We reached out to Jonathan Nida of Scout.com's Louisiana Tech site Here Come The Dawgs to learn more about the 2010 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.
What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the team?
This year’s team has a lot of depth at WR. Our OL rotation is about 12 deep and most of them got a decent amount of PT last season. The major victory of the off-season was retaining DC Tommy Spangler who’s had the defense trending up every year since his arrival. If the trend continues, this defense will be a strength of this team. Our biggest question mark is at QB. Dykes’ system requires precision passing, confidence, and great command of the playbook. Jenkins was a game manager last season and that won’t get the job done this season. DL depth is always an issue for all but a few elite programs in the country…it’s an issue at Louisiana Tech.
The first major test this year will be against Texas A&M. What do you hope to learn from that game and what would you view as a successful outing against the Aggies?
I don’t believe in moral victories, so success is a win. What I hope to learn about is how this team deals with a major program with a major home field advantage. Dooley’s teams were tough, but we lacked the offensive output to jump out and put the big boys behind the 8-ball. Our defense plays solid until continuous strings of 3 and outs tire them out. My hope is the offense is able to maintain drives and strike quick. Success is a win, the Aggie faithful in their seats until the final gun would be a good sign for the rest of our season (and a bad sign for the rest of the WAC)
What team on the schedule do you want to beat the most?
Nothing would make me happier than sending the Broncos out with a loss on their (blue) turf. Number 2 would be Nevada who has had our number just as much as Boise the past 4 years or so.
Who do you consider your top rivals?
Tech is in the strange position of not having a real rivalry relationship. Part of this is that there is minimal fan interaction in the far flung WAC. Some of our more traditional in-state rivalry games haven’t been played in half a decade. I don’t really see this changing unless Tech is able to gain entry to Conference USA.
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
Jay Dudley is a guy who doesn’t get a lot of press, but he’s an athletic freak at LB and he flies to the ball.
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
From a pro-potential standpoint, it’s probably OT Rob McGill. Phillip Livas has been electrifying and should challenge for the career record for returns for a TD this season. What’s really amazing is that he’s done all of this injured most of his career. If his turf toe is under control, he’ll be amazing.
Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?
Tough to say, but I’ll go with Adrien Cole. Cole is a force at the MLB position. He packs a punch and seems to really be growing from a great hitter into a great football player.
What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?
One of the QBs. I don’t really care which one, but this defense is going to be solid enough to go bowling if the offense can transition to the Dykes/Franklin system. If the QB can’t get it done in that system, we’re done. If they can get it done, watch out!
Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
This is a tie between two receivers in Ahmad Paige (transfer from Tennessee) and Tim Molton (transfer from LSU). Both guys were highly rated out of high school and appear to be ready to make some big contributions if the QBs can get them the ball.
Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
Josh Tillman (JUCO DL) will be called upon to help early and he appears quite able. Freshmen Seth Ancar is probably one of the more celebrated defensive signees this year, but he may not see the field until 2011.
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
I think success depends on whether or not we’re bowl eligible. We lost a lot of close ones last year and a year of maturity should help with that. We’ve got 7 home games (including a neutral site game in Shreveport…an hour down the road) and we’ve got a lot of great contributors back. Worst case: 5-7…Best case: 9-3…most likely 7-5.
Make sure you check out Scout.com's Here Comes The Dawgss for your Louisiana Tech and recruiting needs this football season.
Previous WAC Previews
Boise State Broncos
Fresno State Bulldogs
New Mexico State Aggies
Next Up: San Jose State Spartans
ACC- Boston College Eagles, Duke Blue Devils, Florida State Seminoles, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Maryland Terrapins, Virginia Tech Hokies
Big 12- Kansas State Wildcats, Missouri Tigers, Oklahoma Sooners, Texas Longhorns, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, USF Bulls, West Virginia Mountaineers
Big Ten- Illinois Fighting Illini, Michigan Wolverines, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Northwestern Wildcats, Ohio State Buckeyes, Purdue Boilermakers
C-USA- Houston Cougars, SMU Mustangs, Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Tulane Green Wave, UTEP Miners
Independent- Navy Midshipmen
MAC- Ball State Cardinals, Bowling Green Falcons, Buffalo Bulls, Central Michigan Chippewas, Temple Owls, Toledo Rockets
MWC- BYU Cougars, Colorado State Rams, UNLV Rebels, Utah Utes
Pac-10- Arizona State Sun Devils, Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, Washington Huskies
SEC- Auburn Tigers, Kentucky Wildcats, Mississippi Rebels, South Carolina Gamecocks, Vanderbilt Commodores
Sun Belt- Troy Trojans
2009 Bowl: None
Final 2009 AP Ranking: Not Ranked
Head Coach: Sonny Dykes (First Time Head Coach)
Non-Conference Schedule: Grambling State (9/4), at Texas A&M (9/11), Navy (9/18), Southern Miss (9/25)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 29.2 points per game (5th in WAC)
Rushing Yards/Game: 184 (5th in WAC)
Passing Yards/Game: 188 (7th in WAC)
Total Yards/Game: 372 (7th in WAC)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 25.8 points per game (2nd in WAC)
Rushing Yards/Game: 162 (4th in WAC)
Passing Yards/Game: 205 (6th in WAC)
Total Yards/Game: 368 (2nd in WAC)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: +0.58 per game (2nd in WAC)
Penalties: 54 yards per game (5th in WAC)
Returning Starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 6
Kicker/Punter: 2
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Ross Jenkins, Sr (172 of 290 for 2095 yds, 17 TD, 5 INT, 174 ypg)
Rushing: RB Tyrone Duplessis, Soph (70 carries for 277 yds, 3.9 ypc, 30 ypg)
Receiving: WR Cruz Williams, Soph (15 rec, 259 yds, 3 TD, 1.3 rec/game, 17 ypc)
Receiving: WR Phillip Livas, Sr (20 rec, 205 yds, 1.7 rec/game)
Tackles: LB Adrien Cole, Jr (93)
Sacks: DE Matt Broha, Jr (4)
Interceptions: CB Josh Victorian, Sr (3)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Athlon Sports: #84
Pre-Snap Read: #104
Sporting News: #72
2010 Pre-Season WAC Prediction
Athlon Sports: #4
Phil Steele: #4
2010 Bowl Predictions
Athlon Sports: Hawaii Bowl (vs. UCF)
Statistically speaking Louisiana Tech was a pretty decent football team last year. They played a tough out of conference schedule and got handled by Navy and Auburn but put up a good fight against LSU before losing by 8 points. In conference they lost 3 games (Utah State, Idaho, Fresno State) by a total of 5 points and only lost to Boise State by 10. If Tech wins those 3 games they go 7-5 instead of 4-8 but that's why they play the games. They had a 5 game stretch from October 24 through November 21 in which they lost 5 games by a total of 23 points and two of those were the LSU and Boise State game (the other three were the three they lost by a combined 5 pts). Derek Dooley departs from the Bulldogs this year with a career record of 17-20 (12-12 in conference) to take over at Tennessee. Sonny Dykes comes from Arizona to take over at Louisiana Tech. We reached out to Jonathan Nida of Scout.com's Louisiana Tech site Here Come The Dawgs to learn more about the 2010 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.
What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the team?
This year’s team has a lot of depth at WR. Our OL rotation is about 12 deep and most of them got a decent amount of PT last season. The major victory of the off-season was retaining DC Tommy Spangler who’s had the defense trending up every year since his arrival. If the trend continues, this defense will be a strength of this team. Our biggest question mark is at QB. Dykes’ system requires precision passing, confidence, and great command of the playbook. Jenkins was a game manager last season and that won’t get the job done this season. DL depth is always an issue for all but a few elite programs in the country…it’s an issue at Louisiana Tech.
The first major test this year will be against Texas A&M. What do you hope to learn from that game and what would you view as a successful outing against the Aggies?
