WAC preseason conference outlook

By J.R. Hopwood  |   Saturday, July 30, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

College Football
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The Western Athletic Conference (WAC) fields a very talented Boise State team and a solid group from Fresno State. The rest of the conference is down. The top two should run away with the WAC crown this year.

1. The Boise State Broncos are just too talented for me to place them anywhere else. Junior QB Jared Zabransky should improve even over last years numbers and the supporting cast around him should be more experienced. The D returns 7 but will be a little soft at linebacker.
2. Fresno State Bulldogs Senior QB Paul Pinegar returns after his 2099 yard 23 TD year. Most of the rest of the offense returns (9 starters) and should be a lot more experienced at every position. The defense returns 7 and has a boatload of talent. Watch out for that game at Autzen on September 17th. The Bulldogs have always been known to show up for big games.
3. The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs return QB Matt Kubik, who will have to adjust to life after Ryan Moats. The defense returns only 4, but could be close to their numbers from last year.
4. The Hawaii Warriors lose Timmy Chang; the best passer in school history. The O-line is about the best thing this team has to offer. I call it a rebuilding year.
5. The New Mexico State Aggies have a solid group back, but the talent level just isn't up to par with the Fresno's and Boise's. Look for them to steal a few late in the season.
6. The Idaho Vandals have experience, returning 16 total starters. QB Michael Harrington (yes it's Joey's brother) returns off his 2222 yard year, although he must look to lower his INTs. The D returns the top 3 tacklers and should improve over last year.
7. The Nevada Wolf Pack passing attack should be solid as they return top passer Rowe and the top 2 receivers. The defense returns 8, including top tackler and sophomore Jeremy Engstrom.
8. The San Jose State Spartans lose their top passer and top 2 rushers. The receivers should be experienced as they return the top 3 and the O-line should give the new QB time. The defense returns their top 4 tacklers and should be fairly experienced heading into the year.
9. The Utah State Aggies could actually improve upon last years numbers this year, returning 12 total starters. Losing a 1900+ yard QB will hurt, but there is some decent talent scattered around this team. I just think they are still a peg or two below the rest.
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