(December 5, 2008 - Source: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images North America)

Rankings:-

Offense
Avg
Defense
Avg

Rushing
155.00
Rushing
181.17

Passing
210.17
Passing
203.67

Total
365.17
Total
384.83

Points
22.17
Total
29.42

Overview
The Bulls may have only won more game in Jeff Quinn’s second season at the helm than in his first, but the team was far more competitive and lost a few close games that could have gone their way with better QB play. They were particularly strong at home, beating Ohio and losing by a point to Northern Illinois, and fans have every right to be confident in the team taking another step towards respectability. They still need to resolve the issue at QB, but with a strong running attack and a defense that should get better with 8 starters back, they should edge closer to par.

Offense
As long as the Bulls can run the ball, they’ll be competitive. With Branden Oliver (1395 yds, 13 TDs) returning, that shouldn’t be a problem. The only concern is a backup. He’s not the biggest back around, yet he carried the ball 306 times last season and caught 38 passes. He’s tough (the NFL is now watching), but he needs a breather. Brandon Murie looks to be the primary backup going into fall camp, but it’s still anyone’s job to win. Paving the way will be four returning starting linemen with Delaware transfer, C Trevor Sales, the only new starter. Andre Davis will switch from RG to LT this season, while Graham Whinery moves to RG to make way for Sales. The QB battle wasn’t decided in spring, so Alex Zordich, who started 4 games last season, and redshirt freshman Joe Licata will carry on into the fall. Zordich is a good runner, while Licata is the better passer. Zordich will probably get the nod based on experience alone, but Licata is one to watch. He’s got a nice receiver to throw to in Alex Neutz (43 rec, 641 yds, 4 TDs), but they’re pretty green after that. Fred Lee played a lot over the second half of the season, but gained just 139 yards on 20 receptions (2 TDs). Even so, he looks like he should take one starting spot. Cordero Dixon and Devon Hughes (18-123-1) will battle for the final spot. This is still an area of concern, especially if Neutz misses time again. The TE spot will be either Jimmy Gordon (5-44-0), who started 6 games last season, and former QB Alex Dennison (5-75-1), who started 5.

Defense
A new DC, Lou Tepper, brings a new attitude to the defense, and Tepper has some nice pieces to play with. On the line, DE Steven Means slipped a bit from his previous production, but he’s a decent pass rusher who hopes increased size will lead to increased production. His fellow end, Colby Way, is a high-motor hustler who gets the job done. The new starter at NG, Wyatt Cahill is a good-sized players who saw action in every game last season. The LBs are the strength of this unit, especially 1st team all-MAC choice Khalil Mack. Last season he racked up 20.5 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, 13 QBHs and 5 forced fumbles. Also back are ILBs Lee Skinner (80 tkls) and Jaleel Verser (6 TFLs), but they need to play better against the run. Better play up front should help. Opposite Mack will be either Imani Chatman or Dalonte Wallace. Both are seniors who have some starting experience, but may be a weak point. The secondary went with a youth movement last season and the results, as one would imagine, were mixed. Corner Najja Johnson had a solid season with 15 PBUs, although just 1 pick, and was voted 2nd team MAC for his troubles. Cortney Lester played as a freshman and was a willing player in the run game, making 54 tackles, but was picked on by opposing QBs. He showed some ball skills with 2 interceptions, and he could make a few QBs pay in 2012. SS Isaac Baugh is a tough customer, but will be pushed by Okoye Houston who played well when given the chance. Sophomore Witney Sherry looks to have won the FS job already. He played mostly special teams last year, but showed good range and ball skills in camp.

Special Teams
The Bulls kicking game was reliable under Peter Fardon last season, but Patrick Clarke stepped in the last 3 games, making all of his 10 PATs and 6 FGs. He may have to take over the punting duties too, but the hope is incoming freshman Tyler Grassman can show enough to earn the job in the fall. The return game was below average under Terrell Jackson last season, but he’s graduated, so the hope is Brandon Murie and Cordero Dixon gan add some pep to kick and punt returns respectively. The coverage units were mediocre on a good day.

