Top five College Football Defenses

While offense may dominate highlight reels, it’s the defense that usually separates the contenders from the pretenders. This year is no exception. There are at least ten Bowl Championship Series (BSC) programs with the talent to field high quality defenses. Five of them have the talent to elevate their team to new heights.

1. North Carolina Tar Heels: Head coach Butch Davis certainly knows defense and his 2010 version could be the best in the history of the program. No other school in the nation can boast having five (S Deunta Williams, DE Robert Quinn, DT Marvin Austin and LBs Bruce Carter and Quan Sturdivant) potential first round NFL draft candidates on their roster. But what really separates North Carolina form the pack is depth.

That depth is no more present than on the linebacker corps where every member of the rotation, including the reserves, should play on Sundays. It all starts with Carter, a projected top 10 pick, who is hands down the best outside linebacker in the nation. The 6-foot-3, 230 pounds senior anchors the strong side in Davis’ attacking version of the 3-4. The weak side is manned by another highly regarded prospect, Sturdivant, while the middle is in the equally capable hands of Kevin Reddick. Waiting for the chance to get into the field are two highly regarded players, redshirt freshman William Hyman and sophomore Shane Mularkey.

Few adjectives describe better the Heel’s defensive line than ‘intimidating’. Defensive tackle Austin and DE Quinn are sure fire top 15 picks. Both are superior pass rushers with intimidating run support ability. Juniors Quinton Coples and Tydreke Powell, both of whom projects as a high picks next April, are just as active. Look for talented sophomore Donte Paige-Moss, to be more involve in the rotation.

Williams may command much of the preseason headlines, but the secondary is far more than a just a “one man gang” with senior CB Kendric Burney shutting down the right side. There’s a bit of concern on the left thanks to senior Charles Brown’s inconsistencies.

2. Iowa Hawkeyes: Others teams may have better, overall talent but few play with the consistency of the perpetually underrated Hawkeyes. Norm Parker enters his 12th year as defensive coordinator with arguable the most athletic unit of his regime.

The defensive line should be the backbone of the defense. It all starts at left defensive end where all everything Adrain Clayborn resides. The 6-foot-4, 286 pounder was considered a sure fire, top 10 2011 NFL Draft prospect before he was charge for assaulting a cab driver early in the year. Still, his on-the field talent can not be denied. He is a difference maker; just ask Georgia Tech which got stuffed by the big and agile Clayborn in the Orange Bowl. The rest of the line is solid with DE Broderick Binns, and defensive tackles Karl Klug and Christian Ballard. Ballard, a senior, is a unique player who usually commands two blockers which allows Clayborn and Binns to have more leeway outside.

The secondary is the best in the Big Ten with an All American candidate at strong safety (Tyler Sash), an all conference free safety, (Brett Greenwood), and two speedy corners (Shaun Prater and Micah Hyde).

The weak-link may be the linebackers where inexperience surrounds the unit. MLB Troy Johnson, who performed adequately last season as a backup, needs to do a better job sealing the left side. WLB Jeremiha Hunter is a fast and agile player with the range to cover backs and tight ends, but needs to add toughness to his game. The same goes to strong side linebacker Tyler Nielsen.

3. Oklahoma Sooners: It could come as a surprise to see the Sooners, a team which lost two highly regarded linemen, including the NFL draft’s number three pick, being listed this high, but their talent level is just that good.

The secondary is loaded with potential all conference honorees. Strong safety Sam Proctor had 10 picks in 2009 and looks to be a great fit in centerfield. FS Quinton Carter is a ball hawk playmaker with the speed and agility to cover any wide receiver. The corners are filled with potential, starting with former S Jonathan Nelson. The 5-foot-11 Nelson should be better on the left side than he was in the middle. RCB Demontre Hurts saw plenty of action as a freshman last fall, flashing top tier potential.

Defensive coordinator Brent Venables employs an attacking version of the 3-4 which requires fast moving linebackers, especially on the weak side. Current incumbent, Travis Lewis, fill that bill and then some. The 6-foot-2 junior was Oklahoma’s top tackler last fall often displaying seldom-seen explosiveness for the position. MLB Tom Wort is strong, although he lacks speed. Look for either sophomore Daniel Franklin or junior Austin Box to cut into his playing time sooner rather than later.