I don’t believe in moral victories, so success is a win. What I hope to learn about is how this team deals with a major program with a major home field advantage. Dooley’s teams were tough, but we lacked the offensive output to jump out and put the big boys behind the 8-ball. Our defense plays solid until continuous strings of 3 and outs tire them out. My hope is the offense is able to maintain drives and strike quick. Success is a win, the Aggie faithful in their seats until the final gun would be a good sign for the rest of our season (and a bad sign for the rest of the WAC)
What team on the schedule do you want to beat the most?
Nothing would make me happier than sending the Broncos out with a loss on their (blue) turf. Number 2 would be Nevada who has had our number just as much as Boise the past 4 years or so.
Who do you consider your top rivals?
Tech is in the strange position of not having a real rivalry relationship. Part of this is that there is minimal fan interaction in the far flung WAC. Some of our more traditional in-state rivalry games haven’t been played in half a decade. I don’t really see this changing unless Tech is able to gain entry to Conference USA.
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
Jay Dudley is a guy who doesn’t get a lot of press, but he’s an athletic freak at LB and he flies to the ball.
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
From a pro-potential standpoint, it’s probably OT Rob McGill. Phillip Livas has been electrifying and should challenge for the career record for returns for a TD this season. What’s really amazing is that he’s done all of this injured most of his career. If his turf toe is under control, he’ll be amazing.
Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?
Tough to say, but I’ll go with Adrien Cole. Cole is a force at the MLB position. He packs a punch and seems to really be growing from a great hitter into a great football player.
What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?
One of the QBs. I don’t really care which one, but this defense is going to be solid enough to go bowling if the offense can transition to the Dykes/Franklin system. If the QB can’t get it done in that system, we’re done. If they can get it done, watch out!
Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
This is a tie between two receivers in Ahmad Paige (transfer from Tennessee) and Tim Molton (transfer from LSU). Both guys were highly rated out of high school and appear to be ready to make some big contributions if the QBs can get them the ball.
Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
Josh Tillman (JUCO DL) will be called upon to help early and he appears quite able. Freshmen Seth Ancar is probably one of the more celebrated defensive signees this year, but he may not see the field until 2011.
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
I think success depends on whether or not we’re bowl eligible. We lost a lot of close ones last year and a year of maturity should help with that. We’ve got 7 home games (including a neutral site game in Shreveport…an hour down the road) and we’ve got a lot of great contributors back. Worst case: 5-7…Best case: 9-3…most likely 7-5.
Make sure you check out Scout.com's Here Comes The Dawgss for your Louisiana Tech and recruiting needs this football season.
Previous WAC Previews
Boise State Broncos
Fresno State Bulldogs
New Mexico State Aggies
Next Up: San Jose State Spartans
ACC- Boston College Eagles, Duke Blue Devils, Florida State Seminoles, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Maryland Terrapins, Virginia Tech Hokies
Big 12- Kansas State Wildcats, Missouri Tigers, Oklahoma Sooners, Texas Longhorns, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, USF Bulls, West Virginia Mountaineers
Big Ten- Illinois Fighting Illini, Michigan Wolverines, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Northwestern Wildcats, Ohio State Buckeyes, Purdue Boilermakers
C-USA- Houston Cougars, SMU Mustangs, Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Tulane Green Wave, UTEP Miners
Independent- Navy Midshipmen
MAC- Ball State Cardinals, Bowling Green Falcons, Buffalo Bulls, Central Michigan Chippewas, Temple Owls, Toledo Rockets
MWC- BYU Cougars, Colorado State Rams, UNLV Rebels, Utah Utes
Pac-10- Arizona State Sun Devils, Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, Washington Huskies
SEC- Auburn Tigers, Kentucky Wildcats, Mississippi Rebels, South Carolina Gamecocks, Vanderbilt Commodores
Sun Belt- Troy Trojans
Friday, July 9, 2010
Pre-Season Preview: Boise State Broncos
2009 Record: 14-0 (8-0 in WAC)
2009 Bowl: Fiesta Bowl (beat TCU 17-10))
Final 2009 AP Ranking: #4
Head Coach: Chris Petersen (49-4 at Boise State)
Non-Conference Schedule: Virginia Tech (9/6), at Wyoming (9/18), Oregon State (9/25), Toledo (10/9)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 42.2 points per game (1st in WAC, tied for 1st in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 186 (4th in WAC)
Passing Yards/Game: 264 (3rd in WAC)
Total Yards/Game: 450 (3rd in WAC, 10th in Nation)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 17.1 points per game (1st in WAC, 13th in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 120 (2nd in WAC)
Passing Yards/Game: 179 (1st in WAC)
Total Yards/Game: 300 (1st in WAC, 14th in Nation)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: +1.50 per game (1st in WAC, 3rd in Nation)
Penalties: 56 yards per game (6th in WAC)
Returning Starters
Offense: 11
Defense: 10
Kicker/Punter: 2
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Kellen Moore, Jr (277 of 432 for 3536 yds, 39 TD, 3 INT, 252 ypg)
Rushing: RB Jeremy Avery, Sr (209 carries for 1151 yds, 6 TD, 5.5 ypc, 82 ypg)
Receiving: WR Titus Young, Sr (79 rec, 1041 yds, 10 TD, 5.6 rec/game, 74 rec ypg)
Tackles: SS Jeron Johnson, Sr (91)
Sacks: DE Ryan Winterswyk, Sr (9)
Interceptions: CB Brandon Thompson, Sr (6)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Athlon Sports: #4
Lindy's: #2
Mark Schlabach: #3
Phil Steele: #6
Rivals: #4
Scout: #8
Sporting News: #3
Sports Illustrated: #3
2010 Pre-Season WAC Prediction
Athlon Sports: #1
Phil Steele: #1
2010 Bowl Predictions
Athlon Sports: Rose Bowl
Phil Steele: Kraft Foods Bowl (vs. Stanford)
Boise State beat Oregon in a season opening grinder that will long be remembered for what happened after the game. The Broncos went on to go undefeated and then knock off TCU in the Fiesta Bowl. Boise State needed a break to get into the National Championship game but did not get it last year. This year they have a really tough opening week game against Virginia Tech. Then also have a pretty tough match-up with Oregon State in their third game of the year. If Boise State gets past Virginia Tech it looks like they will once again be in position to play in the National Championship game if things break their way. When I was doing this preview I pulled Chris Peterson's record off of Wikipedia and was more than a little bit surprised at his 49-4 record. Sure, Boise State is playing a lot of teams that do not match up with them but only losing 4 games over a 4 year period (while also playing out of conference games like Oregon and beating the likes of Oklahoma and TCU in their bowl games) is amazing. Another stat that stood out for me was Kellen Moore's TD to interception ratio which was 39 to 3 as a sophmore last year. Moore was a big factor in Boise State's turnover margin which was a very healthy +1.5. When you are getting the ball 1.5 times more than your opponent good things are going to happen. Boise State returns practically everybody from their undefeated team of last year. If you are a Broncos fan you can't help but be confident going into the year. We caught up with Kevan Lee of the SB Nation Boise State Blog One Bronco Nation Under God (OBNUG) to find out what to expect from the 2010 Boise State Broncos.
What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the team?
Strengths:
Experience. Boise State returns 20 of 22 starters, except that the coaching staff told no one their starting job was safe this season. That's right. The Broncos will have Fiesta Bowl veterans nervously watching the two-deep roster every week.
Defense. Boise State's defense is better than its offense, and it took me a good year-and-a-half to wrap my head around that one.
Beating WAC teams. Especially Nevada.
Coaching. And I do not even mean gameday coaching, although that is really good, too. Boise State has great year-round coaching from recruiting to training to teaching to motivating to managing and everything in between.
Running back. There are four players who have had 100-yard games. And I love them all equally. (That's not true. I love Doug Martin best.)
