Posts Tagged ‘University of New Mexico’

2021 Mountain West Football Preview: Mountain Division

Posted: July 25, 2021 in Uncategorized
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After the pandemic influenced 2020 season, I trust we will play the entire MWC schedule in 2021. My predictions are based on taking 2020 stats and expanding said numbers to reflect (always dangerous, but what the hell) a 12 game season for all Mountain West schools. Influencing my predicted finish will also include the specter of returning seniors, especially starting seniors, for senior season two. Here we go.

Boise State by quite a margin. As a sidelight, the Mountain division will be significantly weaker in 2021, thus Boise’s usual dominance becomes magnified. The Broncos rolled through opponents during the first half of last year’s games while giving back significant points in the second half, especially the fourth quarter. The offense generated a paltry 349 yds per game, but once inside the red zone, the Broncos offense scored.

Offense: Not one proven quarterback with talent, but two. Hank Bachmeier likely gets the 2021 starting nod over Jack Sears (senior year dos). Mr. Bachmeier should throw for more than 2,000 yards this year. An interesting note on Mr. Sears: He had only 4 incomplete passes in 27 attempts last year. Andrew Van Buren will again be the focal point of the rushing game. However, his tiny yards per rush (ypr) of 3.4 needs to improve. George Holani and Danny Smith will battle for the second back spot. Whomever quarterbacks will have two quality receivers waiting for the throw. Khalil Shakir (52 catches, almost 103 yards per game) and CT Thomas (better than 17 yards per catch) form a talented one-two tandem. Riley Smith is the next most likely receiver to enjoy an increase in catches.

Defense: The second lowest Mountain division return rate of top-20 tacklers gives pause for 2021. Only 15 of the 20 return including 7 of the top 10. Last year’s group gave up 373.3 yards per game which was more than the Boise offense generated. The Broncos’ defense abides by the “bend, but don’t break” dictum given their outstanding 27% of third downs allowed. Opponents once inside the red zone had a hard time scoring touchdowns (18 for 31).

Wyoming had the unbelievable bad luck of immediately losing quarterback Sean Chambers in 2020. The Cowboys four losses last year were by margins of 3, 10, 1 and 8. Perhaps the most competitive 2-4 team in the nation, but such praise is equivalent to a participation trophy. Last year’s grand total of 1 passing touchdown is the strangest Wyoming stat from 2020.

Offense: Mr. Chambers wins the starting qb competition over the returning Levi Williams who offered a dull 2020 result with a completion rate of 49.6%, the aforementioned 1 td and only 146.2 yards passed per game. With a healthy Mr. Chambers, Wyoming’s anemic 46% td rate in the red zone quickly improves. Xavier Valladay and Trey Smith return as starting running backs. Mr. Valladay averaged 110 ypg and 5.6 ypr while Mr. Smith averaged 81.3 ypg and 5.5 ypr. Not bad. Ayden Eberhardt was last year’s leading receiver, though I’m sure he blushes when the number 16 made him king of the catch in 2020. Isaiah Neyor will be Mr. Eberhardt’s partner in waiting for a well thrown ball.

Defense: The saving grace of 2020, and candidly ever since Craig Bohl arrived (by the way, the dumbest move by the university would be to fire Mr. Bohl. No other Mountain division coach does more with less than Mr. Bohl). Opponents averaged only 125 yards rushing per game against the Cowboy defense and 80 third down attempts succeeded only 29 times in 2020. Impressive and likely to improve with 19 of the top 20 tacklers returning. Final testament to the quality of Wyoming’s defense: Opponents attempted only 6 fourth down conversions in 2020 and failed each attempt.

Air Force offers the only threat to Wyoming for a second place finish (sad, sad, sad). Defense and running the football once again (yawn) will determine the academy’s 2021 success.

Offense: 305.7 yards rushing per game was the sole reason Air Force approached 400 yards total offense per game (389.3 was the actual number). 3 of the top 4 rushers return. Brad Roberts (7.2 ypr), Brandon Lewis, though listed as a receiver, but there is no such thing at the academy, (9.0 ypr) and Timothy Jackson (5.2 ypr) will lead the charge (yes, a military pun) in 2021 as the Cadets pound and ground to their collective delight. Much like Air Force wide receivers, Air Force quarterbacks do not exist. They are running backs who can throw 25 yards downfield a handful of attempts per game, i.e., they handoff and run . . . a lot.