The line is in a rebuilding mode. Gone is Gerald McCoy, a force inside. His replacement is highly recruited sophomore Jamarkus McFarland. Adrian Taylor is the other tackle. The strength of the unit resides on the outside with the tandem of All American candidate, Jeremy Beal, and the ultra quick Frank Alexander.

4. Miami Hurricanes: Much had been written about the ‘U’ being back among the ranks of college football elite. At the heart of this perceived comeback lays three straight top 15 recruiting classes, which was heavily tilted towards the defense. Because of this emphasis, the ‘Canes now fields the fastest unit in the ACC.

Speed reigns supreme on the line with ends Allen Bailey, a potential All American, and Andrew Smith. DT Curtis Porter is a budding star as is his backup, fellow sophomore Marcus Forston. The linebacker corps is bound to be better thanks to the return from injury of SLB Colin McCarthy. Keep an eye on junior WSL Ramon Buchanan who last year showed flashes of greatness.

Miami returns their top seven defensive backs from 2009. The corners, led by Brandon Harris, a projected high NFL pick, are solid, if not spectacular while the safeties (Vaughn Telemaque and Jared Campbell) appears to be just as good.

5. Ohio State Buckeyes: Every other year, head coach Jim Tressel and his Buckeyes assemble a strong-enough defense to spur national championship talk in Columbus. Ohio State will try to defend its Big XX title armed with what is probably the second best linebacker corps in America.

Ross Homan, OSU’s top tackler in 2009, patrols the weak side while rising star, Brian Rolle clog the middle. The player to watch could be junior Andrew Sweat. The line does need work in the interior. Neither Dexter Larimore nor John Simon offers anything special there. The highly of the line is end Cameron Heyward who should blossom into a star this season.

Both corners, Devon Torrence and Chimdi Chekwa, have shut down skills while FS Jermale Hines is tough to beat. The star of the group is sophomore strong safety Orhian Johnson who should gather some all-conference honors in his first full season as a starter.

By Raul Colon
rcolon@nfldraftdog.com

All Sun Belt First Team Offense

The Sun Belt may not gather the headlines others, non-Bowl Championship Series (BSC) conferences, such as the Western Athletic or Mountain West, receive. But it should. The ‘Belt’ is considered the home of the spread offense. No less than seven of its nine members utilized one version or another of this, no famous scheme.

This, among others things, mean that most of the skill position players in the conference are fast, agile and tough to bring down in the open field. Middle Tennessee State quarterback, Dwight Dasher fills that description to the letter. The senior signal caller is one the top returning running QB in the nation and the main reason the Blue Raiders, which knocked off Maryland last fall, are one of the rising programs in the country.

Tailbacks Alfred Morris and Lance Dunbar are tailor made for the spread. Both are small, darting playmakers who love to hit the corners. The wide outs are not that much taller, but they are even more explosive. Keep an eye on Troy’s Jerrel Jernigan. The electrifying wide out ca score every time he touched the ball.

The line, although not as physical as others, is more than capable of holding their own against bigger foes.

Preseason All Sun Belt Conference Offensive First Team


QB Dwight Dasher (5’10”, 201lbs, Sr.) Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders

RB Alfred Morris (5’11”, 222, Jr.) Florida Atlantic Owls

RB Lance Dunbar (5’9”, 202, Jr.) North Texas Mean Green

WR T.Y. Hilton (5’10”, 174, Jr.) Florida International Golden Panthers

WR Jerrel Jernigan (5’9”, 184, Sr.) Troy Trojans

TE Ladarius Green (6’6”, 225, Jr.) Louisiana Raging Cajuns

OT Esteban Santiago (6’3”, 296, Sr.) North Texas Mean Green

OT Mark Fisher (6’3”, 272, Sr.) Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders

OG Derek Newton (6’5”, 313, Sr.) Arkansas State Red Wolves

OG Brandon McLeroy (6’3”, 304, Jr.) Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders

C Tyler Clark (6’2”, 285, Sr.) Troy Trojans

BEST PRO PROSPECT: WR Jerrel Jernigan, Troy

By Raul Colon
rcolon@nfldraftdog.com

All Conference Team: The Big East

No conference in America offers a mix of offenses schemes like the much mélange Big East can. On one side of the spectrum there is the pass-happy, two-time league champion, the Cincinnati Bearcats. On the other ends reside the run crazed Pitt Panthers.

