MWC Football Predictions 2017
By Tyler Smith
Tyler has had great success in picking the Mountain West conference over the past 5 years. Take a look at some of his accolades from the Stassen.
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2013
MWC West (Perfect) |
2015
MWC Mountain |
Mountain
#1T Colorado State 9-3 (7-1)
Coach: Mike Bobo
Offensive Coordinator: Will Friend Defensive Coordinator: Marty English Stadium: Colorado State Stadium (41,200) 2016 Record: 7-6 The Breakdown Offense: Nick Stevens is the real deal at QB. He was the 16th most accurate QB in the country last season. He also only threw 5 interceptions to 19 touchdowns. With more attempts his numbers will grow significantly. He has great options to throw to as well. His top target is Micheal Gallup. Gallup led the team in receptions, yards and touchdowns. Any time you put up 14 touchdowns you had a phenomenal year. Olabisi Johnson was the teams down field threat averaging over 20 yards a catch. Add one more threat to this unit and watch out. Look for it to be Warren Jackson a true freshman WR or TE Dalton Fackrell. The running game will be great again with the trio of backs the Rams have. Dalyn Dawkins led the team in rushing yards (919), Izzy Mathews scored 13 touchdowns and Marvin Kinsey averaged over 6 yards a carry on 93 attempts. The offensive line is a huge reason that this team will succeed this season. Three seniors will be on the line including top NFL talent Jake Bennett at center. Defense: The defense took a slight step back and lost the turnover battle last season. Eight starters are back so improvement should be made this season. They have senior leadership and more depth this season. The secondary has three starters back. Jake Schlager and Braylin Scott are strong at safety. Jamal Hicks will make a case to start at safety as well. Kevin Nutt Jr. and sophomore Robert Awunganyi will start at corner. The linebackers unit is in good hands. Josh Watson had 90 tackles as a sophomore. This year he is bound to go over 100. Evan Colorito is at OLB, he is known for getting into the backfield. The defensive line welcomes back three of the four top sack artist back. In his first year Toby Mcbride led the team in sacks. Jakob Buys and Darnell Thompson will see time at DE as well. Chrisitian Colon will get a shot at NG as a freshman, sophomore Colton Foster will challenge him. Special Teams: Lose a top punter, go find the next one is CSU mentality. They did that with freshman Ryan Stonehouse. Hard to find any complaints about Wyatt Bryan at kicker. Final Thoughts: I love the Rams more than most. With the talent they have coming back it will be hard not to have the Rams finishing at the top of the MWC. The non-conference schedule features Colorado, Alabama and Oregon State. Two of the three are winnable. Getting Boise State at home is a plus. The game on the road in Wyoming will be massive. The Rams picked a good season to open a new stadium! |
Offense:
Passing Nick Stevens, SR, QB Rushing Dalyn Dawkins, SR, RB Receiving Micheal Gallup, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions Braylin Scott, JR, S Sacks: Toby McBride, SO, DT Tackles: Josh Watson, JR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 7-6 2015 7-6 2014 10-3 2013 8-6 2012 4-8 |
#1T Wyoming 9-3 (7-1)
Coach: Craig Bohl
Offensive Coordinator: Brent Vigen Defensive Coordinator: Scottie Hazelton Stadium: War Memorial Stadium (29,181) 2016 Record: 8-6 The Breakdown Offense: QB Josh Allen arrived and took this teams to new heights in year one. Allen did have an issue with throwing interceptions last season. If he takes care of that and continues to air it out at a high level this team will soar. He will miss some of his tp targets from last season though. C.J. Johnson is the leading receiver with 21 catches. RB Brian Hill has also departed after a brilliant career in Laramie. Four starters return to pave the way for the new running backs. Several will get a chance to be the feature back. Allen is the top returning rusher. Defense: The defense was not great last season. They bring back nine starters from that unit though. Scottie Hazleton is now in at DC. Linebacker could be the strength of the team with sophomore Logan Wilson back. Jalen Ortiz is tranfering in from UCLA and should earn a spot at linebacker. The secondary features two great safeties Andrew Wingard and Marcus Epps. Special Teams: The Cowboys will break in a new punter this season, Tim Zaleski. Cooper Rothe had an OK freshman season at kicker. Austin Conway will be back returning punts. Final Thoughts: With josh Allen back they should be solid on offense. The defense will take a step forward with 9 starters back and new coordinator Scottie Hazelton. The schedule sets up nice as they don't have too many tough road games. If they can win at Boise this team sets up nice to win another title. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Josh Allen, JR, QB Rushing Josh Allen, JR, QB Receiving C.J. Johnson, SO, WR Defense: Interceptions: Marcus Epps, JR, DB Logan Wilson, SO, LB Antonio Hull, JR, DB Sacks: Kevin Prosser, JR, DE Tackles: Andrew Wingard, JR, S Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 8-6 2015 2-10 2014 4-8 2013 5-7 2012 4-8 |
#3 Boise State 8-4 (6-2)
Coach: Bryan Harsin
Offensive Coordinator: Zak Hill Defensive Coordinator: Andy Avalos Stadium: Albertsons Stadium (37,000) 2016 Record: 10-3 The Breakdown Offense: Brett Rypien is back so you know they will put up at least 30 points per game. His top target Thomas Sperbeck is gone but Cedrick Wilson was just as dominate last season. The emergence of a number two receiver will be vital. Bubba Ogbebor or Akilian Butler could be that guy. They will have options at TE with Jake Roh and Alec Dhaenens. The running game will be at a loss with Jeremey McNichols off to the NFL. The line also lost 3 starters which will make it hard to repeat the 19 sacks they gave up last season. After so many seasons of not questioning Boise State's offense, questions are to be had. Defense: Similar to the offense we don't questions Boise's defensive front but this year outside of David Moa who had 8.5 sacks last season they lack experience. They don't lack in talent as Boise year after year brings in a good class. Chase Hatada has a chance to be the next big thing at DE. The secondary has plenty of talent with Tyler Horton, Cameron Hartsfield and Kekoa Nawahine back. They also add in four star commit, Jermani Brown to the mix. Linebacker is the weakest unit. The loss of Ben Weaver, Darren Lee and Tanner Vallejo will hurt. Tyson Maeva will be at MLB and he could be a future star. Special Teams: The Broncos will have redshirt freshman handling punting and kicking duties. Cedrick Wilson will do his thing as a returner. Final Thoughts: Overall a lot more uncertainty than usual but you know that Boise State has the talent from their recruiting classes. The question is will those players live up to what has become a standard at Boise. The schedule is tough with Troy, UVA, BYU and Washington State. They face San Diego State form the West and key games vs. Wyoming and Colorado State will decided the season. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Brett Rypien, JR, QB Rushing Alexander Mattison, SO, RB Receiving Cedrick Wilson, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Leighton Vander Esch, JR, LB and Tyler Horton, JR, CB Sacks: David Moa, JR, DT Tackles: Cameron Hartsfield, SR, S Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 10-3 2015 9-4 2014 12-2 2013 8-5 2012 11-2 |
#4T Air Force 4-8 (3-5)
Coach: Troy Calhoun
Offensive Coordinator: Mike Thiessen Defensive Coordinator: Steve Russ Stadium: Falcon Stadium (46,692) 2016 Record: 10-3 The Breakdown Offense: Air Force had more rushing attempts last season than it has had since 2009. Don't expect that to change this season with Arion Worthman at QB and Tim McVey at running back. They do lose 4 of their top 6 rushers from last season though. Nate Romine is a formidable option at QB and will likely see time throughout the season. Heading into last season it looked like Air Force would pass more with Romine at QB but he isn't accurate enough to make that happen. When the Falcons do elect to pass they don't have too many great options. Tim McVey is the returner with 8 catches. Yes, 8 catches. The line is where the bulk of the concern is. In order to run this offense you have to have a strong line. As it stands they are middle of the road. Guard is as important as tackle in this offense and they have to replace both. Defense: Not a single returning player had an interception last year and Grant Ross is the returning leader in sacks with 2.5 and tackles 67. Good news for the defense is that offensively the Falcons will put up points. Hard to see the defensive line getting much better. Only 2 sacks come from returning players. Linebacker will be a strength though with Grant Ross returning. R.J. Jackson was going to to start at OLB last season until a season ending injury