Weaknesses:
Killer instinct. Boise State let too many teams hang around last year. It was bad times. Not only did it cost them some respect from pollsters and the national media (Beating Tulsa by a touchdown? Mark May finds that very disagreeable), but it also made it very hard on my life-crippling gambling addiction.
Bowl games. Except for the Fiesta Bowl.
Depth behind Austin Pettis. When Pettis went down last year, the Bronco offense was not itself. Sadly, the Pettis cloning project I tried to underfund this offseason went south and I blew the cash I raised on Lego Harry Potter.
What team on the schedule do you fear the most?
Well, it's certainly not a WAC team. Am I right? Who's with me?
/realizing the joke's on me
/getting depressed
/watching 2010 Fiesta Bowl DVR
/feeling better
Obviously, the answer from most all sane Bronco fans will be Virginia Tech. The Hokies are a preseason Top Ten team with the kind of depth and talent that non-BCS schools simply don't see all that often. And those sane Bronco fans are right; VT will be a test.
But I am most fearful of Oregon State. Beaver fear courses through my veins for a number of reasons. A) Oregon State is a very well-coached team that is one of the most consistent programs in the Northwest. B) The game is not receiving the cataclysmic attention of the Broncos' Labor Day opener with the Hokies, and therefore it stands to reason that players and fans might be overlooking it. C) The Rodgers' brothers were birthed by video game Bo Jackson. D) The game follows a tough test on the road against Wyoming.
I peed my pants a little writing that paragraph.
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
DE Shea McClellin. The pecking order of Boise State defensive linemen goes like this: DE Ryan Winterswyk, DT Billy Winn, DT Chase Baker, JUCO transfer and never-taken-a-snap-before-with-the-defense DE Tyrone Crawford, afro'ed DE Jarrell Root, MLB Byron Hout, and then McClellin. To say that people don't talk about McClellin enough is to say that not enough people watched Better Off Ted. Of course they didn't watch. There was too much else to do.
Well those people were missing out, both because Better Off Ted was excellent and so is the Better Off Ted metaphor in this case, McClellin. The former high school RB from small-town Idaho blossomed as a starter last season, and he looked absolutely superb in spring practice. He has one of those Jared Allen motors, which helps him compensate for the quasi-RB way he plays defensive end.
Best of all, McClellin often lines up as a linebacker when the Broncos switch from their traditional 4-2-5 into the 3-4 or the 3-3-5. It is terrifying to watch, and I am 30 miles away in my papasan chair.
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
Kellen Moore is the best offensive player on the team, as well as the planet, and probably in the history of the world. It's a fact. Ask any Bronco fan.
Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?
DT Billy Winn. Oho, did I throw you off the scent by singing hallelujahs at Shea McClellin in the above paragraphs? McClellin may be a force at DE, but a DEs impact is much more acute and narrow than a DT. Winn can control football games when is playing his best. He has that rare DT ability to hold the line of scrimmage and absorb blockers while still possessing a passing game push. His bull rush is top notch. And even he gets into the linebacker action when the Broncos go to the 3-3-5.
What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach its full capability?
CB Brandyn Thompson. This question inspired a post over at OBNUG where I blamed my premature disappointment on Thompson's inability to replace Kyle Wilson man to man. Am I being unreasonable? Of course I am. Thompson doesn't even have dreadlocks or his own wrapped RV.
However, just because Wilson's shoes are impossibly large to fill doesn't mean that Thompson gets a free pass. The Boise State defense got used to relying on Wilson's lockdown corner skills so much so that the D transformed into a blitzing, risk-taking unit that didn't need to pay any attention to one whole half of the field. Can Thompson pull the same sleight of hand this season? His up-and-down 2009 had hints of greatness and hints of awfulness. We'll see.
Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
LT Faraji Wright. The Broncos did a very strange thing this offseason. They moved their best offensive lineman, LT Nate Potter, to guard. Why? Because Faraji Wright told them to, that's why.
Wright and Wright clone Charles Leno were such up-and-coming stars in the BSU system that Bronco coaches were forced to make room for them. Inside went Potter, and Wright and Leno were left to duke it out for starting honors in his place.
I'm going with Wright for the starting role based on what little I have seen of him in practices and scrimmages. Plus, his name is not synonymous with the man who ruined late night television. Had there been a Charles O'Brien, I would have voted for him.
Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
DE Tyrone Crawford. There is only one spot on the Boise State defense that had to be replaced this offseason (although the Bronco coaching staff said everyone's spots are fair game, so there goes that fun stat).
You will hear a lot about CBs Jerrell Gavins and Jamar Taylor, stepping into the vacant spot at cornerback. But chances are that you will hear Crawford's name plenty, too, once the season kicks off. A Canadian JUCO transfer, Crawford is expected to seriously contend for a starting spot this season on the defensive line. Will he overtake Winterswyk or McClellin? Quite possibly. But even if he doesn't, the Boise State coaches rotate their defensive linemen often enough that he will make an impact.
Former DE Byron Hout (he of the LeGarrette Blount punch) was moved to MLB to make room for Crawford, and Hout was a really good DE. Crawford must be something special.
Make sure you check out OBNUG prior to and after the big Virginia Tech showdown. You can also follow them on Twitter @OBNUG.
Previous WAC Previews
Fresno State Bulldogs
New Mexico State Aggies
Next Up: Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
ACC- Boston College Eagles, Duke Blue Devils, Florida State Seminoles, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Maryland Terrapins, Virginia Tech Hokies
Big 12- Kansas State Wildcats, Missouri Tigers, Oklahoma Sooners, Texas Longhorns, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, USF Bulls, West Virginia Mountaineers
Big Ten- Illinois Fighting Illini, Michigan Wolverines, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Northwestern Wildcats, Purdue Boilermakers
C-USA- Houston Cougars, SMU Mustangs, Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Tulane Green Wave, UTEP Miners
Independent- Navy Midshipmen
MAC- Ball State Cardinals, Bowling Green Falcons, Buffalo Bulls, Central Michigan Chippewas, Temple Owls, Toledo Rockets
MWC- BYU Cougars, Colorado State Rams, UNLV Rebels, Utah Utes
Pac-10- Arizona State Sun Devils, Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, Washington Huskies
SEC- Auburn Tigers, Kentucky Wildcats, Mississippi Rebels, South Carolina Gamecocks, Vanderbilt Commodores
Sun Belt- Troy Trojans
2009 Bowl: Fiesta Bowl (beat TCU 17-10))
Final 2009 AP Ranking: #4
Head Coach: Chris Petersen (49-4 at Boise State)
Non-Conference Schedule: Virginia Tech (9/6), at Wyoming (9/18), Oregon State (9/25), Toledo (10/9)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 42.2 points per game (1st in WAC, tied for 1st in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 186 (4th in WAC)
Passing Yards/Game: 264 (3rd in WAC)
Total Yards/Game: 450 (3rd in WAC, 10th in Nation)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 17.1 points per game (1st in WAC, 13th in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 120 (2nd in WAC)
Passing Yards/Game: 179 (1st in WAC)
Total Yards/Game: 300 (1st in WAC, 14th in Nation)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: +1.50 per game (1st in WAC, 3rd in Nation)
Penalties: 56 yards per game (6th in WAC)
Returning Starters
Offense: 11
Defense: 10
Kicker/Punter: 2
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Kellen Moore, Jr (277 of 432 for 3536 yds, 39 TD, 3 INT, 252 ypg)
Rushing: RB Jeremy Avery, Sr (209 carries for 1151 yds, 6 TD, 5.5 ypc, 82 ypg)
Receiving: WR Titus Young, Sr (79 rec, 1041 yds, 10 TD, 5.6 rec/game, 74 rec ypg)
Tackles: SS Jeron Johnson, Sr (91)
Sacks: DE Ryan Winterswyk, Sr (9)
Interceptions: CB Brandon Thompson, Sr (6)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Athlon Sports: #4
Lindy's: #2
Mark Schlabach: #3
Phil Steele: #6
Rivals: #4
Scout: #8
Sporting News: #3
Sports Illustrated: #3
2010 Pre-Season WAC Prediction
Athlon Sports: #1
Phil Steele: #1
2010 Bowl Predictions
Athlon Sports: Rose Bowl
Phil Steele: Kraft Foods Bowl (vs. Stanford)
Boise State beat Oregon in a season opening grinder that will long be remembered for what happened after the game. The Broncos went on to go undefeated and then knock off TCU in the Fiesta Bowl. Boise State needed a break to get into the National Championship game but did not get it last year. This year they have a really tough opening week game against Virginia Tech. Then also have a pretty tough match-up with Oregon State in their third game of the year. If Boise State gets past Virginia Tech it looks like they will once again be in position to play in the National Championship game if things break their way. When I was doing this preview I pulled Chris Peterson's record off of Wikipedia and was more than a little bit surprised at his 49-4 record. Sure, Boise State is playing a lot of teams that do not match up with them but only losing 4 games over a 4 year period (while also playing out of conference games like Oregon and beating the likes of Oklahoma and TCU in their bowl games) is amazing. Another stat that stood out for me was Kellen Moore's TD to interception ratio which was 39 to 3 as a sophmore last year. Moore was a big factor in Boise State's turnover margin which was a very healthy +1.5. When you are getting the ball 1.5 times more than your opponent good things are going to happen. Boise State returns practically everybody from their undefeated team of last year. If you are a Broncos fan you can't help but be confident going into the year. We caught up with Kevan Lee of the SB Nation Boise State Blog One Bronco Nation Under God (OBNUG) to find out what to expect from the 2010 Boise State Broncos.