Between those two, there’s a plethora of highly entertaining and very creative offenses led by some of the most dynamic playmakers in the country.

Despite the fact he is just a sophomore, Tom Savage is the most battle-tested signal caller in the Conference. At 6-foot-5, packing a solid frame (230) and sporting a rocket for an arm, Savage is sure to gather the attention of many NFL scouts this year.

The intriguing Panthers leads the offensive parade with three all conference selections. Running back Dion Lewis is a projective All American, as does wide out Jonathan Baldwin and left tackle Jason Pinkston. All three are viewed as top 50 material for next April’s NFL Draft.

Here's the 2010 All Big East Pre-season Offense

QB-Tom Savage (So) Rutgers
RB-Dion Lewis (So) Pitt
RB-Noel Devine (Sr) West Virginia
WR-Armon Binns (Sr) Cincinnati
WR-Jonathan Baldwin (Jr) Pitt
TE-Ben Guigli (Sr) Cincinnati
OT-Jason Pinkston (Sr) Pitt
OT-Art Frost (Jr) Rutgers
OG-Zach Hurd (Sr) Connecticut
OG-Alex Hoffman (Jr) Cincinnati
C-Joe Madsen (So) West Virginia

By Raul Colon

Top 5 College Football Offenses

With little more than a month to go before the 2010 college football season starts, it’s time to take a look at the top 5 offensive units in the nation.

1. Arkansas Razorbacks: Armed with one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, a group of explosive receivers, an All American candidate at tight end, two runners capable of topping the 1,000 yards and a veteran offensive line, the Razorbacks are primed to be the most explosive team in the nation.

It all starts with QB Ryan Mallett (3,624 yards, 56%, 30 TDs-7 INTs in 2009). The 6-foot-7 junior has the strongest arm in college football. He bypassed the riches of the NFL, probably a good decision, to get more acclimated to Head Coach Bobby Petrino’s pro-style passing attack.

Arkansas also has the best set of receivers in the land. Greg Childs (48, 894 yards, 18.6 and 7 TDs), Jarious Wright (41, 681, 16.6, 5 TDs), Joe Adams (29, 568, 19.6, 7 TDs) and Cobi Hamilton (19, 347, 18.3, 3 TDs) can score every time they touch the football. Their collective average of 17.9 ypc in 2009 is two more than their closest unit competitors (Houston Cougars). If this wasn’t enough, there is TE D.J. Williams (32, 411, 12.8, 3 TDs), a potential first round pick next April.

Runners Dennis Johnson (57, 369 yards, 6.0, 0 TD) and Ronnie Wingo, Jr. (49, 336, 6.5, 3 TDs) are capable of producing between 800 and 1,500 rushing yards combined, and that total does not take into account the projected production of last year’s starter, Broderick Green (104, 459, 4.2, 11 TDs). The fact that Arkansas did not have a more robust ground attack last year is due to Petrino’s pass- first philosophy, not because a lack of talent. As for the line, the unit is well stacked with tackle DeMarcus Love and center Seth Oxner, both potential all conference selections.

2. Oklahoma Sooners: The Sooners have built one of the most explosive offensive units in the nation under Bob Stoops, and this year’s edition should be no exception. Yes, Oklahoma lost a Heisman Trophy winner, Sam Bradford, and one third of the offensive line, but their projected replacements are more than solid.

Substituting the #1 overall choice in last April’s NFL Draft is true sophomore Landry Jones (3,198, 58.1%, 26 TDs-14 INTs). Stoops plan to start Jones in 2010 got derailed when Bradford got injured in the BYU game, forcing the club to make the switch earlier than projected. As expected, Jones had his slumps early, but by the end of the year, he was in firm control of the offense.