5 Players to watch out for

RB Branden Oliver - he won’t be flying under the radar next season, but make no mistake, the Bulls go as far as he can take them. He’s NFL good, and he’s got the line to pave the way for him.

QB Jerry Licata - Zordich will most likely start at QB, but expect to see Licata frequently, especially if Zordich struggles. The local boy is easily the better passer of the two and could still conceivably win the starting job. On a side note, watch for newcomer Collin Michael who could be the future of the team but needs the right coaching.

WR Cordero Dixon - he may be currently locked in a battle for a spot with Devon Hughes, but he has the potential to be an explosive playmaker and deep threat opposite reliable Alex Neutz. If he comes good, his play could go a long to opening up the Bulls offense.

DE Steven Means - the Bulls had a respectable 26 sacks last season, no thanks to Means, but if the defense is going to get better, they need him to flash the pass rush skills he certainly possesses. It doesn’t help that he’s playing in a 3-4, but it hasn’t stopped him before.

FS Witney Sherry - the secondary managed only 4 interceptions (6 for the whole team), and the hope is that Sherry’s ability to patrol the deep zones will not only put him in a position to make plays in the ball, but also free up other defenders to be more aggressive, comfortable in the knowledge he holds the fort back there.

Prediction
Having Georgia, Pitt and (I guess) UConn on the OOC makes it an uphill battle for the Bulls to go bowling, but it’s not completely out of the question. The MAC is notoriously inconsistent with almost any team (except maybe Akron) capable of winning in any given year. The Bulls improved nicely in their second year under Quinn, and should continue to do so in 2012, but their biggest issue, QB, hasn’t been resolved. Add in some uncertainty at receiver and the likelihood is the Bulls will be competitive in a division stripped of some stars, but manage only a 5-7 record and falling just short of their goal.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012 Posted by Al Reviews 0 comments

111. Colorado State

(3-9, 1-6) Western Athletic Conference

(October 28, 2011 - Source: Ethan Miller/Getty Images North America)

Rankings: -

Offense
Avg
Defense
Avg

Rushing
166.83
Rushing
233.67

Passing
184.58
Passing
179.58

Total
351.42
Total
413.25

Points
21.42
Points
31.25

Overview
The Rams made one big change in the offseason - signing on Jim McElwain as HC. The former Alabama HC comes from a winning environment, and the hope is he instills that in his players. As with every coaching change, there was some division, but the few against have left while the rest seem to be on board with what McElwain wants to do. Last season, the Rams were okay on offense (good enough to win more than 3 games), but the defense was awful against the run. The loss of some key players, such as QB Pete Thomas (transferred) and Mike Orakpo and Nordly Capi (expelled) will hurt the team, but throwing off the current culture of losing will be the biggest change in 2012.

Offense
Thomas was a former top recruit who was handed the keys of the offense in his freshman year, and showed a lot of promise. However, he appeared to level out last season before missing the last 3 games with an injury. Garrett Grayson stepped in and did okay, and looks to be the starter this season. He needs to cut down on his picks, but he’s a mobile QB who can punish unwary defenses. Luckily, one of the players who bought in the new regime is Chris Nwoke, the returning leading rusher with 1130 yards and 9 scores. The offense figures to lean on him while Grayson gets comfortable. There will be a battle to back him up, but the candidates are all capable. Returning 3 starting linemen always help, especially one is 2nd team all-conference C Weston Richburg. They still need a new G and T (not Gin and Tonic), and McElwain went as far as to advertise for large bodies on campus, but they should be okay. Watch our for JUCO Charles Ragland in fall camp. The receiving corps was a problem last season, TE Crockett Gilmore (45-468-4), and could present some problems again this season if no-one other than Marquise Law steps forward. Dominique Vinson moved over from defense and looked good, but depth behind those two is thin. Still McElwain has shown from his ‘bama days that he’s happy to ride the run as long as it’s working.

