After a disappointing 2006 campaign, the Fresno State football team is looking to regain prominence in the Western Athletic Conference. Here is a preview of Fresno State̢۪s WAC opponents this season.
1. University of Hawaii Warriors
Head Coach: June Jones (Ninth Season)
Offense: Run and Shoot
Defense: Multiple
Key Returners: QB Colt Brennan, WR Davone Bess, NT Michael Lafaele
2006 Overall Record: 11-3
2006 WAC Record: 7-1 (Second Place)
Bowl Game: 41-24 victory over Arizona State University in the Hawaii Bowl
Watching the Hawaii Warriors offense go pass-happy on opposing defenses will be one of the most entertaining aspects of college football this season. Returning under center for Hawaii is Heisman Trophy candidate and pre-season WAC player of the year Colt Brennan. The senior quarterback is coming off a record-breaking year in which he passed for 5,549 yards, 58 touchdowns and had an unprecedented 186.0 passer rating, en route to breaking 20 NCAA passing records.
Brennan̢۪s favorite target is back as well, junior wide receiver Davone Bess. Bess caught 96 balls last season for 1,220 yards and 15 touchdowns. Coach June Jones̢۪ run and shoot offense anchored by Brennan is going to have some impressive statistics, but the defense is of some concern.
With an unproven defensive line and a shaky secondary, this could be Hawaii’s biggest weakness in 2007. Anchoring the defensive line is senior defensive tackle Michael Lafaele, who had 32 tackles last season to go with two sacks. Jones and the Warriors are primed to win their first conference title since their 1999 co-championship – they might turn some more heads in the BCS while doing it.
2. Boise State University Broncos
Head Coach: Chris Peterson (Second Season)
Offense: Multiple
Defense: Multiple
Key Returners: RB Ian Johnson, S Marty Tadman, OT Ryan Clady
2006 Overall Record: 13-0
2006 WAC Record: 8-0 (Conference Champions)
Bowl Game: 43-42 victory over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl
Trying to repeat their undefeated 2006 season and a BCS bowl game victory against Oklahoma, the Broncos will need more than hooks and ladders and the statue of liberty play this season to contend in the ever-competitive WAC.
Aiming to lead the Broncos to their sixth straight conference title will be junior running back Ian Johnson. The All-American led the nation with 25 rushing touchdowns last season, while second in rushing with 1,714 yards. The Broncos lost their quarterback Jared Zabransky to the NFL and will now rely on senior Taylor Tharp to anchor the passing game.
Defensively the Broncos are as solid as ever. They led the conference last season in defense and do not show any signs of slowing down – seven starters return. Senior safety Marty Tadman had 67 tackles last season, more than any other returning Broncos. Tadman leads a veteran secondary that is arguably the best in the conference. The linebackers are solid as well, with junior Kyle Gingg – 50 tackles in 2006 – leading the way. Boise State won’t sneak up on anybody this year, but with Peterson leading this team, it could outdo even last year’s undefeated team.
Head Coach: Dick Tomey (Third Season)
Offense: Multiple
Defense: Multiple
Key Returners: QB Adam Tafralis, CB Dwight Lowery, LB Matt Castelo
2006 Overall Record: 9-4
2006 WAC Record: 5-3 (Third Place)
Bowl Game: 20-12 victory over New Mexico in the New Mexico Bowl
After a 3-8 record in his 2005 inaugural season, Coach Dick Tomey was able to lead his team to an impressive 9-4 in 2006 and a postseason victory over the New Mexico Lobos in the New Mexico Bowl. Senior quarterback Adam Tafralis returns this season, a big part of the team̢۪s success. Tafralis is on the pre-season Manning Award watch as one of the nation̢۪s top quarterbacks. He passed for 2,284 yards in 2006 with 21 touchdown passes.