‘Speedy, agile and with superb route running skills’, that’s how many NFL player personnel gurus are using in describing Ryan Broyles (89, 1,120, 12.6, 15 TDs). He is small (5-11) but his ability to get separation and open field explosiveness has Big XXII offensive coordinators scratching their heads. If you want size, then DeJuan Miller (36, 434, 12.1, 1 TD) is your man.

If only DeMarco Murray (171, 741, 4.1, 8 TD) can stay healthy, Oklahoma will be second fiddle to no one. The rest of the backfield is functional. The line, with three starters returning, needs to return to its 2008 form. They allowed too many hits on the QB last season.

3. Boise State Broncos: The only question in Idaho is how much longer they can keep one of the hottest coaching prospects in the nation pacing the blue colored sidelines? Chris Petersen has won 49 games (4 losses), and two Bear Bryant awards in four years at the helm of the Broncos. At the tip of this amazing run is a high powered offense.

For the third straight year, QB Kellen Moore (3,536, 64.3%, 39 TDs-3 INTs) will trigger Boise’s high octane attack. The 6-foot-4 lefty will have plenty of targets to hit. Chief among them is a pair of projected all conference WRs. Titus Young (79, 1,041, 13.2, 10 TDs) is Mr. Outside and Austin Pettis (63, 855, 13.6, 14 TDs) is Mr. ‘Further’ Outside.

The ground game is in sure hands with fast Jeremy Avery (1,151, 5.5, 6 TDs) and powerful Dough Martin (778, 5.9, 13 TDs) running behind the WAC’s best offensive line led by All-WAC LG Nate Potter and sophomore sensation Brenel Myers.

4. Virginia Tech Hokies: QB Tyrod Taylor (2,311, 56%, 13 TDs-5 INTs) is no Michael Vick, but he showed last fall that he can efficient enough through the air to keep teams from stacking the line. If he can be more efficient (he led the ACC with a 149.39 passing rating) in 2010, the Hokies will have a great shot at running the table, which could mean a trip to Arizona and the BCS championship game. Receiving much of Taylor’s passes will be juniors Jarrett Boykin (40, 835, 20.9, 5 TDs) and Danny Coale (30, 614, 20.5, 2 TDs).

Notwithstanding a renewed passing attack, VT will live or die on the ground, and with good reason. Sophomore RB Ryan Williams (1,655, 5.6, 21 TDs), who is bound to make several preseason All American teams, is a complete back. He runs with authority inside and with reckless abandon outside. Complementing him is a veteran offensive line. The mainstay of the unit is the right side which is anchored by tackle Blake DeChristopher and guard Jaymes Brooks.

5. Alabama Crimson Tide: The defending national champions edge out the Ohio State Buckeyes for the fifth rated offense in the country. Much like Virginia Tech, the Tide is running back-centered and with good reason. Carrying the main load is 2009 Heisman Trophy winner, Mark Ingram (1,658, 6.1, 17 TDs). Supplementing the preseason All American running back is highly touted Trent Richardson (784, 5.2, 8 TDs).

The offensive line is in solid shape despite the loss of All American G Mike Johnson. Right guard Barrett Jones should gather all conference honors as will incoming freshman D.J. Fluke, who is expected to fill Johnson’s shoes at right tackle. Keep an eye on big (6-5, 305lbs) LT James Carpenter.

Senior Greg McElroy (2,508, 60.9%, 17 TDs-4 INTs) is everything head coach Nick Seban wants in a quarterback. He is efficient (140.55 rating), accurate in the short-to-medium range and a good game manager. Unfortunately, he hasn’t shown the ability to keep defenses honest outside the box. That should change in 2010. Offensive coordinator Jim McElwain stated this spring that the passing game will become more diversified with more emphasis on the deep ball. If that is the case, expect WR Julio Jones (43, 596, 13.9, 4 TDs) to increase his scoring totals twofold.