Defense: The Cadets will not benefit as much as other MWC teams regarding returning seniors because these guys have the actual Air Force waiting for them upon graduation. However, Air Force fans fear not. Last year’s often dominating defensive performance repeats in 2021. Only one team scored more than 17 points against Air Force in 2020. Perhaps something difficult to repeat, but that fact sets the tone for opponents’ offense this year. A total of 10 tds were scored against last year’s Air Force defense. Stingy and then some.

Note: Regarding the final three spots in the Mountain division, please close your eyes and spin a wheel featuring the names Colorado State, University of New Mexico and Utah State to determine fourth, fifth and sixth place. Yes, these three schools will fare poorly in 2021.

New Mexico head coach Danny Gonzales had a mess to clean up upon his arrival. A mess, a car wreck and a train wreck. Establishing a culture of player responsibility takes time. 2021 is year two for Mr. Gonzales, so I choose the Lobos for third place in the hope that they present much more of a team as opposed to individuals.

Offense: All quarterbacks who had significant to enough-to-notice playing time in 2020 return. Trae Hall, Tevaka Tuioti, Isaiah Chavez and Connor Genal create battle galore during August practice to determine the starter. Unfortunately, UNM runs quarterbacks far too often. Mr. Tuioti (#3 rusher), Mr. Chavez (#4 rusher) and Mr. Hall (#6 rusher) need to spend more time in the pocket and less time bolting downfield were potential injury awaits. Speaking of rushers, 2020’s #1 rusher, an actual running back, returns in the form of Bobby Cole (5.6 ypr). The top 2 receivers return for 2021. Mannie Logan-Greene (30 catches) and Andrew Erickson (18 catches) hope to increase last year’s 7 game total.

Defense: I admit the ultimate reason I choose UNM over CSU and USU is because of Rocky Long. Rocky’s defensive coaching results in quick improvement (if you doubt me, please reference San Diego State defensive stats prior to Rocky’s arrival and the years that followed). Only 14 of 20 top tacklers return, which usually negatively influences my prediction, but not so much with Mr. Long as Lobo defensive coordinator. The 2020 Lobo defense was absolutely awful during the second and third quarters giving away far too many points usually field goals since the Lobo defense allowed a paltry 8/19 red zone touchdowns. Nonetheless, points are points. The 2021 defensive backfield needs to dramatically reduce last year’s 18 passing tds by opponents.

Colorado State has a simple problem: Their athletic director must fire his hire, Steve Addazio. Improvement is that simple. Watching a Rams game with nary a soul in that impressive stadium is pure sad.

Offense: As the 2020 “season” (CSU played 4 games) progressed, Patrick O’Brien lost the starting qb job to Todd Centeio. Why? Because Mr. Addazio is the head coach. Mr. O’Brien finished the year with a completion rate of 56% while Mr. Centeio offered an anemic 38.9%. As a result, guess which quarterback transferred? Not Mr. Centeio. Ironically, another O’Brien, Jonah O’Brien, will provide August competition for the starting spot. The Rams return the two running backs who had the most rushing attempts in 2020: A’Jon Vivens and Marcus McElroy. However, neither impressed. The top two receivers return and these guys do impress. Trey McBride (15.0 ypc) and Dante Wright (15.8 ypc) offer worthy downfield targets. Getting the ball to them will be a challenge.

Defense: 2020 featured 35.8 points allowed per game. Ick. The first half of all 4 games highlighted a CSU defense that was unprepared, distracted, lousy and/or careless. Please choose 3 of the 4. This same defense gave up 67% of fourth down conversions as well. A thin ray of sunshine was found: 2.5 ypr and only 108.5 yards rushing per game for CSU opponents. 18 of 20 top tacklers return. Hopefully so does their ability play an entire football game.

Utah State was ugly in 2020. I mean a dog walking backwards ugly. Gary Andersen did everything wrong. His replacement, Blake Anderson is looking at a long season in 2021. So much to fix and not a lot to work with.

Offense: Starting quarterback Jason Shelley hit the road when Mr. Andersen was fired. Andrew Peasley performed admirably as his replacement, but by no means is guaranteed to win the 2021 starting job. Devonta’e Henry-Cole offers the beginning of a running game (4.4 ypr), but would be better served as the #2 running back. The top 3 receivers return. Deven Thompkins (20 catches), Justin McGriff (15 catches) and Derek Wright (11 catches). Not much else to say.

