Bowl Predictions

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MPC COMPUTERS BOWL

Boston College 7-4 vs Boise State 9-3

The MPC Bowl had it's best match up in it's short history last year. With the ACC renewing its contract with the bowl, it seems the city of Boise will be getting more high quality teams. It remains to be seen which place team the MPC Bowl will get. It could stay as high as the sixth place selection or dip as low as the eighth place. Regardless, the expanded ACC is one of the best conferences in America and facing a top WAC team(Fresno State or Boise State) every year sets up a great contest. This year I predict the hometown boys will stay home after bowling away from Boise the last two years. The ACC pick depends on the Liberty Bowl, I expect the Liberty to take an ACC team. Therefore, Boston College or Georgia Tech will be in Boise. GT played here two years ago and have senority, sorry BC. Not that the MPC Bowl is a terrible destination, but teams as good as Boston College and Georgia Tech deserve better.

BlogPoll IV: Rivals

My answers for BlogPoll Roundtable IV.

1. Who's Fresno State's rival? Pacific was back in the day. Days of Carlos Brown(now Fresno Mayor and former actor Alan Autry aka "Bubba") and Tom Flores are long gone for the Tigers. UOP dropped football in 1995, and last played FS in '92. San Diego State was big in the '70's, and again in the 90's when FS joined the WAC. This rivalry has tried to be renewed, but only one game of multi-game contract has been played and that was in 2002. San Jose State is the only consistent rival the Bulldogs have played every year(except 92, 93, and 95)since becoming a DI-A member in the late 60's. Unfortunately, the Spartans have not been much of a rival since 1990 when they last won. The 'Dogs and Spartans had some great games in the '80s including Sports Illustrated's Game of the Year back in 1986. Hawaii is the team Fresno loves to hate, and the Islanders have no love lost for Fresno. In 1985 the # 16 ranked Bulldogs finished 11-0-1, the tie was to Hawaii. Since 1992 when FS joined the WAC, FS has only won once on the Island back in '94 and the Warriors have only won once in Fresno and that was in '02. Boise State has been the most anticipated game every year since the Broncos beat David Carr and the #8 Bulldogs in 2001. But I can't call this series a rivalry until FS beats Broncos. Hopefully that changes this year.

2. How should the 'Dogs fare? The Bulldogs should blow away San Jose State and Dick Tomey's defense. Against Hawaii, however, I predict a heartbreaking loss. Pat Hill has never won on the Island and in 1997, 1999, 2001 he walked in to Honolulu with a better team and left a loser. This year Fresno is loaded and Hawaii is rebuilding, but in a big upset I see FS falling just short of their first win on the Island in the Pat Hill era. As for Boise State becoming a rivalry it just might have to wait another year.

3. Who should be the 'Dogs rival? California. The Bears are the best University of California and Fresno is the best California State University. Jeff Tedford is a former Fresno State quarterback and was Pat Hill's OC in 1997. The schools are just a mere three hours apart by bus, but have only played twice in 1995 at Cal and 2000 in Fresno. Fresno State won both.

4. The Best Rivalry? I like USC-Notre Dame. It is the best because it is a cross country rivalry which is not seen much anymore. I loved the Alabama-Penn State games back in the day, but even with the added 12th game, I doubt there will be any other great cross country rivalries. Regional rivalries have gotten bigger with national TV, but few bridge East vs West, or North vs South.

5. Best and Worst Trophies? I think Minnesota gets the best and worst awards. Gotta love the Paul Bunyon Axe, but the Little Brown Jug...........

Bowl Predictions

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INSIGHT BOWL
Notre Dame 6-5 vs Arizona State 7-4

Major changes are headed to the Insight Bowl. The former Copper Bowl has moved from Tucson, to Phoenix and next year this bowl will be played in Tempe at Sun Devil Stadium. It is a shame the Pac 10 could not renew their agreement with the Insight Bowl, since it will be played in it's own backyard. The Big 10 and Big 12 will send their sixth place teams, leaving out the Big East and Notre Dame, too. I predict Arizona State will make their first ever appearance in the Insight Bowl, the last one played in BankOne Park. Notre Dame should make their second trip in row. There is the possibility the Irish would get picked to play in the Gator Bowl, even with a 6-5 record, sending the second place Big East team to Phoenix instead.