By Raul Colon
rcolonfrias@yahoo.com

Top Ten Prospects for the 2011 NFL Draft

Sure, the 2010 NFL Draft hasn’t even been over for three months yet but NFL teams and their fans are already looking ahead to the 2011 NFL Draft. The college football season is about to get underway as well and some of the guys on this list are poised to have big seasons and could move up or even off of this list when it’s all said and done.

So let’s take a look at the top ten prospects in the 2011 NFL Draft as it stands right now for the month of July. There is some insight into why they are listed in these rankings and whether or not they could rise (if possible) or fall of this list by the end of the 2010 College Football Season.

1. Jake Locker-QB-Washington-Barring any kind of injury problem or complete breakdown in his passing game, Locker looks like the best bet to be number one in the draft next season. He has all the skills that you would want at the quarterback position and with some additional experience in college this year, he should go high. Could he fall? It’s possible, especially with quarterbacks but with his talent it’s not likely.

2. Marvin Austin-DT-North Carolina-Austin is a beast who will only get better in his final season in college. With teams concentrating on defensive line play, Austin may just be what the doctor ordered. With a strong final collegiate season, Austin could push his way into the number one spot in the draft next depending on how he does this coming season and what team gets “lucky enough” to get the first pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

3. Gabe Carimi-OT-Wisconsin-Built in the same mold as current Cleveland Browns offensive tackle and former Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas. If Carimi holds his own this season, he could challenge for the top spot in the draft next year but as it stands right now, he’s a lock to go in the top five. A team with a need for a good cornerstone offensive tackle is going to take Carimi and depending on where he goes he could be a Pro Bowler. Will he drop out or move up? He could move up but unless he suffers an injury he won’t move out of the top five.

4. Adrian Clayborn-DE-Iowa-Clayborn burst onto the scene in 2009 and should be able to follow that up with an even better season in 2010. Clayborn is the ideal pass rusher that could fit into either a 4-3 or a 3-4 defense at the end position and has the skill to start right away depending on where he lands. If the Hawkeyes don’t have a good season or he get’s injured he may end up falling down the rankings a little bit but if he can turn in the same kind of season that he had last year (and better) then he could move up but he is definitely a top five to top seven player in the 2011 NFL Draft.

5. Cameron Heyward-DE-Ohio State-Heyward, the son of former NFL player Craig “Ironhead” Heyward should become one of the more sought after defensive ends in the 2011 NFL Draft next spring thanks to solid season last year and a lot of potential. As long as Heyward is able to repeat what he did last season and improve (as well as stay healthy) there is no reason to think that he won’t be taken in the top five next season. He’s also going to have a solid career no matter where he ends up in the NFL.

6. Allen Bailey-DE-Miami (Fla)-The run on defensive linemen will continue after Bailey is taken somewhere in the top ten of the 2011 NFL Draft. Bailey is another one of those guys that had a solid (and somewhat quiet) season in 2009 and should be able to burst onto the scene and make himself well known in 2010. The only way that Bailey falls in these rankings are if he gets injured. He could quite possibly move up with a stellar season by both himself and the Miami Hurricanes. He will be an interesting player to watch in the NFL as well.

7. Prince Amukamara-CB-Nebraska-Amukamara should be the first cornerback taken in the 2011 NFL Draft next April providing something serious doesn’t happen this football season. Amukamara was somewhat unknown heading into the 2009 college football season and thanks to some solid play, as well as some strong play by the Cornhuskers, he has finally gotten the notice that he deserves. Right now, Amukamara will battle Ras-I Dowling (Virginia) for the number one cornerback spot in the draft but he represents the best value at the position right now. A good season will only serve to solidify his spot as the number one cornerback in the draft but if he turns in a poor season his stock will drop fast.

8. Greg Romeus-DE-Pittsburgh-Defense rules the day again as Romeus comes in at number eight on our list. Romeus has quietly made a name for himself at the University of Pittsburgh and with a great season there this coming year he should be able to make a lot of NFL scouts and head coaches notice him. Romeus should only improve his draft stock over the 2010 season barring any kind of injury and easily be top ten pick in next year’s draft.