On the ground, the Spartans have senior running back Yonus Davis who ran for 1,007 yards last season and six touchdowns. Defensively, the Spartans are relying on returning senior cornerback Dwight Lowery to anchor the secondary. This year̢۪s WAC pre-season defensive player had nine interceptions last season, earning him a first-team All-American spot.
Senior Matt Castelo is arguably the best linebacker in the WAC. Castelo made 165 tackles last season, forced four fumbles and had an interception.
Coach Tomey completely turned around the San Jose State program last season. You can bet that he̢۪s looking for even more improvement.
4. University of Nevada Wolf Pack
Head Coach: Chris Ault (23rd Season)
Offense: Pistol
Defense: 3-4
Key Returners: C Dominic Green, RB Luke Lippincott, LB Ezra Butler
2006 Overall Record: 8-5
2006 WAC Record: 5-3 (Fourth Place)
Bowl Game: 20-21 loss to Miami in the MPC Computers Bowls
Chris Ault̢۪s 2007 squad is looking to regain the form it had when it won the 2005 WAC championship. The biggest task for the Wolf Pack this season will be replacing long-time quarterback Jeff Rowe. Sophomore Nick Graziano takes on the challenge this year.
Nevada returns eight starters on its defense, ranked second in the WAC last season. Senior Ezra Butler will look to lead the defense at linebacker where he has 146 tackles in his last two seasons.
For Nevada to compete, Graziano will have to mature fast. Ault relies on his veteran offensive line and returning running back Luke Lippincott, a junior, to anchor his offense until the passing game starts to take form. Junior center Dominic Green will open up lots of holes for Lippincott and the offense.
Nevada may not be the flashiest team or the new up and coming team, but Ault coaches solid, consistent squads. Look for the Wolf Pack to make a run at a WAC title and their third bowl game in three seasons.
5. New Mexico State University Aggies
Head Coach: Hal Mumme (Third Season)
Offense: Air Raid
Defense: 3-4
Key Returners: QB Chase Holbrook, WR/KR Chris Williams, FS Derrick Richardson
2006 Overall Record: 4-8
2006 WAC Record: 2-6 (Seventh Place)
Bowl Game: None
New Mexico State is probably one of the most exciting teams to watch in the WAC. Junior quarterback Chase Holbrook and junior wide receiver Chris Williams connected 92 times last season for 1,415 yards and 12 touchdowns. Holbrook will be nipping at the heels of conference rival Colt Brennan for this year̢۪s NCAA passing title. But the excitement that drives Hal Mumme̢۪s Air Raid offense is about the exact opposite in his defense.
Despite nine starters returning on the defensive side of the ball, the Aggies face many problems. Junior free safety Derrick Richardson hopes to improve the Aggies’ deplorable defense – it sacked only 15 opposing quarterbacks last season.
Richardson was third on the team last year with 72 tackles to go along with his two interceptions. If the defense can show improvement and put pressure on opposing offenses, then this team could go from sideshow to contender.
6. Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs
Head Coach: Derek Dooley (First Season)
Offense: Multiple Single-Back
Defense: 4-3
Key Returners: RB Patrick Johnson, LB Brannon Jackson, QB Zac Champion
2006 Overall Record: 3-10
2006 WAC Record: 1-7 (Eighth Place)
Bowl Game: None
The focus for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will be to improve a defense that ranked dead last in the NCAA last year. Last season, the Bulldogs allowed an average of 483 yards and 42 points per game. Senior Linebacker Brannon Jackson anchors the defense.
Offensively, Coach Derek Dooley is relying on veteran quarterback Zac Champion to lead an inconsistent offense. Champion, a senior, was third in the WAC in passing last season with 2,466 yards to go along with 14 touchdowns, but also threw 18 interceptions. This year̢۪s offense will likely be centered on junior running back Patrick Johnson who rushed for 854 yards and seven touchdowns in 2006.