happened in game one. The secondary misses out on having the greatest last name in College Football back, Steelhammer. The secondary is open for the taking in fall camp. If the defense can stay on the plus side of the turnover margin they should keep themselves in games. Special Teams: Tim McVey is featured in the return game. He is one of the best in the MWC. Luke Strebel will do double duty this season as the kicker and punter. Final Thoughts: The defense will hold this team back this season. Hard to replace 10 guys on defense and not a lot of experience filling those holes. The offense will win this team games but don't expect a 10 win season. The West division is really talented this season making it hard to bounce back with all the personnel losses. They also draw San Diego State from the West division. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Arion Worthman, JR, QB Rushing Tim McVey, SR, RB Receiving Tim McVey, SR, RB Defense: Interceptions: N/A Sacks: Grant Ross, SR, LB Tackles: Grant Ross, SR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 10-3 2015 8-6 2014 10-3 2013 2-10 2012 6-7 |
#4T New Mexico 5-7 (3-5)
Coach: Bob Davie
Offensive Coordinator: Bob DeBesse Defensive Coordinator: Kevin Cosgrove Stadium: University Stadium (39,224) 2016 Record: 9-4 The Breakdown Offense: Lamar Jordan enters his final season in a Lobos uniform. He has played a significant role in the turnaround of this program. Jordan was third on the team in rushing last season and decent when called upon to pass, something New Mexico doesn't do often. The running back unit is strong with Tyrone Owens and Richard McQuarley. McQuarley had 18 rushing touchdowns last season. He as 25 in just two seasons. Owens is going to be the featured back this season with Gipson gone. The line returns a lot of expereince and should help maintain the level of success the Lobos had on the ground last season which was number one in the country. If they do go to the air they have some good options for a predominantly running team. Three of last years top pass catchers return. Defense: The defense has been average to this point. This season they don't want to fall back with only 3 starters returning. The secondary is the biggest issue. Only Nickelback Rothschiller returns and he may not even start. They will likely lean towards the veterans to start the season but don't be surprised if a few sophomores or freshman establish themselves by the end of the season. A couple of JUCO transfers have a good chance at starting Jalin Burrell and Willie Hobdy. The front three has the talent to make plays this season. Garret Hughes leads the team in sacks with 6.5. Two underclassmen that could make plays this fall are Teton Saltes and Nahje Flowers. The loss of Dakota Cox will hurt but Kimmie Carson returns. Carson leads all returns with 58 tackles. They will need Alex Hart or Evahelotu Tohi to emerge in place of Cox. Special Teams: Across the board the special teams unit has first team potential. Kicker Jason Sanders doesn't get a lot of attempts but makes due when hes called upon. Elijah Lilly is a threat as a returner. Punter Corey Bojorquez will make the best of his final season. Final Thoughts: Hats off to Bob Davie and what he has done for the program. This season however doesn't look as successful. The defense has potential but is hard to bet on them at this point. The offense is in good hands and will put up the points but can the defense keep things in favor of the Lobos in tight games. Games at Wyoming, at Boise State and at San Diego State will make it tough for this team to find success. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Lamar Jordan, SR, QB Rushing Tyrone Owens, SO, RB Receiving Patrick Reed, JR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Austin Ocasio, SR, LB Sacks: Garrett Hughes, SR, DE Tackles: Kimmie Carson, SR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 9-4 2015 7-6 2014 4-8 2013 3-9 2012 4-9 |
#6 Utah State 3-9 (2-6)
Coach: Matt Wells