What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the team?
Strengths:
Experience. Boise State returns 20 of 22 starters, except that the coaching staff told no one their starting job was safe this season. That's right. The Broncos will have Fiesta Bowl veterans nervously watching the two-deep roster every week.
Defense. Boise State's defense is better than its offense, and it took me a good year-and-a-half to wrap my head around that one.
Beating WAC teams. Especially Nevada.
Coaching. And I do not even mean gameday coaching, although that is really good, too. Boise State has great year-round coaching from recruiting to training to teaching to motivating to managing and everything in between.
Running back. There are four players who have had 100-yard games. And I love them all equally. (That's not true. I love Doug Martin best.)
Weaknesses:
Killer instinct. Boise State let too many teams hang around last year. It was bad times. Not only did it cost them some respect from pollsters and the national media (Beating Tulsa by a touchdown? Mark May finds that very disagreeable), but it also made it very hard on my life-crippling gambling addiction.
Bowl games. Except for the Fiesta Bowl.
Depth behind Austin Pettis. When Pettis went down last year, the Bronco offense was not itself. Sadly, the Pettis cloning project I tried to underfund this offseason went south and I blew the cash I raised on Lego Harry Potter.
What team on the schedule do you fear the most?
Well, it's certainly not a WAC team. Am I right? Who's with me?
/realizing the joke's on me
/getting depressed
/watching 2010 Fiesta Bowl DVR
/feeling better
Obviously, the answer from most all sane Bronco fans will be Virginia Tech. The Hokies are a preseason Top Ten team with the kind of depth and talent that non-BCS schools simply don't see all that often. And those sane Bronco fans are right; VT will be a test.
But I am most fearful of Oregon State. Beaver fear courses through my veins for a number of reasons. A) Oregon State is a very well-coached team that is one of the most consistent programs in the Northwest. B) The game is not receiving the cataclysmic attention of the Broncos' Labor Day opener with the Hokies, and therefore it stands to reason that players and fans might be overlooking it. C) The Rodgers' brothers were birthed by video game Bo Jackson. D) The game follows a tough test on the road against Wyoming.
I peed my pants a little writing that paragraph.
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
DE Shea McClellin. The pecking order of Boise State defensive linemen goes like this: DE Ryan Winterswyk, DT Billy Winn, DT Chase Baker, JUCO transfer and never-taken-a-snap-before-with-the-defense DE Tyrone Crawford, afro'ed DE Jarrell Root, MLB Byron Hout, and then McClellin. To say that people don't talk about McClellin enough is to say that not enough people watched Better Off Ted. Of course they didn't watch. There was too much else to do.
Well those people were missing out, both because Better Off Ted was excellent and so is the Better Off Ted metaphor in this case, McClellin. The former high school RB from small-town Idaho blossomed as a starter last season, and he looked absolutely superb in spring practice. He has one of those Jared Allen motors, which helps him compensate for the quasi-RB way he plays defensive end.
Best of all, McClellin often lines up as a linebacker when the Broncos switch from their traditional 4-2-5 into the 3-4 or the 3-3-5. It is terrifying to watch, and I am 30 miles away in my papasan chair.
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
Kellen Moore is the best offensive player on the team, as well as the planet, and probably in the history of the world. It's a fact. Ask any Bronco fan.
Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?
DT Billy Winn. Oho, did I throw you off the scent by singing hallelujahs at Shea McClellin in the above paragraphs? McClellin may be a force at DE, but a DEs impact is much more acute and narrow than a DT. Winn can control football games when is playing his best. He has that rare DT ability to hold the line of scrimmage and absorb blockers while still possessing a passing game push. His bull rush is top notch. And even he gets into the linebacker action when the Broncos go to the 3-3-5.
What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach its full capability?
CB Brandyn Thompson. This question inspired a post over at OBNUG where I blamed my premature disappointment on Thompson's inability to replace Kyle Wilson man to man. Am I being unreasonable? Of course I am. Thompson doesn't even have dreadlocks or his own wrapped RV.
However, just because Wilson's shoes are impossibly large to fill doesn't mean that Thompson gets a free pass. The Boise State defense got used to relying on Wilson's lockdown corner skills so much so that the D transformed into a blitzing, risk-taking unit that didn't need to pay any attention to one whole half of the field. Can Thompson pull the same sleight of hand this season? His up-and-down 2009 had hints of greatness and hints of awfulness. We'll see.
Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
LT Faraji Wright. The Broncos did a very strange thing this offseason. They moved their best offensive lineman, LT Nate Potter, to guard. Why? Because Faraji Wright told them to, that's why.
Wright and Wright clone Charles Leno were such up-and-coming stars in the BSU system that Bronco coaches were forced to make room for them. Inside went Potter, and Wright and Leno were left to duke it out for starting honors in his place.
I'm going with Wright for the starting role based on what little I have seen of him in practices and scrimmages. Plus, his name is not synonymous with the man who ruined late night television. Had there been a Charles O'Brien, I would have voted for him.
Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
DE Tyrone Crawford. There is only one spot on the Boise State defense that had to be replaced this offseason (although the Bronco coaching staff said everyone's spots are fair game, so there goes that fun stat).
You will hear a lot about CBs Jerrell Gavins and Jamar Taylor, stepping into the vacant spot at cornerback. But chances are that you will hear Crawford's name plenty, too, once the season kicks off. A Canadian JUCO transfer, Crawford is expected to seriously contend for a starting spot this season on the defensive line. Will he overtake Winterswyk or McClellin? Quite possibly. But even if he doesn't, the Boise State coaches rotate their defensive linemen often enough that he will make an impact.
Former DE Byron Hout (he of the LeGarrette Blount punch) was moved to MLB to make room for Crawford, and Hout was a really good DE. Crawford must be something special.
Make sure you check out OBNUG prior to and after the big Virginia Tech showdown. You can also follow them on Twitter @OBNUG.