Defense
Job number 1 this season is stopping the run. After the collapse last season, a lot of work needs to be done. First step is to switch to a 3-4 defense, and that looks like a good move considering the lack of girth on this side of the ball. One of last year’s starters return, DT John Froland, and he’ll take up one of the end spots. Who lines up opposite him won’t be decided until fall, as likely starter CJ James left the team in May. Curtis Wilson is the likely starter on the nose, but he’s way too small at 262lbs, so watch for massive JUCO Calvin Tonga in the fall. He’s a former OL prospect originally signed by Arizona. LB looked strong at the end of last season, but a host of new faces will need to step up and replace Orakpo and Capi, the defense’s best players. James Skelton (91 tackles) and Shaquil Barratt (99 tackles) are returning starters, but need to up their game and make a few more plays. Joining them should be Max Morgan, a reserve on the inside last season, and Davis Burl. Incoming freshmen should provide depth. The secondary was mostly decent last season, but had the benefit of an outstanding pass rush. This season, the top pass rushers have left the team, leaving the secondary in something of a bind. CB Momo Thomas is back for his senior season, and will be joined by part-time starter Shaq Bell. The pass defense was at its best with Bell in the lineup. FS Austin Gray is also back after a sometime trying freshman season, and should be better for the experience. SS will have a new starter, but redshirt freshman Trent Matthews made a big splash in camp and should be the man.

Special Teams
The Rams had their issues at kicker last season, but they could be in worse shape this season with an inexperienced player. Jared Roberts kicked a couple of field goals in the spring game, but watch for freshman Kevin Adams, who could make a push if Roberts. struggles. P Pete Kontodiakos is one of the best in the conference and will probably be on Ray Guy watch-list this year. Thomas isn’t a flashy PR, but he’s good enough to shorten the field consistently for the offense. A new KR is needed, and WR Thomas Coffman showed some skill in camp. He has the speed to hit the endzone on occasion. The coverage units need to be improved.

5 Players to watch out for

SS Trent Matthews - Matthews has great size (6’3) and agility for the position and has caught the eye of the coaching staff with his work in the offseason. The Rams got burned on occasion last year, and Matthews’ speed and ball skills could make opponents think twice before going deep in 2012.

QB Garrett Grayson - with Pete Thomas off to NC State, Grayson takes the reins. He showed flashes after taking over late last season, but needs to tidy up his game. The coaches will be content with a game manager, so he needs to be smarter with his throws.

WR Marquise Law - the Rams lacked not just a playmaker last season, but a reliable pass-catcher who can move the chains. After catching just 3 passes for 9 yards in 2011, Law looked great in spring camp and could be a key target for Grayson.

DT Calvin Tonga - the move to a 3-4 is a good idea considering the amount of LB talent in the roster, and also because of the lack of big bodies up front. The problem is though, they don’t have a true nose. Step forward Tonga, who’s big enough to eat some of the other DLs for breakfast. If he can step up to FBS level in a hurry, he will be a key to the defense.

K Jared Roberts/Kevin Adams - doesn’t matter who kicks, as long as he makes them. The Rams will run a ball-control offense this season, and FGs will be at a premium. Long drives that result in nothing can suck the life out of a team.

Prediction
First, the bad news - Colorado State play in the MWC which looked like it was slipping back into the ranks of also-rans thanks to the defection of high-profile programs, but picked up some decent mid-majors in Fresno State, Hawaii and Nevada. While the Rams could beat many of the MWC teams on any given Sunday, they don’t yet have the depth to compete week-in, week-out. It’ll be fun to see what Nwoke can accomplish over the course of a full season, but the team needs Grayson and a couple of the receivers to be reliable from day 1. The team will play hard, but the questionable passing attack and lack of bulk on the d-line will consign the Rams to another 3 or 4-win season.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012 Posted by Al Reviews 0 comments

112. Indiana

(1-11, 0-8) Big Ten Leaders

(November 4, 2011 - Source: Jamie Sabau/Getty Images North America)

Rankings:-

Offense
Avg
Defense
Avg

Rushing
161.00
Rushing
243.67

Passing
199.42
Passing
215.00

Total
360.42
Total
458.67

Points
21.42
Points
37.33

Overview
When Kevin Wilson took on the HC job at the Hoosiers, he bemoaned the lack of talent available, and it showed when they managed just 1 victory, over FCS team South Carolina State. Even Ball State and North Texas got their pound of flesh. Wilson played a lot of young guys with the intention of building for the future, and while he was able to identify some quality players, the team really struggled. The same plan is in place again this season, but results may be a bit better with an all-round improvement in talent and depth.