Defense: Last year’s Aggie defense allowed 6.6 yards per play which resulted in 485 yards total offense per game. Yuck. 28 tds by opponents was evenly split between rushing and passing tds. How kind of the USU defense. Parity is important. The 2021 translation is get-better-now or USU will wish they only play 6 games (2020) instead of 12. They tie UNM with the least amount of returning op 20 tacklers: 14.

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2016 Mountain West Football Preview

Posted: August 7, 2016 in Uncategorized
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Mountain Division

Boise State:  Lots to like about the Broncos.  Sophomore Brett Rypien will be a top-10 qb by his senior year.  Devan Demas and Ryan Wolpin will both enjoy a great many more rushing attempts in 2016.  3 of the top 5 receivers return (okay, one of the departed was a running back), thus Mr. Rypien will dutifully and effectively throw downfield to great effect.  Matching last year’s total of 508 points may not be a stretch for Boise in 2016.

Defensively, I anticipate slippage.  Boise will not maintain last year’s 318.3 ypg nor the impressive and mere 20.2 points per game.  Only 13 of the top 20 tacklers return.  True, while not a recipe for disaster, replacing the departed 7 may prove a challenge.

Air Force:  Nate Romine assumes the starting qb role.  Mr. Romine averaged a paltry 47.7 passing yards per game in 2015.  His completion rate was a pitiful 38.9%.  Air Force fans will choose to believe improvement awaits.  However, the ever present irony of Air Force’s seemingly perpetual inability to throw a football downfield is always balanced with their traditional above average running game.  This year they return four of 2015’s top five rushers.  Amazingly, last year’s rushing average of 319 yards per game could increase notably if Mr. Romine struggles with hurling the football in a forward manner.

The defense should improve upon last year’s 355 total yards per game.  16 of the top 20 tacklers return including 9 of their top 10.  Lots of ouch awaits opponents.

Utah State:  Kent Myers returns as the starting qb.  Since Chuckie Keeton is gone, Mr. Myers no longer needs to worry about sharing the position.  However, if Mr. Myers continues to run the football in 2016 as often as last year (85 carries, number three on the team), he may be subject to the injury riddled existence of Mr. Keeton.  Devante Mays and LaJuan Hunt return to run the football proper.  Mr. Mays (5.9 ypc) is the more effective of the two.  However, Mr. Hunt was tied for the number two spot on the receiving list in 2015.  Sadly, that was a total of only 27 catches.  Andrew Rodriguez and Wyatt Houston are the most productive returning receivers.

The defensive result of 2016 could be ugly enough to generate a contest for last place in the Mountain with Colorado State.  Only 2 of the top 10 tacklers return and only 9 of the top 20 overall return.  If the Aggies can’t tackle, last year’s 152 rushing yards per game and 180.5 passing yards per game will increase significantly on behalf of their competition.

New Mexico:  Lamar Jordan and Austin Apodaca return.  Who, oh who, will be the starting quarterback?  Too much time was shared last year.  Confusion reigned?  Only the Lobos know.  I am a Lamar Jordan fan (no offense to Mr. Apodaca).  He provides an element of surprise and is quick on his feet (perhaps too quick given his 147 rushing attempts compared to 118 passing attempts).  The running game features the return of last year’s number 2, 4 and 5 backs.  However, the returning receiving corps features only Dameon Gamblin (last year’s number one).  The rest are gone.  Stretching the field on behalf of Mr.Jordan and Mr. Apodaca will be a struggle.

The defense may be the difference between finishing behind Utah State or in front.  The Lobos return 15 of their top 20 tacklers.  Far more than the Aggies measly 9 of 20.  Included in the 15 of 20 is 8 of their top 10.  Last year New Mexico gave up 437.6 ypg.  Anticipate a significant drop in 2016.

Wyoming:  Gasp!  I’m not predicting a last place finish in the Mountain.  Take that, mavens.  Anyway,  the Cowboys challenge will be Nick Smith improving his numbers to resemble those of the departed Cameron Coffman.  Mr. Smith also needs to reduce his rushing attempts of 45 from 2015 by at least a third (I try to be realistic) and focus more on his receivers.  Speaking of which, his returning receiving corps feature the top four from last year.  If Mr. Smith can throw downfield with confidence, Wyoming will surprise.  Brian Hill and Shaun Wick return as the dasher and bruiser, but look for Kellen Overstreet to spend significant time in the backfield with Mr. Hill.

As New Mexico, 15 of the top 20 Cowboy tacklers return.  9 of the top 10 return.  If the offense offers a late lead, look for Wyoming to upset more than once . . . or twice.