WAC Coaches like Boise and Fresno

Coaches always seem to do everything backwards. The media picked Boise State to win the Conference over Fresno State. BSU is the defending champs, and deserve that honor until someone beats them. Especially, when they return as many starters as they do. The Coaches on the other hand had Boise State and Fresno State tied a top their preseason poll. http://wacsports.com/view_article.asp?sport=Football&id=3527

COACH'S INTERVIEWS LIVE! @ WAC MEDIA CONFERENCE
http://www.wacsports.com/player/

PAC 10 Awards

All- Conference





Offense
WR- Steve Smith, USC
WR- Mike Hass, Oregon State
TE- Zach Miller, Arizona State
T- Winston Justice, USC
T- Ryan O'Callaghan
C- Marvin Philip, California
G- Fred Matua, USC
G- Ismail Simpson, Stanford
QB- Matt Leinart, USC
RB- Reggie Bush, USC
RB- Lendale White, USC
FB- Brandon Hancock, USC
AP- Michael Bumpus, Washington State

Defense
DE- Devan Long, Oregon
DT- Haloti Ngata, Oregon
DT- Sir Henry Anderson, Oregon State
DE- Frostee Rucker, USC
LB- Will Derting, Washington State
LB- Spencer Havner, UCLA
LB- Scott Davis, Washington State
LB- Trent Bay, Oregon State
CB- Aaron Miller, Oregon State
CB- Justin Wyatt, USC
SS- Darnell Bing, USC
FS- Darrell Brooks, Arizona
PR- Reggie Bush, USC

Specialists
P- Tom Malone, USC
K- Alexis Serna, Oregon State
KR- Marshawn Lynch, California

Individual Awards

Offensive POY- Reggie Bush, USC

Defensive POY- Will Derting, Washington State

Freshman of the Year- DeSean Jackson, California

Coach of the Year- Ty Willingham, Washington

Game of the Year- USC at California

Upset of the Year- Oregon over USC

Most Overrated- Dwayne Jarrett, USC

Most Underrated- Steve Smith, USC

Top Units

Best Quarterbacks- USC
Best Running Backs- USC
Best Receivers- USC
Best Offensive Line- California
Best Defensive Line- Oregon
Best Linebackers- Washington State
Best Defensive Backs- USC
Best Special Teams- USC
Best Coaching- USC
Best Intangibles- USC

Pac 10 Preview

The Southern California Trojans are the odds on favorite to win the Pac 10 this year, as well as, the national championship. The real race is for second place. California was screwed out of a chance to play in the Rose Bowl last year, and stunk it up in the Holiday Bowl against Texas Tech. Even with substantial losses, Coach Jeff Tedford will have his Golden Bears ready this season, especially for USC on November 12. Oregon just fell apart last year. The Ducks should rebound nicely. Arizona State has been getting some preseason national title darkhorse hype this year. The Sun Devils are good but playing USC and LSU, you can count at least two losses and probably two more. Oregon State is a darkhorse to battle for a second place finish, as they are the only team to miss USC in conference play. Karl Dorrell is on his last leg as coach of UCLA. His team is bursting with talent, anything less than eight wins and bowl win he is gone. Washington State is a loaded team that needs better quarterback play if they want to finish above .500. Washington, on the other hand, should be one 2005's surprise teams. Arizona could post a winning season if they pull a couple of home upsets. Stanford will be a cellar dweller, at least for this year.