Previous WAC Previews
Fresno State Bulldogs
New Mexico State Aggies
Next Up: Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
ACC- Boston College Eagles, Duke Blue Devils, Florida State Seminoles, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Maryland Terrapins, Virginia Tech Hokies
Big 12- Kansas State Wildcats, Missouri Tigers, Oklahoma Sooners, Texas Longhorns, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, USF Bulls, West Virginia Mountaineers
Big Ten- Illinois Fighting Illini, Michigan Wolverines, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Northwestern Wildcats, Purdue Boilermakers
C-USA- Houston Cougars, SMU Mustangs, Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Tulane Green Wave, UTEP Miners
Independent- Navy Midshipmen
MAC- Ball State Cardinals, Bowling Green Falcons, Buffalo Bulls, Central Michigan Chippewas, Temple Owls, Toledo Rockets
MWC- BYU Cougars, Colorado State Rams, UNLV Rebels, Utah Utes
Pac-10- Arizona State Sun Devils, Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, Washington Huskies
SEC- Auburn Tigers, Kentucky Wildcats, Mississippi Rebels, South Carolina Gamecocks, Vanderbilt Commodores
Sun Belt- Troy Trojans
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Pre-Season Preview: Fresno State Bulldogs
2009 Record: 8-5 (6-2 in WAC)
2009 Bowl: New Mexico Bowl (lost to Wyoming 35-28)
Final 2009 AP Ranking: Not Ranked
Head Coach: Pat Hill (100-66 at Fresno State)
Non-Conference Schedule: Cincinnati (9/4), at Mississippi (9/25), Cal Poly (10/2), Illinois (12/3)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 33.8 points per game (3rd in WAC, 14th in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 228 (2nd in WAC, 8th in Nation)
Passing Yards/Game: 201 (6th in WAC)
Total Yards/Game: 430 (6th in WAC, 17th in Nation)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 28.4 points per game (3rd in WAC)
Rushing Yards/Game: 214 (7th in WAC, 111th in Nation)
Passing Yards/Game: 199 (3rd in WAC)
Total Yards/Game: 413 (5th in WAC, 98th in Nation)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: -0.77 per game (7th in WAC, 109th in Nation)
Penalties: 39 yards per game (1st in WAC, 7th in Nation)
Returning Starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 9
Kicker/Punter: 1
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Ryan Colburn, Sr (181 of 298 for 2459 yds, 19 TD, 11 INT, 189 ypg, 171 yds rushing)
Rushing: RB Robbie Rouse, Soph (82 carries for 479 yds, 4 TD, 5.8 ypc, 36 ypg)
Receiving: WR Jamel Hamler, Jr (37 rec, 503 yds, 5 TD, 2.8 rec/game)
Tackles: LB Ben Jacobs, Sr (106)
Sacks: DE Chris Carter, Sr (5)
Interceptions: FS Phillip Thomas, Soph (2)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Phil Steele: #50
Sporting News: #81
Athlon Sports: #59
2010 Pre-Season WAC Prediction
Athlon Sports: #3
Phil Steele: #2 (tie with Nevada)
2010 Bowl Predictions
Athlon Sports: Kraft Foods Bowl (vs. California)
Phil Steele: Humanitarian Bowl (vs. Western Michigan)
Fresno State started off 1-3 after playing one of the toughest earliest schedules in all of college football (at Wisconsin, vs Boise State and at Cincinnati). The Bulldogs then reeled off 5 straight WAC wins before getting blown out at Nevada. This season Fresno State once again plays a tough out of conference schedule with games against Cincinnati, Illinois (the Illini will be looking for revenge for last years game) and at Ole Miss. Fresno State also must replace first round draft pick and 1800 yard rusher (and 19 TDs) Ryan Matthews. We reached out to Todd Kaufmann of The TKO Report to get his take on the 2010 Fresno State Bulldogs.
What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the team?
Strengths: I think the running game is still a big strength of this team, even after the loss of All-American Ryan Mathews. They're in good hands with Robbie Rouse, A.J. Ellis, and Michael Harris.
Weakness: They've got to be better defensively this season. They were getting beaten time and time again by good running backs or good running quarterbacks. They need to upgrade their defensive line and their linebackers if they're going to fix that problem.
Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test and why?
I think Cincinnati right off the bat is as tough an opening game as Fresno State could schedule. There's no question that this is not the same Cincinnati team that got to a BCS bowl game last season but they're still someone that Fresno State needs to take seriously.
What team on the schedule do you fear the most?
I don't think there's a game that I fear as far as opposing teams are concerned, but there's always that one game that Fresno State circles every year and it's against Boise State. This is a team that they just haven't been able to beat over the last few years and until they can do that, they'll never get over the hump to win an outright WAC title.
The one thing I do fear about this program is the a letdown. They play up to teams like Cincinnati, Wisconsin, and Boise State and play down to the Idaho's, Louisiana Tech's and San Jose State's. These are games they've lost in the past because they play to the level of their competition not to their own strength and ability.
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
Though running back Robbie Rouse is talked about all through the central valley, he's one player that, nationally, isn't going to get a lot of run. His teammates call him "Mighty Mouse" for a reason and he should surprise some people next year.
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
Jamel Hamler (503 receiving yards, 5 TD's) should be the go to receiver this year with Seyi Ajirotutu and Chastin West headed to the NFL. A lot of Bulldog fans would list Ryan Colburn as the best offensive player, but they'll have to forgive me for not being sold on him just yet.
Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?
That's a tough one. You could go with linebacker Ben Jacobs who finished with 106 tackles last season or you could go with defensive end Chris Carter who had five sacks to go along with 47 tackles last season.
The opposting teams know where Chris Carter is at all times and you better believe the opposing quarterback is looking for him on every down.
What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?
Ryan Colburn. I've been called a "Ryan Colburn hater" but I need to see more from him this year if Fresno State is going to be anywhere near respectable. He made horrible decisions in games they should have won against both Wisconsin and Cincinnati.
Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
I'm stuck between Davon Dunn and Victor Dean. Both of them have good spead but with Dean's height (6'6") he makes an inviting target for Ryan Colburn.
Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
I think Derron Smith could have a big year for Fresno State especially with the secondary being one of the weakest points of this team.
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
With Colburn having a full year under his belt it should bring him more experience to not push the envelope over the first few games, because they're going to be key for the Bulldogs to have a half way decent year.
They open the season at home against Cincinnati, then on the road to Utah State, where they've notoriously struggled, then to the SEC to take on Ole Miss. Three of their first four games are not going to be easy and if they can come out of it with a split, I think that's a successful start.
As for their final record, 8-4 is being generous but I believe they're good enough to go 7-3. If they can finish 8-4 or better, I would think most would say that's a successful season. There are, of course, going to be a lot of fans who would be angered by that statement but this team has a tendency to get up for the big games (Cincinnati, Ole Miss) and not play so well against the lesser games (San Jose State, Louisiana Tech).
Todd Kaufman writes for The TKO Report and is also a featured columnist for The Bleacher Report. You can also follow him on Twitter @toddkaufmannbr.