Colorado State:  Why a last place finish in the Mountain division?  Because Nick Stevens throws too many interceptions.  Twelve interceptions dilutes twenty-one touchdowns.  3 of the top 5 receivers are gone (one of the two top returning “receivers” is the running back Dalyn Dawkins).  Speaking of Mr. Dawkins (5.1 ypc), he and Izzy Matthews (6.1 ypc) make for an impactful running game.  In addition to Mr. Stevens tendency to throw errant passes, only one true receiver, Xavier Williams, of the top five returns.  The Rams may run more than desired.

The defense suffers from losing half of last year’s top 20 tacklers.  CSU gave up 390.5 ypg last year.  This year, 400+ is the likely result.  Giving up 30+ points on average is an ugliness to consider as well.  Could be a long year in the Rams’ impressive new stadium.

West Division

San Diego State:  This year’s media darling.  Such a development makes me cautious and apprehensive knowing Aztec football history.  However, a great deal of talent returns on both sides of the ball.  Donnel Pumphrey is silly good.  If he stays healthy, he will annihilate Marshall Faulk’s rushing records at SDSU.  Rashaad Penny will spend more time in the backfield with Mr. Pumphrey.  He is also a considerable talent.  Christian Chapman will handle the quarterback duties.  As long as he sticks to the offensive script, all is well.  The number 1, 2 and 4 receivers from 2015 return.

16 of the top 20 tacklers return.  However, 2 of last year’s starting 3 defensive linemen must be replaced in Rocky Long’s 3-3-5 scheme.  The 5 of the 3-3-5 have years of experience and is a senior dominated group.  Opposing quarterbacks will find no joy staring into the face of chaos.

San Jose State:  The Spartans feature one of the two best returning qbs in the West.  Kenny Potter completed 67% of his passes last year and threw only 7 interceptions in 270 attempts.  The number 1, 3 and 5 receivers return from last year.  Mr. Potter will keep them busy.  However, Mr. Potter needs to drastically reduce his 114 rushing attempts or he may find an unpleasant, angry linebacker guiding him to the ground one too many times.  Tucker Thomas and Malik Roberson should see a sizable increase in rushing attempts in an effort to establish an actual running game.

The defense will be solid and should reduce last year’s 358.5 ypg especially the 200.8 rushing yards there within.  However, if the Spartan defense disappoints, then they slip to a third place finish in the West.

Nevada:  Nevada holds the other top returning quarterback in the West.  Tyler Stewart will determine the success of the Wolfpack.  If he can improve upon last year’s 164.5 passing yards per game, Nevada will give San Jose State a run for second place.  He has the top four receivers from 2015 returning along with the number one running back.  However, proven back up at the quarterback and running back positions is unavailable (or unknown.  Which ever you prefer).  A key injury will be painful.

The defense will likely be anemic.  A mere 11 or the top 20 tacklers return including only 4 of the top 10.  The 405.4 ypg will increase in 2016.  Good luck to the Wolfpack offense as they hope to keep their defense off the field.

Fresno State:  Could be a long year for the Bulldog faithful.  They lose a massive section of last year’s offense.  If they struggle to score, UNLV could finish in front of them.  If they struggle to score, coaching changes will occur.  Whomever wins the quarterback spot from the trio of Kilton Anderson (poor 2015 numbers under the proof of 157 passing attempts), Chason Virgil or Ford Childress will need to find the top 3 receivers returning from last year’s team on a regular basis if this squad wants to score.  Much like the qb spot, the running back position is full of doubt and the unknown.  If the qb position struggles and the running game is inconsistent, Fresno State fans will be in for a long year.

The defense should at least play near last year’s disappointing level.  The Fresno State defense gave up in excess of 200 yards in both rushing and passing each game.  14 of last year’s top 20 tacklers return, though they lost numbers 1, 3, 5 and 7 in the top 10.  Good luck.

UNLV:  I criticized the hiring of Tony Sanchez from the high school ranks to coach a division one football program, and was I wrong.  Mr. Sanchez did a fine job during his first year.  I look for improvement in year two.  If he had a better returning quarterback, I would choose the Rebels over the Bulldogs, but ’tis not the case.  Throwing the ball downfield to good effect will be a struggle.  Thankfully, UNLV returns last year’s number 2 and 3 rushers.  The number 4 rusher returns as well, but he’s the returning qb, Kurt Palandech.

