The Nevada Wolf Pack are not used to losing seasons, but they had a rare one in Brian Polian’s first year, going just 4-8 on the season. Now the players have had a year to get used to his energy and schemes and with 17 starters back they should be a much improved team this year. Preview & schedule are below.
The Wolf Pack put up just 26.9 ppg last year, but I look for them to easily top that this year, especially with Cody Fajardo, who is the 2nd best QB in the MWC. Cody is a duel threat QB, who threw for 2668 yards and 13 TDs, while also rushing for 621 yards and 8 TDs. He must stay healthy as there is no depth behind him. Two of their top three receivers are gone from last year, but Richy Turner (755 yards, 4TDs) does return, along with a pair of talented sophomores in Jerico Richardson and Hassan Henderson. The running game is solid with a Kendall Brock leading the way, after rushing for 812 yards and 10 TDs last year, while the OL is solid as well with seniors Maty Gallas (C) and Kyle Roberts (LT) leading the way. Defense is where this team should make major strides, after allowing 34.4 ppg last year. The DL looks very solid with all 4 starters back, including Brock Hekking, who is one of the best DE’s in the league and had 9 sacks and 5.5 more TFL last year. Johnathan McNeal led the team in tackles last year (104) and anchors an average LB corps that is lacking a bit of depth. Ironically the secondary is the only unit that lost a player from last year and is the only unit that has an underclassman in it, but this unit is the strength of this defense. With Evan Favors and Charles Garrett back after the two combined for 9 PBUs, 3.5 TFL and 2 INTs last year.
The Wolf Pack are in the second year of Brian Polian’s systems and I feel that will help them greatly. The key on offense is that Fajardo must stay healthy and if he does then this team should score at least 35 ppg this year. The Defense looks to have improved greatly and may chop off at least a TD per game from what they allowed last year. They do have Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State and San Diego State at home, while their toughest road game in conference will be Air Force. San Jose State, Hawaii and UNLV are all winnable road games. This team is improved on both sides of the ball and should be able to work their schedule for at least 7 wins and a bowl invite, while also challenging Fresno State for the West Division Title. KEY TREND: 1-7 ATS vs a sub .500 opponent.
2014 Nevada Football Schedule
Aug. 30 Southern Utah
Sep. 5 Washington State
Sep. 13 at Arizona
Sep. 20 OPEN DATE
Sep. 27 at San Jose State
Oct. 4 Boise State
Oct. 11 Colorado State
Oct. 18 at BYU
Oct. 25 at Hawaii
Nov. 1 San Diego State
Nov. 8 OPEN DATE
Nov. 15 at Air Force
Nov. 22 Fresno State
Nov. 29 at UNLV
Info gathered From Phil Steele's CFB Preview and Athlon Sports
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