Previous WAC Previews
New Mexico State Aggies
Next Up: Boise State Broncos
ACC- Boston College Eagles, Duke Blue Devils, Florida State Seminoles, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Maryland Terrapins, Virginia Tech Hokies
Big 12- Kansas State Wildcats, Missouri Tigers, Oklahoma Sooners, Texas Longhorns, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, USF Bulls, West Virginia Mountaineers
Big Ten- Illinois Fighting Illini, Michigan Wolverines, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Northwestern Wildcats, Purdue Boilermakers
C-USA- Houston Cougars, SMU Mustangs, Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Tulane Green Wave, UTEP Miners
Independent- Navy Midshipmen
MAC- Ball State Cardinals, Bowling Green Falcons, Buffalo Bulls, Central Michigan Chippewas, Temple Owls, Toledo Rockets
MWC- BYU Cougars, Colorado State Rams, UNLV Rebels, Utah Utes
Pac-10- Arizona State Sun Devils, Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, Washington Huskies
SEC- Auburn Tigers, Kentucky Wildcats, Mississippi Rebels, South Carolina Gamecocks, Vanderbilt Commodores
Sun Belt- Troy Trojans
2009 Bowl: New Mexico Bowl (lost to Wyoming 35-28)
Final 2009 AP Ranking: Not Ranked
Head Coach: Pat Hill (100-66 at Fresno State)
Non-Conference Schedule: Cincinnati (9/4), at Mississippi (9/25), Cal Poly (10/2), Illinois (12/3)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 33.8 points per game (3rd in WAC, 14th in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 228 (2nd in WAC, 8th in Nation)
Passing Yards/Game: 201 (6th in WAC)
Total Yards/Game: 430 (6th in WAC, 17th in Nation)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 28.4 points per game (3rd in WAC)
Rushing Yards/Game: 214 (7th in WAC, 111th in Nation)
Passing Yards/Game: 199 (3rd in WAC)
Total Yards/Game: 413 (5th in WAC, 98th in Nation)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: -0.77 per game (7th in WAC, 109th in Nation)
Penalties: 39 yards per game (1st in WAC, 7th in Nation)
Returning Starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 9
Kicker/Punter: 1
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Ryan Colburn, Sr (181 of 298 for 2459 yds, 19 TD, 11 INT, 189 ypg, 171 yds rushing)
Rushing: RB Robbie Rouse, Soph (82 carries for 479 yds, 4 TD, 5.8 ypc, 36 ypg)
Receiving: WR Jamel Hamler, Jr (37 rec, 503 yds, 5 TD, 2.8 rec/game)
Tackles: LB Ben Jacobs, Sr (106)
Sacks: DE Chris Carter, Sr (5)
Interceptions: FS Phillip Thomas, Soph (2)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Phil Steele: #50
Sporting News: #81
Athlon Sports: #59
2010 Pre-Season WAC Prediction
Athlon Sports: #3
Phil Steele: #2 (tie with Nevada)
2010 Bowl Predictions
Athlon Sports: Kraft Foods Bowl (vs. California)
Phil Steele: Humanitarian Bowl (vs. Western Michigan)
Fresno State started off 1-3 after playing one of the toughest earliest schedules in all of college football (at Wisconsin, vs Boise State and at Cincinnati). The Bulldogs then reeled off 5 straight WAC wins before getting blown out at Nevada. This season Fresno State once again plays a tough out of conference schedule with games against Cincinnati, Illinois (the Illini will be looking for revenge for last years game) and at Ole Miss. Fresno State also must replace first round draft pick and 1800 yard rusher (and 19 TDs) Ryan Matthews. We reached out to Todd Kaufmann of The TKO Report to get his take on the 2010 Fresno State Bulldogs.
What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the team?
Strengths: I think the running game is still a big strength of this team, even after the loss of All-American Ryan Mathews. They're in good hands with Robbie Rouse, A.J. Ellis, and Michael Harris.
Weakness: They've got to be better defensively this season. They were getting beaten time and time again by good running backs or good running quarterbacks. They need to upgrade their defensive line and their linebackers if they're going to fix that problem.
Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test and why?
I think Cincinnati right off the bat is as tough an opening game as Fresno State could schedule. There's no question that this is not the same Cincinnati team that got to a BCS bowl game last season but they're still someone that Fresno State needs to take seriously.
What team on the schedule do you fear the most?
I don't think there's a game that I fear as far as opposing teams are concerned, but there's always that one game that Fresno State circles every year and it's against Boise State. This is a team that they just haven't been able to beat over the last few years and until they can do that, they'll never get over the hump to win an outright WAC title.
The one thing I do fear about this program is the a letdown. They play up to teams like Cincinnati, Wisconsin, and Boise State and play down to the Idaho's, Louisiana Tech's and San Jose State's. These are games they've lost in the past because they play to the level of their competition not to their own strength and ability.
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
Though running back Robbie Rouse is talked about all through the central valley, he's one player that, nationally, isn't going to get a lot of run. His teammates call him "Mighty Mouse" for a reason and he should surprise some people next year.
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
Jamel Hamler (503 receiving yards, 5 TD's) should be the go to receiver this year with Seyi Ajirotutu and Chastin West headed to the NFL. A lot of Bulldog fans would list Ryan Colburn as the best offensive player, but they'll have to forgive me for not being sold on him just yet.
Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?
That's a tough one. You could go with linebacker Ben Jacobs who finished with 106 tackles last season or you could go with defensive end Chris Carter who had five sacks to go along with 47 tackles last season.
The opposting teams know where Chris Carter is at all times and you better believe the opposing quarterback is looking for him on every down.
What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?
Ryan Colburn. I've been called a "Ryan Colburn hater" but I need to see more from him this year if Fresno State is going to be anywhere near respectable. He made horrible decisions in games they should have won against both Wisconsin and Cincinnati.
Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
I'm stuck between Davon Dunn and Victor Dean. Both of them have good spead but with Dean's height (6'6") he makes an inviting target for Ryan Colburn.
Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
I think Derron Smith could have a big year for Fresno State especially with the secondary being one of the weakest points of this team.
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
With Colburn having a full year under his belt it should bring him more experience to not push the envelope over the first few games, because they're going to be key for the Bulldogs to have a half way decent year.
They open the season at home against Cincinnati, then on the road to Utah State, where they've notoriously struggled, then to the SEC to take on Ole Miss. Three of their first four games are not going to be easy and if they can come out of it with a split, I think that's a successful start.
As for their final record, 8-4 is being generous but I believe they're good enough to go 7-3. If they can finish 8-4 or better, I would think most would say that's a successful season. There are, of course, going to be a lot of fans who would be angered by that statement but this team has a tendency to get up for the big games (Cincinnati, Ole Miss) and not play so well against the lesser games (San Jose State, Louisiana Tech).
Todd Kaufman writes for The TKO Report and is also a featured columnist for The Bleacher Report. You can also follow him on Twitter @toddkaufmannbr.
