Nevada Wolfpack 2016 NCAA Football Preview
NEVADA WOLFPACK
Mountain West Conference – West Division
2015 Record – 7-6
ATS – 9-4
2016 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating Rank
West Division #2
Conference #4
2015 Recap
Nevada had a pretty average season all things considered. They were ok on offense – ranked 8th in the Mountain West – and finished 7th in total defense. They were a .500 team heading into the Arizona Bowl and managed to come up with a late TD to beat Colorado St and finish 7-6. That brings HC Brian Polian’s record here to 18-20. The days of Colin Kaepernick seem like ages ago but they are not too far removed from the magical 13-1 season back in 2010.
2016 Preview
OFFENSE
The Wolfpack are going to do some damage to opposing defenses in 2016. They return 10 starters – 11 if you include leading rusher James Butler (1,342 yards and 10 TDs) who technically did not start last season – that role belonged to departed Don Jackson who also had a 1,000-yard season. The offensive line paved the way for over 200 yards rushing in 2015 and they only gave up 22 sacks. This season they will be even better and Butler could have another monster season. Penn St transfer Akeel Lynch provides depth to the unit.
The passing game should be improved with their top two receivers back along with a fine receiving tight end. Stewart took care of the ball last season – only 7 INT in 326 attempts – and he should put up better numbers from a yardage and TD standpoint in his senior season.
DEFENSE
Nevada did just enough on defense last season. They were mid-pack in the conference in run defense and pass efficiency defense but they came up with enough big plays (ranked 4th Mountain West in interceptions; 3rd in red zone defense) to keep games close. The Wolfpack is an impressive +27 in turnover margin in three seasons under Polian.
The defense just might be a bit ugly in 2016. Essentially, the entire starting front 7 from last season is gone and they appear to lack size as well as experience. The secondary looks very good but it will fall apart quickly against teams like San Diego St and New Mexico – and even Wyoming (!?) – if they do not find a way to stop the run. Of course, the positive spin is that the offense is loaded and winning high-scoring games just might be their formula for success.
SPECIAL TEAMS
This is another team strength. PK Brent Zuzo is was pretty much automatic last season (17/17 inside of 50 yards) and was a 2nd Team Mountain West performer, as was his teammate P Alex Boy. They were near the top of the conference in the return game and those guys are back as well this season.
MEGALOCKS ATS Value Rating (10) 5.5
MEGALOCKS says:
The Wolfpack demand obvious respect ATS given how their offense looks heading into the season. The problem we have is on the defensive side of the ball. Typically, you really do not want to have your hopes riding on a team that has the potential to be hideous against the run. Especially if you are playing them as a favorite.
Overall, we give the WOLFPACK a 5.5 ATS Value Rating (Average) this season. One way or another, Nevada has managed to keep ATS backers happy in the Brian Polian regime with a 22-16 record (58%) over a three-year span. We forecast some high-scoring Wolfpack games this season with the offense humming along and the run defense gasping for air. Overs may be the way to look. Too much concern for our tastes with the front seven on defense to be too pumped about their overall prospects ATS.
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http://www.nevadawolfpack.com/sports/m-footbl/unv-m-footbl-body.html
Forum
http://www.scout.com/college/nevada/forums/1258-the-sports-forum
News
http://bleacherreport.com/nevada-wolfpack-football
http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/nevada-wolf-pack
http://www.rgj.com/sports/wolf-pack/
http://www.yardbarker.com/colleges/nevada/608
https://twitter.com/NevadaFootball (@NevadaFootball)
https://twitter.com/MurrayRGJ (@MurrayRGJ) Chris Murray
https://twitter.com/JOE__SANTORO (@JOE__SANTORO) Joe Santoro