9. Bruce Carter-OLB-North Carolina-The Tar Heels are going to have a great defense in 2010 and they have a lot of great players to go with that defense and we can now add Carter to this growing list of solid NFL prospects. Carter, like Austin, has flown under the radar a bit until now and with a solid season in 2010 he should come to the forefront as the best outside linebacking prospect in the nation and should be high on the list of many NFL teams heading into the 2011 NFL Draft. Does he fall down at all? He will if he can’t show some improvement over last year and keep his name in the press as the best outside linebacker in the country. But that shouldn’t happen.

10. Nate Solder-OT-Colorado-No one would think that Colorado would be able to produce such a sought after talent but Solder is the kind of player that NFL scouts are going to be looking at a lot in 2010. Solder could end up being the second offensive tackle taken in the 2011 NFL Draft as long as he stays healthy and gets plenty of recognition out there in Colorado. He has seemingly come out of nowhere and will continue to stay in the top ten as long as he has a solid season with the Buffaloes and doesn’t get injured.

By Bryan Dietzler

WAC Preview: Boise State Poised for Bigger Things

It’s has been 26 years since Robbie Bosco and the highflying BYU Cougars shocked college football winning the WAC's (Western Athletic Conference) first and only national championship. Now, more than two decades after the Cougars defeated Michigan in the Holiday Bowl, another pass happy team out of the whacky WAC is poised for a real title shot.

Boise State enters 2010 as not only the prohibited favor to win its eighth league title in nine years, (a domination not seen since Lavell Edwards patrolled BYU’s sidelines), but if all the chips fall in place, they could be a legitimate Bowl Championship Series (BCS) championship contender.

“We had faced high expectations before and came away fine. Now they are a little greater. Our team is well led by a group of juniors and seniors who want to prove that we can play at the same level against the big conference”, boasted Boise’s head coach, Chris Petersen during the Broncos’ spring practices.

Petersen will need all the confidence he can muster because his Broncos have had a Bull Eyes painted over them ever since they defeated a very good TCU squad in last year’s Fiesta Bowl. Now it’s time to prove, once again, that Boise is here to stay with another undefeated season. If they managed to do that, come January Petersen and the Broncos could be hoisting something more than a bowl championship trophy.

Here’s a look at the projected WAC order of finish.

1. Boise State Broncos: Head and shoulders the top team in the conference. Lead by Heisman contender QB Kellen Moore (431-277, 3, 536 yards, 39 TDs-3 INTs) and underrated running back Jeremy Avery (1,111 yards, 6 TDs, 5.5 average). The Broncos were the most explosive team (#1 in scoring with 42.2 ppg) in the nation last fall. With both players back, a solid trio of receivers to throw to and a veteran offensive line, there’s little question Petersen’s team will score at a high clip. Their QB Moore, if he declares early, could even be a potential 1st rounf draft pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

The defense should be better-than-average (ranked 14th in the nation, 17.1 ppg) thanks to the return of ends Ryan Winterswyk and Shea McClellin. The linebacker corps is well manned by one of the most athletic weak-side groups in the country. Aaron Tevis and JC Percy should make several all conference teams this season. The secondary has the promise to be a great one. This optimism rests in the stellar play of All American candidate, safety Jeron Johnson. The 5-foot-11 senior, who led the club in tackles (91) last season, is a fearsome run stopper as well as an instinctive pass defender.

The conference schedule is manageable with only two real trap games (Fresno State and Nevada). The Bulldogs should offer Boise its biggest conference test as they return a very talented team with a chip on its shoulder following last year’s collapse against the Broncos. The non-conference schedule is much tougher than last season’s. The opener against highly ranked Virginia Tech should set the tone for the entire 2010 campaign. A win versus the Hokies and Boise will have a clear path to the BCS championship game.

PREDICTION: Will win the WAC without much trouble but a national title seems out of reach.