Much like Fresno State, if their defense does no more harm than last year, be thankful.  Only 13 of their top 20 tacklers return.  Let’s say lots of opportunity awaits those who did not play much last year.

Hawaii:  So much is wrong, but at least they fired Norm Chow.  Now this team has a chance to get better.  Yet, nothing will be easy.  Ikaika Woolsey returns after a disappointing 2015. He completed a mere 49% of his passes and averaged not quite 70 yards passing per game. The good news is the top three running backs and receivers return for 2016.  If Mr. Woolsey improves or is replaced, hope lingers for the Hawaii offense.

The returning defense will be challenged all season long.  3 of the top 10 tacklers return and only 6 of the next 10 return.  Hawaii gave away 35.6 points per game last year.  Hope for the same this year and enjoy the relief.  Gonna be a long year in paradise in 2016.

 

2015 Mountain West Conference Football Preview

Posted: August 18, 2015 in Uncategorized
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Mountain

1.  Boise State.  Nine offensive starters and eight defensive starters return.  Sure, they lose their starting quarterback and top two rushers, but Boise has been reloading for years (as opposed to rebuilding).  Shane Williams-Rhodes is the best offensive player in the MW.  Boise has the best offensive line in conference.  Why?  Because all five starters return.  Scott Huff, the offensive line coach, sleeps well.  If any improvement is needed, see the defense, but by no means is that side of the ball a true weakness.  Similar to finding a bit of dust on a clean car.

2.  Utah State.  If Chuckie Keeton stays healthy, a good year for the people of Logan, Utah.  If Chuckie is dinged, a long year for the people of Logan, Utah.  Losing Jo Jo Natson hurts.  With Mr. Natson, the Aggies would have made Boise a tad nervous regarding first place in the Mountain division.  Now, not so much.  LaJuan Hunt should see his 111 rushing attempts increase greatly in 2015.  So, too, will his average of 4.9 yards.  The same improvement will be seen from Hunter Sharp at the wide receiver spot.  A quality football player.  USU’s main challenge will be the defensive line.  Look for their talented linebackers to help in front and help often.

3.  Air Force.  The Cadets return four of their top five rushers.  Sure, they lose their starting quarterback, but this is Air Force on the ground.  Forget the irony.  Your head will explode.  Only four defensive starters return (one lineman, two linebackers and one defensive back).  Granted, brains go a long way, but the inexperience on the defensive side of the ball may be painful.  Air Force gave up 103 fourth quarter points last year.  That number will increase in 2015.  During close games, if Air Force has the ball in the final minute, be glad.  If not, cringe.

4.  University of New Mexico.  Two words:  Lamar Jordan.  This kid has the soul of Doug Flutie and the nerves of a sniper (probably inappropriate, but the best I could do.  The sniper reference, not Flutie).  Jhurell Pressley and Teriyon Gipson are the best one-two running back punch in the entire MWC.  The Lobos will score and score often in 2015.  The Lobos need to provide a much improved defensive effort in the third quarter (a stunning 133 points were allowed during those fifteen minutes in 2014.  Evidently, understanding defensive adjustments during halftime is optional).  This is a squad returning seven defensive starters that were part of a defense that allowed well over 6,000 total offensive yards last year.  The Lobos defense gave up 58 points twice and 60 points once last year.  Enough said.

5.  Colorado State:  Anytime a head coach of Jim McElwain’s ability leaves the field, so does my confidence.  Include the departure of Garrett Grayson, and the Rams have a significant challenge in 2015.  The return of Treyous Jarrells at running back is a place to begin.  Rashard Higgins (96 catches, 1,750 yards) and the almost as talented Joe Hansley and Xavier Williams hope to benefit from an occasional pass or two tossed their way.  Who will get the ball to that trio?  Nick Stevens?  Coleman Key?  Stay tuned.  Thankfully for the Fort Collins faithful, eight defensive starters return.  If Lamar Jordan wasn’t the UNM qb, I would place the Rams fourth in the Mountain division.  But, that’s not the case.

6.  Wyoming.  Wyoming, where the wind blows and so, too, does hope.  Only five offensive and four (ouch) defensive starters return (including the loss of six of their top ten tacklers).  Losing their starting quarterback and top two receivers adds to the challenge.  However, Brian Hill and Shaun Wick will see plenty of action from the offensive backfield.  Last year, they combined for 271 rushing attempts.  Look for 300+ in 2015.  If the Cowboys can repeat last year’s home record of 3-3, rejoice Laramie, rejoice.  On behalf of Coach Craig Bohl and staff (most of whom followed Mr. Bohl from North Dakota State University), this group of coaches provide the best chance for the Cowboys to return to the heady days of Joe Tiller.