Order of Finish

1. USC 11-1(7-1)- I know who is USC going to lose to? Cal, Arizona State or Oregon? It's going to be Oregon. If USC played Oregon on a neutral field they win ten out of ten times. At Autzen USC wins nine of ten, 2005 just happens to be that one time they lose. The loss will come early in the season, worst case scenario SC drops five or six spots in the polls in late September. By the time the BCS poll comes around in October, they will be in the top three, and come December SC will be number one again. Trojans will have their kinks early in the season with Fresno State alum Lane Kiffen calling the plays. Undefeated season is practically a lock with a team with this much talent, but strange things always happen in college football.

2. Oregon 8-3(6-2)- How does the team I pick to beat USC finish 8-3? The Ducks are good, not great. Oregon is able to hang toe to toe with the Trojans offensively, and home field advantage will certainly be huge. The Ducks offense should be comparable to the Tedford days with new OC Gary Crowton. The defense is strong up front, but will be put into many shootouts if the DB's do not improve their play. This team could find themselves in the top 10 by the end of September with big wins over Fresno State and USC.

t3. California 8-3(5-3)- Cal plays a ridiculous non-conference slate, and in conference play they miss ASU and host USC. If Aaron Rodgers had returned for his senior season, Cal would have been a serious contender for the Pac 10 and maybe even the Rose Bowl. As it stands now, Tedford will have to work his magic once again with another JC recruit. I am a avid believer in Tedford and his offense. Many think he runs a pass happy attack, but it is a run first offense. With one of the best offensive lines in the nation along with a great tailback in Marshawn Lynch, Cal is capable of winning the Pac 10.

t3. Arizona State 7-4(5-3)- The Sun Devils are the classic overrated special. Riding the tails of a great bowl win to lofty preseason rankings and expectations. This team should have no problem staying above .500, but is nowhere near the level of a USC. Arizona State should blow out everyone they are supposed to, but will not beat the big name teams needed to make a serious run at the Pac 10 title.

t3. UCLA 6-5(5-3)-On paper UCLA is a top 15 team. There is talent everywhere, QB, RB, WR, and especially on defense, where the Bruins have one of the best linebacking units in the country. Two years ago UCLA started out 6-2 with a young team and a new coach. It looked like they could contend for the Pac 10 title in 04 and be serious national title contenders in 05. UCLA has gone 6-11 since that great start in 03 and have back to back bowl losses to the WAC and MWC. Karl Dorrell has been a disappointing hire, I expect him to be gone after this year, and UCLA to make a big name hire(Dennis Erickson?) to try to keep up with crosstown rival USC.

6. Oregon State 7-4(4-4)- I expecting a big impact from the JC recruits. The Beavers play a tough non-conference schedule as they host Boise State and travel to Louisville. Key offensive personnel need to be replaced, but I expect OSU to pull off two big wins before Pac 10 play even begins.

t7. Washington 6-5(3-5)- The Huskies will be the surprise team in the Pac 10, if not the country. A key four game stretch that sees UW play at UCLA, Oregon, Arizona State, and host USC, will test how far Ty Willingham has brought the Huskies. The other seven games are winable for a team that only won one game last year.

t7. Arizona 4-7(3-5)- These Wildcats are ready to play. Fresh off the upset over nationally ranked rival ASU, Arizona is ready to get back to their winning ways. Opening up the season at Utah will be tough, but an upset win could spark Arizona to a winning season.

9. Washington State 5-6(2-6)- The Cougars are sort of a puzzle. I see only one game as a sure loss and that is USC. The potential is there for this team to make a run at the top of the Pac 10 and the Holiday Bowl. Quarterback play is a big concern, I do not see it getting any better, therefore, WSU will be at the short end of many close games. I will not be shocked if this team finishes 8-3 or even 9-2.

10. Stanford 2-10(0-8)- Walt Harris has inherited some talent from the Buddy Teavens era. The Cardinal were very competitive last year, as they took USC to the wire and almost pulled off the upset. But somebody has to finish last, and unfortunately I see it being Stanford.