Previous WAC Previews
New Mexico State Aggies
Next Up: Boise State Broncos
ACC- Boston College Eagles, Duke Blue Devils, Florida State Seminoles, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Maryland Terrapins, Virginia Tech Hokies
Big 12- Kansas State Wildcats, Missouri Tigers, Oklahoma Sooners, Texas Longhorns, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, USF Bulls, West Virginia Mountaineers
Big Ten- Illinois Fighting Illini, Michigan Wolverines, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Northwestern Wildcats, Purdue Boilermakers
C-USA- Houston Cougars, SMU Mustangs, Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Tulane Green Wave, UTEP Miners
Independent- Navy Midshipmen
MAC- Ball State Cardinals, Bowling Green Falcons, Buffalo Bulls, Central Michigan Chippewas, Temple Owls, Toledo Rockets
MWC- BYU Cougars, Colorado State Rams, UNLV Rebels, Utah Utes
Pac-10- Arizona State Sun Devils, Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, Washington Huskies
SEC- Auburn Tigers, Kentucky Wildcats, Mississippi Rebels, South Carolina Gamecocks, Vanderbilt Commodores
Sun Belt- Troy Trojans
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Pre-Season Preview: New Mexico State Aggies
2009 Record: 3-10 (1-7 in WAC)
2009 Bowl: N/A
Final 2009 AP Ranking: Not Ranked
Head Coach: DeWayne Walker (3-10 at New Mexico St, 3-11 Overall)
Non-Conference Schedule: San Diego State (9/11), @ UTEP (9/18), @ Kansas (9/25), New Mexico (10/9),
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 11.5 points per game (last in WAC, last in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 144 (7th in WAC)
Passing Yards/Game: 87 (last in WAC, 118th in Nation)
Total Yards/Game: 229 (last in WAC, last in Nation)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 31.6 points per game (6th in WAC, 101st in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 220 (8th in WAC, 114th in Nation)
Passing Yards/Game: 202 (5th in WAC)
Total Yards/Game: 423 (6th in WAC, 103rd in Nation)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: -0.77 per game (7th in WAC)
Penalties: 45 yards per game (2nd in WAC)
Returning Starters
Offense:8
Defense: 7
Kicker/Punter:2
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Jeff Fleming, Jr (87 of 172 for 789 yds, 4 TD, 12 INT, 268 yds rushing)
Passing: QB Trevor Walls, Soph (46 of 94 for 352 yds, 2 TD, 5 INT)
Rushing: RB Seth Smith, Jr (246 carries for 1016 yds, 1 TD, 4.1 ypc, 78 ypg)
Receiving: WR Marcus Allen, Sr (26 rec, 308 yds, 2 TD, 2.4 rec/game)
Receiving: WR Todd Lee, Jr (28 rec, 280 yds, 1 TD, 2.3 rec/game)
Tackles: DB Stephen Hatchett, Sr (98)
Sacks: DE Pierre Fils, Jr (6); DE Donte Savage, Jr (5)
Interceptions: DB Davon House, Sr (3)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Lindy's: Not Ranked
Mark Schlabach: Not Ranked
Rivals: Not Ranked
Scout: Not Ranked
Sporting News: #100
Sports Illustrated: Not Ranked
Athlon Sports: #117
2010 Pre-Season WAC Prediction:
Athlon Sports: #9
New Mexico State had a lot of trouble scoring points last year as they only averaged 11.5 ppg. They were 118th in the Nation in passing yardage, ahead of only Army and Navy. They also ranked last in the nation in total yardage. To say they struggled offensively would be the understatement of the year. They also lost their last 7 games down the stretch last year although 2 of them were against ranked teams. The Aggies last posted a winning record when they went 7-5 in 2002. With a second year coach in place is this the year that they can start to rebuild their program or will their wait be longer? We reached out to Sam from BleedCrimson.net to get his thoughts on this team from the WAC.
What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the team?
The major strengths of the Aggies are their run game and the secondary. The running game was the only part of the offense last season that clicked with Seth Smith rushing for over 1,000 yards. The Aggies add JUCO All-American Kenny Turner to the backfield and that duo will hopefully wreak havoc on opposing defenses. The Aggie secondary was the strongest unit on the ballclub last season and was led by First Team All-WAC selection Davon House. House returns for his season season and the entire secondary is back.
The biggest weakness for the Aggies is their lack of depth.
Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test and why?
The first major test on the schedule will be the first game of the year against San Diego St. These two teams are fairly evenly matched, both programs enter year two under new head coaches and these two teams played last season with SDSU pulling away late in a game that head coach DeWayne Walker felt they probably could have won.
What team on the schedule do you fear the most?
I don't know that the feeling is necessarily fear but Aggie fans have certainly come to dread facing Boise State. They've dominated the WAC since joining and they're the program that every other school in the WAC is trying to catch. They've also run roughshod over the Aggies winning by scores of 56-6, 40-28, 58-0, 49-0 and 42-7.
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
While most of the attention in the secondary goes to Davon House (and deservedly so), Alphonso Powell gets overlooked a bit. He finished the 2009 season with 72 tackles, 41 solo and 31 assisted and had a sack and an interception. He's one of the reasons that the Aggie secondary was the team's best unit last season allowing opponents to complete just 53.6 percent of their pass attempts.
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
Seth Smith is the best offensive player on the team. He rushed for 1,016 yards last season and was the first 1,000 yard backer for the Aggies since 2000. He was a workhorse for the Aggies last season but oddly enough, he only scored one rushing touchdown, something that will hopefully not happen again this season.
Who is the biggest impact player on the defense?
Hands down it's Davon House. House was the only Aggie to be named to the WAC's postseason All-WAC Teams (First or Second) as he was a First Team selection as a junior (one of the other First Team DBs was Boise State's Kyle Wilson who was drafted in the first round of this year's NFL Draft). House had three interceptions, one fumble recovery, 68 tackles, 13 pass break ups and 16 passes defended. He also returned an interception and a fumble for touchdowns.
What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?
On offense it's wide receiver Marcus Allen. The Aggies lacked a big play threat in the passing game last season and the Allen enters his senior season as the guy the Aggies will be looking to for that big play ability. Allen led the team in receiving yardage last season with 308 yards and he scored two touchdowns. Coaches and fans are hoping he'll flourish in his senior season.
On defense BJ Adolpho will need to be big for the Aggies at the linebacker spot. The Aggies lost the core of their linebacking corps (four players, 261 of the team's 907 tackles) to graduation. Adolpho will be a sophomore this season and with huge holes in the linebacking corps, the Aggies really need him to step into the starting lineup.
Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
The biggest offensive newcomer for New Mexico State in 2010 won't ever see action on the field. That's because the biggest newcomer on offense is first year offensive coordinator Mike Dunbar. The Aggie offense was, for lack of a better word, anemic in 2009. They averaged a league worst 11.5 points per game and could never get anything going through the air as they threw for just 1,141 yards (third worst in the nation), threw just six touchdowns passes (second worst in the nation) and 18 interceptions (second most in the nation). That last number should make you cringe considering the Aggies only averaged 20 pass attempts per game. Aggie fans hope that Dunbar can do two things, one find a quarterback who can lead the offense and two utilize the players he's got to score some points.
As far as players go, the biggest offseason addition is JUCO All-American running back Kenny Turner. Turner was a high school teammate of Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson but had his football career sidetracked by a second-degree felony charge for aggravated battery that saw him serve five years in prison. Turner has turned his life around and after spending last season at Fullerton College, he rushed for 1,513 yards on 236 carries and scored 15 rushing touchdowns. He should add a lot to an already solid running game.
Wide receiver Taveon Burk is another newcomer that the Aggies hope will have a huge impact this season. The JUCO transfer ran a 10.6 100m and gives the Aggies a deep threat/speed guy that they didn't have last season. His impact will of course depend on the Aggies settling on a quarterback who can get him the ball.
Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
On defense, the biggest newcomer for the Aggies is Frank Padilla. He's a JUCO linebacker who the Aggies want to come in and have an immediate impact. As was mentioned a little earlier, the Aggie linebacking corps was the bulk of the Aggies' defensive production and nearly all of that production graduated. Padilla is projected to be the starter at the 'mike' position.
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
I'm always optimistic about the Aggies' chances every season but I think 6-6 is an attainable goal. The start of the season will be brutal as the first six games are San Diego St., at rival UTEP, at Kansas, home to Boise State (who should be a preseason Top 5 pick), home against in-state rival New Mexico and then on the road to face Fresno State. If the Aggies can somehow get through the first six games at 3-3, they'll have a decent shot at finishing the season at .500 or better. The biggest determining factor will be the Aggies' ability to stay healthy and fresh. This is where their biggest weakness, lack of depth, comes into play. The Aggies play all 12 games in 12 weeks, no byes. If injuries start to mount, it could turn season two of the Walker era into a long one.
Follow New Mexico State sports at BleedCrimson.net and follow them on Twitter @AgsBleedCrimson.