Offense
The Hoosiers tried 3 different QBs last season, but only now-sophomore Tre Roberson is still on the roster. He’s the starter for now, but JUCO Cameron Coffman and incoming freshman Nate Sudfeld bring a lot to the table and either could win the job. The good news is whoever starts has a quality stable of backs to hand off to. Stephen Houston (802 yards, 8 scores) was the star of the show last season and should be the focal point of the offense in 2012. D’Angelo Roberts (263 yards, 4 scores) will back him up, but watch out for freshman Tevin Coleman who could be used in a lot of ways on offense. WR is one of the ways, and it’s just as well, as Indiana are a little thin on the ground there. Last year’s leader, Kofi Hughes (35-536-3), should be better with better service, but no-one else really stands out. The hope is one of the incoming freshmen can add some explosiveness. At TE Ted Bolser was a useful target in the few games he started, including scoring a TD against Penn State’s gnarly defense, but spent too much time in Wilson’s bad books. He’s back and raring to go this season, and a good TE is always a young QB’s best friend. The offensive line should be strong on the interior at least - C Will Matte is the best of the bunch, but sophomore guards Collin Rahrig and Bernard Taylor impressed in their rookie seasons. Rahrig was a walk-one and Taylor switched over from D. Peyton Eckert was another freshman starter at RT and should continue there, but the left side is a big question mark after the graduation of Andrew McDonald. Clarence Chapman will most likely win the job, but huge freshman Raphael Green could push for playing time. He may be better suited to the right side though. The offense, despite its flaws, was not usually the reason the Hoosiers lost, and many of the main contributors return. Expect to see some noticeable improvement in 2012.

Defense
When the defense wasn’t being bad last season, it was downright awful, and opponents generally ran and passed with success on the Hoosiers. The run defense was the biggest problem, with opponents racking up a massive 2924 yards and 25 scores. DTs Adam Repogle (4 sacks) and Larry Black were okay in the middle and both return, but the ends need addressing. Bobby Richardson and Ryan Phyllis are both back after starting a few times in their freshmen seasons, and will be functional (at best) starters if no pass rusher steps forward. Justin Rayside was a key contributor on a top 5 JUCO team (Riverside), and could be a factor, at least on passing downs. Top MLB Jeff Thomas has graduated, and may be hard to replace. The only returning starter is SLB Chase Hoobler, although he was okay in his freshman season and should keep his spot. Wilson signed a lot of LBs this offseason, and the hope is some of the JUCOs are ready to step in. Expect David Cooper in the middle and Jaccari Alexander at WLB. Both were good players at the JUCO level. It’s difficult to be too harsh on the young secondary, as they didn’t get a whole lot of help from the the front 7 and often had to keep an eye on teams running too. The good news is most of the guys are back, and should be better for the experience. Wilson’s big signing class includes both freshmen and JUCO defensive backs, and the added competition should improve depth. Greg Heban and Lawrence Barnett should man the corners again, while Mark Murphy and (maybe) Drew Hardin will man the free and strong safety spots respectively. If the defense can slow down running attacks, the unit as a whole should be better next season.

Special Teams
One of Indiana’s few reliable players is K Mitch Ewald who hit all his PATs last season and 13 of 16 FGs (49 long), although he had a shaky spring camp. He’s also a solid kickoff option. P Adam Pines has graduated, but he’s replaceable. Mitchell Voss is the only punter with game experience (Ferris State), and is the front-runner for the job. The Hoosiers didn’t return a whole lot of punts, but KR Shane Wynn had his moments and took one back for a score against Illinois. The coverage units were nothing special, but were alright.