Bowl Predictions

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CHAMPS SPORTS BOWL
Nebraska 8-4 vs Virginia 8-3
This is the last year the Big 12 will play in this bowl, as the Big 10 will replace their spot next year. However, the Champs Sports Bowl should get their best matchup to date. I predict two 8-3 top 25 caliber teams to play in Orlando. UVA will finally escape horrid destinations of Charlotte and Boise, and the Cornhuskers will start a new bowl streak. This bowl is finally showing some signs of life. Originally the Sunshine Classic in 1990, although it never was played under that title, was the only bowl game played in Miami's Joe Robbie Stadium, prior to the BCS's moving of the Orange Bowl in 1998. It became the Blockbuster Bowl, then the Carquest, Micron PC, and finally it moved to Orlando and took the name of the old school Tangerine Bowl. Now with a new sponsor and two committed conferences(always felt the Big 12 was an odd fit), it can finally become an upper tier bowl.

WAC Media Days start today

The WAC media days begin today in Reno, NV. Boise State looks like they are going to repeat again as champs. Fresno State has a good chance to wrestle away the WAC crown, but need to prove they can beat the Broncos. Scroll down and read the rest of my WAC preview, posted last week. http://wacsports.com/view_article.asp?id=3521

Bowl Predictions

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MOTOR CITY BOWL
Toledo 10-2 vs Minnesota 6-5
The Motor City Bowl has been one of the better lower tier bowls since it started back in 1997. It has evolved into a regional matchup of the best from the MAC facing off against the middle of pack of the Big 10. It is, as well, played in of the most spectacular venues today, Ford Field. I predict the Rockets will make a return trip to Detroit and face their first Big 10 bowl opponent.

Bowl Predictions

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HAWAII BOWL

Southern Mississippi 8-4 vs Fresno State 9-3

Playing on the Island is the "true" bowl experience. The original Aloha Bowl played host to some the nation's most storied programs USC, Notre Dame, Alabama, Georgia, and many others during the 80's and 90's. The Aloha Bowl, and it's sister bowl the Oahu, moved to the mainland after the 2000 season. The Hawaii Bowl emerged in 2002 with Hawaii and the WAC matched up against Conference USA. The home team Warriors have played in every rendition since 02. This matchup could change next year with the Pac 10 possibly filling CUSA's spot, and Hawaii and the WAC staying put. This should be the first year the Warriors fall just short of being bowl eligible for their hometown bowl. The Eagles and the Bulldogs have been two of the better non-BCS schools this decade. Although, each would probably rather play a BCS school, this is a potential matchup of conference runner ups.

Bowl Predictions

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FORT WORTH BOWL

Oklahoma State 6-5 vs Houston 8-3

This is the last year of the present Big 12/CUSA matchup, the Big 12 has had trouble supplying an 8th place team the last two years. Next year, more than likely the Mountain West will take one spot, since TCU has now joined the MWC, the other might stay with CUSA or the Big 12. I predict the Big 12 should have nine bowl eligible teams so for the first time, and maybe the last, OSU will representative the conference in Forth Worth. The Cougars will go to their second bowl in three years.

Bowl Predictions

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POINSETTIA BOWL

Wyoming 7-4 vs Washington 6-5

The first ever Poinsettia Bowl will be played one week prior to the infamous Holiday Bowl, as well, in the same venue. It is unknown who the Mountain West will face as the at-large team. I predict the Pac 10 will send their 7th place team, but the WAC could send their 3rd place team, or maybe the ACC could send an eighth place team. I predict the Huskies will be bowling again after a two year hiatus, and Cowboys will be making their second straight bowl appearance against a Pac 10 foe.

Bowl Predictions

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LAS VEGAS BOWL

Oregon State 7-4 vs Utah 9-2

Two potential top 25 teams will clash in the desert. Should be a better opponent for the Utes, than last year's Fiesta Bowl.

Bowl Predictions

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GMAC BOWL

UAB 8-3 vs Bowling Green 10-1

Let the fireworks begin! Omar Jacobs vs Darrell Hackney! This prediction has all the makings for classic GMAC shootout.