Offensive Coordinator: David Yost Defensive Coordinator: Frank Maile and Kendrick Shaver Stadium: Romney Stadium (25,513) 2016 Record: 3-9 The Breakdown Offense: The offensive production went to a low of 23.9 ppg last season. Kent Meyers has to be better to turn that around. After a great 2015 season Meyers regressed. Only 10 touchdowns with 8 interceptions is not going to turn things around. It may be hard to do with a good offensive line departed. One starter is back. Keep an eye on fall camp to see how the line fills out. The running game will need the line to come together too. Tonny Lindsey Jr is the featured back for the Aggies. Kent Meyers was the second leading rusher. The WR corps could end up being the the top unit on the team. Ron'Quavion Traver had a great sophomore season leading the team with 46 catches. Rayshad Lewis was right behind with 40 grabs. Savon Scarver and Trevion Armstrong could be this years youth movement at WR. With the new offense in place by David Yost they should be excited to get more balls their way. Defense: The secondary is strong but with the loss of all three starters on the line it will tough to be as good this season. Dallin Leavitt has all conference talent at safety. He leads the team in interceptions and tackles. Jalen Davis could earns accolades this season as well. He is the Aggies top corner and had 7 passes broken up last season. Special Teams: If the Aggies want to contend this season one way to help that cause would be to improve in punting. The whole unit not just Aaron Dalton needs to improve. Wait and see approach on kicker Dominik Eberle. Final Thoughts: Hard to believe that we are here with this program. After years of high success the Aggies have fallen off. It won't get better this season either. The division is tough top to bottom and they draw UNLV and Hawaii from the West division. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Kent Meyers, SR, QB Rushing Tonny Lindsey Jr., SR, RB Receiving Ron'Quavion Tarver, JR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Dallin Leavitt, SR, S Sacks: Three Players Tied with 2 Tackles: Dallin Leavitt, SR, S Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 3-9 2015 6-7 2014 10-4 2013 9-5 2012 11-2 |
West
#1 San Diego State 9-3 (7-1)
Coach: Rocky Long
Offensive Coordinator: Jeff Horton Defensive Coordinator: Danny Gonzales, Rocky Long Stadium: Qualcomm Stadium (70, 561) 2016 Record: 11-3 The Breakdown Offense: The Aztecs just keep dominating. Large in part because of the talented running backs that have come through the program. Since 2010 they have had Ronnie Hillman, Adam Muema and Donnel Pumphrey. Enter Rashaad Penny. Penny went over 1,000 yards on just 136 carries last year. His numbers this year should be some of the best in the country if the offensive line is in good shape. They enter the season with one starter backing the line and a slew of underclassmen filling in the starting line up. Christian Champman was very efficient in his first year as a starter. He had a completion percentage over 60 with 6 interceptions. Mikah Holder was the deep threat for the Aztecs. He averaged over 20 yards per receptions. TE David Wells was the next top target. The Aztecs don't have a dominant WR but they might find one this season in Isiah Macklin. Defense: The defense had only had three games where they gave up over 30 points, all three games were losses. With six starters back expect another dominant defense. They have been top in the country in tunrover margin so expect to continue with the secondary they have. Ron Smith is back at corner after having a good freshman season. Parker Baldwin holds the Aztec position. His junior season should be special. The front six brings back half it's starters. Ronley Lakalaka is going to be the teams top tackler this season. OLB Ryan Dunn will need to take his game to the next level this season. The line should be good with Dakota Turner and Noble Hall at DE. Sergio Philips can make plays from nose guard. His senior season should be his best yet. Special Teams: Rashad Penny returning kicks is must see TV. John Baron is a top level kicker. He also handles punting duties. Final Thoughts: Everything is adding up for another great season in sunny San Diego. The offensive line is the biggest concern but with Penny in the backfield he will make things happen. The defense lost some key contributors from the 2016 squad that was one of the best in the MWC. They have plenty of talent coming back though. Toughest conference road game is Air Force. San Diego State welcome back to the Mountain West championship game. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Christian Chapman, JR, QB Rushing Rashaad Penny, SR, RB Receiving Mikah Holder, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Kameron Kelly, SR, CB Sacks: Noble Hall, JR, DE and Sergio Phillips SR, DT Tackles: Ronley Lakalaka, JR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 11-3 2015 11-3 2014 7-6 2013 8-5 2012 9-4 |
#2T Hawaii 7-5 (5-3)