5 Players to watch out for

QB Tre Roberson - Wilson seems to like him and he showed he was a nice dual-threat last season. If he can improve his passing, and better receivers will help, then he could be a headache for opposing DCs next season.

RB Isaiah Roundtree - the third quality RB on the roster, and he could be the best. Houston’s a banger and has value, but Roundtree has the kind of moves and acceleration that can really hurt a defense. He may not carry the load straight away, or at all, but he will have an impact if the spring game is anything to go by.

WR Duwyce Wilson - after a fine freshman season, Wilson suffered through an injury-marred second year. If he can stay healthy, he’s the best option among the receivers to pair with Kofi Hughes, as shown by his impact in games he played.

MLB David Cooper - with his indecision over signing with Indiana now in the past, Cooper should be the glue that holds the defense together. He racked up 102 tackles with 13 for loss at Coffeyville CC last season, and the hope is he can reproduce that here.

WLB Jacarri Alexander - the other player coaches hope will improve the defense next season, Alexander has looked great in spring, showing a nose for the ball that was sadly lacking amongst last year’s corps. He has some pass rush skills that could be put to good use too.

Prediction
The Hoosiers SHOULD open the season 3-0, but after that the schedule gets tough in a Big Ten where no games are easy. Key losses to opponents, coupled with improvements all across the board at Indiana, means a couple of conference wins could be in the offing. If they sweep their OOC (not so sure about Navy), they could pull off enough wins (Northwestern & Purdue anyone?) to make a bowl game.

Monday, June 25, 2012 Posted by Al Reviews 2 comments

113. Idaho

(2-10, 1-6) Western Athletic Conference

(September 10, 2010 - Source: Eric Francis/Getty Images North America)

Rankings -

Offense	Avg	Defense	Avg
Rushing	113.25	Rushing	158.58
Passing	188.25	Passing	278.25
Total	301.5	Total	436.83
Points	20.25	Points	33.25

Overview
The Vandals may have only won two games last season, but they were competitive in a bunch of others, generally doing just enough to fall short. The passing game was okay when Brian Reader was in, while the running game got better down the stretch. However, there’s been a big graduation clean out and throw in a new OC, and it’s all starting from scratch. The defense was generally terrible, taking turns at struggling against the run or pass, and sometimes both (844 yards against Nevada?). After promising much with 14 wins from 2009-10, HC Robb Akey’s seat is starting to warm up again. Odds are pretty high that will still be the case at the end of the season.

Offense
Idaho has been renowned over the years for its QBs, but the two battling in spring camp - Taylor Davis and Dominique Blackman - have failed to impress. While there is still the fall to turn up the tempo, they may both lose out to incoming freshman Austin DeCoud, a dual-threat QB. No matter who starts, it would be nice for them to have a reliable running game to count in, but that’s no guarantee with last year’s top 2 rushers gone. Ryan Bass had just 175 yards and 2 scores last season, and hasn’t shown the ability that made him a top recruit out of HS. JUCO James Baker may be a better bet - at 225 lbs, he can practically do his own blocking and he may need to with the Vandals’ OL. C Mike Marboe is back and he’s a good one, but camp injuries mean freshmen were getting the reps at key positions. Some, like Cody Elenz at LT, were so good they may even stay there, but the line is a work in progress. The returning receivers all saw action last season, but they’re a pedestrian bunch. Mike Scott (55-691-2) is easily the best of the bunch, but JUCO Najee Lovett showed some impressive moves in camp and could earn a starting role. TE Taylor Elmo (17-162-0) is solid and provides a nice short-range target.