Bowl Predictions

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NEW ORLEANS BOWL
North Texas 8-3 vs Memphis 8-3
The 2005-2006 Bowl Season will kick off in New Orleans with Memphis making their record third straight bowl appearance. Meanwhile, the North Texas Mean Green will make their fifth straight apperance as the Sun Belt Champions.

CFB's Best linebackers

Is Will Derting college football's best linebacker? Last year was the year of the running back and 2003 was the year of the receiver, this year is the year of the linebacker. Derting is just one of this year's great linebackers.

1. Will Derting, OLB, Washington State
2. Ahmad Brooks, OLB, Virginia
3. AJ Hawk, OLB, Ohio State
4. Abdul Hodge, ILB, Iowa
5. D'Qwell Jackson, ILB, Maryland
6. Freddie Roach, ILB, Alabama
7. Chad Greenway, OLB, Iowa
8. Kevin Simon, OLB, Tennessee
9. Xavier Adibi, OLB, Virginia Tech
10. Spencer Havner, ILB, UCLA
11. Rocky McIntosh, OLB, Miami
12. Kai Parham, OLB, Virginia
13. Brian Toal, OLB, Boston College
14. DeMaco Ryans, OLB, Alabama
15. Anthony Schlegel, ILB, Ohio State

K-State DE recruit comes home

Defensive End Ricky Miller was a highly recruited 6'3 230 LB out of Tustin, Ca in 2002. After his redshirt year, he started one game as a Fr, and was ready to emerge as a solid player. Coaches switched him to DE, he got upset and left the program. At first Miller thought of transferring to UCLA, but ended up at Orange Coast JC. This past spring, Miller, now 6'31/2 260, signed a letter of intent to play at Kansas State. He was in Kansas for spring, but told coaches K-State was not right for him. Since he did not obtain a AA degree, he did not have to honor his letter of intent. Hence, he returns back to his original commitment, Fresno State.

Virtually a walk on, Miller must earn a scholarship. His presence alone solidifies a suspect DL. If Miller continues with his plans, enrolls this falls and walks on, he should develop into the pass DE FS needs. If he emerges into a strong DE, that will allow Garrett McIntyre to move back to DT during passing situations, and improve depth at DT. As it stands now backing starters Louis Leonard, and Jason Shirley are redshirt freshmen Kenny Avon, Jon Monga, and former walk on Soph. Charles Tolbert.

Miller was not recruited by Fresno State after JC, yet he chose to return to the Bulldogs on his own. Miller's lone downfall was his attitude and immaturity, that seems to have changed. He is reunited with the rest of his 2002 class that includes defensive starters: DeWayne Andrews, Richard Marshall, Marcus McCauley, and former walk on McIntyre.

FORMER DOG SIGNS WITH PATS

Former Bulldog James Sanders has signed with the two time Super Bowl Champs. Had he not left early for the NFL, Fresno State would have had a top five secondary. As it is now, his void is being felt at SS. Senior Awan Diles, a 5'8 converted CB, is at top of the depth chart. Talented Junior Vincent Mays, an all-prep star, has yet to become the breakthrough star anticipated after his signing in 2002. DC Dan Brown's defense relies on a playmaking SS. If no one steps up, along with a suspect DL, offenses should be able to run on the Bulldogs. The linebackers are strong, but the SS acts almost like a fourth LB.

Sanders, 5'11 205, was a big hitter and a leader on the defense. Diles, mechanically, was a good corner, but was often beaten deep and struggled against bigger, stronger receivers. His experience will help as the SS, but he lacks the big hit capability. Mays, on the other hand, is built like Sanders, and has all the tangibles to be a great SS. All he lacks is the experience and determination. Behind them on the depth chart are rFR converted receiver Jake Jorde, and true Frosh Qaadir Brown, who was in for spring. Pat Hill is not afraid to start Freshmen. In 2000 when All-WAC FS Anthony Limbrick went down in the opener, rFr Bryce McGill started the rest of the year, and beat Limbrick out the next year. In 2002 McGill switched to SS, but rFr Sanders took the job away from McGill four games into the season and started every game since.