West

1.  San Diego State:  Last year’s finish of 7-6/5-3 including a bowl game loss was disappointing . . . which is evidence of just how far Aztec football has come.  Donnel Pumphrey is the best running back in the MW, bar none.  The other top two SDSU rushers, Chase Price and Dakota Gordon, also return.  The receiving corps in 2104 was a massive disappointment.  Given a new offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, look for renewed spirit and result.  Eight defensive starters return from the best MW defensive squad in 2014.  Not a single defensive back from the 2014 team leaves.  Can an Aztec defense that allowed a paltry 192 passing yards per game yield even less in 2015?  Yep.

2.  San Jose State.  Call me crazy.  Call me nut job.  The Spartans have a fine coaching staff (though, I find suspect the hiring of Al Borges as offensive coordinator) in year two of a massive overhaul.  The under-the-radar-who-is-this-guy Joe Gray at the qb spot provides the Spartans with one of the better MWC quarterbacks.  Mr. Gray, in eleven games, threw for better than 2,300 yards and had a completion rate of 63.6%.  Fair warning on behalf of Spartan defensive foes, their top three receivers return.  Tyler Ervin (5.6 yards per rush) and Brandon Monroe (4.3 yards per rush) offer quality rushing options.  On the other side of the ball, San Jose State loses six of their top ten tacklers and return only six starters.  The 2015 Spartan defensive challenge is to rebuild their linebacking unit.  SJSU defensive backs had better fill gaps quickly and get to know the opposing running backs.

3.  Fresno State.  Along with Colorado State, the Bulldogs suffer the most notable slip in the MWC during 2015.  They lose both their number one and two quarterbacks from 2014, all significant rushers, less their number one back (Marteze Waller) as well as their top three receivers.  Only six offensive starters return along with a paltry five defensive starters including only five of their top ten tacklers from 2014.  Continuing with the defensive concerns, last year Fresno State gave up 32.4 points per game.  That number increases in 2015.  Granted, Boise reloads, but Fresno must rebuild.  Any significant defensive injury or prolonged struggle at the quarterback spot may lead to a finish of less than third in the West.

4.  Nevada.  Losing Cody Fajardo will have the same effect that Colorado State will experience with the loss of Mr. Grayson.  Mr. Fajardo was also the Wolfpack’s leading rusher.   A great deal of Nevada offense has left the field.  Granted, Don Jackson (4.4 yards per rush) and James Butler (4.5 yards per rush) will see their participation increase greatly during 2015.  If the ‘pack can find somebody to throw the ball to Jerico Richardson (56 catches) and Hasaan Henderson (45 catches), perhaps 2015 may not be bleak.  Speaking of bleak, on the other side of the ball, only five defensive starters return.   Not a single starting defensive back returns.  Opposing quarterbacks may have much to smile about during Nevada games.  If the Wolfpack defense allows less than 30 points per game, enjoy the surprise.

5.  Hawaii.  The only reason I choose a Norm Chow coached team not to finish last is because UNLV hired a high school coach as head coach.  True to Mr. Chow’s demeanor, he retains his starting quarterback, Ikaika Woolsey, then immediately curries favor to the USC transfer, Max Wittek.  The top two wide receivers return along with two of the top three rushers.  With eight offensive starters, including the shunned Mr. Woolsey, this is Hawaii’s best Chow version.  Unfortunately, seven of their top-ten tacklers leave.  Six defensive starters return.  Smart money says 2014’s 26.8 points per game (second best in the West division) increases to counter balance an improved offense because Hawaii seems to suffer from a lack of luck.

6.  UNLV.  As mentioned above, the Rebels hired Tony Sanchez, a high school coach, as head coach.  Mr. Sanchez, brave soul, has five returnees on each side of the ball.  Starting quarterback Blake Decker returns as do three of the top four rushers (including Mr. Decker).  Devonte Boyd (65 catches) and Kendal Keys (12.9 yards per reception) offer receiving experience.  Six of the top seven tacklers return (they will be busy, very busy) in 2015.  Last year, the Rebels defense allowed 513.5 yards per game.  Perhaps they can be south of 500 yards allowed per game in 2015.  Perhaps.  Final note, all but one of the UNLV coaching staff enter their respective first year as coach at UNLV.  Could be a long, hot football season on the Strip.