Defense
The run defense, which had been okay for most of the season, fell apart over the last three games, getting ripped 779 yards. The pass defense, on the other hand, was generally awful as the pass rush managed just 17 sacks. These numbers have to be improved, and if spring camp is anything to go by, they will be (although bear in mind the Vandal’s offensive woes). The pass rush looks to be improved, with Benson Mayowa looking much improved on last year’s injury marred season. He’ll return at one end with sophomore Maxx Forde the likely starter at the other. The tackles will have a similar makeup to last season, except with powerful redshirt freshman Ryan Edwards earning time in the rotation. They all need to be tougher against the run though. One of the pleasant surprises of camp was the emergence of senior MLB Sua Tuala. He made 9 tackles and 3 sacks in the spring game after just 9 tackles all of last season. He looks to have sewn up the middle spot alongside sole returning starter Conrad Scheidt at WLB. Scheidt had 93 tackles, 8 for loss, last season. Top reserve Homer Mauga (47 tackles, 6.5 TFLs) looks to take over on the strongside. The secondary needs to take a big step forward from last season, but the depth and athleticism looks much improved. Two starters return in FS Gary Walker (109 tackles) and CB Aaron Grymes (7 PBUs). Both were okay last season but still need to raise their games. Joining them will (most likely) be /SS Trey Williams and CB Tracy Carter. Both played regularly last season.

Special Teams
The good news here is all the key contributors are back. K Trey Farquhar slipped a little from 2010, making just 10 of 15 FGs, but he’s usually reliable and has a big leg (55 long). P Bobby Cowan is one of the best in the country, ranking second in the nation in punting average and booting 32 kicks over 50 yards. Justin Veltung did most of the returning and did a good job, especially on punt returns (2 TDs). Both coverage units struggled last season, but the improved depth should help shore up both units.

5 Players to watch out for

QB Austin DeCoud - he hasn’t set foot on campus yet, but he has the athleticism and moxy to make an impact. With neither of the current QBs standing out so far, the job could be his for the taking. Watch this space.

WR Najee Lovett - DeCoud needs a playmaker to throw to and Lovett has looked good so far. DeCoud hasn’t got a great deep arm, so someone who can turn short gains into long ones is important.

MLB Sua Tuala - the collapse of the run defense down the stretch can’t be repeated if Idaho want to get back to winning ways. Tuala is going to be a key part of it in the middle. He also displayed some pass rushing skills, which opens up the defensive playbook a little more.

DE Benson Mayowa - another guy who showed great improvement in camp, he’s been installed as Rush End and will be expected to get after the QB frequently, something lacking from last year’s unit.

RB James Baker - no matter who starts at QB, a running game is essential to the attack this year. Bass, for all his plaudits, hasn’t looked like the guy, so Baker will be needed to at least share the carries. If there’s a concern, he didn’t carry the load at Independence, but he may not need to here.

Prediction
Here’s a bizarre prediction for you - Idaho could be 2012’s Wyoming. The potentially effective dual-threat freshman QB aside, the Vandal defense is loaded with juniors and seniors, all of whom are well blooded. The depth has been improved and a couple of injuries would almost pass unnoticed. There are concerns at running back and the o-line, but a schedule that is manageable outside of LSU and North Carolina gives hope. Of course, this could just be another troubled year, but I have a feeling 6 wins could be on the agenda.

Sunday, June 24, 2012 Posted by Al Reviews 0 comments

114. Nevada-Las Vegas

(2-10, 1-6) Mountain West

(October 28, 2011 - Source: Ethan Miller/Getty Images North America)

Rankings -

Offense	Avg	Defense	Avg
Rushing	164.25	Rushing	194.17
Passing	109.58	Passing	249.00
Total	273.83	Total	443.17
Points	17.25	Points	40.42

Overview
The Rebels tend to be one of the more disappointing teams on a yearly basis, promising much talent-wise, but usually failing to realise their potential Last year was no different with the defense struggling and the passing game, well, there was no passing game. They had a couple of solid wins over Hawai’i and Colorado State, but lost to miserable New Mexico and got spanked by FCS squad Southern Utah. They have some good returning talent, especially on offense, but I’m hesitant to say they could make a move towards respectability this season.