I expect Mays to become the "man". His signing was a big catch for Fresno State in 2002. He was rated as the 12th-best overall prospect and top defensive back in the state by Max Emfinger's Blue Chip Recruiting. He turned down Arizona and Illinois, the spring after they won the Big 10 and played in the Sugar Bowl. Sanders emerged during Mays' redshirt season, and his future at SS looked bleak. Now with Sanders gone, Mays has two years to prove his hype and become Fresno State's next great safety.

WAC Awards

All-Conference

Offense
WR- Jason Rivers, Hawaii
WR- Nichiren Flowers, Nevada
TE- Derek Schouman, Boise State
T- Daryn Colledge, Boise State
T- Dartangon Shack, Fresno State
C- Kyle Young, Fresno State
G- Samson Satele, Hawaii
G- Aaron Lips, Louisiana Tech
QB- Paul Pinegar, Fresno State
RB- Wendell Mathis, Fresno State
RB- Bryson Sumlin, Fresno State
FB- Roshon Vercher, Fresno State
AP- Paul Dombrowski, New Mexico State

Defense
DT- Alex Guerrero, Boise State
DT- Andrew Browning, Boise State
DE- Garrett McIntyre, Fresno State
DE- Mel Purcel, Hawaii
LB- Kory Hall, Boise State
LB- Byron Santiago, Louisiana Tech
LB- Cole Snyder, Idaho
LB- Jimmy Cottrell, New Mexico State
CB- Richard Marshall, Fresno State
CB- Marcus McCauley, Fresno State
SS- Leonard Peters, Hawaii
FS- Josh Powell, San Jose State
PR- Kevin Robinson, Utah State

Specialists
K- Danny Horwedel, Louisiana Tech
P- Kyle Stringer, Boise State
KR- Antwaun Sherman, Idaho

Individual Awards

Offensive POY- Daryn Colledge, Boise State

Defensive POY- Richard Marshall, Fresno State

Freshman of the Year-Jeremy Childs, Boise State

Coach of the Year- Dan Hawkins, Boise State

Game of the Year- Boise State at Fresno State

Upset of the Year- Hawaii over Fresno State

Most Overrated- Jared Zabransky, Boise State

Most Underrated- Wendell Mathis, Fresno State

Top Units

Best Quarterbacks- Fresno State
Best Running Backs- Fresno State
Best Receivers- Boise State
Best Offensive Line- Fresno State
Best Defensive Line- Boise State
Best Linebackers- Boise State
Best Defensive Backs- Fresno State
Best Special Teams- Fresno State
Best Coaching Staff- Boise State
Best Intangibles- Boise State

WAC Preview

The Western Athletic Conference loses Rice, SMU, Tulsa, and UTEP, but gains New Mexico State, Utah State, and Idaho. From a basketball standpoint it makes the conference better, but the loss of a good UTEP team hurts in what could be a magical season for WAC.

Boise State has won the last three WAC titles outright, and have not lost a conference game during their run. Along with Fresno State, the WAC has two teams that finished in the top 25 last year, and are expected to be ranked to start the season. Louisiana Tech, despite the loss of Ryan Moats should finish above .500, and Hawaii always has a shot at the hometown Hawaii Bowl if they are bowl eligible. After that the WAC is very poor, Nevada and New Mexico State will be competitive, but will be lucky to win five games. Idaho, San Jose State, and Utah State should end up fighting to stay out of last place.

Who will win the WAC? Boise State or Fresno State? The Bulldogs are the more talented team, and they do host the Broncos. But, Boise State, much like OU-Texas, Miami-FSU, has Fresno State's number. The Broncos are better coached, and always more prepared for the annual showdown, and until Fresno State beats them, how could you go against them? Do not expect a matchup of top 15 undefeated teams, as I do not expect these teams to be unbeaten late in the season.