Coach: Nick Rolovich
Offensive Coordinator: Nick Rolovich Defensive Coordinator: Legi Suiaunoa Stadium: Aloha Stadium (50,000) 2016 Record: 7-7 The Breakdown Offense: The offense finished strong as they scored over 40 points on MTSU and UMASS to end the season. Dru Brown emerged as the guy under center last season. 19 TDS to 7 interceptions will stabilize your starting status. His number one target Marcus Kemp is gone but the freshman sensation, John Ursua is back. Tight end should be a strong spot with two experienced players back. Ammon Barker and Keelan Ewaliko need to step it up in their final season as a Rainbow Warrior. Hawaii has a threat at running back, Diocemy Saint Juste. The team has produced 1,000 yard rushers in back to back seasons. Expect Diocemy to get more carries this season with two key contributors departing. The offensive line is strong with the return of both guards and left tackle Dejon Allen, Added depth will help along the way too. Defense: The defense was not good, not good at all. Somehow good enough to give this team 7 wins though. Five starters return and Rainbow Warrior fans are glad that ILB Jahlani Tavai is one of them. He led the team in tackles (129) and sacks (7). He nearly had 20 tackles for loss too. He did it all. So who is here to help alongside Tavai? Trayvon Henderson led the team in interceptions and was second behind Tavai in TFL and tackles. Even with Trayvon Henderson back the secondary looks suspect. Daniel Lewis Jr. will join him at safety. The cornerback group will feature several freshman and sophomores. The defensive line could transform into something special with the addition of DE Jamie Tago. The already established DE is Meffy Koloamatangi. With that combination expect a much better threat from the line this season. Special Teams: The special teams unit is inexperienced with both kicker and punter positions open. They hope to bring in competition for fall camp. John Ursua will be taking back kicks. Final Thoughts: This team had a chance to win the division this season until the schedule hit them hard. Facing Wyoming and Colorado State from the Mountain division is tough. They also would have to take down San Diego State who beat them 55-0 last year. All in all not a horrible season for the 'Bows. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Dru Brown, JR, QB Rushing Diocemy Saint Juste, SR, RB Receiving John Ursua, SO, WR Defense: Interceptions: Trayvon Henderson, SR, S Sacks: Jahlani Tavai, JR, LB Tackles: Jahlani Tavai, JR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 7-7 2015 3-10 2014 4-9 2013 1-11 2012 3-9 |
#2T UNLV 7-5 (5-3)
Coach: Tony Sanchez
Offensive Coordinator: Barney Cotton Defensive Coordinator: Kent Baer Stadium: Sam Boyd Stadium (36,800) 2016 Record: 4-8 The Breakdown Offense: The receiving corps goes two deep. Devonte Boyd is a special talent. UNLV needs to take full advantage of his skills this season. Darren Woods Jr. and Mekhi Stevenson got quality experience starting last season. Brandon Presley is ready to break out. The line should be in good shape with Nathan Jacobson (RT) and Kyle Saxelid (LT) back. The running game was a major benefit from the great line play last season. Both Charles Williams and Lexington Thomas are back from the rushing attack that had just over 241 yards per game. Armani Rogers is all the talk in Las Vegas. Rogers had offers from several PAC 12 schools but landed with the Rebels. He is a pocket passer with size which should play well with the MWC best WR collection. Defense: Here's where all the negative parts about UNLV comes into play and the main reason why they won't be able to take down San Diego State. Two starters return on defense. Tau Lotulelei is gone after a historic season. Without him the linebacker group looks weak but they have some talented players that could make impacts in David Tate and JUCO transfer Jacob Rominger should be starters this year. The line brings back the teams lone starters. Mike Hughes, DT, leads the team in tackles and sacks. Hughes leading the team in tackles shows you how inexperienced this team is on defense. The secondary is up for grabs in fall camp. UNLV needed to make more moves in the JUCO ranks to contradict the inexperience this team has. Special Teams: Evan Pantles holds both kicker and punter positions. UNLV is glad to have him do both too. He only missed four field goals last year and averaged over 41 yards on his punts. Anything they can get going in the return game is a positive at this point. Final Thoughts:Let's see what Armani Rogers can do for UNLV. Out of all the new QBs coming to College Football he is the one I am most excited to see. The defense I am scared to see. I have so much hope for the offense, the defense makes me uncomfortable to pick them so high. The schedule however was kind to the Rebels. They don't play CSU, Boise State or Wyoming from the Mountain division. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Johnny Stanton, SR, QB Rushing Charles Williams, SO, RB Receiving Devonte Boyd, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions: None Sacks: Mike Hughes Jr., SR, DT Tackles: Mike Hughes Jr., SR, DT Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 4-8 2015 3-9 2014 2-11 2013 7-6 2012 2-11 |
#4 Nevada 3-9 (2-6)
Coach: Brian Polian
Offensive Coordinator: Tim Cramsey Defensive Coordinator: Scott Boone Stadium: Mackay Stadium (30,000) 2016 Record: 5-7 The Breakdown Offense: The offense was too up and down last season. In four losses last year they scored less than 20 points. Ty Gangi is the top returnee at QB. He will have some competition this season with David Cornwell arriving on campus from Alabama. Cornwell was a top 5 pro style QB out of high school. Good news for Cornwell is that James Butler is back. Butler has back to back 1,300 yard seasons under his belt. Jaxson Kincade showed some promise as Butler's replacement for 2018. The receiving unit could use a spark. Tyson Williams, McLane Mannix and Trevion Williams have a chance to be those players. Wyatt Demps was the top option last season. The line has issues across the board. Several JUCO players and freshman will be in the mix. Austin Corbett is a stud at LT though. Defense: 297.6 yards given up via run last season. That ranks last in the country. Only San Jose State ran for less than 150 yards on them last season. If things don't change up front then forget about it. The new 3-3-5 scheme is being put into place. It can't hurt at this point unless they give up 297.7 yards per game this season. Malik Reed is special at DE but after that they have plenty of room for improvement. Linebackers need improvement as well. Expect to see a lot of young talent here as well. With redshirt freshman Lawson Hall, true freshman Lamin Touray being the top two candidates to see playing time that didn't last year. Gabriel Sewell was a freshman last season, he ended up third in tackles. The secondary is in good shape with 4 of 5 starters back. All three safeties are back. They each finished top 6 in tackles last year. Senior Kendall Johnson is back at cornerback. Special Teams: Fernando Pujals is the first option to start at punter. Spencer Pettit has coaches feeling good at kicker. Final Thoughts: I loved last years team coming into the season. Look at last years preview and you will see. I am no where close to that hyped for this team. James Butler does his thing year after year but it is not enough. Depending on how Cornwell develops at QB this team could at least put up points. The issues on stopping the run won't change enough to make a big difference in the overall record. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Ty Gangi, JR, QB Rushing James Butler, SR, RB Receiving Wyatt Demps, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Jaden Sawyer, SR, S Sacks: Malik Reed, JR, DE Tackles: Asauni Rufus, JR, S Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 5-7 2015 7-6 2014 7-6 2013 4-8 2012 7-6 |
#5 Fresno State 2-10 (1-7)
Coach: Jeff Tedford
Offensive Coordinator: Kalen DeBoer Defensive Coordinator: Orlando Steinauer Stadium: Bulldog Stadium (41,031) 2016 Record: 1-11 The Breakdown Offense: When you average 17.7 points per game you have a lot of work to do. When you are the worst first down team in the country, you have a lot of work to do. Jeff Tedford and company are in town to change things. He has nine starters back and solid recruiting class coming in for MWC standards. Carson Virgil is back at QB after a shaky freshman season. He has the best shot to be the starter but there will be a competition this fall to see who earns the starting spot. It might not matter much who gets the start if the offensive line and running game don't turnaround. The line gave up 31 sacks and was involved in a running game that was ranked 119th. Dontel James got the bulk of the carries last year and he will figure to split them with Saevion Johnson this season. Where this team excels is at WR. They bring back KeeSean Johnson and Jamire Jordan who both went