Offense
The key to the offense this season is the entire return of an offensive line that was getting its act together down the stretch last year. They still need to work on their pass protection after allowing 35 sacks, but they should be a factor in the running game. The top 3 running back also return, with Tim Cornett, Dionza Bradford and Bradley Randle each bringing different skills. Between them they gained 1775 yards and 12 scores. Starting QB Caleb Herring is back, but he hardly lit it up last season. He showed some potential, but was never consistent, although the lack of protection sure didn’t help. He only threw for 1004 yards and 8 TDs (6 Ints) and faces pressure from a trio of passers, including last year’s backup Sean Reilly. No-one has stood out yet, so it’ll probably be a last-minute decision. The top 4 receivers (2 WR, 2 TE) have graduated, leaving an inexperienced crew to try and improve an already anemic passing game. To be fair though, only Phillip Payne (44-509-7) will be missed. If the running game isn’t strong, it could be another long year for the Rebels.

Defense
The defense has lost a few starters from last season, but none will be missed more than DE James Dunlap and MLB Nate Carter. All four players who started at DT last season are back, but they’ll be breaking in two new DEs. JUCO transfer James Boyd, who also tried out at QB, has moved to DE and stood out in the spring game. Fellow JUCO Parker Holloway got some offers from BCS schools and has shown flashes too. Four LBs who started a game last season also return. All of them play outside though, and finding someone to take over in the middle could be problematic. Tani Maka has the size, but played on the weakside last season, which is far cry from the trenches. Perry Cooper was Carter’s backup last season but didn’t see much action - he has a shot too. Of the secondary, only corner Sidney Hodge returns. He’s not bad, tallying 53 tackles and 8 PBUs last season, and there’s enough talent to field a decent unit this year. The good news is Minnesota transfer Dre Crawford is finally ready to go. He’s got good range and should keep QBs from taking too many deep shots. He was hurt in the final scrimmage, but should be okay to go in fall. Sophomores Kenneth Penny and Tajh Hasson came out of spring favorites at CB and SS respectively, but need to continue to play well to keep their spots. However, it may not matter who plays in the secondary if they can’t get after the QB up front.

Special Teams
This is possibly the best unit on the team, although it’s not all sunshine and lollipops. First the good news:- the specialists are solid and there’s enough speed for the KR squad to be as effective as it was in 2011 (2 TDs). K Nolan Kohorst started out hitting 50%, but made his last 4. He should carry on where he left off. P Chase Lansford is rock solid and bailed the defense out on a number of occasions. KR Deante’ Purvis is gone, but any number of guys could replace him. Same goes for the PR unit. No-one has nailed down the job yet though, which could be a cause for concern. The coverage units were poor, and definitely need to be addressed, but like every other part of the team, there is enough talent for them to be at least competent.

5 Players to watch out for

QB Caleb Herring - odds are he will start, and he’s shown he’s good enough to be keep the chains moving, but he hasn’t been consistent. It’s not completely his fault, but he’s got to take care of his end of things first.

WR Marcus Sullivan - Sullivan showed great potential in 2010, starring as a KR and showing some zip as a receiver, but missed all of 2011 due to academics. He’s back and ready to prove himself, and could bring a dynamic aspect that the offense has been lacking, while moonlighting as a dangerous returner.

DE James Boyd - now that he seems settled on a position, Boyd could provide the same spark in the pass rush that Dunlap brought. He stood out in the final spring game despite practicing mostly at QB up until then.

MLB Tani Maka - the Rebels struggled to stop the run last season with the solid Carter in the middle, mainly because he had to contend with OLs blocking him. Maka has good size and range and could handle the job, but it might not matter if the interior line can’t keep him clean.

LT Brett Boyko - linemen don’t usually get credited as impact players, but Boyko’s an exception. Not only will he be a key in the run game and pass protection, but the 6-7 310 lb freshman all-American (2nd team) is on a collision course with the NFL if he keeps improving on last season.

Prediction
I have absolutely no doubt that the Rebels will be a better team in 2012 than last season, but their record may not show it. HC Bobby Hauck was a highly successful coach with FCS team Montana, and could have the same impact here if given time. However, the Mountain West is a tough mid-major, even without TCU and the other recent losses, and UNLV aren’t quite at the stage where they can contend on a weekly basis. They could pull off 3 or 4 wins, but anything more will be a surprise.

(3-9, 2-6) Mid-American Conference East

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(2-10, 1-6) Western Athletic Conference

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