Offenses
1.
Boise State
If you're looking for a big drop-off now that Dan Hawkins
is gone and Chris Petersen is running the team and not the
offense, it's not going to happen. Bryan Harsin will handle the
attack and everything will keep on humming with the WAC's best
line paving the way for a good backfield and allowing QB Jared
Zabransky more time to try to get his groove back. The receiving
corps is loaded with experience and talent. If Zabransky can cut
down on his interceptions and be more efficient, 40 points a
game is an attainable goal.
2. Hawaii
3. Fresno State
4. Nevada
5. Louisiana Tech
6. Idaho
7. San Jose State
8. Utah State
9. New Mexico State
1.
Hawaii
The knock on Hawaii quarterbacks
was that they were all products of the system; anyone can
produce in this passing offense. While that's true, the Warriors
have a quarterback with the skills to play just about anywhere.
Colt Brennan is a great player in a great system, and the
results should be eye-popping. Tyler Graunke is a strong
number two who'll see time in blowouts, while Inoke Funaki will
be more of a runner if he ever sees time.
2. Nevada
3. Boise State
4. Fresno State
5. Idaho
6. Louisiana Tech
7. Utah State
8. New Mexico State
9. San Jose State
1.
Fresno State
The loss of 1,313 yards and 15 touchdowns of Wendell
Mathis and 536 yards and five scores of Bryson Sumlin hurts, but
the return of Dwayne Wright from a knee injury that cost him
most of the last two seasons. He was a star back in 2003 and
looks as good as new after the time off. There's speed to help
him out with Clifton Smith and Shannon Dorsey each able to pop a
home run and each waiting for their turn to shine. Roshon
Vercher is one of the best blocking fullbacks in the nation.
2. Boise State
3. Nevada
4. Louisiana Tech
5. Idaho
6. New Mexico State
7. San Jose State
8. Hawaii
9. Utah State
1.
Hawaii
This isn't just an ultra-productive, ultra-experienced
group, it's full of great talent led by super sophomores Davone
Bess and Ryan Grice-Mullen. They weren't heavily recruited by
any of the big names, but they proved last year that they
should've been. Chad Mock and Ross Dickerson are explosive
receivers who'll see their share of big games with all the
attention paid to Bess and Grice-Mullen. There's more than
enough depth to go around helped by the return of Jason Rivers
back after missing last year.
2. Fresno State
3. Boise State
4. Utah State
5. Nevada
6. Louisiana Tech
7. Idaho
8. New Mexico State
9. San Jose State
s
1.
Boise State
All-American Daryn Colledge might be gone, but tackle
Ryan Clady and guard Tad Miller are all stars who'll lead the way for
the league's best line. There's more than enough experience and talent
elsewhere to easily match the production of last year's front five, and
now there's more depth and more options to play with. The most
interesting spot will be at right guard where the massive Andrew
Woodruff will step in for an injured Pete Cavender.
2. Fresno State
3. Nevada
4. Hawaii
5. San Jose State
6. Louisiana Tech
7. Idaho
8. Utah State
9. New Mexico State
1.
Fresno State
The Fresno State defense led the
WAC in every appreciable category last year and will be close to
as good despite the loss of three All-WAC stars in DT Garrett
McIntyre, CB Richard Marshall, and FS Tyrone Culver. The
linebacking corps will be the early strength for the
ultra-aggressive D with Dwayne Andrews certain to be in the hunt
for WAC Defensive Player of the Year. The secondary will be
great after the two open spots are secures, and the line should
be better against the run with a pair of 330 pounders at tackle.
2. Boise State
3. Nevada
4. Hawaii
5. Louisiana Tech
6. Idaho
7. Utah State
8. San Jose State
9. New Mexico State
1.
Boise State
The line isn't full of stars, but it has
enough talent to form a good rotation to keep everyone fresh and allow
the coaching staff to tinker with the lineup. The one sure thing is
Andrew Browning at tackle; everyone else is interchangeable. While
there's not a killer pass rusher in the group, sophomore backup Mike T.
Williams is close. This will be an active group that finds its way to
the quarterback, but could use a few more tackles for loss.
2. Fresno State
3. Nevada
4. Hawaii
5. Louisiana Tech
6. Idaho
7. Utah State
8. San Jose State
9. New Mexico State
1.
Boise State
Korey Hall and Colt Brooks are two of the
WAC's most active, most talented defenders leading one of the WAC's best
linebacking corps. There's a good blend of size and speed with players
like David Shields and Kyle Gingg fast enough to add more athleticism to
the group, while backup Josh Bean is a good-looking reserve behind Hall
in the middle.
2. Fresno State
3. Nevada
4. Louisiana Tech
5. Hawaii
6. Idaho
7. Utah State
8. New Mexico State
9. San Jose State
1.
Fresno State
The WAC's best pass defense won't slip too
much if speedy Elgin Simmons and Damon Jenkins can combine to replace
Richard Marshall, who left a year early to go to the NFL. Marcus
McCauley is a next-level caliber corner who'll shine as the team's
number one man, while big-hitting Josh Sherley and speedy senior Vincent
Mays are good safeties who'll have big seasons. The depth is young and
inexperienced, but very, very athletic.
2. Boise State
3. Nevada
4. Louisiana Tech
5. Hawaii
6. Idaho
7. Utah State
8. San Jose State
9. New Mexico State
1.
Fresno State
Clint Stitser is on the verge of being an All-WAC kicker with a
monster leg and good consistency. Mike Lingua is a serviceable
punter who plays his role well enough to not allow the FSU
punting game to be a problem. The big issue will be replacing
Adam Jennings, who averaged 12.4 yards per punt return and 29
yards per kickoff return. Joe Fernandez averaged 22.6 yards on
his five punt returns, but Clifton Smith, the likely main man,
averaged 63 taking two of his three tries for a score. Fernandez
will handle the kickoff returns.
2. Boise State
3. Louisiana Tech
4. San Jose State
5. Idaho
6. Nevada
7. New Mexico State
8. Utah State
9. Hawaii
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