over 700 yards receiving last season. Da'Mari Scott is back after missing last season. Scott has experience so that adds more skill to this unit. Watch out for JUCO transfer Derrion Grim to make an impact this season too. Defense: The defense couldn't stop the run last season. The defensive front has gone from 3 to 4 man front. This should help but they also need to produce more sacks. They only had 14 last season. All four projected starters are seniors. With the amount of talent on the line from the past two recruiting classes expect to see some youth moved in. Linebacker is the strength of the team. James Bailey and Robert Stanley are both back. With the loss of their two top tacklers these guys will need to rise up. The secondary has one starter back. The team as a whole doesn't have a player who had a interception last season. The youth movement is here. Juju Hughes, Jaron Bryant, Mike Bell and Justin Rice are all sophomores with a great opportunity to play this season. Wylan Free and Earl Chambers will get an opportunity as true freshman too. This is the one unit that will surprise. Special Teams: Fresno has a great kicker in Kody Kroening. Blake Cusick certainly had a lot of experience having punted 78 balls last year. Jeff Tedford has to feel good about this area of the team. Final Thoughts: Hard to turnaround a program that won only one game last season but there is hope. It really comes down to the offensive line and defensive line. Both had major issues last season. The schedule is brutal. Their best chance for a FBS win is San Jose State and that game is on the road though. Sorry Bulldogs it's going to be another rough year in Fresno. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Chason Virgil, SO, QB Rushing Dontel James, SR, RB Receiving KeeSean Johnson, JR, WR Defense: Interceptions: None Sacks: Tobenna Okeke, SR, DE Tackles: James Bailey, JR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 1-11 2015 3-9 2014 6-8 2013 11-2 2012 9-4 |
#6 San Jose State 1-12 (0-8)
Coach: Brent Brennan
Offensive Coordinator: Andrew Sowder Defensive coordinator: Derrick Odum Stadium: Spartan Stadium (30,456) 2016 Record: 4-8 The Breakdown Offense: QB has been an issue ever since David Fales left after 2013. Josh Love played an a couple games last season and was underwhelming. Four other contenders could take the starting spot Montel Aaron, Terrell Carter, Micheal Carrillo or Sam Allen. Whomever grabs the top spot could be the starter for a few years to come. Three juniors have emerged as the top receivers for the Spartans. Justin Holmes and Tre Hartley were top three in receptions last season. Hartley led the team in touchdowns. Tyler Ervin left and so did the rushing production. Former QB Kenny Porter led the team in carries. Malik Roberson and Zamore Zigler hope to bring back that production this season. The line has plenty of experience but have lacked production. If things don't change the senior laden line will need to transition to next seasons players. Defense: Just like the offense the defensive line has to get better despite experience. With Isiah Irving gone they lose a big part of their pressure. Owens Roberts and Bryson Bridges have to elevate their games. Cameron Alexander could make a run at the other DE spot as a freshman, The middle of the defense is strong with Frank Ginda back. He had 99 tackles and 6.5 sacks last season. With Ginda back it gives this defense a true leader. Ethan Aguayo will come into the 2017 season as a OLB and not a safety. Justin Parcells will get a shot at the other OLB as a sophomore. The secondary is the strongest part of the defense with four starters back. Safety Maurice McKnight and corner Andre Chachere will earn accolades this season. Special Teams: Bryce Crawford didn't miss too many kicks last season, 2. Micheal Carrizosa is one of the best punters in the country when he is on. Final Thoughts: Looking at the schedule it is hard to find wins for this team. The conference slate will have the Spartans as underdogs in every game but maybe Fresno State. QB is the biggest issue, until that issue is fixed expect the Spartans to be at the bottom of the MWC. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Josh Love, SO, QB Rushing Malik Roberson, JR, RB Receiving Justin Holmes, JR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Andre Chachere, SR, CB Sacks: Frank Ginda, JR, LB Tackles: Frank Ginda, JR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 4-8 2015 6-7 2014 3-9 2013 6-6 2012 11-2 |