2. Fresno State Bulldogs: Nevada is the consensus pick to challenge Boise for league supremacy. But it was actually the Bulldogs which have given the Broncos the much tougher game recently. It has been more than ten years (1999) since head coach Pat Hill won the WAC. In fact, it has been 4 years since his team had a realistic shot at winning the conference. With a veteran signal caller (Ryan Colburn) and a very good offensive line, Fresno could make things interesting in 2010. They do need to replace NFL first rounder, RB Ryan Mathews, and its entire wide receiver corps. But the coaching staff feels comfortable with the explosive Robbie Rouse (5.8 ypc) handling the ground attack and with Jamel Hamler catching passes.

The weakness on the team could be the defense, specially the front seven. Teams ran wild on them (111th nationally allowing 214.1 ypg) last season and with almost (with the exception of DT Logan Harrell) the same cast returning, things don’t look up. The secondary is at least competitive and should keep the team in most games. The schedule is actually conductive to a big season. Cincinnati (the opener) is in a rebuilding mode as is Ole Miss (September 25th). As for their conference foes, beside Boise and Nevada, the only road block seems to be November 27th. That’s when an improving Idaho team visits Fresno.

PREDICTION: Could surprise several teams, but Hill’s club is not as talented as Boise. A second place finish is more than plausible.

3. Nevada Wolf pack: Record setting QB Colin Kaepernick returns for one last chance at winning the WAC. The multi threat signal caller rushed for 1,183 yards and passed for 2,050 while scoring 36 combine touchdowns. He once again will have the Wolf pack flying high on offense (#6 nationally averring 38.2 ppg). The receiving corps is very good with sophomore split end Brandon Wimberly leading the group. The ground game is well stocked with Kaepernick and underrated RB Vai Taua (1,345 yards) carrying the load. The line is functional enough for the club to run on.

The problem with Nevada resides in a mediocre defense, more specifically, its pedestrian secondary, a unit ranked 119th (297.8 ypg) in the country last year. It allowed 7 passers to top the 300 yards mark last season. They return both corners, but that’s doesn’t said a lot as both were torched deep repeatedly last season. The unit looked much improve during spring practices, but as talented as Kaepernick is, he is no Moore. The real test will come on the field.

PREDICTION: It's hard to see how such as bad secondary can be turn around in one year, especially with almost the same personnel manning key positions.

4. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs: A Dark Horse to make some noise in the WAC. Armed with a new head coach (Sonny Dykes), a new offensive philosophy (spread), and the personnel to make it all work out. Despite returning just four starters (three of them offensive linemen) the offense should be potent enough to keep pace in this wacky league.

The backbone of the team is a much improved defense. Contrary to Nevada, Louisiana State's biggest asset is its secondary, which ranked first in the conference last season with 13 interceptions. The front seven is filled with young, inexperienced but very athletic players. The senior member of the unit, DE Matt Broha had a great spring as did fellow lineman, DT Ramone Randle.

PREDICTION: It’s hard to see a 4-8 team making the leap to the conference’s elite ranks, but a winning record and a lower tier bowl invitation are well within reach.

5. Idaho Vandals: An 8-5 record and the school’s first ever 1st round (G Mike Iupati) NFL pick are clear signs this program is taking off. Now it’s time to take the next step and become a regular contender. QB Nathan Enderie, RB Princeton McCarty and WR Preston Davis form a nice offensive core. The problem resides on a completely renovated line. Can they protect Enderie and open some running lanes inside?

If Idaho plans to play the Big Boys of the conference title, they need to do a better job on defense (#114 in the nation). This unit allowed a whopping 36 points a game last season and with much of the starters (9) coming back, an improvement in 2010 is not likely.

PREDICTION: A killer schedule and a bad defense equal a mediocre season.

6. Utah State Aggies: A chic pick to move up, the Aggies have one of the most dynamic and balanced offenses in the league. The unit accounted for almost 30 (29.1) points a night and with its starting quarterback (Diondre Borel) back, a solid RB group (Michael Smith, Kerwynn Williams and Derrvin Speight) and a very good offensive line, chances are they will again be among the top scoring teams in the conference.

