NevadaPredicted record: 8-4
Conf. record: 6-2
Best Player: QB Jeff Rowe, Sr.
Offense - The offense is known for its wide open passing, but it has an effective ground game that provides more balance than you might expect. The running attack likely won't be more effective than the passing game for a second straight year without leading rusher B.J. Mitchell, but Robert Hubbard is ready to take over the number one role. Jeff Rowe will be one of the nation's most effective all-around quarterbacks with a deep and experienced receiving corps to throw to, but it could all unravel if injuries strike at tackle.
Defense - The defense welcomes back eight starters and a ton of depth to provide good competition at several spots, but now there has to be more production. The scheme can be a 3-4 or a 4-3 depending on the situation with more than enough size up front to be beefy against the run and huge, but relatively slow linebackers outside of talented strongside starter Ezra Butler. J.J. Milan is back from a foot injury to provide more of a pass rush to help out an improving secondary that gets Nick Hawthrone back at safety.
This season will be a success if Ö Nevada wins the WAC title. It won't be easy with road games at Fresno State, Hawaii and Louisiana Tech, but Boise State has to come to Reno and the second half of the schedule is too nice not to go on a run. After last year, anything less than a title would be a disappointment.