Next Up: Missouri Tigers
2010 Previews
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, West Virginia Mountaineers
Big Ten- Michigan Wolverines, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Northwestern Wildcats, Purdue Boilermakers
Conference USA- Houston Cougars, Tulane Green Wave, UTEP Miners
MAC- Buffalo Bulls, Temple Owls
Mountain West- Utah Utes
Pac-10- Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, Washington Huskies
Sun Belt- Troy Trojans
2009 Bowl: N/A
Final 2009 AP Ranking: Not Ranked
Head Coach: DeWayne Walker (3-10 at New Mexico St, 3-11 Overall)
Non-Conference Schedule: San Diego State (9/11), @ UTEP (9/18), @ Kansas (9/25), New Mexico (10/9),
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 11.5 points per game (last in WAC, last in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 144 (7th in WAC)
Passing Yards/Game: 87 (last in WAC, 118th in Nation)
Total Yards/Game: 229 (last in WAC, last in Nation)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 31.6 points per game (6th in WAC, 101st in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 220 (8th in WAC, 114th in Nation)
Passing Yards/Game: 202 (5th in WAC)
Total Yards/Game: 423 (6th in WAC, 103rd in Nation)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: -0.77 per game (7th in WAC)
Penalties: 45 yards per game (2nd in WAC)
Returning Starters
Offense:8
Defense: 7
Kicker/Punter:2
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Jeff Fleming, Jr (87 of 172 for 789 yds, 4 TD, 12 INT, 268 yds rushing)
Passing: QB Trevor Walls, Soph (46 of 94 for 352 yds, 2 TD, 5 INT)
Rushing: RB Seth Smith, Jr (246 carries for 1016 yds, 1 TD, 4.1 ypc, 78 ypg)
Receiving: WR Marcus Allen, Sr (26 rec, 308 yds, 2 TD, 2.4 rec/game)
Receiving: WR Todd Lee, Jr (28 rec, 280 yds, 1 TD, 2.3 rec/game)
Tackles: DB Stephen Hatchett, Sr (98)
Sacks: DE Pierre Fils, Jr (6); DE Donte Savage, Jr (5)
Interceptions: DB Davon House, Sr (3)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Lindy's: Not Ranked
Mark Schlabach: Not Ranked
Rivals: Not Ranked
Scout: Not Ranked
Sporting News: #100
Sports Illustrated: Not Ranked
Athlon Sports: #117
2010 Pre-Season WAC Prediction:
Athlon Sports: #9
New Mexico State had a lot of trouble scoring points last year as they only averaged 11.5 ppg. They were 118th in the Nation in passing yardage, ahead of only Army and Navy. They also ranked last in the nation in total yardage. To say they struggled offensively would be the understatement of the year. They also lost their last 7 games down the stretch last year although 2 of them were against ranked teams. The Aggies last posted a winning record when they went 7-5 in 2002. With a second year coach in place is this the year that they can start to rebuild their program or will their wait be longer? We reached out to Sam from BleedCrimson.net to get his thoughts on this team from the WAC.
What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the team?
The major strengths of the Aggies are their run game and the secondary. The running game was the only part of the offense last season that clicked with Seth Smith rushing for over 1,000 yards. The Aggies add JUCO All-American Kenny Turner to the backfield and that duo will hopefully wreak havoc on opposing defenses. The Aggie secondary was the strongest unit on the ballclub last season and was led by First Team All-WAC selection Davon House. House returns for his season season and the entire secondary is back.
The biggest weakness for the Aggies is their lack of depth.
Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test and why?
The first major test on the schedule will be the first game of the year against San Diego St. These two teams are fairly evenly matched, both programs enter year two under new head coaches and these two teams played last season with SDSU pulling away late in a game that head coach DeWayne Walker felt they probably could have won.
What team on the schedule do you fear the most?
I don't know that the feeling is necessarily fear but Aggie fans have certainly come to dread facing Boise State. They've dominated the WAC since joining and they're the program that every other school in the WAC is trying to catch. They've also run roughshod over the Aggies winning by scores of 56-6, 40-28, 58-0, 49-0 and 42-7.
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
While most of the attention in the secondary goes to Davon House (and deservedly so), Alphonso Powell gets overlooked a bit. He finished the 2009 season with 72 tackles, 41 solo and 31 assisted and had a sack and an interception. He's one of the reasons that the Aggie secondary was the team's best unit last season allowing opponents to complete just 53.6 percent of their pass attempts.
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
Seth Smith is the best offensive player on the team. He rushed for 1,016 yards last season and was the first 1,000 yard backer for the Aggies since 2000. He was a workhorse for the Aggies last season but oddly enough, he only scored one rushing touchdown, something that will hopefully not happen again this season.
Who is the biggest impact player on the defense?
Hands down it's Davon House. House was the only Aggie to be named to the WAC's postseason All-WAC Teams (First or Second) as he was a First Team selection as a junior (one of the other First Team DBs was Boise State's Kyle Wilson who was drafted in the first round of this year's NFL Draft). House had three interceptions, one fumble recovery, 68 tackles, 13 pass break ups and 16 passes defended. He also returned an interception and a fumble for touchdowns.
What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?
On offense it's wide receiver Marcus Allen. The Aggies lacked a big play threat in the passing game last season and the Allen enters his senior season as the guy the Aggies will be looking to for that big play ability. Allen led the team in receiving yardage last season with 308 yards and he scored two touchdowns. Coaches and fans are hoping he'll flourish in his senior season.
On defense BJ Adolpho will need to be big for the Aggies at the linebacker spot. The Aggies lost the core of their linebacking corps (four players, 261 of the team's 907 tackles) to graduation. Adolpho will be a sophomore this season and with huge holes in the linebacking corps, the Aggies really need him to step into the starting lineup.
Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
The biggest offensive newcomer for New Mexico State in 2010 won't ever see action on the field. That's because the biggest newcomer on offense is first year offensive coordinator Mike Dunbar. The Aggie offense was, for lack of a better word, anemic in 2009. They averaged a league worst 11.5 points per game and could never get anything going through the air as they threw for just 1,141 yards (third worst in the nation), threw just six touchdowns passes (second worst in the nation) and 18 interceptions (second most in the nation). That last number should make you cringe considering the Aggies only averaged 20 pass attempts per game. Aggie fans hope that Dunbar can do two things, one find a quarterback who can lead the offense and two utilize the players he's got to score some points.
As far as players go, the biggest offseason addition is JUCO All-American running back Kenny Turner. Turner was a high school teammate of Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson but had his football career sidetracked by a second-degree felony charge for aggravated battery that saw him serve five years in prison. Turner has turned his life around and after spending last season at Fullerton College, he rushed for 1,513 yards on 236 carries and scored 15 rushing touchdowns. He should add a lot to an already solid running game.
Wide receiver Taveon Burk is another newcomer that the Aggies hope will have a huge impact this season. The JUCO transfer ran a 10.6 100m and gives the Aggies a deep threat/speed guy that they didn't have last season. His impact will of course depend on the Aggies settling on a quarterback who can get him the ball.
Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
On defense, the biggest newcomer for the Aggies is Frank Padilla. He's a JUCO linebacker who the Aggies want to come in and have an immediate impact. As was mentioned a little earlier, the Aggie linebacking corps was the bulk of the Aggies' defensive production and nearly all of that production graduated. Padilla is projected to be the starter at the 'mike' position.
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
I'm always optimistic about the Aggies' chances every season but I think 6-6 is an attainable goal. The start of the season will be brutal as the first six games are San Diego St., at rival UTEP, at Kansas, home to Boise State (who should be a preseason Top 5 pick), home against in-state rival New Mexico and then on the road to face Fresno State. If the Aggies can somehow get through the first six games at 3-3, they'll have a decent shot at finishing the season at .500 or better. The biggest determining factor will be the Aggies' ability to stay healthy and fresh. This is where their biggest weakness, lack of depth, comes into play. The Aggies play all 12 games in 12 weeks, no byes. If injuries start to mount, it could turn season two of the Walker era into a long one.
Follow New Mexico State sports at BleedCrimson.net and follow them on Twitter @AgsBleedCrimson.
Next Up: Missouri Tigers
2010 Previews
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, West Virginia Mountaineers
Big Ten- Michigan Wolverines, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Northwestern Wildcats, Purdue Boilermakers
Conference USA- Houston Cougars, Tulane Green Wave, UTEP Miners
MAC- Buffalo Bulls, Temple Owls
Mountain West- Utah Utes
Pac-10- Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, Washington Huskies
Sun Belt- Troy Trojans
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