As many of the second tiered clubs in the WAC, the Aggies main problem resides on defense. Last season, the team lacked the athletes on the outside to mount serious pressure on opposing passers. Thus the secondary became exposed. Unfortunately for head coach Gary Andersen, a former Utah Utes defensive coordinator, the unit had almost the same make up as last year’s. The only bright spot is OLB Bobby Wagner, an all conference performer in 2009.

PREDICTION: They improved dramatically from 2008 to last year, but getting more than four wins with a non-reactive defense and a tough (Oklahoma is the opener) schedule will be difficult.

7. Hawaii Warriors: Head coach Greg McMackin is in the hot seat following two pedestrian (13-14 overall reacord) seasons at the helm of the Rainbow Warriors. On the surface the passing attack (3rd in the nation with 337 ypg) seems solid but a closer look reveals that much of that yardage came in the middle of the field with few completitions inside the 20 yard range. Scoring (22.8 ppg) has gone down since June Jones’ last season in Honolulu (2008). McMackin is betting his job on the return of inconstant QB Bryant Moniz (2,396 yards, 14 TDs in part time duty) and the development of an inexperience receiving corps lead by the speedy Rodney Bradley.

Despite changing schemes, defense remains Hawaii’s biggest weakness. They ranked at the bottom of most categories (90th ranked overall, 107 against the run) last fall. The biggest problem is the lack of size up front. The addition of DT Kaniela Tuipulotu (transfer from Arizona) should bolster the D-line. But more is needed.

PREDICTION: New offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich should make the passing game formidable again, but the defense is too porous for the Warriors to make any climb in the standings.

8. San Jose State Spartans: Yes, this is a 2-10 team, but the record does not reflect the talent level SJSU has amassed during the last two years. In fact, it can be argue that the Spartans have more overall talent than many of the teams above them. New HC Mike MacIntyre has decided to dump the spread attack in favor of the more conventional pro-style. The team can use any help. Last year’s squad finished 118th in scoring (13.8) and 117th in rushing, the two benchmarks for a spread offense.

Jordan La Secta had an inconsistent 2009. The senior quarterback is more suited for the pro-style than the spread offense. The coaching staff knows this and expect a big improvement from last (1,926, 10 TDs) season. Look for tailback Brandon Rutley (junior) to have a bigger role in the offense. Rutley, who is arguable the best athlete on the roster, has the speed to score every time he touched the football.
New defensive coordinator Kent Baer will have his hands full trying to revive a moribund unit. The tackles (Palo Garcia and JaRodd Watson) are solid as does the safeties (Duke Ihenacho and Tanner Burns) if the linebackers can produce, the defense could be at least functional.

PREDICTION: The talent is there for a more than 2 wins. The schedule is tough with Alabama and Wisconsin to open the season. Four wins should be consider a major success.

9. New Mexico State Aggies: A promising start (3-3) in 2009 gave way to a nightmare finish (0-7). The main culprit for the collapse was the offense which ranked dead-last in the nation in scoring (11.5) and second to last in passing (87.8 ypg). Only the ground game (141.5 ypg, 66th nationally) can be called average. RB Seth Smith has to be commended for rushing for 1,016 yards without any support. If the passing game improves just a bit, it can’t get any worse, Smith should easily pass the 1,500 mark. That won’t happen until the QB situations settle. New offensive coordinator, Mike Dunbar, does not have a lot to choose from.

Last year’s starter, Jeff Flaming has not shown that he can handle the stating role. He lacks the talent to be a full time starter. Incoming junior college transfer, Matt Christian, has better overall ability, but lacks experience, as do highly touted freshman, Andrew Manley. Nevertheless, each of them should be a major upgrade over Fleming.

The defense was a mess in 2009. They finish the year ranked 101st in points allowed (31.6) and 114th in rushing yards per game. The only plus was a very active secondary. CBs Davon House (all conference selection) and Jonte Green can play man-to-man with the best receivers in the conference. The front seven is lead by DE Pierre Fils. But after Fils, there isn’t much to look at. The linebackers are slow and there’s little depth behind them.

PREDICTION: Too much work to be done. Another 3 win season seems about right.

By Raul Colon
rcolonfrias@yahoo.com