Order of Finish
1. Boise State 9-3(8-0)- Expect more of the same, an undefeated WAC season, from the Broncos. The early non-conference slate will be taxing, as these Broncos are not used to playing three tough teams in three straight weeks. Last year, Boise State could have easily been 8-3 barely escaping BYU, Tulsa, and San Jose State, and not for all the Louisville turnovers in the Liberty Bowl, the Cardinals would have won by at least three TDs. An 0-3 start might signal a down year for Boise State, but by the end of the season BSU will have it's fourth straight WAC title, bowl game, and national ranking.
t2. Fresno State 9-3(6-2)- Fresno State has lost at least two conference games since it joined the WAC in 1992. Despite having it's most talented team since 2001, the Bulldogs will far short once again. Pat Hill has built Fresno State into a "giant killer", yet he can not get his team to beat the little guys. The Bulldogs will start the season with a bang, as always, but will be upset in October. Although, the WAC title will still be in their grasp when BSU comes to town, the magic of a BCS dream season will be gone. Until, Pat Hill makes a WAC title the goal, and not the BCS, expect another 9-3 season, when so much more is possible.
t2. Louisiana Tech 7-4(6-2)- Even with the loss of it's best player, the Bulldogs are capable of winning the WAC. Tech's non-conference slate is not as difficult as last year's, and in conference play they host Hawaii and Boise State. This team is good enough to be 6-0 in WAC play before closing out with BSU and at Fresno State. If they can win one of those games, can Ruston say, "bowl game".
4. Hawaii 6-6(5-3)- Timmy Chang has finally departed after "ten" years as the starting QB, and over 17,000 passing yards. Replacing him is easier than many would expect. Chang was a product of the system, and quite frankly the Warriors played better when he was injured. If not for games against USC, Wisconsin, and at Michigan State, UH would be going to it's fourth straight Hawaii bowl.
t5. New Mexico State 4-8(4-4) Much like how Nebraska switched from the power run offense to the west coast last year, the Aggies will be doing the same this year. But, Hal Mumme will be installing a wide open passing offense that will be fun to watch. It will be rough in the beginning, but by November the Aggies will start winning.
t5. Nevada 5-6(4-4)- The Wolfpack underachieved last year with an experienced team and "new" coach Chris Ault. Nevada is more than capable of winning seven or eight games, but don't expect it. Ault's offense is past it's prime, and if changes are not made this year, expect another disappointing year for a talented Nevada squad.
t7. Utah State 3-9(1-7)- The Aggies are happy to be in the WAC. Having played as a independent and as a member of the Sun Belt conference, Utah State finally can develop some western rivalries. Unfortunately, the Aggies will be lucky to win more than one conference game their first year.
t7. San Jose State 2-9(1-7)- Dick Tomey has returned to head coaching, after serving as an assistant at Texas last year. The Spartans do have talent on the defensive side of the ball. However, Tomey's trademark "Desert Swarm" defenses should take a couple of years to be effective.
t7. Idaho 1-10(1-7)- There was a time that the Vandals used to be the dominant team in Idaho. As a member of the same conference as Boise State, the gap has closed a little bit. The Vandals are on the rise, a conference upset win would not be a shock.

WAC team to play under the Golden Dome

The Nevada Wolfpack will be the first current WAC team ever to play Notre Dame. As well, Nevada (and San Diego State) will be the first non-BCS, non-military academy, non-BYU team to ever play in South Bend. Boise State also announced a home and home series with MAC teams Miami of Ohio and Toledo.

2005 WAC Prospectus

The WAC is a joke with the addition of New Mexico State, Idaho, and Utah State. The loss of UTEP hurts, because Mike Price's club would have given the WAC three legimate top 25 contenders. Coming next week my analysis and predictions for the upcoming WAC season.