With a veteran offensive line providing holes, Johnson will anchor down the Bulldog̢۪s offense until the Jekyll-and-Hyde passing game finds its rhythm. If the defense can make vast improvements and the offense can remain consistent, then Dooley̢۪s first year in Ruston could be a success.
7. University of Idaho Vandals
Head Coach: Robb Akey (First Season)
Offense: Multiple
Defense: Multiple
Key Returners: CB Stanley Franks, LB David Vobora, RB Jayson Bird
2006 Overall Record: 4-8
2006 WAC Record: 3-5
Bowl Game: None
The Vandals boast losing seasons since 1999. The appointment of Robb Akey as head coach makes him the third in three years at Idaho. In 2007, the Vandals are looking to show that Boise State isn̢۪t the only team that plays high-quality football from their state. Offensively, Akey wants to focus on the running game.
Junior running back Jayson Bird struggled to a 506-yard, seven-touchdown season, but with an improved offensive line in 2007, Bird looks to have a huge year.
Red-shirt freshman Nathan Enderle won the starting job at quarterback for the Vandals. He has the potential to be a big-time quarterback, but will have to learn Akey̢۪s offense quickly if the Vandals hope to establish an efficient passing game.
Defensively, the Vandals are solid at linebacker with seniors David Vobora and JoArtis Ratti who combined for 166 tackles last season. Senior cornerback Stanley Franks is a returning all-WAC selection who had nine interceptions and 48 tackles. Franks will lead a solid and experienced secondary.
The big question mark for the Vandals will be their unproven defensive line that had trouble pressuring the quarterback last season. With Akey̢۪s enthusiasm on the sideline, they hope to regain respect in the WAC and push to the post-season.
8. Utah State University Aggies
Head Coach: Brent Guy (Third Season)
Offense: Multiple
Defense: 4-3
Key Returners: DE Ben Calderwood, WR/PR Kevin Robinson, FS Antonio Taylor
2006 Overall Record: 1-11
2006 WAC Record: 1-7
Bowl Game: None
Game Day with Fresno State: Nov. 3 at Bulldog Stadium
Utah State was, hands down, one of the worst teams in the nation last season. The offense was shut out four times last season and scored more than 14 points in just three games. But Brent Guy and the rest of the city of Logan do have something to be excited about – the Aggies are returning nine starters on offense and all 11 starters return on defense. Utah State’s offense can only get better – the Aggies scored fewer than 14 points seven times. At quarterback, senior Leon Jackson III will take over for Riley Nelson who left the team to go on his church mission.
Jackson’s primary target is senior wide receiver Kevin Robinson, who caught 36 balls for 582 yards last season. The biggest concern will be the offensive line giving Jackson enough time to make something happen on offense, saying nothing about the running game. The Aggies are going with a shaky “tailback-by-committeeâ€Â philosophy until a proven starter can be determined.
Leading the defense that allowed 48.8 points per game last season is junior defensive end Ben Calderwood. The second-team All-WAC lineman racked up 44 tackles last season including 6.5 tackles for loss. Giving Calderwood much needed support is the 2006 WAC Freshman of the Year Paul Igboeli. The now-sophomore linebacker was second on the team with 69 tackles to go with three sacks.
Utah State has a lot of work to do to make it out of the cellar of the WAC, but with a year̢۪s experience underneath it, this young Aggie team looks to surprise many conference opponents in 2007.
Mike Greyson • Sep 8, 2007 at 1:13 am
Yeah, Benjamin……I would call late 2005 and the full 2006 season results a .
Another loss to Oregon would clearly classify as a debacle (2002, 2005, 2006, AND 2007?)
I could handle a loss to A&M as long as we get either a K-State or Oregon win and handily defeat SJSt.
Best luck to Hawaii and Boise to get in BCS or New Years Day Bowls—-their respective schedules make the road to those games much easier than in previous seasons.
Mike Greyson • Sep 7, 2007 at 6:13 pm
Yeah, Benjamin……I would call late 2005 and the full 2006 season results a .
