Blogger Q&A: Nevada Editon

This Blogger Q&A comes from the somewhat-new-to-the-blogosphere Nevada site, Pistol Whipping the WAC. Very clever title, I love it. Take a look at what he had to say about his Wolf Pack this upcoming 2008 season. If you don't read this, then you, sir, are worse than Sean McDonough announcing a Friday night WAC game in monotone. Enjoy!



1. What does Nigel Burton bring to the table on defense?

Burton brings a few things to the table on defense and the first of those is a new energy and excitement. Coming over from the Pac 10 and being a former player himself he can relate to the players and use personal examples of what it takes to compete at the highest levels. Also, Burton's strong West Coast recruiting ties are already benefiting the Wolf Pack. A number of the players that came into this fall's camp on the defensive side of the ball have been credited to Burton, including Rivals 3 Star DB Maurice Harvey, and DB's Marlon Johnson and Ahmad Wood.


2. Is there a QB controversy in Reno?

There really is not much of a quarterback controversy. Chris Ault has already stated that Kaepernick will run the 1's (meaning run the first string group) and Graziano will run the 2's in fall camp. Of course coach isn't going to slam the door shut on Graziano and risk a quarterback who is capable of starting for many programs on the west coast transferring. Kaepernick is just too good of a fit for the pistol offense to keep off the bench. The local papers like to have something to write about, and people love to read about a competition. 95% that Kaepernick will be under center, with no QB rotation, to start the season.


3. What's the situation in the Wolfpack secondary?

The Wolf Pack secondary is actually solid at the Safety position. Uche Anyanwu and Jon Amaya return with starting experience and should be very good. Anyanwu is the run stuffer and Amaya is the ball hawk. Unfortunately Amaya was injured for portions of last year, but looks to be 100% coming into the fall. The corner position is a whole different story. Both spots are up for grabs during camp. The early word is that JC transfer Mike Evans, who was recruited by new defensive backs coach James Ward out of El Camino CC is looking very good. He had an offer from Memphis and had interest from various BCS programs. Also, Dayton Guillory, another JC transfer out of Yuba City CC was recently named a player of the day during one of the Pack's first fall practices. There are a handful of other promising young players and transfers who all look to make an impact. The position should be improved over last year, but at this time is still unknown.


4. What are the odds that Nevada will have the most potent offense in the WAC?

The odds are very likely that the team will have the #1 offense in the WAC. Of course teams like Fresno St, Boise St, and New Mexico St should have very good offenses but the Wolf Pack is returning 8 starters on the offense, including the leading rusher, passer, and receiver. Possibly the most significant part of that is returning four starting offensive linemen that were the group that paved the way for Nevada leading the WAC in rushing last season. In fact, the team is very deep at the position as some of the 2's on the depth chart have starting experience due to injuries last season.

Coach Ault has also made some comments about new additions to the Pistol playbook. Look for new sets and plays to be ran out of the formation this season, especially now that the quarterback will have a year of experience in running it.


5. How do you see the Wolfpack stacking up to the rest of the WAC? Where should they be bowling in 2008?

Nevada should be contending for the WAC championship. They are picked a solid third, preseason, by both coaches and media. Boise is tough to pick against because of their recent success but they also have a lot of unknowns, specifically at the QB position and on the offensive line. Last season was the first time in a very long time that they finished with two losses. Fresno is the team to beat this year because of the way they finished last season and also because of the experience that returns. The Pack has to travel to their house, so look for that game on ESPN on a Friday night in November to be pivotal to the WAC race. Louisiana Tech and Hawaii should be tough games and the guys have to travel to both of those places. Expect 1-2 losses in WAC play and either tied for first with Fresno or tied for second with Boise. Outright WAC championship will likely have to wait until 2009.

As for the Bowl game, a second trip to Honolulu would be good. This year it would mean that the team would play a Pac 10 opponent, so I'm thinking a team like Oregon St or Washington, possibly even a game with Cal.