2009 CFN WAC Preview
Unit Rankings
Team Previews &
Predictions
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Boise State
|
Fresno State |
Hawaii |
Idaho |
Louisiana Tech
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Nevada |
New Mexico
State |
San Jose
State |
Utah State
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2009 CFN WAC Preview
- WAC Team-by-Team
Capsules
-
CFN All-WAC Team &
Top 30 Players
-
WAC Unit
Rankings
- WAC Schedules &
Predictions
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2008 CFN WAC Preview
1. Nevada
The Nevada Pistol offense will once again revolve around the
all-around talents of QB Colin Kaepernick, one of the nation’s
best running quarterbacks. He led the way for the No. 3 running
attack that averaged 278 yards per game, and now that he’s more
experienced, he’ll get more of a chance to open up the offense
with the passing game. However, the stars are in the backfield
with 1,521-yard back Vai Taua returning. The receiving corps
loses its two best players, Marko Mitchell and Mike McCoy,
meaning Chris Wellington has to use his excellent speed to take
advantage of everyone stacking up against the run. The offensive
line welcomes back two of the WAC’s best tackles, Mike Gallett
and Alonzo Durham, but needs to play around with the inside.
2. Fresno State
3. Boise State
4. Louisiana Tech
5. San Jose State
6. Hawaii
7. Utah State
8. Idaho
9. New
Mexico State
Quarterbacks
1. Nevada
With Nick
Graziano leaving for Arkansas Tech, this is Colin Kaepernick’s job and
Kaepernick’s offense. He’s a special player who needs to take
another leap up in his production now that he has two years of
experience, and he has to be more accurate. Luke Collis and
Tyler Lantrip
are promising, and now they need to be reliable.
2. Boise State
3. Hawaii
4. Fresno State
5. San
Jose State
6. Louisiana Tech
7. Utah State
8. Idaho
9. New
Mexico State
Running Backs
1.
Fresno State
This is the strength of the
Bulldog team, and if
everyone could stay healthy for a full season, this
could be the nation's best stable of backs. There's
quickness, speed, power, and experience. The health
problems aren't even that big an issue considering
all the talent in the backfield. The coaching staff
will be counting on this group to carry the team
until the quarterback issues are settled.
2. Nevada
3. Boise State
4. Louisiana Tech
5. Idaho
6.
San Jose State
7. Utah State
8. New Mexico State
9. Hawaii
Receivers
1.
Fresno State
The receiving corps has the potential to
blow up if the quarterbacks start bombing away.
There's good experience, nice upside among the
backups, and lots of home-run hitting ability.
Consistency will be an issue, but the opportunity
for big plays will be there considering all the
attention that'll be paid to the running game.
2. San Jose State
3. Hawaii
4. Boise State
5. Louisiana Tech
6. Nevada
7. Utah State
8.
New Mexico State
9. Idaho
Offensive Line
1.
Fresno State
Fresno State's O lines are almost always
terrific. Last year's line was a brick wall, and if everyone is healthy
and if the tackles can come through, this year's line should be just as
good, if not better by the end of the year. the interior will be a rock,
as long as Andrew Jackson's back is fine, while Devon Cunningham will be good if he
stays at right tackle, even if he has a few problems with speed rushers.
The young, large reserves are promising, but they need time.
2. Louisiana Tech
3. Boise State
4. Nevada
5. San
Jose State
6. Utah State
7. Hawaii
8. Idaho
9. New Mexico
State
Defenses
1.
Boise State
The defense has some
major rebuilding to do, but everything will be fine. The line
has to replace three starters to work around star end Ryan
Winterswyk, but there's size, athleticism, and promise to keep
up the production from a group that camped out in opposing
backfields. The big question will be the consistent alignment.
The 4-3 won't be scrapped, but there are so many good defensive
backs, and so many options, there will be a 4-2-5 used more
often than not. The secondary is loaded with four starters
returning to a group that was second in the nation in pass
efficiency defense. CB Kyle Wilson will play in the NFL, while
CB Brandyn Thompson and FS Jeron Johnson are sure-thing
all-stars. The linebacking corps is the typical undersized,
scrappy unit that Boise State always has, and while the starting
experience isn't there, outside of Derrell Acrey, tackling won't
be an issue.
2. San
Jose State
3. Fresno State
4. Nevada
5. Louisiana Tech
6.
Hawaii
7. Utah State
8. Idaho
9. New Mexico State
Defensive Line
1.
Nevada
The defensive front was fantastic throughout last year
finishing eighth in the nation in tackles for loss, tenth in
sacks, and sixth against the run. This is a big group that’s
ultra-active on the outside and tough enough on the inside to
get by. There needs to be a bit more from the backups this year
and Kevin Basped and Dontay Moch have to stay healthy.
2. Boise State
3. San Jose State
4. Fresno State
5. Louisiana Tech
6. Hawaii
7. Utah State
8. Idaho
9. New
Mexico State
Linebackers
1.
Boise State
After a down year for the linebackers in
2007, the unit rocked last year. Now there are several good, young
players to work with, and the spotlight will be on. With so much
turnover in the front four, this group has to produce right away or the
defense will be exposed by Oregon and Fresno State in the first three
games.
2. San
Jose State
3. Hawaii
4. Fresno State
5. Louisiana Tech
6.
Nevada
7. Utah State
8. New Mexico State
9. Idaho
Defensive
Backs
1.
Boise State
A case could be made that Boise State's
highly-rated secondary didn't exactly face a who's who of passing teams,
with the WAC passing games getting by more on reputation than
production, but New Mexico State and Hawaii combined for just 344 yards
with no touchdowns and six interceptions. Whatever. The Broncos allowed
just eight touchdown passes with 22 interceptions, and now all the key
parts are back.
2.
San Jose State
3. Fresno State
4. Louisiana Tech
5. Idaho
6.
Hawaii
7. Nevada
8. New Mexico State
9. Utah State
Special Teams
1. Boise State
The special teams could be the best in
America. PK/P Kyle Brotzman is a weapon who'll be a difference maker in at least
one tight game, if Boise State plays any close ones, while Jeremy Avery and
Kyle Wilson are terrific returners.
2. Fresno State
3. Idaho
4. Utah
State
5. San Jose State
6. Louisiana Tech
7. New Mexico
State
8. Hawaii
9. Nevada