Another loss to Oregon would clearly classify as a debacle (2002, 2005, 2006, AND 2007?)
I could handle a loss to A&M as long as we get either a K-State or Oregon win and handily defeat SJSt.
Best luck to Hawaii and Boise to get in BCS or New Years Day Bowls—-their respective schedules make the road to those games much easier than in previous seasons.
Benjamin Baxter • Sep 7, 2007 at 5:13 pm
*Mathews
Benjamin Baxter • Sep 8, 2007 at 12:13 am
*Mathews
Benjamin Baxter • Sep 7, 2007 at 4:03 pm
This is hardly an official The Collegian position, but I’d place the ‘Dogs — at best — between Hawaii and Boise. At worst? We’re a solid No. 5 out of the nine teams.
My call: our placing will depend on how bad Brandstater turns out to be and how good Matthews turns out to be.
If Tommy gets his act together and Matthews really is the second coming, we might hit 10 wins. If not, we’ll scrape six or seven again, tops.
I see potential losses against Boise, Hawaii and Oregon, likely losses against Texas A&M and Kansas State. Nevada’s a wild card, always have been.
I hope we don’t lose to the Spartans again. That was embarassing.
Benjamin Baxter • Sep 7, 2007 at 11:03 pm
This is hardly an official The Collegian position, but I’d place the ‘Dogs — at best — between Hawaii and Boise. At worst? We’re a solid No. 5 out of the nine teams.
My call: our placing will depend on how bad Brandstater turns out to be and how good Matthews turns out to be.
If Tommy gets his act together and Matthews really is the second coming, we might hit 10 wins. If not, we’ll scrape six or seven again, tops.
I see potential losses against Boise, Hawaii and Oregon, likely losses against Texas A&M and Kansas State. Nevada’s a wild card, always have been.
I hope we don’t lose to the Spartans again. That was embarassing.
FSDogs1 • Sep 7, 2007 at 3:51 pm
Nice breakdown on all the other WAC teams. Looks like you did your research. I think the most unpredictable team is New Mexico State (are they better than SJSU and/or Nevada)?
And yes, I’m well aware that Fresno State doesn’t play itself, but there are numbered rankings next to the team. And all I want to know is where Fresno State is predicted?
Keep up the good work!
FSDogs1 • Sep 7, 2007 at 10:51 pm
Nice breakdown on all the other WAC teams. Looks like you did your research. I think the most unpredictable team is New Mexico State (are they better than SJSU and/or Nevada)?
And yes, I’m well aware that Fresno State doesn’t play itself, but there are numbered rankings next to the team. And all I want to know is where Fresno State is predicted?
Keep up the good work!
Jimmy Graben • Sep 7, 2007 at 1:47 pm
To clarify for those who read this. This article is a ranking of Fresno State’s opponents in the WAC. It is not a prediction of the standings. Fresno State does not play themselves this year so they are not included in the article. Sorry for any confusion.
Jimmy Graben
Sports Editor
The Collegian
Jimmy Graben • Sep 7, 2007 at 8:47 pm
To clarify for those who read this. This article is a ranking of Fresno State’s opponents in the WAC. It is not a prediction of the standings. Fresno State does not play themselves this year so they are not included in the article. Sorry for any confusion.
Jimmy Graben
Sports Editor
The Collegian
kris graben • Sep 7, 2007 at 12:58 pm
In that case, where does Fresno stand? Huh, Jimmy? 🙂 Watching last year’s team was frustrating, especially after such an exciting year previously. But if this is a ranking in our division, it would be interesting to see where you think Fresno might rank.
kris graben • Sep 7, 2007 at 7:58 pm
In that case, where does Fresno stand? Huh, Jimmy? 🙂 Watching last year’s team was frustrating, especially after such an exciting year previously. But if this is a ranking in our division, it would be interesting to see where you think Fresno might rank.
Benjamin Baxter • Sep 7, 2007 at 12:40 pm
I can’t speak for Jimmy, but it does look like they are at least general rankings. I don’t think anyone will argue that they’re arranged in at least a Top Four and then a Bottom Four.
Really, discounting whatever the Bulldogs manage to pull out this season, there are two BCS killers in our conference — coincidentally ‘ranked’ No. 1 and No. 2 on the list.
If this is ranking, I’d say it’s pretty accurate.
Benjamin Baxter • Sep 7, 2007 at 7:40 pm
I can’t speak for Jimmy, but it does look like they are at least general rankings. I don’t think anyone will argue that they’re arranged in at least a Top Four and then a Bottom Four.
Really, discounting whatever the Bulldogs manage to pull out this season, there are two BCS killers in our conference — coincidentally ‘ranked’ No. 1 and No. 2 on the list.
If this is ranking, I’d say it’s pretty accurate.
kris graben • Sep 7, 2007 at 12:34 pm
I believe that Jimmy is simply telling readers about each team. I did not read that he is ranking them. I don’t think they are listed in any particular order. Fresno is not here because he is telling readers about the teams that Fresno will be playing this year.
kris graben • Sep 7, 2007 at 7:34 pm
I believe that Jimmy is simply telling readers about each team. I did not read that he is ranking them. I don’t think they are listed in any particular order. Fresno is not here because he is telling readers about the teams that Fresno will be playing this year.
FSDogs1 • Sep 7, 2007 at 11:48 am
Whoa, whoa, whoa…the paper may have already told readers in a different story/issue about Fresno State and how they’ll do…but that doesn’t change the fact that there is a ranking by each team. No. 1 through No. 8…so that leaves only No. 9 where Fresno State can be plugged in right?
And I don’t think he’s saying Fresno State is going to finish ninth. I’m wondering where he does predict the ‘Dogs…?
FSDogs1 • Sep 7, 2007 at 6:48 pm
Whoa, whoa, whoa…the paper may have already told readers in a different story/issue about Fresno State and how they’ll do…but that doesn’t change the fact that there is a ranking by each team. No. 1 through No. 8…so that leaves only No. 9 where Fresno State can be plugged in right?
And I don’t think he’s saying Fresno State is going to finish ninth. I’m wondering where he does predict the ‘Dogs…?
Todd Gaak • Sep 7, 2007 at 10:34 am
This Saturday might be brutal, Bulldog fans……..just lookin’ out.
Todd Gaak • Sep 7, 2007 at 5:34 pm
This Saturday might be brutal, Bulldog fans……..just lookin’ out.
Benjamin Baxter • Sep 7, 2007 at 9:05 am
Fresno State coverage for each week can be found in a seperate article, week by week. Advance coverage of this week’s rout of Texas A&M — and a comment by Jimmy’s dad — can be found here.
It’s rather disingenuous to attempt to preview every game on the schedule before the season starts. That’s my take, though, not Jimmy’s.
Benjamin Baxter • Sep 7, 2007 at 4:05 pm
Fresno State coverage for each week can be found in a seperate article, week by week. Advance coverage of this week’s rout of Texas A&M — and a comment by Jimmy’s dad — can be found here.
It’s rather disingenuous to attempt to preview every game on the schedule before the season starts. That’s my take, though, not Jimmy’s.
kris graben • Sep 7, 2007 at 6:56 am
Nice job on thorough coverage. As I recall, you already told us about Fresno State and your opinion of how they will do. Looking forward to game day!!
kris graben • Sep 7, 2007 at 1:56 pm
Nice job on thorough coverage. As I recall, you already told us about Fresno State and your opinion of how they will do. Looking forward to game day!!
FSDogs1 • Sep 7, 2007 at 12:47 am
Wait, where’s Fresno State picked in this thing…?
FSDogs1 • Sep 7, 2007 at 7:47 am
Wait, where’s Fresno State picked in this thing…?